Happy Tenth Anniversary to Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, the UK Home of all things Mercedes.

• Innovative Brooklands brand centre opened in 2006
• Over three million people have visited the site, which combines a driving centre, museum, showroom and more
• Offers amazing driving experiences both on-track and off-road – including driving lessons for under-17s

Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this weekend. Since the innovative brand centre opened its doors in 2006, over three million people have been welcomed through its doors.

The free-to-visit facility at the historic Brooklands race track provides visitors with a fascinating insight into Mercedes-Benz’s 130-year-long history, from the very first automobile in 1886 – the Patent Motorwagen – to the very latest products from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and smart.

On top of this, Mercedes-Benz World offers incredible driving experiences on purpose-built tracks both on and off-road. Over the past decade, some 430,000 customers have enjoyed these – the oldest driver being 106 years old, and the youngest just three. In fact, some 30,000 toddlers have got behind the wheel of Mercedes-Benz Bobby cars as part of the Little Learners experience for three-five year olds.

Mercedes-Benz World has also played host to a number of high-profile product launches, including the world premiere of the new Mercedes-AMG GT R this summer. The range-topping sports car was airlifted to Brooklands before landing in front of the world’s media, with Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton taking the GT R out on the track.

To celebrate its 10^th birthday, Mercedes-Benz World is offering a £20 discount to customers purchasing an AMG driving experience – meaning an hour of one-to-one tuition at the wheel of a powerful Mercedes-AMG model will now cost £180*. To purchase please call 0370 400 4000 and quote ’291006MBW’ (not available online).

Mercedes-Benz World is open from 10 am – 6 pm, seven days a week (with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

After ten years under Renault and three years in the UK, the 3,500,000th Dacia has been sold in the UK.

• In just over ten years, Dacia has won over more than 3,500,000 customers in Europe and the Mediterranean basin
• The 3,500,000th Dacia sold was a Sandero Stepway purchased by Jody Panov, a customer of SMC Dacia, Aldershot
• Denis Le Vot, Sales & Marketing Senior Vice President for Europe G9, handed over the car’s keys at the dealership on Friday 6^th November 

Almost three years after its launch in the UK, the 3,500,000^th global Dacia customer was handed the keys to her Sandero Stepway by Denis Le Vot, Groupe Renault’s Sales & Marketing Senior Vice President for Europe G9, at SMC Dacia in Aldershot, Hampshire on Friday.

Jody Panov, a married mother of two, is now the happy owner of a Dacia Sandero Stepway – the first new car she has ever purchased – the 3,500,000^th Dacia sold since the brand’s revival in 2004.

Jody took an interest in the Sandero Stepway after her parents returned from a trip to Turkey. During their trip, Jody’s parents saw many Dacias on the road and suggested that their daughter find out more, because they 'seemed like good cars’. Above all, it was the Dacia supermini’s design that won Jody over when she visited the SMC Dacia dealership to investigate, and, as a result, ordered the Sandero Stepway!

“Today we are handing over the key to the 3.5 millionth Dacia and I am very pleased to be doing so in the UK, where the brand was launched in 2013,” said Le Vot. “In reaching this milestone of 3.5 million customers, Dacia confirms its success thanks to a clear and simple promise that perfectly meets the expectations of customers seeking safe, reliable cars with modern features and services at affordable prices.”

Also in attendance at the handover was Managing Director of Group Renault UK, Ken Ramirez: “Dacia has enjoyed fantastic success in the short period since it launched in the UK and is now the country’s first choice ‘smart buy’ car brand. Dacia is young and fresh, but above all, it offers the consumer ‘shockingly affordable’ value for money with a no-nonsense approach to purchasing a safe and reliable new car. Mrs Panov is now one of 3.5 million customers who agree with the Dacia way of motoring, and I hope she and her family enjoy their brand-new Dacia Sandero Stepway.”

Jody said: “The Sandero Stepway is the ideal family car for us and I love the looks and how it’s got a good level of standard equipment with sat nav and parking sensors. I couldn’t believe how affordable it was and when I was at the dealership to place the order, I kept thinking there must be some hidden cost somewhere! Then finding out that I was the 3.5 millionth person to buy a new Dacia was even more of a surprise.”

SMC Dacia in Aldershot has represented Dacia ever since the brand was launched in the UK, and the family-owned dealer group also operates a further Dacia dealership in Weybridge.

