Jaguar Land Rover announces the retailers that have won the internal Excellence awards.

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC is proud to announce the 32 U.S. retailer winners of the 2016/17 Pride of Jaguar and Land Rover Pinnacle Retailer Excellence awards.

The Pride of Jaguar and Land Rover Pinnacle awards are given annually to retailers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. Last year, sixteen retailers were selected from each brand based upon their top performance in core business categories including customer advocacy, sales and business excellence.

In 2016, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales reached a new all-time record with U.S. sales up 24 percent for the two brands combined. For the Land Rover brand, U.S. sales reached an all-time high with an increase of 5 percent from 2015 and record sales of the Range Rover Sport. The Jaguar brand more than doubled its volume with sales up 116 percent from 2015, driven by breakout performances of three new models: the F-PACE, XE and XF. The Jaguar F-PACE performance SUV became the brand’s top seller in its first year.

“We are delighted to honor our leading retailers for their outstanding customer service and sales satisfaction which has helped Jaguar and Land Rover set sales records in the United States," said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “We take immense pride in providing our customers with not only distinctive high quality vehicles, but a truly exceptional and personalized experience.”

The recipients of the 2016/17 Pride of Jaguar and Land Rover Pinnacle Retailer Excellence awards are:

Pride of Jaguar Award:

Alpine Jaguar (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Jaguar Plano (Plano, Texas)

Jaguar Fort Myers (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Jaguar Fox Valley (Appleton, Wis.)

Imperial Motors Jaguar of Lake Bluff (Lake Bluff, Ill.)

Harper Jaguar (Knoxville, Tenn.)

Jaguar Gulf Coast (Mobile, Ala.)

Haron Jaguar (Fresno, Calif.)

Crown Jaguar (Saint Petersburg, Fla.)

Jaguar Palm Beach (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

Jaguar Allentown (Allentown, Pa.)

Jaguar Downtown Salt Lake (Salt Lake City)

West-Herr Jaguar (Getzville, N.Y.)

Bobby Rahal Jaguar (Wexford, Pa.)

Crest Jaguar of Woodbridge (Woodbridge, Conn.)

Jaguar San Juan Texas (San Juan, Texas) 

Land Rover Pinnacle Award: 

Land Rover Warwick (Warwick, R.I.)

Land Rover Cape Fear (Wilmington, N.C.)

Land Rover Main Line (Wayne, Pa.)

Land Rover Tampa (Tampa, Fla.)

Land Rover Louisville (Louisville, Ky.)

Land Rover San Juan Texas (San Juan, Texas)

Land Rover Roaring Fork (Glenwood Springs, Colo.)

Land Rover Guilford (Guilford, Conn.)

Land Rover North Hills (Wexford, Pa.)

Land Rover Allentown (Allentown, Pa.)

Land Rover Fort Myers (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Land Rover Norwood (Norwood, Mass.)

Land Rover Huntsville (Huntsville, Ala.)

Land Rover Fort Lauderdale (Pompano Beach, Fla.)

Land Rover Denver (Littleton, Colo.)

Land Rover Austin (Austin, Texas)

Jaguar and Land Rover have a combined network of 332 retailers across the U.S.

USA RECALL - TOYOTA - The brand is recalling 73,000 Tundra models from 2016-2017.

Toyota Motor North America, Inc, Announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 73,000 Model Year, 2016 and 2017 Toyota Tundra vehicles in the U.S.

The involved vehicles are equipped with resin rear step bumpers and resin reinforcement brackets at each corner.  In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may become damaged but not be noticed.  If a person steps on the corner of the bumper that is damaged, a portion of it may break away, increasing the risk of injury.

Toyota dealers will replace the resin reinforcement brackets with new ones that are made of steel at no cost to customers.  In addition, the rear bumper tread covers will be replaced as part of the remedy.

All known owners of the involved vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail starting in the middle of February.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.  For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

Groupe Renault UK has announced the winners of its annual ‘Auto Express Driver Power – Dealer of Excellence’ award

• Unique industry initiative is in partnership with Auto Express magazine and Driver Power
• 17 Renault franchises awarded coveted ‘Dealer of Excellence’ status
• Award recognises dealerships that far exceed the manufacturer’s customer satisfaction measurements
• Programme contributes to Groupe Renault UK’s increased focus on customer satisfaction

Groupe Renault UK has announced the winners of its annual ‘Auto Express Driver Power – Dealer of Excellence’ award programme that is run in association with Auto Express magazine.

