The Suzuki Baleno is back, an All-New hatchback to premiere at the 66th Auto Show at Frankfurt.

The all new Baleno, an ideal hatchback from compact car expert Suzuki is set to make its world premiere at the 66^th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.* The debut of the full production version follows on from the iK-2 Concept seen at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. 

The Baleno harmoniously combines stylish design, spacious interior and new technologies.

Grateful thanks to AUTOCAR and the use of the Picture.

These new technologies include the first application of the newly Suzuki developed 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection turbocharged petrol engine that saves fuel while delivering driving pleasure. Fuel efficiency has been improved by reducing engine displacement; output and torque are boosted by using a turbocharger.

In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. The new Baleno will be launched in the UK early next Summer.

Further details of the Baleno will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show. The conference will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 15^th September. We look forward to welcoming you on stand B12 in Hall 9.0.

Mazda gives Frankfurt a World debut of its new Crossover SUV, the Koeru Concept.

• Mazda Koeru features a distinctly powerful rendition of the KODO design theme
• Japanese carmaker aims to further raise benchmark in competitive SUV segment

In a world premiere at the 66^th 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Mazda will reveal the Mazda Koeru, a new crossover SUV concept that makes a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment.

Koeru, Japanese for “exceed” or “go beyond”, is a fitting name for Mazda’s latest venture into the growing crossover SUV market, where the company is again looking to surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value.

With its formidable KODO – Soul of Motion design, the Koeru expresses the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity. The full line-up of Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV Technology, meanwhile, ensures outstanding dynamic performance, fuel economy and safety with no compromise to Mazda’s patented driving fun.

The carmaker will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt. Highlights include an all-new Mazda MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. Mazda’s press conference takes place at 13:45 (hall 9.0, B16) on 15 September, the first of two press days. The IAA is open to the public from 17-27 September.

Mazda’s main exhibits at the 2015 IAA

Reference exhibit	Mazda Koeru (world premiere)
Vehicles currently on sale	Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-3, 2015 Mazda CX-5, 2015 Mazda6, Mazda2 & Mazda3
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-G 2.5, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 & SKYACTIV-D 1.5

The Peugeot 108, The perfect choice for today's small car buyer.

• Dealers anticipating strong demand for 65-registration city car
• Wider than ever range of paint and personalisation choices
• Prices from £8,345 OTR, with Just Add Fuel^TM from £129 pcm

Small but perfectly formed, the PEUGEOT 108 is the city car which sets a new benchmark in ‘affordable chic’. It’s high on style, spacious and practical, and comes with a wide range of desirable, easy-to-use technology to improve life on the road.

In short, it’s the perfect choice for buyers seeking a 65-registration car from 1 September – and if an ‘Indian summer’ looks likely, why not opt for a PEUGEOT 108 TOP! Cabrio?

The PEUGEOT 108 is also packed with character, thanks to its personalisation options. Designed to appeal to buyers of all ages, they include a newly expanded palette of vibrant exterior colours, contrasting roof paints, body decals and interior detailing. 

More factory-fit ‘theme’ kits have been created to further enhance elements of the car and everything is supported by a range of accessories sold through the PEUGEOT Dealer network.

Add in a wider choice of striking two-tone paintwork, splitting the 108 at its waistline, or the TOP! Cabrio roof – just £850 – and the individual variations are almost limitless.

PEUGEOT is renowned for its focus on driver comfort and convenience, and nowhere is that more evident than on the 108. Its advanced infotainment system is based around a fully integrated 7-inch touch-screen display, mounted at the top of the centre console for ease of use by both front seat occupants.

Standard on Active, Allure and Feline trims and intuitive to use, it acts as an interface for the USB/AUX/DAB digital radio-equipped audio system, trip computer, vehicle settings and Bluetooth connectivity.

Affordability is an influencing factor for the majority of today’s new car buyers. With a range of ultra-efficient three-cylinder petrol engines, the 108 is second to none on low running costs.  

Proving popular with buyers is the 1.2-litre VTi 82bhp, using PEUGEOT’s ‘International Engine of the Year’ award winning PureTech technology. With CO₂ emissions of just 99g/km and fuel economy of 65.7mpg, running costs are kept to a minimum.

