McLaren expands the aftermarket options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT

• McLaren expands the range of aftermarket personalisation options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT
• Available for all Qualified pre-owned McLaren Super Series models
• Range now includes a wide selection carbon fibre accessories produced by McLaren Special Operations under its MSO Defined portfolio

Current and future McLaren Super Series owners can now refresh the design of their cars through a range of dramatic McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Defined accessories. 

Offered and installed through McLaren retailers, the options can now be widely applied to any McLaren Super Series models from the 12C to the 675LT and at any point in the car’s ownership.  

The accessories enhance the dramatic design of the car and in true McLaren fashion, also frequently bring a performance advantage, as a result of weight saving.

Among the exterior embellishments in the MSO Defined Super Series collection are a Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, which reduces weight and enhances airflow, and Carbon Fibre Mirror Arms which can be coupled with matching mirror casings.  

The range also includes Carbon Fibre Louvered Front Fenders, which take inspiration from McLaren historic race cars, such as the renowned 1970 Can-Am winning McLaren M8D to save 0.5 kilograms over the standard equivalent. 

They feature vented wheel arch liners, to remove turbulent air from under the wheel arches giving more grip over the front axle. 

Also available is a carbon fibre bonnet that is finished in visual carbon fibre for increased impact, as seen on the limited-edition McLaren 650S Can-Am model. 

Interior enhancements begin with MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Vent Bezels. Carbon Fibre Sill Tops highlight the driver-focused design of the cabin, as well as protect the sills of the MonoCell structure.  

While likely to interest the track day enthusiasts are a Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel, which can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara®, and Extended Carbon Fibre Gear Shift Paddles. 

Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive, commented: “The growing MSO Defined portfolio gives customers an opportunity to further personalise their cars and significantly expands our wider accessories portfolio.  We have experienced significant interest in the MSO Defined range on Super Series cars being ordered new and we are now very pleased to be bringing these features to a wider group of customers as a retrofit choice.”  

The aftermarket enhancements in the Super Series MSO Defined range are available for existing owners and new customers purchasing through the Qualified programme.

UK SALES - MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE - The best sales year ever for the supercar maker, with more to come.

• More than 1,600 vehicles delivered, including 248 examples of the McLaren P1™, marking the company’s strongest year-to-date
• Asia-Pacific region achieves growth of 80 per cent
• 14 new retailers opened bringing the global network to 68, across 30 markets

McLaren Automotive ended 2014 with record sales as it has done every year since the company began production of luxury supercars in 2010.  A total of 1,648 vehicles were delivered to customers around the world, an increase of 21 per cent over 2013 which was the company’s first year of profitability. In addition another 14 new retail locations were added bringing McLaren’s total global sales network to 68 sites. 

Following the international reveal of the 650S in Coupé and Spider form at the Geneva Motor Show where the two models were launched simultaneously, strong demand for McLaren’s core model range saw sales reach 1,400 units including some examples of the outgoing 12C.  In addition, 248 examples of the 916PS petrol-electric McLaren P1™ were delivered to customers – around two thirds of the car’s total 375 unit production run.

McLaren’s network of retailers grew to cover 30 markets with the additions of Chile, Scotland and Thailand.  New sales outlets were also opened in existing markets, most notably Calabasas, Cape Town, Changsha, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Melbourne, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Tianjin. More development is planned in 2015.  

   

Growth was recorded across all four of McLaren’s regional business units.  The Asia-Pacific region saw the biggest rise with sales increasing by 80 per cent over 2013 with 11 new retail locations across the region helping to fuel this growth. The North American market remained McLaren’s largest market accounting for more than 30 per cent of overall sales, while sales in both Europe and the Middle East grew year-on-year by 10 per cent and nine per cent respectively.

McLaren Automotive continues to invest significantly in research and development for new models. 2015 will see the launch of the McLaren’s most attainable model yet, the new Sports Series which will debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.  At the top of its range, the strictly limited edition track-only McLaren P1™ GTR will also enter production after the final road-going McLaren P1™ has been built.

