USA - Jaguar XE 20d won the 2017 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award

• Jaguar XE 20d won the 2017 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award in the Premium Luxury Mid-Size Sedan segment
• The Annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards recognize vehicles with the lowest total cost of ownership in the greatest number of lifecycle cost scenarios
• All new Jaguar models come standard with Jaguar EliteCare coverage, a Best-in-Luxury Class 5-year/60,000 mile customer care and warranty program (2)
• Jaguar XE launched in 2016 as a new entry level vehicle for Jaguar, with the Jaguar XE 20 diesel starting at $36,400(1) and returning up to 42 mpg(3) on the highway

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC is proud to announce that the 2017 Jaguar XE 20d has received the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award. The annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards recognize the specific vehicle and trim with the lowest total cost of ownership in the greatest number of measured lifecycle cost scenarios. 

The 2017 Jaguar XE 20d was awarded in the Premium Luxury Mid-Size Sedan segment with research determining the highly efficient diesel powered luxury sedan has the lowest fuel costs in its class.

The Jaguar XE 20d, is powered by the company's new Ingenium 2.0-liter diesel powertrain delivering 180hp and 318 lb-ft of torque while returning up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway(3). 

Jaguar further built upon the brand’s attractive ownership value proposition with the introduction of Jaguar EliteCare(2). Every new Jaguar vehicle comes standard with Jaguar EliteCare; a Best-in-Luxury Class ownership package that includes a 5 years or 60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty, complimentary scheduled maintenance, as well as a suite of connectivity services and roadside assistance(2).

Launched in 2016 as a new entry level vehicle for Jaguar, the 2017 Jaguar XE luxury sedan is competitively priced within its segment and appeals to an all-new demographic of buyers for the brand.  A true driver’s car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight aluminum intensive construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. The XE has already garnered more than 40 awards for its design, packaging and driving dynamics and has helped propel Jaguar sales to a 128% increase as of March 2017.

“When we launched the new generation of Jaguar in 2016, led by the XE sedan and F-PACE performance SUV, and backed by the Jaguar EliteCare ownership program, our goal was to complement the superior driving dynamics and standout design of Jaguars with a compelling value proposition" said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award for the 2017 Jaguar XE 20d demonstrates that the vehicle is a class leading combination of all the important performance attributes"

To determine the 2017 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards, Vincentric performed a cost of ownership analysis measuring over 2,500 vehicle configurations based on typical fleet use. Using eight different cost factors including depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs, each vehicle was evaluated in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. for 28 different lifecycle cost scenarios.

“The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards highlight vehicles that deliver best-in-class value throughout their fleet lifecycles,” said David Wurster, President, Vincentric. “The Jaguar XE 20d was the leader in the Premium Luxury Mid-Size Sedan segment this year, outperforming over 30 competitors, showing that luxury and high-value aren’t mutually exclusive.”  

In its 12th year, the annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards are earned by vehicles in the U.S. fleet market. Awards are given in six vehicle categories including Passenger Cars, Luxury Cars, SUVs and Crossovers, Luxury SUVs and Crossovers, Pickup Trucks and Vans. This year’s awards are based on 2017 model year vehicles.The 2017 XE is available with three different engines in the U.S.; a choice to suit every need. There’s the powerful “35t,” featuring a 340hp V-6 pulled from the F-TYPE; the “25t,” a compact gasoline inline-4 shared with other Jaguar Land Rover products, like the Evoque and Discovery Sport; and the “20d,” the brand’s first-ever diesel in North America, and the first of a new generation of “Ingenium” engines wholly designed, engineered and built by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK.

(1) All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar or Land Rover Retailer for details.

(2) Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance, 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™. For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit JAGUARUSA.COM, call 1.800.4.JAGUAR or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.

(3) EPA estimates 32 city / 42 highway/ 36 combined mpg.  Actual mileage may vary.

USA - General Motors is pleased to announce that Chevrolet has just sold the 100,000th Volt Plug In vehicle.

First Model to Reach Milestone for Plug-In Vehicles

Chevrolet is announcing the sale of 100,000 Volts, giving those owners a no-compromise electric driving experience with a plug-in vehicle offering an EPA-estimated 53 miles of electric vehicle range and a total range of 420 miles between gasoline fill-ups or full recharges*.

“The Chevrolet Volt delivers not just a fun driving experience behind the wheel, but has become the first vehicle with plug-in electrification technology to truly become mainstream,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. 

“Not only is the Volt a class-creator, it serves as the foundation of a Chevrolet electric family that will soon add the first long-range, affordable EV available to customers across the U.S., the Chevrolet Bolt EV.”

How much of an impact do 100,000 Volts out on the road make? As it turns out, quite a bit. Since sales of the Chevrolet Volt began, owners have driven almost 1.5 billion miles in EV mode of a total 2.5 billion cumulative miles. 

Based on an average new car fuel economy of 25.3 miles per gallon, Volt drivers have saved nearly 58 million gallons of fuel. That is enough gasoline to fill more than 87 competition-size swimming pools.

