Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Wednesday 12 July 2017

The London Taxi Company changes its name as the new model gets ready for release.

New product, new name and new logo signal global ambitions as London Taxi Company transforms
  • London Taxi Company becomes LEVC  the London EV Company – to support its global vision to become the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice
  • Ambitious commercial vehicle strategy beginning with the electric Taxi, followed by an electric LCV, based on eCity technology
  • TX announced as the taxi model name as the final production design is presented in London for the first time
  • Drivers of the new electric TX will save on average £100 per week in fuel with no separate battery leasing
  • LEVC announces its first major international order and appoints RMC as the importer for the Netherlands with an initial order for 225 vehicles
  • The TX order book opens on 1st August 2017 commencing with drivers who have registered an interest
London Taxi Company (LTC) has relaunched as LEVC, marking the next stage in the company’s transformation. Underpinned by an investment totalling £325m, LEVC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, has the single-minded ambition to be the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice for cities around the world.
Chris Gubbey, CEO, LEVC said: “Today is an incredibly exciting day for the company, for the world’s cities, for the air we breathe and for the drivers of commercial vehicles. The launch of LEVC marks Britain’s leadership as a first mover in creating the world’s only dedicated electric vehicle company for the urban commercial market.”
Alongside the unveiling of the new name and brand logo, LEVC also revealed the final version of the new London Taxi – the TX – and its eCity technology comprising of an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small petrol generator. Applied to the all-new electric TX, the technology allows for a range of over 400 miles including well over 70 miles range with zero emissions.
Discussing the benefits that the TX will bring to drivers, Gubbey commented:
“From our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.”
Due to launch in London later this year, LEVC is finalising its quality and testing regime for the TX which has taken it to the extreme heat of the Arizona desert and freezing temperatures in the Arctic Circle. LEVC expects strong demand from its launch market in London once the order book opens on the 1st August 2017.
Commenting on London’s leadership in tackling poor air quality, Gubbey added:
“London has led the way in setting out tough measures to reduce taxi and van emissions and in just a few short years we expect EVs for the commercial operator will not just become commonplace, but mandatory in cities around the world creating huge opportunities for LEVC globally.”
A key consideration for the company’s new name and brand positioning is its international strategy, which has been boosted by the news that LEVC has received its first major international order from RMC in the Netherlands for an initial 225 vehicles to be delivered in 2018. RMC, one of the Netherlands’ largest taxi operators, has been appointed as the importer and operator.
Chris Gubbey, commenting on the news, said:
Today’s announcement that RMC will be our importer for the Netherlands is great news for LEVC and demonstrates the need for EV urban commercial vehicles across Europe and the world. We have been extremely impressed with the vision and business plan presented by the management team at RMC and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”
From 1 August LEVC will be providing personalised purchase propositions to drivers commencing with those that have registered an interest through www.theelectrictaxi.co.uk 

Tuesday 11 July 2017

The world debut of the Luxury Flagship model from Audi, we give you the Audi A8.