Commenting on the 2014 year end performance, Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive explained: ‘These latest results highlight that McLaren Automotive continues to push boundaries and set records year-on-year, and are testament to the energy and professionalism of the teams in Woking and around the world, including our retail partners. The past 12 months have seen the launch of the 650S in both coupé and Spider form, and the first full year of McLaren P1™ production, and sees the third consecutive year of growth for the brand which is a fantastic achievement.

‘Since the opening of the first retailer in June 2011, McLaren has established a world-class network of retailers, with 14 key locations added in 2014, all of which continue to set benchmarks in the industry the world over. Add to this a range of groundbreaking models, shortly to be completed with the launch of the Sports Series later this year, and 2015 looks set to be another strong year for McLaren.’

McLaren Doubles its presence in Australia with a new showroom in Melbourne.

• Second Australian retail showroom joins McLaren Sydney
• Marks the 20th location for McLaren in the Asia-Pacific region
• Key location in the city's iconic Eureka Tower

McLaren Automotive yesterday launched its second Australian retail showroom with the opening of McLaren Melbourne, located within Eureka Tower, 80 City Road, Southbank. Operated by Trivett Bespoke, the showroom meets growing demand for the brand in Victoria and will offer award-winning super sports cars, the McLaren 650S and 650S Spider.

Mirroring the aesthetics of the existing McLaren Sydney showroom, and reflecting the global identity of the McLaren Automotive brand, McLaren Melbourne now provides customers with an interactive and sensory super sports car experience. The new showroom perfectly highlights the brand's pedigree in motorsport, lifestyle and technology leadership.

The occasion was celebrated with a rare display of two stunning McLaren models - the McLaren F1 and the McLaren P1™ - super sports cars that stand at the summit of automotive driving experiences. Each model had a unique story to tell. The McLaren F1 on display was the only example to ever be registered for road driving in Australia, while the more recent McLaren P1™ was the exact model first unveiled to the world at the Paris Auto Show in 2012. These unrivalled models were an undoubted highlight for all guests and represented the esteem with which the Australian market is viewed by the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England.

Jolyon Nash, Executive Director for Global Sales and Marketing at McLaren Automotive, explained: 'I am extremely pleased to announce McLaren Melbourne as a second location within Australia. This is a rapidly growing market for McLaren Automotive, and is key to McLaren building a strong foundation within the Asia-Pacific region. Melbourne is a young, vibrant and exciting city, and is the perfect fit for a McLaren retailer within Australia.'

Marc Webb, Dealer Principal, Trivett Bespoke added: 'Trivett Bespoke is proud of our four year partnership with McLaren Automotive through McLaren Sydney, facilitating national sales for the marque. Following careful planning and a complete re-design of our Melbourne facilities, it is an honour to add a dedicated showroom in Melbourne.

'The opening reflects the demand for the brand to-date in Melbourne, and builds on the ability of Trivett Bespoke to deliver a customer-first ownership experience. Melbourne is a strong market for McLaren and the investment in the dedicated showroom design reflects a superior retail environment. The city has been home to the Formula 1™ race for the past few years, and interest in the brand is increasing following the launch of the groundbreaking 650S.'

In addition to the showroom opening, Trivett Bespoke has also announced the opening of a new, dedicated McLaren service centre in Docklands, featuring professional trained technicians and peerless hospitality.

McLaren Melbourne becomes the 20th retailer in the Asia Pacific region, joining sites in Australia (Sydney), China (Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chongqing, Kunming), Hong Kong, Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan (Osaka, Tokyo), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), New Zealand (Auckland), Singapore, Taiwan (Taipei), and most recently Bangkok.

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) introduces defined range of options.