The second-generation Volt improves on the pioneering work of the original, adding additional electric-only range, improved fuel economy of 106 mpg-e and 42 mpg, and a chassis that is lighter than the original. The second-generation Volt is 220 pounds lighter than the first-generation and delivers 19 percent stronger 0-30 mph electric acceleration while providing 39 percent greater pure EV range. Based on Chevrolet data, Chevrolet expects the average 2017 Volt driver who fully charges the car regularly to travel more than 1,000 miles between gas fill ups.*

The Volt offers industry-leading smartphone integration, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an onboard, available OnStar 4G LTE connection—features that will leave the next 100,000 owners of the Chevrolet Volt even more satisfied.

*EPA estimated 53-mile EV range based on 106 mpg-e combined city/highway (electric) and 42 mpg combined city/highway (gas).  Actual range varies with conditions.

USA - 2016 Chevrolet Volt wins second Green Car of the Year award

2016 Chevrolet Volt wins second Green Car of the Year award

The Next-Generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt was awarded Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the second time the Volt has won the award.

The Volt, which started arriving in dealerships this fall, also won the award when it debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model. Green Car Journal praised the Volt’s increased range, all-new propulsion system and bold design.

The Green Car of the Year award is determined by an 11-member panel, and is based on fuel efficiency, Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications, performance and affordability. Other criteria include availability and accessibility.

The other finalists were the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Prius.

“Chevrolet’s all-new Volt is a milestone, building on an already-technologically advanced ‘green’ car and delivering what buyers have longed for, including an impressive 53-mile driving range on a single charge,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.

“A visually appealing design, increased five-passenger seating, and an array of on-board electronics combine with the Volt’s inherent efficiencies to make the 2016 Chevrolet Volt a real winner,” Cogan said.

The all-new Volt delivers a total driving range of up to 420 miles. Combined with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg highway, Chevrolet expects owners to travel 1,000 miles between gasoline fill-ups.

“Chevrolet is all about bringing affordable electrification to our customers, and that is exactly what we did with the Volt” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director. “For Volt to stand out in Green Car’s evaluation, it reaffirms Chevrolet’s commitment to being a leader in electrification.”

According to independent surveys, Volt owners are the most satisfied in the industry, and 70 percent of those owners are new to General Motors.

USA - LEXUS 3 - A few tweaks to the Hybrid CT range brings the 2016 Model year car up to date.

• 42 MPG EPA Estimated Combined Fuel Economy
• F SPORT Package Delivers Sporty Performance
• Peace of Mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect

What do you get when Lexus melds a sporty luxury compact with an environmentally conscientious attitude? The 2016 CT 200h. With an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined fuel economy the CT 200h is one of six hybrid models Lexus offers for 2016. Lexus has been the hybrid luxury leader since it introduced the first luxury hybrid more than 10 years ago.

           

The CT 200h broke new ground for Lexus, introducing the brand to a younger generation of highly discerning customers. They, too, quickly discovered the refinement and driving pleasure that characterize the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

           

A sporty chassis keeps the CT 200h connected to the road’s curves, and for 2016, the dashing look is enhanced with a chrome surround grille.

Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Remote (subscription required), allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Key features include remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more. 

Lexus Enform Service Connect (subscription required) allows customers to remotely view information about certain aspects of their Lexus vehicle via the MyLexusandBeyond mobile application for iOS smartphone users or LexusDrivers.com.  Information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report that includes email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more.      

           

What Makes It Go (On So Little Fuel)

There’s no magic needed to get sporty performance with EPA fuel economy estimates of 43 MPG city / 40 MPG highway / 42 MPG combined. It just takes the world’s deepest well of hybrid expertise and experience. In the CT 200h, that translates to a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine teamed to a 650 volt motor/generator for a combined output of 134 horsepower. A second motor in the hybrid system serves as both engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack.

           

The powertrain is mated to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) that makes the best use of the instant torque of the electric motor and quickly finds the optimal gear ratio to enhance the driving experience.

           

It’s the unseen engineering details that really make a difference in the CT’s fuel efficiency. For example, an exhaust heat recovery system uses the heat of spent exhaust gases to speed engine coolant warm-up. That in turn allows the hybrid system to stop the engine earlier and more often in the driving cycle when it’s not needed, for example in low-power-demand city driving conditions.

           

Like other Lexus models, the CT 200h puts a wide range of vehicle control at the driver’s fingertips through the Lexus Drive Mode Select system. You can choose from four distinct modes: Normal, Sport, Eco or EV. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response that gives naturally progressive power. Sport mode yields a more responsive and dynamic driving experience.

           

In Eco mode, air conditioning settings are adjusted and the throttle response is reduced relative to the pedal angle to emphasize fuel economy. Under certain circumstances, the EV mode can allow the CT 200h to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. It’s ideal for crawling through a crowded parking lot or garage when searching for a space, for example.

F SPORT: Look Sporty. Feel Sporty.

