Bentley Motors First British winner Crowned European Industrial Excellence Award Champion.

• Crowned European Industrial Excellence Award Champion
• Praised for colleague engagement and continued business success
• First British winner to be announced 

Bentley Motors has been recognised for its commitment to excellence in manufacturing, after being named as the European Industrial Excellence Champion by a panel of Europe’s leading academic institutions.

Bentley was awarded UK national champion status earlier this year, before competing against other winners from across Europe, and picking up the ultimate prize. This is the first time a British company has been named as European Champion in the 20 year history of the award.

This achievement follows an intensive assessment, beginning with judges visiting Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe before requiring all finalists to present to a panel on company values, business strategy and development practices.  

Judges highlighted the company’s focus on a continuous improvement culture, and the resulting impact on revenue growth and productivity. Also praised was the success of the organisation’s policy and process deployment in maximising efficiencies in production.        

Commenting on the award, Michael Straughan, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said: “We’re very proud to receive this award, not only as recognition for our success as a business and the commitment of our valued workforce, but also a celebration for excellence in British manufacturing, something that is often forgotten.

“Bentley has worked hard to stay at the forefront of UK industry, continuously looking at ways of maximising production efficiencies, while maintaining the high level of skill that goes into making every single Bentley. We are evolving as a business, launching new models such as Bentley Bentayga, and this is only possible with a committed and passionate workforce, and it’s pleasing to see this is being independently recognised.”

Dr Jane Davies, senior faculty at University of Cambridge Judge Business School and Director of the Cambridge MBA, who was part of the judging panel, praised Bentley for its efforts in skill development: “Bentley exemplifies excellence in both car production and specialist skills. What is particularly impressive is how Bentley has married the efficiencies of production with high quality craftsmanship, while achieving a step change in improvements in productivity.”

The Industrial Excellence Award competition benchmarks European competitiveness in the industrial and service sector. It focuses on strategy formulation and deployment, management quality, and new products, services, process and technology development.

The judging panel consists of leading academics from institutions including WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, INSEAD and University of Cambridge Judge Business School.  

Honda showcases production and concept models at this years 44th Tokyo motor Show.

Original Honda Mobility Products Under the Concept of “The Power of Dreams” -

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its line-up of production and concept models as well as other highlights for its exhibit at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Public days: October 30 – November 8, 2015).

Using its global brand slogan – The Power of Dreams – as the booth concept, Honda will exhibit a broad range of items including innovative mobility products that are useful in people’s daily lives as well as a line-up of mobility products topped by racing machines that pursue excellence in driving and riding performance.

Included among the exhibits are a number of innovative motorcycle concept models:

žLight Weight Super Sports Concept: Designed with the key phrase “strong presence”, this next-generation super sport concept model features a look possessing a sense of speed derived from its long nose and low crouching position. The combination of  surfaces – creating a sense of hardness and solidity - and sharp edges, emphasise the aggressive look. Moreover, the exterior featuring matte-black-based low-contrast graphics underlines its beauty and eye-catching form. 

NEOWING: NEOWING is an unprecedented three-wheeled vehicle that offers the cornering feel and sporty ride of a large-sized motorcycle while realising excellent stability at low speeds. This vehicle is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate plentiful torque for powerful acceleration. With the adoption of an original Honda linkage mechanism on its front wheel, this concept model proposes new values with advanced styling that emphasises the mechanical fascination of a two-wheeled motorcycle model.

EV-Cub Concept: A personal commuter model for short-distance commuting that follows the concept of an “easy-to-handle and economical motorcycle” that Honda has been pursuing since the creation of the first-generation Super Cub. Placing the battery, a heavy component, at a low position in the middle of the body, allows easy mounting and dismounting. Moreover, ease-of-handling was pursued through concentration of  mass and lowering of the centre of gravity. In consideration of ease-of-use in a broader range of environments, the battery itself was made detachable, and rechargeable using a standard home wall socket.

WEEK ONE - The first of eight weekly episodes to showcase Ford Performance,

• First of eight weekly episodes goes live today at 1pm UK time on Ford Performance YouTube channel
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JVhgCqHr2g
• Revisit Ford Performance on YouTube every Wednesday lunchtime for the next seven weeks to watch the series

From the searing heat of Arizona to the icy wastes of the Arctic, from design studio to the crash lab, Ford Motor Company is revealing the behind-the-scenes story of the all-new Focus RS.

“Rebirth of an icon” shows the development of the latest generation of an automotive icon through a “warts and all” video documentary series covering every stage of the vehicle’s evolution.