All-new luxury saloon which pushes technological limits in numerous areas, including full driving automation, makes its world debut
  • World debut for flagship model at Audi Summit in Barcelona
  • New design language and a pioneering touch operating concept
  • Piloted driving functions to be rolled out in production Audi A8 versions from 2018
  • Available to order in the UK from September, UK pricing TBC, first deliveries in late 2017
Today is where the future begins in the luxury class: The new Audi A8 makes its world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. In its fourth generation, the flagship model again sets the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik with a new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept and systematic drivetrain electrification. 
The Audi A8 is also the first production car in the world to have been developed for highly automated driving. From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking piloted driving functions such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot into production.
Doyen of style: the exterior design
The new Audi A8 is stylistically defining – it signals the beginning of a new design era for the entire brand. The front end with its wide, upright Singleframe grille and the fluid, muscular body convey power, elegance, sophistication and modernity, and deliver on the promise made by the Audi prologue design study. 
The luxury saloon makes a suitably emphatic statement whether in 5.17-metre ‘standard’ form or as the A8 L, which has a 13 centimetre longer wheelbase.
The Audi brand is renowned worldwide for consistent innovation in design and engineering, for lightweight construction and for quattro permanent all-wheel drive – and every facet of the new A8 reflects these values.
The balanced proportions emphasise all four wheels in equal measure, and the muscular definition above the wheel arches gives visual expression to the quattro drive. Viewed side-on, the upright front end combined with the gently inclined rear create visual tension which is intensified, particularly at night, by the striking HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser lighting, and the LED light strip combined with OLED technology at the rear. These produce unique light animations as the driver approaches and leaves the car.
Luxury from head-to-toe: the interior
Space is often considered to be the ultimate luxury, and compared to its predecessor the new A8 has grown substantially in length in both body styles. Occupants can also now relax in even more sublime surroundings, with every detail radiating superlative bespoke quality – from the perforation in the seat upholstery to the electrically opening and closing shutters on the air vents.
The most sought-after seat in the new Audi flagship model could quite possibly be the rear left – the optional relaxation seat in the A8 L that comes with four different adjustment options and a footrest. In this seat, the passenger can warm and massage the soles of their feet on a unit with multiple settings incorporated into the back of the front-passenger seat. The new comfort head restraints complete the experience. 
Rear passengers can also control an array of functions such as ambient lighting, the new HD Matrix reading lights and seat massage, and can make private phone calls via a separate operating unit. The rear seat remote control, with its smartphone-size OLED display, is a removable unit housed in the centre armrest.
Fingertip response: the controls
The luxury saloon’s interior deliberately adopts a reductive design; the interior architecture is clear and with a strictly horizontal orientation. Audi carries its high quality standards into the digital age with a radically new operating concept. 
It dispenses with the familiar rotary pushbutton and touchpad of the predecessor model in favour of an instrument panel which is largely free of buttons and switches. At its centre is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display which, when off, blends almost invisibly into the high-gloss black surround thanks to its black-panel look.
The user interface appears as soon as the car is opened. The driver controls the Infotainment system with a fingertip on the large display. He or she can use a second touchscreen display on the centre tunnel console to access the air conditioning and comfort functions as well as make text inputs. 
When the driver activates a function in the upper or lower display, a click is heard and felt by way of confirmation. The glass-look operating buttons respond in the same way. 
The combination of acoustic and tactile feedback along with the use of common touch gestures such as swiping make the new MMI touch response especially safe, intuitive and quick to use.
The A8 can also engage in intelligent conversation. The driver can activate an array of functions using a new, natural form of voice control. Information on destinations and media is either available on board or is delivered from the cloud at LTE speed. The extensive Audi connect range also includes traffic sign recognition and hazard information – innovative car-to-X services that draw on the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet.
The navigation system has also evolved in line with the car which houses it: It is self-learning, based on the route just driven. This provides the driver with intelligent search suggestions. The map also incorporates highly detailed 3D models of major European cities.