A total of 17 franchises have been awarded the highly coveted ‘Dealer of Excellence’ accolade that recognises the best of the best in the Groupe Renault UK dealer network. 

The successful dealerships were presented with their awards by Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, at the manufacturer’s national dealer conference held yesterday in Central London.

The winning dealerships were initially nominated for the award after significantly exceeding the high standard set by Groupe Renault UK in its own in-house customer satisfaction measurements. Each nominated dealership was shown to be performing within the top-tier of dealers across eight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that rate sales and aftersales procedures and service.

Driver Power then sought to independently verify each nominated dealership’s highly-rated levels of care and service by contacting its customers and conducting an in-depth customer satisfaction survey.

The ‘Auto Express Driver Power – Dealer of Excellence’ programme was established in 2015 and is backed by the expertise of more than 15 years of conducting the annual Driver Power survey, the UK’s largest and most comprehensive independent automotive satisfaction study. It forms part of the manufacturer’s drive to position the Renault brand as a leader in terms of customer experience. Following the creation of the initiative was the announcement of Groupe Renault UK’s new Total Customer Experience (TCE) organisation, which integrates Customer Engagement, Customer Support, Product Support and Warranty. The increased emphasis on customer satisfaction also included the creation of a brand new Customer Journey team, which ensures that Renault and Dacia drivers enjoy the very best care throughout their ownership experience.

Congratulating the winning dealerships, Mark Crockett, Total Customer Experience Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “The winning dealers can feel very proud of their teams’ achievements. Our commitment to improving quality and standards across the board has never been higher, and we established this unique partnership and initiative with Auto Express and Driver Power to offer customers a transparent, independent verification of the customer experience our dealer partners are delivering. Customers of the 17 winning dealers can rest assured that they will receive the very best service and their motoring requirements are in the safest of hands.”

Brian Walters, Director of Research and Insight at Driver Power, said: “For consumers seeking a trustworthy and satisfying sales and service experience, the Dealer of Excellence accreditation is a powerful, independent seal of approval. But consumers aren’t the only ones who benefit from the programme; accredited dealerships benefit from increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.”

In 2016, Groupe Renault achieved its best ever performance in the Auto Express Driver Power survey for Dealer Aftersales Service Satisfaction, with Renault topping the survey for the first time and Dacia following in second. Across the whole Renault range, customers were on average 94.4 per cent satisfied with their overall aftersales experience at a Renault dealership in the latest survey.

The significant success in customer satisfaction at dealer level follows Renault vehicles posting their best ever results in the Auto Express Driver Power survey, which is determined purely by the feedback of owners and is the UK’s largest automotive customer satisfaction studies. Out of 183 models from 32 brands, the Renault ZOE and Renault Kadjar finished in second and third overall respectively. The all-electric ZOE, Kadjar crossover and previous generation Scénic/Grand Scénic also won the Supermini, Off-road/SUV and MPV categories respectively, while the Clio took third place in the Supermini sector.

Dacia also scored strongly in the annual survey, the manufacturer being voted the fourth best manufacturer overall and the Logan MCV – the UK’s most affordable new estate car – winning the Family Car category.

The exemplary customer service showing also comes at a time when Groupe Renault UK dealerships are exceptionally busy. In 2016 the All-New Renault Mégane and All-New Scénic were launched across the network and Renault UK recorded a five-year high in sales with 85,102 Renault cars being sold and Dacia achieving its best year since launching in the UK with 26,499 sales last year.

The 17 winning dealerships are:

• Bristol Street Motors Gloucester
• Bristol Street Motors Nottingham
• Bristo’s Limited Ipswich
• Harwoods Ryde
• Holden Norwich
• Lifestyle Eastbourne
• Mackie Motors Brechin
• Martins Basingstoke
• Mitchells Garage Lowestoft
• Motorline Ashford
• Renault Bolton
• Renault Cardiff
• Renault Manchester
• Renault Romford
• Renault Wirral
• S.M.C Weybridge
• Smiths of Peterborough

Ford announces that the 1.0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine is to be offered with innovative cylinder deactivation technology

• Ford to launch variable displacement for the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine using cylinder deactivation technology from early 2018
• Technology will be a global first on a three-cylinder engine; can stop or restart combustion in 14 milliseconds and improve CO₂ and fuel efficiency by up to six per cent
• European Ford engineers defy industry opinion by further enhancing three-cylinder engine’s fuel efficiency with no compromise on performance or refinement

Ford today announced that the multi-award-winning 1.0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine is to be offered with innovative cylinder deactivation technology for further reduced CO₂ emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

Ford’s compact and powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost will in early 2018 become the first three-cylinder engine in the world to feature cylinder deactivation. 