The inside story of the all-new Focus RS pulls no punches — following the car across the world as Ford Performance engineers and drivers put it to the test under the scrutiny of RS consultant and Gymkhana superstar Ken Block and Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development and chief technical officer, Raj Nair.

Eight weekly episodes start today:

• Episode 1: Project kick-off – Ken Block and Raj Nair debate what the car should deliver, from behind the wheel of an early prototype
• Episode 2: Design and development – Crunching crashes put the new design to the toughest of tests
• Episode 3: Hitting the road – A 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) drive through epic terrain takes prototypes from high in the Rocky Mountains to the Arizona desert
• Episode 4: Test-track trials – Block heads for Ford’s top-secret test facility, and indulges in some “hooning”
• Episode 5: Arctic extremes – Winter testing in Sweden, and the team is under pressure to improve performance
• Episode 6: Power struggle – It’s all about performance, as the Ford manufacturing plant in Saarlouis, Germany, gears up for production
• Episode 7: Close scrutiny – The day of the critical sign-off drive follows Block’s headline appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Episode 8: Final chapter – It’s time for the nail-biting management review

The all-new Focus RS is available to order now at £28,940 customer delivery in early 2016, with the UK’s waiting list already topping 500 prospective owners before prices were announced last week. The car debuts new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed, and features a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering 350PS for 4.7-second 0-62mph acceleration.

The Korando from Ssangyong, increases power and drops Co2 with new Aisin 6 Speed Auto Engine.

• New 2.2 litre diesel Euro 6 engine delivers major enhancements
• Power and economy up, CO₂ emissions down
• New 6 speed Aisin automatic transmission
• 2 tonne towing capability
• Three models from just £15,995 - SE, EX, ELX
• 4x4 underlines SsangYong SUV heritage
• Same great value and class leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty

The new SsangYong Korando SUV crossover receives a significant power boost for 2016, together with improved economy and reduced CO₂ emissions. The improvements are the result of a major upgrade to the powertrain which now employs a new Euro 6, 2.2 litre diesel engine, and offers the choice of two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and either a 6-speed manual or new Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changing and an enhanced driving performance.

“This is a significant evolution for the Korando,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.  “The power upgrade brings greater refinement, while the car continues to deliver unrivaled levels of equipment and value.  No other car in its class has such a strong towing capability, nor such a comprehensive warranty for complete peace of mind.”

Diesel power

The newly developed e-XDi220 diesel engine meets the demand for a more powerful performance and lower CO₂ emissions at the same time.  Maximum power is increased to 178ps and torque to 400Nm - up by 19.4% and 11% respectively over the previous Euro 5 diesel 2.0 litre engine.  Maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start.

Big strides have also been made with CO₂ emissions which have been reduced to 139g/km, down from 147g/km on the previous two-wheel drive, manual transmission model, while fuel economy is considerably improved and now up to 53.3mpg (Combined cycle) for the 2-wheel drive manual compared with 47.1mpg on the model it replaces.

Enhancements inside and out

Designed by the Italian styling house, Giugiaro, the new 2016 Korando also offers a number of equipment enhancements.  Externally, it now sports stylish clear glass direction indicators, a new piano black radiator grille with additional chrome detailing on the ELX, and new-look 16’’ & 17’’ alloy wheels, as well as 18’’ diamond cut alloy wheels on the top of the range model.

There are further improvements inside with an upgraded infotainment system on all models.  The SE gets an RDS audio system with an MP3 player, Bluetooth, iPod / iPhone connectivity, while the EX features a 7” high-resolution touch screen with audio streaming from smart devices and a link to the rear view camera.  The top of the range ELX also benefits from a TomTom navigation system, and all feature a USB memory slot, Aux port and HDMI port.

The range

Korando SE

The Korando SE starts from just £15,995 (2-wheel drive) or £17,495 (4-wheel drive), and is powered by the new 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine with manual transmission.  Representing superb value, the Korando has always been extremely well equipped.  The SE comes with smart cloth trim, electric windows, air conditioning, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels, an RDS/Bluetooth radio and six airbags.  It also now includesroof rails, front fog lights and a rear parcel shelf as standard.

Korando EX

The EX is available in either 2-wheel drive (£17,495) or 4-wheel drive (£18,995) and adds features such as automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a smart audio system with 7” touch screenlinked to the rear view camera, privacy glass, rear spoiler with high mounted LED brake light, rear parking sensors and 17” alloy wheels.

Korando ELX

With the option of manual (£20,995) or Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission (£22,495), the top of  the range ELX comes with on demand four wheel drive as standard, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, smart audio system with 7” touch screen with a Tom-Tom navigation system, additional chrome detailing inside and out, and new 18” diamond cut alloy wheels.