Mike Jeffs, General Manager, SMC Dacia, Aldershot, commented: ‘We’re extremely pleased to present Mrs Panov with the 3.5 millionth Dacia and she joins the ever-increasing amount of customers who we have introduced to the brand, our sales growing year-on-year as more and more drivers recognise the brand’s unrivalled blend of value and quality.”

In the UK, Dacia regularly outperforms much larger and well-established brands in its segment thanks to strong Sandero, Duster and Logan sales, with over 62,000 Dacias sold in the UK since its launch in April 2013. Mrs Panov certainly isn’t alone in her purchase of the Sandero, as the most popular vehicle in the line-up has sold more than 37,000 examples in under three years. October year-to-date, Dacia sales represented 21,804 vehicles, increasing by 5.7 per cent compared to last year.

It’s a similar situation of growth in Europe for Dacia, with sales increasing by 5.5 per cent during the first half of the year to 205,436 units. In France, Dacia steadfastly remains in fifth place on the passenger vehicle market, with 5.3 per cent of market share, and in fourth place overall for retail customer sales.

Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating its first decade as official Hyundai subsidiary.

• Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating its first decade as official Hyundai subsidiary
• Brand has sold over 600,000 units in the UK since 2005
• Market share has more than doubled to 3.5% - making it the fastest growing car manufacturer in the UK
• Growth led by new product - combining good design with unbeatable value
• £35.2 million invested into dealer network – with over 70% of the network changing since 2005
• Company’s import centre at Tilbury Docks, Essex has trebled in size

Hyundai Motor UK is this year celebrating its landmark anniversary of 10 years in the UK, since the subsidiary was founded in July 2005*. This period has been the most significant in the Company’s history both in the UK and Globally.

Since its official opening in 2005, Hyundai Motor UK has sold over 600,000 units, with over 82,000 cars sold in 2014 alone.  The brand’s market share has more than doubled from 1.5% to 3.5% making it the fastest growing car manufacturer in the UK. Hyundai Motor UK’s rapid growth can also be seen at the company’s import centre at Tilbury Docks in Essex, which has grown to three times its original size in order to accommodate the increased demand. 

Not only has the company grown in terms of volume, but the company has invested over £35.2 million in its dealer network over the past 10 years with over 70% of the dealer network changing since 2005. Most recently, Hyundai introduced its new dealer showroom identity.

  

Reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to delivering exceptional levels of customer service, the new look dealership has evolved significantly. It combines open space, modern furnishings and the latest technology to deliver an enhanced customer experience. 

The Company has also recently introduced in partnership with Rockar, the world’s first digital retail experience – Rockar Hyundai - where it is possible to purchase a car online or in store in under five minutes. With over 120,000 visitors to the store in Bluewater over the last 7 months, the success of Rockar Hyundai so far shows that there is room to offer an alternative process for buying a car for those people that want it.

Globally, Hyundai Motor has sold over 37 million cars over the last decade –with 1.7 million cars sold in 2005, compared to 4.96 million in 2014. Additionally, Hyundai was named the 40^th most valuable brand in 2014, up 44 places since 2005**. This transition means Hyundai is the fastest growing automaker in the world, with a brand value increase of 200% over the 10 year period.

Professor Garel Rhys CBE, President for the Centre of Automotive Industry Research, Cardiff University states:

“Over the last ten years, Hyundai Motor has been the most significant and impressive car company on the world stage.  They are clearly number one in Korea despite the Asian Financial Crisis, they are one of the top companies in China and a major player in the US.  They have solidified their position in Europe by not just selling into but manufacturing in the region –this is the sign of a truly global company.

Rhys adds: “They have been able to tap into consumer preference in the UK by offering customers what they want and were quick to respond when the recession hit and the scrappage scheme was introduced –other brands had the right products at the right price but they failed to act as quickly.  Hyundai’s success though would not have continued without the investment in product.  In my opinion, Hyundai Motor has definitely been one of the smartest actors in the automotive industry over the lastdecade.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “I joined Hyundai in 2005, and it’s fantastic to see how far the company has come in such a short space of time. Our success has been driven by three key areas: our product, our customer and our people.”

“In the last 10 years our product range has been completely transformed.  We have transitioned from a brand with product that was purchased on price and reliability to a brand with product that’s now also bought for its looks, technology and comfort.

“Back in 2009, we took a risk. When the government launched the ‘Scrappage Scheme’, we were ready and waiting to fulfill customer orders when many other manufacturers were running out of stock. It’s this move that led us from 28,000 sales in 2008 to over 61,000 in 2010.  However, our continued investment in product, the brand and the customer experience has ensured we are not just a one trick pony! 