The accomplishment is delivered through innovative engineering by Ford, and defies industry opinion that a three-cylinder, variable capacity engine could not deliver the refinement needed for passenger car applications.

Cylinder deactivation will deliver reduced running costs for 1.0-litre EcoBoost customers by automatically stopping fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine.

An example of the advanced engineering that enables Ford to deliver the power of choice to customers with fuel efficient petrol, diesel and electrified powertrains, the technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye. Combined with advanced solutions to counteract vibrations, cylinder deactivation will be imperceptible to drivers in terms of operation and engine performance.

“Ford has pushed back the boundaries of powertrain engineering once again to further improve the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, and prove that there is still untapped potential for even the best internal combustion engines to deliver better fuel efficiency for customers,” said Bob Fascetti, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering, Ford Motor Company.

Making the best even better

The cylinder deactivation system, developed by Ford engineers at Dunton Technical Centre, in Essex, UK, Germany and the U.S. in collaboration with Ford’s engineering partners at the Schaeffler Group, improves fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions by reducing friction and pumping demand inside the engine.

Simple in concept but featuring advanced engineering that enables it to operate at engine speeds of up to 4,500rpm – when valves are each opening and closing almost 40 times per second – the system uses engine oil pressure to activate a special valve rocker and interrupt the connection between the camshaft and the valves of cylinder number one.

Sophisticated software determines the optimum moment to deactivate the cylinder based on factors including speed, throttle position and engine load. A new single-piece camshaft module – similar to the design debuted earlier this year for the all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine – frees space within the cylinder head for new oil channels and valve-switching componentry.

“With the variable capacity delivered by cylinder deactivation, drivers get the power and performance of the whole engine when they need it, and the enhanced fuel efficiency of a smaller engine when they don’t,” said Denis Gorman, powertrain engineer, Ford of Europe. “Our research shows that in most driving scenarios the system will be active for just a few seconds at a time, making fast and seamless operation crucial, and has the potential to improve fuel efficiency by up to six per cent.”

Ford’s single-cylinder deactivation design reduces complexity to make volume production achievable, but also presented significant challenges in maintaining the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine’s acclaimed refinement – delivered using innovations including an offset crankshaft configuration and deliberately “unbalanced” flywheel and pulley that counteract vibration.

A new dual-mass flywheel and a vibration-damping clutch disc help neutralise engine oscillations when running on two cylinders, especially at lower rpm, and enable a wider operating range. Intake and exhaust valves are closed when the system is active, trapping gasses to provide a spring effect that helps balance forces across the three cylinders for refinement, and also retain temperatures inside the cylinder that maintain fuel efficiency when reactivated.

New engine mounts, drive shafts and suspension bushes also will be specially tuned for refinement. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost will feature enhanced durability to cope with the different loading forces resulting from cylinder deactivation, including a new camshaft chain, and valve rockers formed using advanced metal injection moulding.

“Cylinder deactivation adjusts the effective engine capacity to maximise fuel efficiency, and to deliver the greatest benefit to customers, needs to be triggered in as many driving scenarios as possible,”said Carsten Weber, manager, Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford of Europe. “We intensively tested the system in real world conditions using a range of deactivation strategies to develop a system that maximises the fuel efficiency without compromising driving comfort.”

Game-changing 1.0-litre EcoBoost

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was launched in the Ford Focus in 2012, and uses Ford EcoBoost technologies including high-pressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing and turbocharging to deliver optimised fuel efficiency alongside the power and performance of a naturally aspirated 1.6‑litre engine.

The 1.0‑litre EcoBoost was earlier this year voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awardsfor the fifth year in a row. In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row, and also was in 2012 named “Best New Engine.”

The compact engine – with a block small enough to fit into an aeroplane’s overhead locker – is available with 100PS, 125PS and 14 PS – delivering a greater power-per-litre ratio than a Bugatti Veyron supercar.

Eleven Ford models, including Fiesta, EcoSport, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Tourneo and Transit Connect, Tourneo and Transit Courier and Mondeo are available in Europe with the three-cylinder engine. One in five all-new Ford vehicles sold in Europe in last year were equipped with the 1.0-ltre EcoBoost, including two in five Fiestas.  