The full line-up of Euro 6 compliant engines are:

• 1.0-litre VTi 68bhp 5-speed manual – 95g/km CO₂
• 1.0-litre e-VTi 68bhp 5-speed manual – 88g/km CO₂
• 1.0-litre VTi 68bhp 5-speed 2-Tronic – 97g/km CO₂
• 1.2-litre VTi PureTech 82bhp 5-speed manual – 99g/km CO₂

Available in three and five-door body styles, the 108 has generous interior space for up to four occupants. Standard equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, ESP stability control, hill-holder electronic parking brake and LED daytime running lights.

All models except the entry level Access trim benefit from a multi-function steering wheel and air-conditioning. Depending on trim level and options chosen, a reversing camera, Active City Brake and Lane Departure Warning System are available.

Prices for the PEUGEOT 108 start at just £8,345 OTR, with a range of affordable and appealing finance offers. For example, a 108 1.0-litre 68bhp Active three-door with non-metallic paint is available for just £129 pcm after a customer deposit of £1,899.

VAUXHALL to celebrate the Chevette and Cavalier anniversaries at the Footman James Sywell Classic.

Vauxhall Heritage will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the much loved Chevette at this year’s Footman James Sywell Classic – Pistons and Props motoring festival, held at Northamptonshire’s Sywell Aerodrome on Sat 26^th and Sun 27^th September.

There will be several examples of the celebrated marque on display such as the Chevette HS2300 plus the Cavalier Mk1, also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015.  All of the Vauxhall owners clubs have been invited to join the party.

The organisers are also giving private owners of the Vauxhall Chevette the opportunity to get involved, with 20 places allocated within the Vauxhall Heritage display.

Denis Chick, Director of Communications at Vauxhall Motors, said: “We're delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the Chevette at Sywell Classic and look forward to showing some of our Vauxhall heritage fleet as well as meeting owners who have kept their Chevettes in such excellent order and still on the road today. 

The Cavalier will also join in making this a double anniversary celebration.”

Also on show will be the Biggles Bi-Plane, a replica BE-2c aircraft from the 1914/18 war which is supported by Vauxhall.  It was commissioned in 1969 by the makers of the film ‘Biggles Sweeps the Skies’. 

As well as taking to the sky it will be displayed alongside an original Vauxhall 1914 D-Type army staff car and the striking Biggles liveried Vauxhall Zafira Tourer support vehicle.

Sywell Classic Event Director Tom Siddall added: “This is the first time a major manufacturer has supported Sywell Classic and we're thrilled to have them on board for a celebration of their strong heritage.”

Bringing Vauxhall right up date will be an example of the all-new Astra, launched just two weeks before at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Astra is British-built at Vauxhall’s factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. 

Vauxhall will also be showing the recently launched new Viva, a car that revives memories of its very successful 1960s predecessor.

Now in its third year, Sywell Classic combines historic racers, hot rods and motorbikes with classic planes and vintage music to create a fantastic two-day event, celebrating classic motoring on the ground and in the air.

Bentley follows Aston Martin with debuts and concepts that point to the future at Pebble Beach.

• North American debut of new 2016 Continental GT
• Historic Blower makes dynamic appearance at Quail rally
• EXP 10 Speed 6 concept showcased at two prestigious events on the Peninsula

The new 16 MY Bentley Continental GT makes its North American debut at this year’s Monterey Auto Week, alongside inspiring models from Bentley’s past and future.

In a nod to Bentley’s illustrious heritage and celebrating its 85^th anniversary, the iconic 1930 Blower Bentley makes its dynamic appearance in the Quail Rally. The week will culminate with a look to Bentley’s future; the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept will be situated on the Concept Lawn at The Lodge on Sunday, a vision of iconic Bentley design cues fused with progressive craftsmanship techniques to showcase modern British luxury.

Michael Winkler, President and CEO, Bentley Motors, Inc. comments: “The future of Bentley is now, and Pebble Beach is the perfect backdrop to showcase the new Continental GT alongside gems from our past and concepts for our exciting future.

The new Continental GT is a testament to Bentley trademarks of luxury and performance and we’re excited to share it with friends of Bentley during this gathering of fine automobiles.”

New 2016 Continental GT Highlights

The Continental GT has been refreshed for 2016 with a complement of new exterior design features. Adjustments to the front bumper and radiator shell lend a more assertive and confident stance to the front of the car. 