• Five tiers identify the levels of bespoke work available to from MSO as the company embraces an unprecedented period of growth
• Differing levels of personalisation offer complete tailoring of any McLaren model through MSO Bespoke, MSO Heritage, MSO Limited and MSO Programmes
• New Defined range to include a line of series options available on all new McLaren models  

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has announced a range of available series options for the McLaren 650S, and Asia-only 625C, under the newly established ‘MSO Defined’ division. This forms the first of five tiers of personalisation and support offered by MSO, catering for the needs of all McLaren customers, and joins MSO Bespoke, specialising in one-off models; MSO Limited, producing limited-edition series production cars; MSO Heritage, focused on the maintenance and storage of historic cars; and MSO Programmes which includes the McLaren P1™ GTR.

“There is a strong desire for drivers to personalise their cars and I’m convinced that the introduction of MSO Defined line will prove popular amongst our customers,” explains Paul Mackenzie, Executive Director of McLaren Special Operations. “Every McLaren is unique but now, with more choice than ever before, we are enabling our customers to truly express themselves through their vehicles.”

MSO DEFINED

The MSO Defined category of personalisation includes an aerodynamic kit, designed to enhance the purposeful design of the groundbreaking McLaren 650S, to subtle carbon fibre interior upgrades. The exterior styling can be modified with an addition of a carbon fibre rear diffuser and extended side door blades that premiered on the limited-edition MSO 650S earlier in the year.

Weight-saving options in the form of a full carbon fibre rear deck and mirror arms are also available, while new interior options include extended carbon fibre shift paddles and a redesigned instrument cluster with Formula 1™ inspired shift lights mounted on the instrument cluster that have been created in response to a popular demand from track day enthusiasts.

MSO BESPOKE

MSO Bespoke provides an almost limitless level of customisation to McLaren owners, including unique paint, leather and stitching colours, stand-alone upholstery and body changes to create truly bespoke vehicles.

Since launching the 650S earlier this year, 20 percent of vehicles produced at the McLaren Production Centre have included a degree of MSO Bespoke content. This number rises to approximately 95 percent for the McLaren P1™, with each one of the 375 examples being unique to its owner in some way.

The division was also responsible for the McLaren X-1, a one-off car that had to be specially designed and engineered, including on-road testing and homologation.

MSO LIMITED

The limited-run and special edition examples of the 650S and 12C produced by MSO are designed, developed and produced under ‘MSO Limited’.  Models produced include the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider, built to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the McLaren brand in 2013 and, more recently, the MSO 650S, which debuted at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MSO HERITAGE

McLaren Special Operations, as it is known today, was launched at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2011. However, a division was first set up as the McLaren Customer Care Programme in the 1990s to service, maintain and personalise the McLaren F1 for owners. This service continues at McLaren, and is now managed by the MSO Heritage team, offering an unrivalled level of knowledge and expertise on the McLaren F1, and also working with Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models

MSO PROGRAMMES

Finally, the recently-launched MSO Programmes division encompasses the upcoming McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme. Each car will be built, maintained and prepared by MSO in advance of the exclusive track days held at the world’s most iconic Formula 1™ circuits.

McLaren achieves a hat-trick of awards from around the globe.

• ‘Best Supercar’ in the Middle East Car of the Year Awards marks the third successive annual award in the region
• 650S named ‘2015 China Performance Car of the Year’
• Hat-trick of victories completed with the ‘Scottish Sportscar of the Year’ title

The McLaren 650S has achieved further global acclaim after scooping three coveted titles in one week. The groundbreaking car was named ‘Best Supercar’ in the Middle East Car of the Year awards, followed shortly after by claiming the prestigious ‘2015 China Performance Car of the Year’ title.

The third win was awarded by the highly regarded Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, which bestowed the title of ‘Scottish Sportscar of the Year’ on the 650S against stiff competition.

The 650S has made a strong impression since its launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and these latest results mark the end of an impressive first year of production. The 650S claimed the third successive annual title for McLaren in the Middle East region, following in the footsteps of the 12C and 12C Spider which had previously claimed the ‘Best Super Car’ crown.

