IRELAND - Hyundai is awarded the 2016 Car Of The Year, for the New Generation i20 Supermini.

• First time a Hyundai model has received top award in Northern Ireland
• New Generation i20 recognised for its sophisticated styling, high quality interior and stable and secure handling combined with unbeatable value
• Judged by members of the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association
• New Generation i20 is Hyundai’s third best-selling model in the region

Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating yet another award victory after its New Generation i20 was named 2016 NIIB Northern Ireland ‘Car of the Year’ – the first time a Hyundai model has received this top award from the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association (UMWA).

The ultra-stylish supermini was praised by Jim McCauley, Chairman of the UMWA: “The i20 has immediate appeal in terms of its sophisticated styling and high quality interior.  And the admiration continues as you take to the road with its stable and secure handling and an excellent choice of engines.  The final surprise is its competitive pricing for what is overall a quality package that represents excellent value for money, and is underwritten by a 5 Year unlimited mileage warranty.”

Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO: “We are delighted to receive this award from the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association. The i20 has been and continues to be a very important car for the Hyundai brand. With the i20 Active and a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine joining the New Generation i20 5-door and Coupe range in early 2016, we believe it will continue to offer customers stylish, practical, economical and value for money alternatives in Britain’s most popular car sector.”

The New Generation i20 is a strong competitor in the popular B-segment and since its launch in January 2015, we have sold nearly 12,000 units across the UK. It is also the 3^rd biggest seller in Northern Ireland behind the ix35 and i10.

IRELAND - Mazda takes two awards at this years UMWA, Car Of The Year Awards with teh Mazda 2 and 6 Tourer.

• The all-new Mazda2 named Best Supermini by the Ulster Motoring Writers Association.
• The Mazda6 Tourer takes the sought-after Best Executive Car award.
• Mazda’s fully SKYACTIV range available from five dealers across Northern Ireland.

With awards for both the all-new Mazda2 and the Mazda6 Tourer, Mazda has been honoured twice by the Ulster Motoring Writers Association at the annual Northern Ireland Car of the Year Awards.

In a year that has seen the debut of three all-new models, plus substantially revised versions of the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, Mazda’s line-up is now one of the youngest in the industry.

Launched in March, the all-new Mazda2 is priced from £11,995 to £17,395 on-the-road (OTR) with a five level grade structure – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Bringing new levels of technical sophistication, driving pleasure and active safety to the B-Segment, attractive finance offers ensure the all-new Mazda2 is also a great value proposition in the ultra-competitive supermini marketplace. Since the 1^st September, the range has been boosted by the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition, which offers extra standard equipment and enhanced personalisation in a stylish and great value package.

Recognising the all-round appeal of the all-new Mazda2, leading Northern Irish motoring writer Jim McCauley commented: “The Mazda2 triumphed in the hotly contested Supermini category by providing increased passenger accommodation, and in the case of the featured car, its delightfully willing 90PS petrol engine.”

The judging panel also handed the coveted Best Executive Car title to the Mazda6 Tourer, “fighting off stiff competition from the prestige German marques, the Mazda6 was lauded as an exceptionally fine driving car with a powerful yet economical diesel engine, well balanced suspension and excellent steering response. Overall styling, load carrying capacity and quality finish clinched the decision,” commented the judges.

Across the 28-strong Saloon and Tourer range, the Mazda6 features improved standard equipment and refreshed styling. Upgraded cabin design and enhanced refinement ensure it continues to be a popular choice for business and private buyers, while flagship Sport Nav models are now distinguished by new exterior features including a re-styled grille with a signature wing design that incorporates LED headlights.

The entire Mazda range now features Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology and eye-catching KODO: Soul of Motion design.  The all-new Mazda MX-5, all-new Mazda CX-3 and revised Mazda CX-5 star alongside the Northern Ireland Car of the Year award-winning all-new Mazda2 and Mazda6 in Mazda’s five Ulster dealerships. 

Domino's Pizza to take delivery of 100 converted Chevy Sparks, as their next delivery vehicles.

100 DXPs will be deployed to 25 markets across U.S.

Domino’s announced today it has chosen the 2015 Chevrolet Spark as the basis for the company’s new Domino’s DXP™ (Delivery Expert), a specially designed and built pizza delivery vehicle.

The Spark will help bring Domino’s heritage of pizza delivery innovation to the streets, due in part to the vehicle’s emphasis on driver experience, nimble maneuverability and fuel economy – assets important to the modern day pizza delivery driver.