“The brand has seen sales continue to rise year on year, with 15 consecutive quarter increases and this year looks set to be our best year to date.  But the best is yet to come – we are  targeting 100,000 sales in the UK in the next few years, with a long-term goal of being within the top five car brands in the UK in the not too distant future.” concludes Whitehorn.

David Neech, a loyal Hyundai customer from Seaford in East Sussex, commented: “My family and I have owned 20 Hyundai cars since 1992 - the first being a Sonata Saloon. Over that time, I have noticed great changes. I can’t believe how much technology is on my latest car. I still haven’t worked out what it all does! But the key thing is that even with more technology and equipment; Hyundais are still so reliable.

“The brand’s design has also evolved - each new model that the Company launches looks much more sophisticated. I have to say that I’m very proud to have the stylish ix35 sitting on my drive today.

Neech added: “My local dealership, Brooklyn Hyundai, has changed dramatically too. It is now magnificent, not that I have to visit there very often!  In fact, in 20 years I have only ever had one issue with a vehicle. What impresses me the most is that even though Hyundai has grown significantly over the past ten years, my local dealership’s service hasn’t faltered. They are always so friendly and welcoming and I still feel like a truly valued customer.”

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary, Hyundai Motor UK will be launching a world-first driving challenge in London.  More details will be released this Autumn.

The challenge will culminate in a celebratory event where another Hyundai milestone will be announced.

Suzuki announced Swift sales surpass four million, in just 10 years.

Suzuki is pleased to announce that global sales of Swift have now passed the four million mark – eighteen months after the celebration of three million units. Launched in the UK in May 2005; more than 90,000 Swifts have been sold and now account for around 30 per cent of the UK sales mix.

Swift is a world strategic model – first built in Japan in 2004, then expanding production to Hungary, India and China in 2005, Malaysia (2007), Pakistan (2009), Thailand (2012) and most recently, Vietnam at the start of the year. All European Swifts are made at Suzuki’s established Magyar plant in Hungary.

Across the globe, 11 per cent of sales are in Japan, around 50 per cent in India and 19 per cent across Europe. Swift is driven across 140 countries, and has won around 70 awards.

In the UK, Swift is available in three and five door versions; with a 1.2 petrol engine which emits 116g/km CO₂, and a five star Euro NCAP rating offering a safe, and low cost ownership proposition. For those who fancy a sportier experience, there is also the 1.6 Swift Sport – the performance flagship of the Swift range offering higher levels of tuning, steering and braking performance than the standard Swift.

Recent developments to the range include the addition of DAB digital radio and Satellite Navigation as standard equipment on SZ4 and Swift Sport models, along with a gear shift indicator and Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). All models except Sport are also now equipped with LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and front fog lights.

Swift SZ-L was recently re-introduced following a strong initial production run earlier in the year. Based on the 1.2 litre SZ3, the SZ-L adds two-tone metallic paint in either Boost Blue or Cosmic Black with contrasting Cool White roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors.

All Swift models excluding the 1.6 Sport are available VAT free until the end of September, with the range starting at £8,999 for the 1.2 SZ2 three door, representing a saving of £1,800.

Ten years and seven months after production of the original Mazda3 began in June 2003, comes number 4,000,000

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that cumulative production of the Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) reached four million units on January 22, 2014. The landmark figure was achieved in just ten years and seven months after production of the first-generation model commenced in June 2003. No other Mazda model has reached the milestone as quickly. The Mazda3 is one of the core models in the Mazda line-up, having been sold in over 120 countries and regions, and accounting for approximately 30 percent of the company’s annual sales volume. Mazda produces the Mazda3 in its Hofu Plant (Japan), the Changan Mazda Automobile plant (China), Auto Alliance (Thailand), and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (Mexico), where production started in January 2014.

The Mazda3 has consistently exceeded the expectations of customers since the launch of the first-generation model, and has been acclaimed for its emotional design, responsive handling, and high fun-to-drive factor. The model was fully redesigned for the third time in 2013, becoming the third in Mazda’s new generation of products adopting both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO—Soul of Motion design theme. Sales commenced in North America in autumn of the same year, followed by Europe, Japan, Australia and others. A hybrid version has been added to the model line-up in Japan in order to meet customers’ diversifying needs with both outstanding environmental and safety performance and Mazda’s hallmark driving pleasure.

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to deliver the Mazda3 at a consistently high level of quality to fans all around the world who have supported the model since its inception.