At the rear the bumper has been reshaped and widened for an added sense of power, and now features full-width brightware. The revisions to the exterior aesthetic are completed with the addition of 20” and 21” wheels.

Visual upgrades continue inside the cabin, with a new and contemporary straight-fluting pattern adorning the four generous seats, while the Mulliner Driving Specification (standard on GT Speed) gains a tightened, “small-diamond” quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket.

The mighty 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 powertrain has received a power and torque increase, from 575 PS (567 bhp / 423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) to 590 PS (582 bhp / 434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb.ft), to maintain the model’s reputation of effortless performance. 

The power upgrade is accompanied by improvements to fuel economy of up to 5% and lower CO₂ emissions of 329 g/km and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg (14.1 litres/100 km).

Bentley at Monterey Auto Week

Throughout the week, at the Quail Rally, the 1930 Bentley Blower will be continuing its summer of prestigious motoring events with a dynamic appearance alongside the flagship Mulsanne Speed, 2016 Flying Spur and the new Continental GT.

On August 14, Bentley will also debut its entire 2016 model range alongside the EXP 10 Speed 6 to the illustrious crowd at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.

On Saturday, Bentley will present the most extreme example of the Continental family, with the GT3 R, alongside its racing counterpart the GT3 at The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at the Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway paddock.

The highly lauded EXP 10 Speed 6 design concept will be presented on Concept Lawn Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for the conclusion of Monterey Auto Week.

Auctions of Vintage and Classic Cars

Pebble Beach is renowned for its auctions of collectible classic and vintage automobiles. In 2015, five classic Bentleys are being auctioned by RM Auctions between Friday August 15^th and Saturday August 16^th.

• 1931 Bentley 4½-Litre Supercharged Two-Seater Sports in the style of Vanden Plas (presale estimate: $4,500,000 - $5,500,000) 
• 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner (presale estimate: $1,000,000 - $1,200,000) 
• 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward (presale estimate $900,000 - $1,200,000)
• 1934 Bentley 3½-Litre Sports Saloon by Park Ward (presale estimate: $150,000 - $200,000) 
• 1931 Bentley 4-Litre Tourer by Vanden Plas (presale estimate: $500,000 - $650,000)

Aston Martin looks to its second century with a host of new cars at the Pebble Beach® Automotive Week.

• Market debut of new 2016 DB9 GT; to be showcased at The Aston Martin Estate
• North American debuts for innovative DBX concept and new Lagonda Taraf
• Following starring role at the New York Auto Show, the Aston Martin Vulcan track supercar returns to the US

Aston Martin’s new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque’s presence at the Pebble Beach® Automotive Week from 13 August, accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martin’s Second Century with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan supercar all set for appearances.

The DB9 GT is the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date, designed to offer world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence. 

Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 540bhp – the DB9 GT continues a distinguished tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be.

Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century’ plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. 

A comprehensive strategy for the ongoing growth and development of the 102-year old sport car maker, the plan laid out the principle mid-term actions, particularly in the area of new product development that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept – now confirmed for production – underlines Aston Martin’s growth plans by signaling an expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company’s history.

Offering a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, the DBX promises stylish, comfortable, practical and environmentally responsible luxury GT travel.  

The DBX, which made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and has generated interest beyond expectations, will make its first appearance in North America at the Aston Martin Estate from Thursday 13 August. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display at the Aston Martin Estate alongside DBX. 

Styled entirely in-house by the Aston Martin design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and with a design language hinting at the next generation of Aston Martin sports cars, the Aston Martin Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of the company’s naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine. 

With a powerplant developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing, this front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car draws extensively on the brand’s rich GT motorsport experience. 

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests at the Aston Martin Estate (13 & 15 August) as well as leading the marque’s presence at  Quail: A Motorsports Gathering (14 August). 

The British marque will again host guests at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate. This exquisite private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, provides the ideal backdrop for showcasing Aston Martin’s latest sports car range to customers and friends of the brand.

This grand estate will also serve as the location for a myriad of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the marque’s current line-up of handcrafted high performance sports cars. 

Supported by Belvedere, Conrad Sanchez, Ghurka, Gulfstream, LMC Home Entertainment Systems, Louis Roederer, Sea Ray, Sotheby’s, The Trunk Club featuring Eton and VIZIO, more than 1,000 customers are expected to visit during the week. 

