Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2015, rising up each year from 2011

• Nissan rises to 49^th place in Interbrand study, up from 56^th last year and 90^th place in 2011
• Value of the Nissan brand increases by 19% to $9.082 billion

Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2015, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 49, up from 56 in 2014 and 90 with a brand valuation of $3.819B from the company’s inaugural appearance on the list in 2011. Nissan is the fastest-rising automotive brand in this year’s study.

“Nissan’s rapid ascent in five short years from place 90 to now 49 shows we’re playing in the right spaces and engaging with consumers while always remaining authentic”,  said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “Growing a global brand that’s exciting and innovative is an integral part of our company’s success.”

The study cited the strength of Nissan’s engagement with Millennials, effective sponsorship opportunities and customization offerings among the drivers of the company’s brand health and again named them a “Top Riser.” The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $9.082 billion, an increase by 19% from last year's estimated value of more than $7.6 billion.

The study also applauded Nissan tapping into sponsorship opportunities to reach younger audiences, including the UEFA Champions League activation in 2015 and NBC’s “The Voice.” It also highlighted the company’s customization and personalization of products, citing the new US Juke Color Studio and innovative new ownership schemes for LEAF buyers in Europe as relevant ways to connect with today’s consumer.

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand's annual report on the world's most valuable brands. Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

USA RECALL - FCA - Fiat and Dodge Mini Vans recalled to upgrade engine cover retainers.

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 144,416 crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) in the U.S. to better secure their engine covers.

Engine covers in certain vehicles may become dislodged. If they come in contact with exhaust components, it may pose a fire risk.

This condition was discovered during an FCA US investigation of three incidents in Chile. In each case, the vehicle had been driven extensively on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The Company is aware of a single related injury, described as minor.

Affected are 2011-2015 Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont CUVs equipped with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines. FCA US will install upgraded engine-cover retainers in these vehicles. The remedy will be available when customer notification begins next month; service will be performed free of charge.

Vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines are not affected.

Additional Journey and Freemont populations also are subject to this campaign. They comprise an estimated 43,679 vehicles in Canada; 46,231 in Mexico; and 115,405 outside the NAFTA region.

Of the 349,731 total vehicles subject to this campaign, approximately 10 percent remain in dealer hands.

Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Indicators of a loose engine cover may include noise from the vehicle’s engine compartment, a burning odor and/or a warning light in the instrument cluster. Customers who experience these events are advised to contact their dealers.

Mazda's best selling SUV, the CX-5, has tipped the One Million mark after just over three years on sale.

• Popular compact SUV reaches production milestone after just over three years on sale.
• First SKYACTIV technology Mazda has now attracted more than 60 global awards.

The one-millionth Mazda CX-5 rolled off the assembly line at the end of April. The company’s popular compact SUV achieved the landmark less than three years after going into production in late 2011. Only one other model from the carmaker – the Mazda3 – has reached the figure faster.

Introduced to the fast-growing global segment in February 2012, Mazda’s first-ever compact crossover was also the first production model with the complete range of SKYACTIV Technology and a KODO: Soul of Motion design. The CX-5 thereby ushered in a new era at Mazda that has helped put the carmaker on the road to success. 

The model has since won more than 60 awards* around the world, including the prestigious Car of the Year Japan 2012-2013 as well as numerous best SUV and crossover accolades. It was Japan’s top-selling SUV in 2012 and 2013, and is also Mazda’s most popular model in several European markets including Germany**.

“I am delighted to see the CX-5 reach the 1 million unit mark in only three years and five months,” said Masashi Otsuka, CX-5 programme manager. “I would like to express my gratitude to the people all over the world who have appreciated and supported the CX-5. 

We are committed to continue enhancing this model into the future to ensure that it remains a popular choice among people with active lifestyles and will appeal to even more customers.”

In the UK the multi-award winning Mazda CX-5 continues to win praise from journalists and owners alike with more than 19,000 having been sold since its debut in 2012.

UK RECALL #13 - JAGUAR - XK recalled for parking lights may not function as intended.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2015/015
Manufacturer Ref :	J049
Make:	JAGUAR
Model :	XK
Launch Date :	23/01/2015
Numbers Involved :	3679
Build Start Date :	02/07/2011
Build End Date :	13/01/2015

Recall Details
Concern :	PARKING LIGHTS MAY NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED
Description :	Front side lights, when used as parking lights, should remain illuminated until the battery is exhausted. On affected vehicles they may extinguish after a period of time.
Remedial Action :	Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software.
Vehicle Id :	SAJWA4FB0CLB44940 to SAJAC45R7FMB56794

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

JAGUAR - XK