World premiere: the pilot-driving Audi A8
The new A8 is the first production car to have been developed specially for highly automated driving. The Audi AI traffic jam pilot takes charge of driving in slow-moving traffic at up to 37mph on major roads where a physical barrier separates the two carriageways. The system is activated using the AI button on the centre console.
The traffic jam pilot manages starting, accelerating, steering and braking. The driver no longer needs to monitor the car permanently. They can take their hands off the steering wheel permanently and, depending on the national laws, focus on a different activity that is supported by the car, such as watching the on-board TV. As soon as the system reaches its limits, it calls on the driver to take back control of the task of driving.
The introduction of the Audi AI traffic jam pilot means the statutory framework will need to be clarified in each individual market, along with the country-specific definition of the application and testing of the system. 
The brand’s high quality standards are equally applicable in the realm of highly automated driving. In addition, a range of approval procedures and their corresponding timescales will need to be observed worldwide. Audi will therefore be adopting a step-by-step approach to the introduction of the traffic jam pilot in production models.
From a technical perspective the traffic jam pilot is revolutionary. During piloted driving, a central driver assistance controller (zFAS) now permanently computes an image of the surroundings by merging the sensor data. As well as the radar sensors, a front camera and the ultrasonic sensors, Audi is the first car manufacturer also to use a laser scanner.
The Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot autonomously steer the A8 into and out of a parking space or a garage, while the manoeuvre is monitored by the driver. The driver does not need to be sitting in the car – he or she can start the appropriate system from their smartphone using the new myAudi app. It broadcasts a live feed of the parking manoeuvre taken from the car’s 360-degree cameras on their handheld device for easy monitoring.
New dimension: the suspension
With a whole package of innovations, the suspension pushes the very limits of what is physically possible. One such innovation is dynamic all-wheel steering, which combines quick and direct response with unshakable stability. 
The steering ratio for the front wheels varies as a function of speed; the rear wheels are turned in or against the direction of steering depending on the speed range. The car’s handling becomes even more dynamic and precise with the sport differential. This actively distributes torque between the rear wheels, complementing the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that is standard in the new A8.
The second new technology, Audi AI active suspension, is a fully active suspension system. Depending on the driver’s wishes and the driving situation, it is capable of raising or lowering each wheel separately with electric actuators. 
This newfound latitude enables it to deliver the polished ride comfort of a classic luxury saloon and the taut, composed agility of a more driver-oriented performance car in equal measure. In combination with pre sense 360°, the car is rapidly raised if there is an impending lateral collision, reducing the potential consequences of the accident for all occupants.
This highly innovative suspension system obtains the energy it requires from a 48-volt electrical circuit. The A8 is the first Audi model to use this more powerful network as its primary electrical system, and all versions reap its benefit. In conjunction with the advanced air suspension for the A8, the innovative fully active suspension concept delivers an utterly new driving experience.
Mild hybrid and e-tron
The new A8 makes its debut with two extensively reengineered V6 turbo engines: a 3.0 TDI and a 3.0 TFSI. The diesel develops 286PS, and the petrol version 340PS. An eight-cylinder TDI – a 4.0-litre with 435PS – will follow slightly later. The exclusive top engine version is the W12 with a displacement of 6.0 litres.
All five engines operate in conjunction with a belt alternator starter (BAS), which is the nerve centre of the 48-volt electrical system. This mild hybrid technology (MHEV, mild hybrid electric vehicle) enables the car to coast with the engine switched off, and to restart smoothly. 
It also has an extended start/stop function and an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW. The combined effect of these measures is to bring down the fuel consumption of the already efficient engines even further – by as much as 0.7 litres for every 100 kilometres (62.1 miles) covered in real world driving conditions.
The A8 L e-tron quattro with its powerful plug-in hybrid drivetrain will follow at a later date: Its 3.0 TFSI engine and powerful electric motor achieve 449PS of system power and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque. 
The lithium-ion battery stores enough power for about 31 miles of electric driving. It can optionally be charged by Audi Wireless Charging. A pad in the garage floor transfers the power inductively to a receiver coil in the car with a power output of 3.6 kW.
The new Audi A8 and A8 L are being built at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany and will be appearing on UK roads in late 2017 following initial availability for ordering in September.