The title of ‘2015 China Performance Car of the Year’ comes little over one year since McLaren Automotive launched into the market. Following the initial launch with four retailer openings in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Guangzhou, McLaren has now opened a further five sites to support the continuing expansion of the market.

The prestigious Scottish award, presented in St Andrews, completed a successful week across the world for the 650S. This title follows on from the recent appointment of the UK’s latest McLaren retailer in Glasgow.

Jolyon Nash, Executive Director for Global Sales and Marketing commented: 

‘The past week has seen the 650S claim three prestigious titles in three different continents, which is proof of the breadth of abilities this McLaren  presents in all markets. The no compromise blend of high performance, refinement and driver engagement proving as important, no matter where in the world you choose to experience the 650S. That the 650S has received these commendations in such differing markets is also testament to how much and how quickly McLaren has grown as a global car company, with today a network of over 60 retailers across 30 markets. And all opened in less than three years.’

McLaren opens 20th retail site, the 5th for the UK.

• Fifth UK retailer marks the 20^th European location for the brand
• State-of-the-art facility will be the largest dedicated McLaren retailer in the UK
• Prominent retail location becomes the Jardine Motors Group’s second dedicated McLaren site

British manufacturer McLaren Automotive has announced plans to further strengthen its expanding retail network with the appointment of McLaren Ascot, which will become the brand’s 20^th European location. A state-of-the-art facility, located in the royal town in Berkshire will become the largest dedicated McLaren retailer in the UK, offering the full range of models, including the 650S Coupe and 650S Spider.

Located only a short distance from the company’s McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) headquarters in Surrey, adjacent to the mainline rail link in the town, the newly-built McLaren Ascot facility will include an eight car showroom, a dedicated service centre and the largest selection of McLaren Qualified pre-owned models in the world.

This latest addition to the retail network will be operated by Lancaster part of Jardine Motors Group, the firm’s second McLaren retailer, having run McLaren’s flagship site in One Hyde Park, London since the launch of the brand in June 2011.

David Brimson, European Director for McLaren Automotive: ‘The UK market is key to the growth of the McLaren brand as we continue to strengthen the network, and this is shown by confirmation of McLaren Ascot so soon after announcing our entry into Scotland with McLaren Glasgow. Jardine Motors Group has proved a valuable retail partner in establishing the brand over the past three years, and McLaren Ascot will provide an important second hub for the brand in the south of England.'

Mark Herbert, CEO of Jardine Motors Group added: ‘It is amazing to think McLaren Automotive only launched three years ago, and the journey the company has been on since then, with the 12C, the McLaren P1™ and now with the 650S. It is a really exciting time to be involved with the brand, and there are some really great products in the pipeline. The addition of McLaren Ascot will be another jewel in the company’s retail network, complementing McLaren London at One Hyde Park to fully service the needs of customers in the south east of England.’

Work on the new showroom will commence in the coming weeks, and the doors to McLaren Ascot will open before the end of 2014, marking the fifth retailer in the UK for the brand. The site joins London, Manchester, Birmingham and the recently announced McLaren Glasgow.

McLaren Automotive posts improved profits, income, and sales, with even more to come !

• Profit before tax - £4.5m
• Operating profit - £12.4m
• Turnover - £285.4m (up from £266.6m)
• Investment in future models - £70.6m (up from £68.1m)
• Turnover and profit both expected to grow in 2014
• McLaren Automotive’s next model, codenamed P13, to go on sale during 2015
• Limited run of track only McLaren P1™ hypercar confirmed for introduction in 2015
• McLaren 650S international sales already strong – more than 1000 orders received

McLaren Automotive made both an operating and pre-tax profit for the first time in 2013, during only its third year of car production. This is a significant achievement for an independent British car company operating in such a highly competitive global market.