The Jaguar XF saloon has been named "Best Saloon" in the Golden Steering Wheel Competition.

• Jaguar XF voted ‘Best Saloon’ in Medium-Full-size category
• Jaguar F-PACE takes second place in the Large SUV category

Jaguar has won Germany’s top car award, the Golden Steering Wheel. The Jaguar XF was voted ‘Best Saloon’ in the Mid-Full-size category, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90. 

Jaguar had further reason to celebrate in the Large SUV category, with the F-PACE taking second place.

The Jaguar XF defines the segment with unrivalled design, luxury, technology and efficiency, underpinned by class-leading driving dynamics and refinement. 

With the recent addition of all-wheel drive, the XF offers greater confidence in its all-weather traction and has exceptional total cost of ownership, with class-leading residual values and running costs.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, accepting the Golden Steering Wheel for the Jaguar XF, said:“Winning this prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award in the most demanding automotive market and the toughest premium segment in the world, means a lot to Jaguar Land Rover. The Golden Steering wheel confirms all the efforts of the Jaguar Land Rover team in delivering special, solid products with distinct character that excite the senses.

“I want to thank the experienced readers and seasoned expert jury for their appraisal – and especially the JLR team.”

Jaguar’s first performance SUV, the F-PACE, took a strong second place in the large SUV category. It is designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement Jaguar is renowned for together with everyday usability that delivers the Ultimate Practical Sports car. The F-PACE has been fantastically received and is Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle ever.

For the 41st Golden Steering Wheel Awards, 36 new models competed in six categories. In the first round of voting, millions of readers of Auto Bild and its sister publications in more than 20 European countries, together with the readers of Sunday paper Bild am Sonntag, selected their favourites. After the votes had been counted, the 24 finalists were determined. A 67 strong jury consisting of racing drivers, chief editors, designers and other car experts, thoroughly tested the new models comparing driving dynamics, connectivity, designs and operating costs.

Nissan has confirmed that it will build the next generation Qashqai and X-trail at the Sunderland UK Production Facility.

Nissan Motor Company Ltd. today announced, following its Executive Committee meeting, that it will produce the next Qashqai and will add production of the next X-Trail model at its Sunderland, U.K. Plant.

Nissan’s decision follows the U.K. government’s commitment to ensure that the Sunderland plant remains competitive. As a result, Nissan will increase its investment in Sunderland, securing and sustaining the jobs of more than 7,000 workers at the plant.

“I am pleased to announce that Nissan will continue to invest in Sunderland. Our employees there continue to make the plant a globally competitive powerhouse, producing high-quality, high-value products every day,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Nissan. “The support and assurances of the U.K. government enabled us to decide that the next-generation Qashqai and X-Trail will be produced at Sunderland. I welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May’s commitment to the automotive industry in Britain and to the development of an overall industrial strategy.”

Nissan’s Sunderland plant opened in 1986 and has produced almost 9 million cars since. One in three British cars are produced in Sunderland, which is the UK’s largest car plant of all time. In addition, 80% of production from Sunderland is exported to over 130 international markets. More than 2 million Qashqai’s have been built in Sunderland in less than 10 years. In addition to the 7,000 direct employees at Sunderland, the plant supports a further 28,000 British automotive supply chain jobs. To date, Nissan has invested more than £3.7 billion in Sunderland.

OH FFS - Neiman Marcus has launched its Christmas book with the Infiniti Q60 Limited Edition down as the fantasy gift.

Neiman Marcus announced the inclusion of the INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition in the luxury retailer's annual Christmas Book. Named this year's Fantasy Gift, only 50 of this exclusive Q60 model will be offered.  

The Q60 Nieman Marcus Limited Edition will go on sale beginning November 2, 2016 and is priced at $63,000.

Based on the Red Sport 400 version of the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60, this 400-horsepower coupe is equipped with a 3.0 liter-twin-turbocharged V6 engine and is painted a striking Solar Mica hue. 

The Nieman Marcus Limited Edition Q60 offers Direct Adaptive Steering™, Dynamic Digital Suspension, Bose® Performance Series premium audio system and INFINITI InTouch™ infotainment system. This special edition Q60 also features genuine carbon fiber accents on the fender vents, fog-light finishers, mirror caps and rear spoiler.  The interior is equipped with Gallery White leather-appointed sports seats and Silver Optic Fiber Interior Trim.