“The Chevrolet Spark is the perfect vehicle to bring our pizza delivery to life,” said Russell Weiner, president of Domino’s USA. “Not only will the DXP have a warming oven on board and enough storage capacity to hold 80 pizzas in the rear, but the fuel efficiency is something our franchisees welcome.”

The vehicle, adapted from a crowd-sourced concept submitted as part of the Domino’s Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge, was converted and delivered through a partnership between Domino’s and Roush Enterprises.

Once the Domino’s franchises across the country deploy the vehicles, Chevrolet dealers will receive special training to meet the needs of the unique fleet.

The DXP fleet will be equipped with the OnStar® navigation system, helping drivers deliver their cargo as quickly and safely as possible to customers.

“We love to see fleets use our vehicles in new and innovative ways,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet. “This partnership between Chevrolet and Domino’s demonstrates the versatility, technology and performance our vehicles can deliver – in a literal sense in this case – to fleets across America.”    

Domino’s expects to see the first DXP’s to hit the streets this month.

USA - Chevy to wow the crowds at SEMA with a raft of models upgraded under the "Red Line Series" Banner.

Themed collection highlights production, concept components

Blending equal parts style and functionality, Chevrolet’s Red Line Series concept vehicles demonstrate the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand’s latest vehicles – all with a street-smart aesthetic.

Chevrolet previewed the Red Line concepts today, including Trax, Malibu, Camaro, Colorado and Silverado 1500 models, ahead of their public debut at the SEMA Show, on November 3. The preview also included the sporty Spark RS concept.

“The Chevrolet Red Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Red Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”

All of the production and concept accessories were developed in Chevrolet’s design studio with the vehicles themselves. The production accessories will be available as the 2016 models arrive in dealer showrooms.

“Chevrolet Accessories bring value and the added security of knowing the parts are designed, engineered, tested and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles,” said Roger McCormack, director, Accessories & Performance Parts Marketing.

All of the Red Line Series concepts share Enhanced Silver Metallic exteriors, with a custom Charcoal roof panel and Satin Graphite and red accents. Additional vehicle highlights:

Trax Red Line Series concept

Custom and concept components:

• Satin Graphite accents on the mirror caps, grille surround and openings, window moldings and fog lamp bezels
• Custom Trax nameplates in gloss black with red accent
• Tinted taillamp lenses and windows
• Suspension lowering kit

Chevrolet Accessories components:

• 18-inch wheels (with custom red accents) and center caps
• Black bowtie kit
• Roof rack cross rails
• Roof mounts by Thule^®
• Floor mats and all-weather cargo tray.

Malibu Red Line Series concept

Custom and concept components:

• Satin Graphite window molding accent
• Chevrolet Accessories concept black bowtie kit, rear spoiler, hash mark graphics, grille surround and inserts
• Malibu nameplate in gloss black with red accent
• Red fog lamp bezels
• Tinted taillamp lenses and windows
• Chevrolet Performance concept suspension lowering kit

Chevrolet Accessories components:

• 19-inch wheels (with custom red accent) and center caps

• Black mirror caps
• Roof rack by Thule^® – with mounted skis and snowboard
• Floor liners, cargo mat and sport pedal kit.

Camaro Red Line Series concept

Custom and concept components:

• Satin Graphite mirror caps and window moldings
• Hash mark and decklid panel graphics
• 20-inch wheels in Satin Graphite with red accent
• Camaro nameplates in gloss black with red accent
• Red fog lamp bezels

Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance components:

• Suspension lowering kit
• Air intake kit
• Brake package
• Black bowtie kit and fender badge kit
• Upper and lower grille inserts in red
• Darkened taillamps
• Premium carpeted floor mats, cargo mat and sill plates.

Colorado Red Line Series concept

Custom and concept components:

• Satin Graphite mirror caps, window moldings, grille surround and inserts, door handles and fog lamp bezels
• Colorado nameplates in gloss black with red accent
• Goodyear^® Wrangler Fortitude tires

Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance components:

• Air intake and exhaust kits
• 18-inch wheels (with custom red accents) and center caps
• Black bowtie kit
• Wheel flares
• Sport assist steps
• GearOn™ cargo rings, cross rails and tiered storage
• GearOn™ bike rack by Thule^®
• Floor liners.