McLaren Automotive’s improved profitability proves the company’s longer term business model, which is able to invest continuously in R&D in order to develop and sell the world’s most exciting and technologically advanced high performance cars.

McLaren Automotive has also confirmed that its next all-new sportscar, codenamed P13, will be available before the end of 2015 and will take its range into a lower price-point - making McLaren more accessible, while retaining its commitment to excellence, performance and innovation.

P13 will be a comfortable, usable, and beautiful mid-engined two seater sportscar, built around a carbon fibre chassis. It will be available in more than one derivative and once fully on sale, McLaren Automotive’s total annual production will increase to around 4,000 units per year.

At the other end of its range, McLaren Automotive has also confirmed that it will produce a limited run of track-only editions of its award winning McLaren P1™ hypercar.  Available only to clients who have ordered one of the 375 road legal versions, the car will be the company’s most powerful car yet.  It will also be its rarest.

Commenting on the results, Ron Dennis, Chief Executive and Chairman of the McLaren Group and Chairman of McLaren Automotive, said: “Since launch, McLaren Automotive has outperformed predictions and rivals, setting new benchmarks in the sportscar market with a range of models that push boundaries through innovation and technology, while remaining true to the core values of the brand. The latest financial results, and returning a profit so early in the life of the company, are a real credit to the tremendous team within McLaren Automotive, and reflect their hard efforts.”

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive of McLaren Automotive, added: “McLaren Automotive has already developed a deserved reputation for producing the world’s most exciting and technologically advanced high performance sports cars.  But these results demonstrate that we have also established a profitable long term business, which is able to invest heavily in R&D, recruit the best people and ultimately create world class products. In a highly competitive market, we have laid solid foundations for future success.” 

He added: “We are now focusing upon the road ahead. The McLaren 650S is already selling extremely well with over 1000 orders received and P13 is a very exciting project, which will help us to access new markets and customers, grow our sales volumes and ultimately increase both revenue and profitability. I am confident that by maintaining our commitment to innovation and excellence McLaren Automotive has an extremely bright future.”

As a result of on-target global car sales, McLaren Automotive’s revenues rose by £18.8m to £285.4m in 2013. The company delivered 1,359 12Cs and 36 examples of the McLaren P1™ during the year.

In line with its long term business plan, the company has continued to invest in the infrastructure, personnel and new technology required to support future growth. McLaren Automotive’s spend on R&D and the development of new models increased by £2.5m to £70.6m in 2013.

When McLaren Automotive was launched, it promised to unveil a new car or derivative every year. It continued to deliver on that promise during 2013, with the launch of the McLaren P1™ at the international Geneva Motor Show. The most technologically advanced car ever produced in the UK, just 375 will be produced all of which sold out within six months of being announced.  Production began on schedule last September and more than 100 are now in customer’s hands.

In 2013 McLaren Automotive also continued to expand its geographical reach, opening 13 new showrooms and growing its global network to 50 retailers in 28 international markets.  This included opening four new retailers in China in: Shanghai; Beijing; Guangzhou and Chengdu.  The company plans to open another 20 retailers during 2014 and to have over 100 locations in its global network by 2018.

McLaren Automotive began 2014 with the launch of the new 650S Coupé and Spider.  This was the first time in its short history that two models had been launched simultaneously across all its 28 global markets. The company is on track for even greater success in 2014, and the recent appointment of Jolyon Nash as Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, will further strengthen the team when he joins on 1 July 2014, bringing a wealth of experience of the luxury market.

The Group expects to continue delivering strongly against its ambitious growth plan during 2014. Total global sales volumes are expected to remain broadly in line with 2013. However, both turnover and profit are predicted to increase, driven by sales of the McLaren P1™. 

McLaren turns profits ahead of schedule, and will boost this with new models every year to 2019.

McLaren Automotive turned a profit in 2013 – which was ahead of schedule – and plans to remain in the black while aggressively adding models and dealers over the next three years.