This fantasy gift, which can be found on page 128 of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, will retail for $63,000. The whole package includes an exclusive ivory leather weekender bag, a plaque with the car's VIN number, Neiman Marcus-branded indoor car cover and letter of authenticity.

"The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is an iconic part of the holiday season for luxury brands," said Allyson Witherspoon, director, Marketing Communications and Media at INFINITI Americas. "We were very excited for this exclusive Q60 to be the Fantasy Gift and worked closely with Neiman Marcus to bring it to life."

Additionally, with the purchase of each INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition, INFINITI will donate $1,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Interested shoppers can reserve this vehicle by calling 844-367-6971, beginning at noon EDT on November 2, 2016.

The all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sports coupe, which hit INFINITI retailers nationwide last month, is offered in a range of grade levels, including all-new advanced turbocharged engines and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. It also features adaptable chassis technologies, including the second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering and all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension that enhance steering feel and provide a more secure ride.

Rolls Royce Dawn - Inspired by Fashion, releases its Spring/Summer collection details, the combination of two worlds in one.

The House of Rolls-Royce has announced its Spring/Summer 2017 Couture collection. Signature detailing in vibrant colour will complement palettes of classic white as Dawn is Inspired by Fashion.

Rolls-Royce and the world of Haute Couture have long been bound by a common philosophy – taking the very finest materials and crafting them into the most exquisite and desirable luxury goods as expressions of their clients’ taste and lifestyle.

Under the stewardship of Design Director Giles Taylor, a team of talented designers were hand-picked from the worlds of fashion, fine textiles and luxury accessories including textile specialist Cherica Haye from the Royal College of Art and leather technologist Michelle Lusby who previously worked at Mulberry. 

Their work has seen the incorporation of fine silks and unexpected textures into the interior environment of truly bold and distinctive Bespoke commissions. They have conceived and executed Bespoke commissions with a depth of inspiration befitting to the world’s leading luxury brand.

In creating ‘Dawn – Inspired by Fashion’, these designers selected the neutral canvas of white upon which to base three vibrant colours that will set the tone for 2017’s Spring/Summer collection; Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue or Mandarin. Subtle accents of these colours adorn interior aspects of each Dawn, whilst the ‘Silent Ballet’ of the roof as it rises to provide shelter from the paparazzo’s lens unleashes a brushstroke of colour to catch the style-spotter’s eye.

“Our clients are the very arbiters of fashion, tastemakers who sit in the front row of the Couture shows, themselves influencing evolving trends,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “To them, the commissioning of fine luxury objects represents a deeply-involving curatorial process – with different forms of luxury design, craft and execution serving as inspiration for the other. ‘Dawn – Inspired by Fashion’ beautifully expresses the notion that inspiration for truly personal objects is drawn from the passions, tastes and lifestyle of its patron.”  

Like the finest Bespoke garments, individuality is forged in the subtlest details. On opening Dawn’s coachdoors, a contemporary Arctic White and Black interior colour scheme is accented by one of the three vivid colours: Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue or Mandarin. The Arctic White leather of the seats is accented through the embroidery of the headrests, as well as the stitching and piping of the seats. Seamless stitching, a highly-complex craft technique from the world of fine tailoring, is applied to the steering wheel to ensure the perfect line joins the two colours of leather around the rim.

Tactility, comfort and quality are important attributes of the piece itself. Rolls-Royce’s designers took inspiration from this approach in appointing the car’s front and rear door pockets with fine silks, adorned with an abstract representation of the Spirit of Ecstasy with each emblem set precisely at 55 degrees to complement the lines of the door.

The legendary Rolls-Royce craftsmanship and attention-to-detail is apparent through the exquisite dashboard created in Piano White with aluminium particles resulting in a silk-like appearance, with the lacquering process alone taking nine days of meticulous work.This is completed elegantly with the integration of a Bespoke clock, set as a piece of jewellery, styled exclusively to emit a silver on silver effect, evoking the metallic fabrics seen on this year’s catwalks in preparation for next year’s season.

Dawn’s exterior colour scheme of Andalucian White is beautifully accented by a hand-painted coachline which drapes over the curve of the car’s hip as the line flows backwards along the car, reflecting the identical splash of colour provided when the soft-top roof is in place.

Clients are invited to commission their personal style statement from this November to ensure they appear wrapped in the latest couture offering from the world’s leading luxury goods house for the new season next year.