Felipe Massa Interview.

It's nearly time to say farewell. At the end of the year, Felipe Massa and Ferrari will go their separate ways in racing terms, but the affection that links the Brazilian to the team with which he grew up, as a driver and a man, will always be strong. That is clear from what Felipe had to say in an interview with Andrea Cremonesi in an interview in today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, as part of the build up to the 2013 Finali Mondiali, which gets underway today and goes on until Sunday at the Mugello circuit. The event will also serve as tribute that Ferrari wishes to pay to Felipe, who as stated in the headline to this story, will always be a Ferrari man.

Ten years at Ferrari, a racing life. Only Michael Schumacher wore the red race suit for longer than Felipe Massa, who leaves Maranello at the end of the year. Wearing that red suit, the Brazilian came within touching distance of taking the world title in 2008, but he also almost lost his life at the 2009 Hungarian GP.

The party in Mugello will feature the final huge Ferrari crowd: how will you feel going to the event in Tuscany?

“With happiness in my heart, because it will be wonderful to salute the fans to thank them for all the years we have spent together. They have always supported me, even in the most difficult times.”

Eight years as race driver: what’s the secret to staying such a long time at Ferrari?
“I have always behaved honestly and have given my all in my work on the track, with the engineers and in the factory. I think I have always acted very professionally.”

Do you remember your first day?
“It was early 2001 and I had come off the back of a season in F. Renault with Cram: I went to meet Jean Todt in a jacket and tie. Very tense and I was shaking.”

The best moment of this long adventure in red?
“Definitely 2008 when I came that close to the world title, with many wins and poles. But the day that will always stay with me was the one of my first win in Brazil (2006.) For a Brazilian to win at home is like taking the championship. Remember Senna? When he won in Interlagos he was happier than when he won the championship! I learned to race in Interlagos, I grew up there: to win there in a Ferrari wearing a green and yellow suit (not the usual red one, Editor’s note) was the best moment of my life.”

How do you explain to a youngster joining the FDA what it means to be a Ferrari driver?
“Mm, well first that it's hard to get in! Because the selection of drivers is a tough process and it’s already a privilege to be part of the reds. And then, driving for this team means always being under the spotlight, you must always push to the maximum without worrying what people will say about you. It’s like being in a National football team, driving for Ferrari is like being in the Italian football team or playing for Selecao. You have to be prepared.”

After the accident in 2009, did your priorities in life change?
No absolutely not. Only that now I value life more. Because you always think nothing can happen to you and then…”

Stefano Domenicali said that he always considered you as a world champion after 2008. Did you sense that?
“100% yes. I deserved the title, taking into account the season and everything that happened…”

Sebastian Vettel took his fourth title this year: are those titles more down to him or his team?
“It is 100% down to him and his car. Because it’s true he drives the quickest and most consistent car. But then it’s he who manages to extract its potential, who takes pole, who puts 6 tenths over on everyone, including his team-mate! He’s a fantastic driver.

Let’s play at defining the men who have been your bosses, starting with Luca di Montezemolo.
“He is a big hearted person, and an able promoter. He knows how to describe and sell the idea of Ferrari. He is the right man for the job of president and I’m not just talking about the racing. He has an enormous aptitude for representing the company.”

Jean Todt.
“My best teacher. I first knew him when I was 19 and he has been the most important person in my career.”

Stefano Domenicali.
“Definitely a friend, we have grown up together at Ferrari.”

Rob Smedley, his race engineer.
“He has played an important role in my career. When I first raced for Ferrari my race engineer was Gabrielle Delli Colli, but things didn’t go as they should have done and so I chose Rob who was there at the start and was with the test team (he came from Jordan, Editor’s note.) He knows me 100%.”

You have had many team-mates, which was the strongest?
“Fernando. Schumacher was as quick, but in terms of intelligence, Alonso is better because he manages to put everything together perfectly.”

Ferrari started 2013 strongly but then it stalled.
“At the start of the year, the car was competitive, but the mistake was that we didn't manage to develop it as we should have done and as others did. The performance difference in this final part of the championship is down to a car that was not developed in the right way.”

Are you already thinking what you will do after F1?
“I love racing, it’s part of my life and makes me happy. Maybe after F1 I’ll try my hand at some other category.”

Which ones would you like?
“DTM or Brazilian Stock Cars.”

Webber has decided to race in Prototypes?
“I have no experience of endurance racing, however if they managed to get more top teams involved it could become interesting.”