Beyond that the supercar maker’s “dream” is to achieve profit margins closer to those of rivals Ferrari or Porsche within five years, CEO Mike Flewitt told Automotive News Europe.

The niche brand's success comes just three year after the carmaking arm of Formula One’s McLaren Group was formed. Without being specific, Flewitt said the Woking, England-based company made a “few million pounds” in operating profit last year. “The plan was only to break even in 2013,” he said.

News of the positive results has given shareholders confidence the bold idea to start a UK-based supercar maker in the midst of a deep and long European auto recession is working, Flewitt said.

It also proves that the company can be successful away from its former partner, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz.

McLaren Group chairman and F1 team figurehead Ron Dennis took a big gamble late last decade when he persuaded shareholders to invest in a new company dedicated to making supercars.

Unlike the SLR McLaren that the company built for Mercedes between 2003 and 2009, the new automaker would operate without the backing of any major manufacturer, which some experts believe leaves it vulnerable. 

“It is often the case that highly specialist carmakers benefit from being part of a larger automotive group, not least because development costs tend to be high and so being able to tap into research elsewhere in the company is a big advantage,” Jonathon Poskitt, head of European sales forecasting at LMC Automotive, told Automotive News Europe.

Previous success

McLaren had previously created a supercar on its own, but the firm only made 107 of the critically acclaimed F1, which was launched in 1994. By contrast, McLaren Automotive last year sold “about 1,400” units of its debut model, the 12C, which arrived in 2011, and the limited-edition P1 hybrid hypercar that went on sale last year, Flewitt said.

The plan is to boost volume to 3,500 to 4,000 cars a year by 2016, the CEO said. By comparison, rival Ferrari sold 6,922 cars last year.

To reach its goal, Flewitt said McLaren next year will launch its most affordable supercar, which will start at about 120,000 pounds (146,000 euros) and sit below the newly launched 195,250 pound 650S, which replaced the 12C.

Separately, a company spokesman confirmed McLaren will launch a fourth supercar, which will fit in above the 650S and below the 866,000 pound P1.

The new car is due in 2016, which would help Flewitt keep achieve his stated aim of launching an all-new car or variant every year up through 2019.

Sharing technology

Flewitt said McLaren Automotive spent 70 million pounds last year to develop new models, up from 68 million pounds in 2012 and 67 million pounds the year before that.

Like bigger automakers, McLaren saves by sharing technology between models. The new, entry-level car due next year, dubbed the P13 internally, will use a variation of the carbon fiber tub chassis that’s also at the heart of the 650S and the P1, Flewitt said. The new car also is expected to use a less powerful version of the turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 found in the current lineup.

The extra volume created by adding the P13 will help spread costs. “You actually make a smaller margin on that car,” Flewitt said, “but a larger margin on the 650S because some of the overhead is shared across a greater volume.”

LMC’s Poskitt believes that McLaren Automotive’s ability to tap into the parent group’s F1 specialist knowledge in areas such as carbon fiber construction will keep a lid on costs.

No SUVs, more stores

So far the company has ruled out making SUVs or building sports cars with two small seats in the rear as Porsche has with the 911.

In addition, the company will add another 20 dealerships this year, raising its global total to 70. The next target is 100 dealerships by 2016, Chief Financial Officer Richard Molyneaux told Automotive News Europe. Like Flewitt, who was Ford of Europe’s head of manufacturing before joining McLaren in 2012, Molyneaux has experience managing costs at a volume automaker from his time as Opel/Vauxhall’s finance director of product development and purchasing.

Between them the two executives are realistic about the chances of achieving profit margins to match those of Ferrari or Porsche. Ferrari’s operating margin last year was 15.6 percent while Porsche’s return on sales was 18 percent.

“Our absolute dream would be a 10 percent return on sales,” he said. When pushed on when McLaren could achieve that, he laughed and said: “Come back in five years and ask me.”

Nick Gibbs