Silverado 1500 Red Line Series concept

Custom and concept components:

• Satin Graphite mirror caps, window moldings, grille surround and inserts, door handles and fog lamp bezels
• Red tow hooks
• Z71 bedside graphics and Silverado nameplates in black with red accents
• Tinted taillamp lenses and windows

Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance components:

• Air intake and exhaust kits
• Brembo front brake kit
• 22-inch wheels (with custom red accents) and center caps
• Black bowtie kit
• Black-chrome exhaust tip
• Assist steps and cargo bed extender
• GearOn™ cargo rings and cross rails
• Hull-a-Port mounts and straps by Thule^®
• Floor liners.

Spark RS concept

Built to showcase dynamic appearance of the all-new, 2016 Chevrolet Spark, this concept applies the sporty RS treatment that has distinguished Camaro, Sonic and Cruze production models.

The Spark RS features a concept carbon-fiber front splitter, rocker extensions and a carbon-fiber rear-lower extension. Seventeen-inch wheels inspired by the Corvette Z07 fill out the wheel openings, while a lowered suspension gives the car an aggressive stance. The exterior is finished in Dark Liquid Switchblade Silver, with custom graphic accents.

“Every Chevrolet has the DNA of the Corvette and the Spark RS concept shows how the brand’s smallest car can deliver big on personalization,” said Todd Parker, director of design, Global Chevrolet. “It advances the RS heritage and interprets it in an entirely new way.”

The Spark RS concept is the result of a collaboration between Chevrolet’s design studios in North America and Korea. Chevrolet is gauging public opinion of the car in its evaluation for possible production.

USA RECALL - MAZDA - 1.2 million cars recalled for possible issues with the Ignition switch.

Mazda Motor Corporation will conduct a Safety and Emission Recall Campaign for certain models that have a quality and performance issue leading to the potential failure of the electrical thermal base of the ignition switch.  

The electrical thermal base is the specific part of the component that may fail.

Once the vehicle is running, this situation does not directly affect vehicle drivability or operation, or the operation of any safety devices or features in the vehicle.  As a result, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Due to an excessive amount of grease at the contact points inside the ignition switch during production, as a result of time and use, the grease may carbonize and accumulate between the contact points, reducing the electrical insulation performance inside the switch. As a result, continuous use may lead the contact points of the thermal base of the switch to become conductive, which may overheat the switch.  Should this occur, the resulting effect is smoke from the switch, and, in the worst case, a fire.

Approximately 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. are affected.

Affected models are:

• 1990-1996 323/Protégé
• 1989-1998 MPV
• 1993-1998 626
• 1993-1995 929
• 1993-1997 MX-6
• 1992-1993 MX-3

Mazda plans to conduct this recall in the U.S. in December 2015.

USA - GM Plant will nearly double its workforce by early 2016, to cope with growing demand.

Plant will nearly double its workforce by early 2016

General Motors is nearly doubling its workforce at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly by adding a second shift and more than 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs.

The addition of a second shift will increase the plant’s workforce to approximately 2,800 people when hiring is completed. The second shift is necessary to meet forecasted market demand for the five cars produced at Detroit-Hamtramck.

“This is the result of the award-winning vehicles Detroit-Hamtramck produces and the confidence GM has in our team to build world-class quality for our customers,” said Plant Manager Gary West.

Second shift hiring is underway, and the shift is scheduled to begin operations in early 2016.

“The workforce at Detroit-Hamtramck is second to none,” said UAW Local 22 Shop Chairman Don LaForest. “We appreciate the opportunity to expand our UAW-GM family.”

The 4.1 million-square-foot Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly opened in 1985. GM has invested $1 billion in the plant over the last six years, making it one of the company’s most-agile manufacturing facilities in North America. The plant currently builds the Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu; and Cadillac ELR on a single production line. The plant begins production of the Cadillac CT6 in early 2016.

MOPAR brand previews modified vehicles for the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Teaser images offer a glimpse of the Mopar-modified vehicles to debut  at the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show
• Vehicles representing the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT brands will be displayed in Mopar’s 15,345-square-foot SEMA exhibit on November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center
• Hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories will also be showcased at the premier automotive speciality products trade show

Mopar is pulling back the curtain to provide a tantalizing “tease” of some of the Mopar-modified vehicles the brand is planning to showcase at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

A mix of production and concept Mopar products have been bolted on to transform Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep_®,Ram and FIAT vehicles, demonstrating how the Mopar brand can help owners personalize their rides. Nearly 20 vehicles, as well as hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories, will fill the 15,345-square-foot Mopar SEMA exhibit.