Mercedes-Benz breaks more records with the brand hitting the one Million sales in the first seven months.

• Mercedes-Benz hands over 149,753 vehicles to customers in July (+15.2%).
• Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: “We passed the one-million mark already in July. Never before have we delivered so many cars to customers in the first seven months of a year. About a quarter of them are C-Class Saloons and Estates.”
• Premium market leader in Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, and Portugal
• New sales record in China (+41.5%)
• Record sales for C-Class Saloon and Estate (+83.1%)
• Global demand for compact cars up by 33%

Mercedes-Benz handed over 149,753 vehicles to customers in July (+15.2%). New sales records were set both in the month of July and in the first seven months of the year (1,048,178 units, +14.7%). This was due in particular to strong sales of the C-Class and the compact cars of the brand with the three-pointed star.

“We passed the one-million mark already in July. Never before have we delivered so many cars to customers in the first seven months of a year. About a quarter of them are C-Class Saloons and Estates,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz once again posted a new sales record: 457,468 vehicles were handed over to customers in the first seven months of the year (+11.3%). Sales in Germany of 156,569 units since the beginning of the year were above the prior-year level (+6.0%). 

In July, Mercedes-Benz sold 24,178 vehicles in Germany (+7.8%), thus defending its market leadership amongst the premium manufacturers in the home market. 

Mercedes-Benz is the market leader also in Portugal. A new sales record was achieved in Great Britain, the second biggest European market of the brand, in July.

In the NAFTA region, strong demand for cars with the three-pointed star is unbroken: 31,483 units were delivered to customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in July (+3.9%), thereof 27,526 in the USA (+1.2%). In all three countries, sales records were set in and by July. In Canada, Mercedes-Benz is the market leader amongst the premium manufacturers.

In the Asia-Pacific region, a new record level was reached in July with sales of 332,377 vehicles (+23.5%). Growth in the month of July was even stronger at a rate of 30.8% to sales of 47,838 units. In China, 29,540 vehicles were sold in July, representing an increase of 41.5% compared with the same month of last year. 

Unit sales reached new record levels also in Japan, South Korea, and Australia last month. In Japan and Australia, Mercedes-Benz continues to be the market leader amongst the premium importers.

July was another strong month for the compact cars of Mercedes-Benz, with sales of 49,973 units of the A- and B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLA (+33.0%). The CLA set a new sales record in both July and the first seven months of the year.

Sales of the C-Class Saloon and Estate increased last month by 83.1% to the record figure of 36,287 units. In the Asia-Pacific region, unit sales of the two models more than tripled compared with the same month of the previous year. 

In the C‑Class segment, Mercedes-Benz offers its advanced hybrid technology for both the Saloon and the Estate. Demand for the C 350 e has been rising since it was launched this spring.

The E-Class Saloon posted a new sales record in China in the first seven months of the year. China is the biggest sales market of the model.

The S-Class maintains its position as the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. In July, 58,478 units were handed over to customers (+1.2%). Growth was especially strong in South Korea in July.

As a result of globally strong demand for Mercedes-Benz SUVs, unit sales of those models increased in July by 14.8% to a total of 39,197 vehicles. The GLA and the G-Class set new sales records in July. Demand for the GLK is at an ongoing high level even just before the market launch of its successor model.

Since the beginning of this year, 71,451 smart fortwo and smart forfour were sold (+31.5%) on a global level. In Germany and Italy, growth of the city runabout increased by more than 50% in that period. In China, the brand’s third biggest market, the new smart fortwo is available at the dealers since August. In the USA, the new generation will be launched in September.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

	July 2015	Change. in %	YTD 2015	Change. in %
Mercedes-Benz	149,753	+15.2	1,048,178	+14.7
smart	9,287	+23.7	71,451	+31.5
Mercedes-Benz Cars	159,040	+15.7	1,119,629	+15.7
Mercedes-Benz Sales in the Markets
Europe	64,940	+11.6	457,468	+11.3
- thereof Germany	24,178	+7.8	156,569	+6.0
NAFTA	31,483	+3.9	220,858	+9.2
- thereof USA	27,526	+1.2	192,496	+7.7
Asia-Pacific	47,838	+30.8	332,377	+23.5
- thereof Japan	4,358	+13.5	36,947	+18.6
- thereof China	29,540	+41.5	194,861	+24.2