Skoda Auto grows it's sales for the first half of the year and it comes with increased market share.https://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/170209-skoda-citigo-01_0.jpg?itok=xyY0mka_

  • Half-year registrations up 2% on 2016 to 42,558 cars – a Å KODA UK record
  • Citigo registrations up 17% on 2016 to 3,891 cars
  • Record Superb registrations up 13% on 2016 to 5,565 cars
  • Record Fleet half-year registrations up 7% on 2016 to 24,167 cars
  • Record Order Take up 3% on 2016
Å KODA has outperformed the market once again, posting record UK registrations for the first half of 2017. An impressive 42,558 cars were registered from January to June – a new high for the brand, and 2% more than in 2016.
In an overall new car market that fell by 1.3%, Å KODA bucked the trend by registering more cars and comprehensively filling its order book. The brand’s order take for the first six months of 2017 eclipsed 2016’s half-year total by 3%.
While the Octavia and Fabia delivered the biggest numbers overall, it was the Citigo (3,891) and Superb (5,565) that enjoyed the largest growth over the first-half of 2016. Å KODA’s city car star saw registrations rise 17% over the same period in 2016, while the flagship Superb posted an equally impressive 13% rise in registrations.
Å KODA’s market share for the month of June was 3.09%, while year-to-date market share for the brand stands at 3.04 per cent - a 0.77% increase over 2016. Growth for the Å KODA brand was particularly strong across the fleet sector with registrations up 7% over the same six-month period of 2016.
The outlook for the rest of 2017 is equally exciting for Å KODA. Following on from the launch of the new Kodiaq and updated Octavia range hitting showrooms in the Spring, Å KODA will start deliveries of the facelifted Citigo, Rapid and Rapid Spaceback ranges in the coming weeks. These exciting new models will be followed by the all-new Karoq SUV, which will go on sale at the end of the year.

USA - Nissan announces pricing and Specification for the 370Z Range of sports cars.

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 370Z Coupe, 370Z NISMO and 370Z Roadster, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs)1 for the entry-level 370Z Coupe and 370Z Roadster remain unchanged from 2017 – $29,990 and $41,820 respectively. The iconic Nissan Z® is offered in a selection of eight 370Z Coupe models, two 370Z NISMO models and four 370Z Roadster models.
For 2018, 370Z Coupe and 370Z Roadster models add a number of significant enhancements – starting with revised exteriors that include dark headlight treatments, dark tinted rear combination lights, new blackout rear lower fascias and new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs. Under the skin, the legendary 370Z driving experience has been enhanced through optimized acceleration and torque profile tuning. Manual transmission-equipped 370Z models (including the 370Z NISMO Tech 6MT) feature a new motorsports-inspired EXEDY® high-performance clutch.
One vibrant new premium exterior color, Passion Red, is added for 2018 (except NISMO models) – with a tinted clearcoat that includes Nano-sized pigments for unparalleled depth and character. Two additional speakers (six total) are added to base Coupe and Roaster models.
In addition, a new Heritage Edition package is offered on the base 370Z. Intended for 370Z Coupe buyers who want to stand out from the crowd even further, the new Heritage Edition package is offered on the base 370Z grade. The Heritage Edition is available in two exterior colors. The Chicane Yellow Heritage Edition features black outside mirrors, gloss black graphics and yellow interior trim. The Magnetic Black Heritage Edition includes gloss silver graphics and yellow interior trim.
2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe
The Nissan 370Z once again offers extraordinary performance, design and an unmatched heritage. It is offered in four well-equipped trim levels: 370Z, Sport, Sport Tech and Touring, along with the new Heritage Edition. Each 370Z model comes equipped with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe:
370Z Coupe 6MT
$29,990 USD
370Z Coupe 7AT
$31,390 USD
370Z Coupe Sport 6MT
$33,570 USD
370Z Coupe Sport 7AT
$34,970 USD
370Z Coupe Sport Tech 6MT
$37,070 USD
370Z Coupe Sport Tech 7AT
$38,470 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 6MT
$38,190 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 7AT
$39,590 USD
Destination and Handling $885.
2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe NISMO
For Nissan GT-R enthusiasts, one model stands above the rest: the GT-R NISMO. The same holds true for fans of the iconic Nissan 370Z – it's the one wearing the instantly recognized black-and-red NISMO badge.