Newest Transit subjected to multitude of durability tests before launch

• Ford subjects all-new Transit Custom – the 2013 International Van of the Year – to its most comprehensive ever vehicle testing regime; durability tests simulate 10 extremely punishing years of ownership in six months
• More than 150 professional test drivers, plus customer fleet drivers and Ford engineers, cover the equivalent of three million miles, through test conditions including corrosive salt- and mud-baths and temperatures ranging from 40degC to -40degC
• Ford Transit Custom tows a loaded trailer for six months non-stop; is driven continuously at maximum speed for two months; and executes a month of continuous figures of eight; testing directly leads to more than 100 significant product improvements

Ford’s Transit engineers are well-known for their passion for commercial vehicles. In the case of the all-new Ford Transit Custom one-tonne van it was more like tough love.

More than 150 professional test drivers, plus customer fleet drivers and Ford engineers, put the Ford Transit Custom through a punishing regime, covering the equivalent of three million miles. Ford Transit Custom tests included marathon non-stop driving tests to simulate an extremely demanding 10-year lifecycle in just six months, along with extreme climate testing and corrosive salt- and mud-baths.

“I don’t think many customers would believe what this vehicle has been through,” said Barry Gale, commercial vehicles chief engineer, Ford of Europe. “We inflict the worst possible treatment that a van could endure, and we’re only satisfied when our new vehicle comes through with flying colours – just as the Transit Custom has done.”

Ford analysed data from real-world Transit use gathered from more than 600 vehicles, over six million miles, in seven markets around the world; that helped inform worst-case usage durability targets based on a 10-year, 150,000-mile lifecycle.

Accelerated durability testing took place at Ford’s Lommel proving ground in Belgium, scene of more than 30 separate vehicle tests. These included the “trailer tow general durability” test, one of the ordeals that condenses an extremely tough 10-year lifecycle into just six months.

Examples of the extreme challenges included:

• Autobahnspeed: maintaining maximum speed for two months non-stop
• Figure Eight: executing figures-of-eight non-stop for one month
• Chassis strength: crashing into a 140mm kerb at more than 35mph
• Potholes and bumps: completing a potholed and bumpy course at speeds of up to 45mph – more than 5,000 times
• Corrosion resistance: driving over rough gravel roads, through salt- and mud-baths, and soaking in high-humidity chambers – for 12 weeks

During its development, Ford Transit Custom prototypes also endured the toughest “real–world” conditions, surviving the extremes of 40degC heat in Dubai and -40degC biting cold in Finland, plus high-mileage road testing in the hands of professional fleet drivers.

In the test labs, Ford subjected the all-new 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine – powering the all-new Transit Custom – to 46 days of continuous high-load urban driving on specialised rigs, as part of tens of thousands of hours of engine testing. Component test rigs simulating real-world punishment can prove-out a full 10-year vehicle lifecycle in as little as 30 days.

Ford has engineered more than 100 significant improvements as a direct result of its testing regime. These include the redesign and strengthening of the engine mount brackets and body rocker panels. The same regime will deliver similar benefits to the all-new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models due for launch by 2014.

“Pushing the van to the limit and beyond helps us to deliver a stronger, more robust product. This translates directly into every-day reliability for the customer, however tough their working environment,” added Gale.

The all-new Ford Transit Custom is the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a maximum five-star rating from independent vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP, and since launch has sold more than 2,000 units in the UK.

Ford gains award for its commitment to low carbon transport

Ford’s long-term commitment to lowering carbon emissions has been recognised by an award from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) commending Ford for outstanding achievement in low carbon transport over the last 10 years.

The LowCVP aims to accelerate a sustainable shift to low carbon vehicles and fuels in the UK and thereby stimulate opportunities for UK businesses, and the annual awards are designed to identify and promote examples of outstanding and innovative practice in this field.

The special award recognising Ford’s achievement was presented to Simon Palmer, Ford Chief Engineer, at the 2012 awards at an event celebrating the LowCVP's 10th Anniversary at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London.

Simon Palmer said: “This award recognises the scale of Ford’s investment in powertrain engineering and manufacturing in the UK and the significant contribution Ford has been able to make in lowering carbon emissions.” 

Andy Eastlake, the Low CVP Managing Director and judge said:  “As the UK market leader in passenger cars, Ford has arguably had the biggest impact on cutting overall emissions of carbon from road transport. The continuous improvement in combustion engines in the volume market is achieved through long term commitment and hard graft.  The carbon credentials and success of the latest Ford cars show just what can be achieved.”