Model range	£
Korando 2.2 SE	£15,995
Korando 2.2 SE 4x4	£17,495
Korando 2.2 EX	£17,495
Korando 2.2 EX 4x4	£18,995
Korando 2.2 ELX 4x4	£20,995
Korando 2.2 ELX 4x4 automatic	£22,495

5 year limitless mileage warranty

All models in the SsangYong range are covered by a best-in-class 5 year limitless mileage warranty.  Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.  All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

Made in Korea

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, which is 73 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.  Established in 1954 it is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer and only 4x4 and SUV specialist producer.  There are currently some 60 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations being added to the network all the time.

Video and pics of the James Bond "Spectre" Aston Martin DB10 Sports Car.

This behind-the-scenes video focuses on the Aston Martin DB10 in Spectre. Director Sam Mendes and actor Daniel Craig share their thoughts on the collaboration with Aston Martin. Stunt Coordinator Gary Powell discusses his experience with the DB10 in Rome.

Spectre is released in the UK on October 26, 2015 and in the US on November 6, 2015. The video has been released at 14.00 BST on Thursday 1 October

The DB10 was developed specifically for Spectre, just ten examples were built, all of which survived the gruelling stunt sequences. The exclusive sports car celebrates Aston Martin’s half century association with James Bond, which started with the iconic DB5 in 1964.

Suzuki showcases new concepts, re-imagines old name plates, and shows what they can do without VW Interference.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced its exhibits for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), which will open to the public on 30 October until 8 November.

The theme for Suzuki’s booth is “SUZUKI NEXT 100”. Suzuki will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, so the exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company’s preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years.

A range of concept models will show how Suzuki can deliver wonder and enjoyment to drivers and riders. The concept cars will include the IGNIS, which gives shape to Suzuki’s foray into the new compact crossover genre; and the MIGHTY DECK, which offers new kinds of fun in the minicar segment.

The booth will also highlight other technologies that include exhibits such as cutaway models of newly developed engines.

MIGHTY DECK: a new-concept minicar offering new kinds of enjoyment and utility

• The MIGHTY DECK is a new, fun-oriented minicar with a canvas top and an open load deck that can be repositioned for diverse purposes.
• An “urban/outdoor” concept is embodied by features that free people to move between contrasting situations and mind sets: city and nature; home and away; work and leisure or relaxed and playful.
• Wide-ranging functionality including an automatic raise/lower function for the open deck accommodates lifestyle situations ranging from daily life to leisure.

Air Triser: a newly conceived three-row compact minivan with a private lounge

• The Air Triser is a new-concept three-row compact minivan within a manageable body size, it offers a cabin where roominess and smart seat configurability embody the concept of a private lounge.
• While the Air Triser is parked, the seats can be configured in a relaxation mode (where the seats face each other) or in a lounge mode (where the seats form a U-shape sofa). Users can enjoy media content from a smartphone on a large format display that extends from one of the B-pillars up to the roof line.
• The extent to which the Air Triser enables users to enjoy their time together not only on the move but also while they’re stationary makes it unprecedented among minivans.

IGNIS: new-genre compact-crossover versatility for daily life and leisure

• The IGNIS shows how a compact car can straddle the boundary between daily life and leisure. A high eye point and plenty of ground clearance ensure day to day convenience. They also allow confident driving on snowy roads and rough tracks, so weekends become a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
• A compact, visually striking body and a simple, highly practical interior design highlight the IGNIS’s credentials in the compact crossover genre.

IGNIS-Trail Concept: even greater compact-crossover enjoyment

• The IGNIS-Trail Concept expands upon the IGNIS concept of urban and outdoor versatility by offering even greater rough-road ruggedness.
• Large diameter wheels and bold wheel-arch mouldings are included in a design package that heightens compact-crossover enjoyment by emphasizing the IGNIS-Trail Concept’s outdoor credentials.

Baleno: a new compact hatchback that blends dynamic, elegant styling with optimal packaging and high performance

• The Baleno is an all-new B-segment hatchback in which Suzuki refined the styling, performance, fuel economy, and practicality expected of a compact car and brought them together in an outstanding new way.
• Plenty of space for passengers and luggage means four adults can enjoy long journeys in comfort even when they’re carrying a full complement of gear.
• Powertrain technologies include the newly developed 1.0-litre direct-injection, turbocharged BOOSTERJET engine and the 1.2-litre DUALJET engine.
• The Baleno will be on sale in the UK from early next Summer.