The F SPORT is hard to miss, thanks to its exclusive mesh version of the Lexus spindle grille, black contrast roof, rear spoiler with two large air ducts, 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with two-tone graphite and machine finish and mesh and fog lamp inserts with black surrounds.

           

For even more head-turning power, the F SPORT offers two unique exterior colors:  Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Another of the color choices, Redline, features a highly scratch resistant self-restoring coat.   

           

It’s not all about great looks. The CT’s F SPORT-tuned suspension includes specially tuned dampers and springs to increase agility, making every drive feel its sportiest.

 

 

It Is A Lexus, After All

Compact, sporty and shockingly thrifty with fuel, the CT 200h is of course a pure Lexus. That means a considerably higher level of luxury than you’ll see in anything this size. Standard features include a 10-way power driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

           

Available cabin choices like NuLuxe seating reflect the CT’s eco-conscious mission. NuLuxe seating material offers the elegant look and supple feel of leather. Yet, even compared to other synthetic leathers, NuLuxe weighs half as much, and its manufacturing process generates far fewer CO₂ and VOC emissions. Perforated Flaxen leather is also available, accentuated by metallic interior trim that highlights the CT’s sporty nature.

Informative and Conversational

The available Display Audio/Navigation screen controls a multimedia system featuring complimentary HD Radio™, real-time traffic, and weather. Models equipped with the optional navigation system use Remote Touch Interface.

           

The cache radio feature will quickly endear itself. If you’re busy with something when a favorite song comes on the radio, such as paying a toll or waiting at a bank or coffee drive-through, cache radio will store it for up to 15-minutes and let you listen later. Or, tag it with iTunes^® Tagging to download later.

           

The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin. You may hear voices with greater clarity than you have before. A 10-speaker system is available. Both systems, of course, live up to the brand’s reputation for stellar sound. The Display Audio and Navigation systems both employ Bluetooth^® 3.0 and dual USB ports to ensure you can connect your music any way you like.

New for 2016

• Grille with chrome surround
• Optional moonroof
• Available Lexus Enform Remote for vehicles equipped with optional Lexus Display Audio or Navigation
• Available Lexus Service Connect

Vehicle Details

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

• Suspension design combines a MacPherson strut front system with a fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension.
• A unique lateral performance damper system is designed to absorb and minimize body vibrations to offer a more linear steering feel and further enhanced ride comfort.
• The CT 200h braking system is augmented by regenerative braking which also helps recharge the hybrid battery pack and improve fuel economy.
• Standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels on the CT 200h are equipped with P215/45 R17 all-season tires.

Safety

• Standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and knee airbags, side curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags.
• Optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can help reduce collision damage. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS is equipped with a front-mounted radar sensor that is designed to detect certain obstacles in front of the car.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and four-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat.
• The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin.
• Voice recognition and Bluetooth technology hands-free communication when paired with a compatible smartphone.
• Siri^® Eyes Free Mode  (iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward) lets you call contacts , get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, select and play music from iTunes^® and much more.

Luxury Options

• Navigation with Lexus Enform Destinations, Lexus Enform App Suite (Destination Services, Pandora^®, iHeartRadio, Slacker, Open Table^®, Yelp^®, Movie Tickets.com), and HD Radio with iTunes tagging. Package includes HDD navigation system, back-up camera and voice command. Also features Bluetooth hands-free phone, phone book download capability and Lexus’ exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback.
• The Premium Audio Package includes the Lexus Premium Audio System with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, Homelink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.
• The Leather Package includes perforated leather-trimmed seats, driver memory, and rain sensing variable intermittent wipers.
• LED low-beam headlamps with headlamp washers
• Electrochromic (auto-dimming) rearview mirror with backup camera
• Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Park Assist
• Seat Comfort Package: Heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and manual sliding sunshade.

Exterior Design

• The spindle grille is flanked by headlamp clusters positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself.
• Headlamps focus on piercing, single halogen or optional twin LED low beam lamps.
• Compact and aerodynamic door mirrors with an integral, LED side turn signal lamp.
• Tail lamps incorporate a Lexus L-shaped motif.
• Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper and finned rear undercover smooths airflow from beneath the car, further improving both vehicle stability and fuel consumption.

Interior Design

• The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with an  seven-inch, LCD multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and system controls.
• The front seats feature pronounced side bolsters engineered with internal wire framing for additional lateral support during high-G cornering.
• Extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of the cockpit.
• Ecological Plastics with 30 percent plant-based Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials are used for the floor mats, deck side and deck board trim. The CT is more than 80 percent recyclable and is designed to be easily dismantled. Recycle marks have been placed on the front, rear and tailgate trim to facilitate optimum recycling.

F SPORT Package

• F SPORT-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels two-tone finish.
• Front grille with mesh inserts, metal front scuff plates, black contrast roof, a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel all add to the sporty feel.
• Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats with white perforation are available. 

Warranty

• 48-month/50,000miles basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
• 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
• 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.
• Eight years/100,000 miles hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.