For 2018, the 370Z NISMO Tech continues its role as the ultimate Z®. The changes for the 2018 model year are performance related. Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 high-performance tires, which adopt the same tread pattern as the GT-R, replace the previous Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires. The new tires offer a 20 percent reduction in rolling resistance and a one decibel reduction in road noise while maintaining the current handling performance.
Also, for 6-speed manual transmission-equipped 2018 370Z NISMO Tech models, driving response is further enhanced with the addition of a new EXEDY® high-performance clutch. The new EXEDY L-PEC (Light Pedal Effort Clutch) clutch was developed in part through EXEDY's longstanding relationship with Nissan Motorsports.
The 370Z NISMO Tech's GT-R-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces provide an aggressive and more aerodynamic appearance while optimizing front and rear downforce. The standard 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS feature a twin-five spoke design and a charcoal gray machine-finish. Inside, the unique NISMO-styled interior features black-and-red Recaro® leather-appointed seats with Alcantara® accents.
The 370Z NISMO Tech is powered by a potent 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). Torque is rated at 276 lb-ft. Two transmission choices are offered for the 370Z NISMO model – a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match® or a refined 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters.
The 370Z NISMO Tech also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, NISMO-branded strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity, and a pair of performance dampers to help minimize road-input vibrations and help contribute to the 370Z NISMO Tech's high levels of handling and performance feel. Large Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) – with a shorter final drive ratio for better acceleration feel – are also standard.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan 370Z NISMO: 
370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 6MT
$45,690 USD
370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 7AT
$47,090 USD
Destination and Handling $885.
2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster
The Nissan 370Z Roadster is available in a choice of three well-equipped grades: 370Z Touring Sport Roadster, 370 Touring Roadster and 370Z Roadster. It again offers an unmatched balance of dynamic performance, sculptured styling, innovative technology and exceptional value – matched with the exhilaration of pure open-air motoring.

The major enhancements for 2018 are detailed above – revised exterior styling, EXEDY® high-performance clutch, two additional audio system speakers (base model) and jaw-dropping Passion Red exterior paint.
The convertible top, which is designed to provide a sleek silhouette matching the 370Z Coupe's stunning styling with the top up or down, features an easy, single-action open-close operation. The 370Z Roadster's interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged.
The 370Z Roadster's outstanding performance starts with a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), matched with a choice of electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and standard paddle shifters or a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with available SynchroRev Match®. Responsive handling is provided by a refined 4-wheel independent suspension.
Along with the long list of standard equipment on the base 370Z Roadster, including Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, USB input and black-finished 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the 370Z Touring Roadster adds Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch touch-sensitive display, Bose® Audio System, cooling and heated ventilated leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor. The top-of-the-line 370Z Touring Sport Roadster includes Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, SynchroRev Match® (manual transmission only), 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Nissan Sport Brakes.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster: 

370Z Roadster 7AT
$41,820 USD
370Z Roadster Touring 7AT
$46,570 USD
370Z Roadster Touring Sport 6MT
$48,100 USD
370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7AT
$49,400 USD
Destination and Handling $885.

TMW - Its that time of the month with UK sales figures showing a further 4.8% drop.

JAGUAR
JUNE 2017 2960 Sales - 
JUNE 2016 2922 Sales - +1.30%
YTD 2017 20390 Sales - YTD 
2016 16597 Sales - +22.85%

LAND ROVER
 
JUNE 2017 6201 Sales - JUNE 2016 5669 Sales - +9.38%
YTD 2017 45675 Sales - YTD 2016 42559 Sales - +7.32%

JAGUAR LAND ROVER (COMBINED)
JUNE 2017 9161 Sales - JUNE 2016 8591 Sales - +6.64%
YTD 2017 66065 Sales - YTD 2016 59156 Sales - +11.68%

AUDI
 
JUNE 2017 15081 Sales - JUNE 2016 14503 Sales - +3.99%
YTD 2017 89719 Sales - YTD 
2016 89521 Sales - +0.22%

BMW
 
JUNE 2017 19149 Sales - JUNE 2016 18712 Sales - +2.34%
YTD 2017 92638 Sales - YTD 
2016 91610 Sales - +1.12%

INFINITI
 
JUNE 2017 383 Sales - JUNE 2016 569 Sales - -32.69%
YTD 2017 2132 Sales - YTD 
2016 1565 Sales - +36.23%

LEXUS
JUNE 2017 1161 Sales - JUNE 2016 1370 Sales - -15.26%
YTD 2017 6442 Sales - YTD 2016 7416 Sales - -13.13%

MERCEDES-BENZ
 
JUNE 2017 15715 Sales - JUNE 2016 15566 Sales - +0.96%
YTD 2017 98557 Sales - YTD 
2016 88603 Sales - +11.23%

INCREASES BY BRAND BY MONTH-YTD

ABARTH +14.36%

ASTON MARTIN +110.28%
BENTLEY +0.73%

DACIA +7.01%
HYUNDAI +4.21%
KIA +9.29%

LOTUS +17.86%MASERATI +35.25%
MCLAREN +0.00%
MG +5.12%
MINI +3.02%
NISSAN +8.28%
PORSCHE +12.59%
SEAT +19.72%
SKODA +0.77%
SMART +4.25%

SUZUKI +9.39%

TOYOTA +3.53%

VOLVO +8.35%

DECREASES BY BRAND BY MONTH

ALFA ROMEO -0.15%
CITROEN -20.99%
DS AUTOMOBILES -45.46%
FIAT -13.89%
FORD -1.68%
HONDA -9.93%
JEEP -50.11%

MAZDA -14.48%
MITSUBISHI -15.44%
PEUGEOT -13.20%

RENAULT -8.40%
SSANGYONG -2.82%

SUBARU -19.49%
VAUXHALL -15.39%

VOLKSWAGEN -1.40%


Well we are half way through the year and it seems like there are a mixture of brands that are either above or below the same time a year earlier, Vauxhall is the big loser again with sales considerably down, considering that in recent months we have had the new Mokka X, Grandland X, New Insignia Grand Sport, estate and country models and the Crossland X, yet sales are stil down 20,500 units.
Volkswagen is still struggling here in the UK, but by less of a margin as there has been, Subaru too is struggling, and there has been new and improved models there too, MG remains a growth company as they have every month this year, with the New XS due at the end of the year and the new facelifted MG3 and Possibly a new MG6 next year, things are looking good for the Longbridge based brand.
Jaguar and Land Rover have improved sales on the month and year to date, with some significant new model launches recenlty made and to come this and next year, again the British brands are doing really well, The US giant, Jeep after a big year last year are doing the opposite this year with sales down 50% YTD and with all three PSA Group companies, Citroen, Peugeot and DS Autombiles, also doing badly, along with Renault, the French are definately not flavour of the month.
VW Group brands, Audi, Bentley, Porsche, SEAT and Skoda are all riding high, shame that VW its self is struggling, Suzuki is now reaping the rewrds of loads of hard work and new cars from the Baleno, Ignis and the new Swift which we will be foing a full road test on later this month, like the Fiat 124 Spider, we are currently doing that.
The Luxury brands Audi, Mercedes and BMW are all up, whereas the luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti are both down, so there seems no real reasons as to why some are doing better than others,  for June sales have dipped by 4.81%, and YTD has dipped by 1.33%, the top ten are made up of the usual subjects, 2 x Ford, 2 x Vauxhall, 2 x Volkswagen and one each from Mercedes, Nissan, MINI and BMW with the Golf taking the top slot knocking the Fiesta off the top, but that could be due to the run out model as people await the all new Fiesta.
So, six months in and we are on the downward trend, will this continue into the last two quarters, we will see, but for now we look back at the first two quarters and its not good reading.