Three new SsangYong dealerships appointed as the expansion continues apace.

Three new SsangYong dealerships appointed in Kings Lynn, Reading and Worthing

A further three new dealers have joined the SsangYong network in key locations that include Kings Lynn, Reading and Worthing.

The new appointments are:

• Charters Group - Reading
• Clarion Cars - Worthing
• Marriott Motor Group - Kings Lynn

“The arrival of Tivoli and Tivoli XLV has driven significant interest in securing our franchise.  With sales up 34% in 2016 vs 2015 and four all-new models in the pipeline, we appeal to all dealer profiles, from the regional dealer group to the independent used car business.  Everyone is talking to us,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“Confidence in SsangYong has grown steadily as our sales performance indicates, and we are delighted to be engaging with new partners, all of whom recognise the straightforward business model and focus on dealer profitability.

“Our six-model range encompasses small, medium and large SUVs plus a 7-seater people carrier and a 1 tonne double cab pick-up, all backed by an industry leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty.  There are huge opportunities to go after, and as our volumes grow, so too does brand awareness,” added Mr Williams.

SsangYong is actively looking for dealers to represent the brand in a number of locations, and current open points include: Aberdeen, Blackpool, Bristol, Cambridge, Dundee, Hull, Inverness, Liverpool, North Birmingham, Nottingham and Taunton.

IRELAND - Fancy a new car, fancy a new Rally car, well now you can order one from Skoda in Ireland.

• 280bhp, 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers just 4.7 miles per gallon (60l/100km)
• Three Fabia R5 vehicles have already been delivered or ordered for customers here in Ireland
• Each model is hand-built by three specialist mechanics over a ten day period
• Only 60 Units produced each year  

Following significant interest from motorsport fans, ŠKODA Ireland have today confirmed that the Fabia R5 Rally Car is officially for sale to Irish customers. Based on the third-generation Fabia, the race-spec R5 is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces approximately 280bhp. 

With 0-100km acceleration times estimated at less than four seconds, the Fabia R5 can rub shoulders with some of the world’s best supercars. It also has supercar fuel economy, consuming 60l/100km or delivering 4.7 miles per gallon. 

Depending on specification, the Fabia R5 can be purchased from €221,000 (inclusive of taxes). This may seem expensive; however, the Fabia R5 has an exceptional track record when compared to its main competitors. 

The Fabia R5 will appeal to motorsport enthusiasts across Ireland and was designed to be easily managed and maintained, while at the same time having the capability to deliver high performance with ease of use.

ŠKODA have a proud tradition in Motorsport over the past 114 years dating back to 1901. Each R5 is carefully hand-built by three specialist mechanics over a ten day period, in addition to further time spent on the production and painting of the exterior shell of the car.

Commenting, Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing at ŠKODA Ireland, said: “With the improvement in the economy we are getting more and more requests and interest in our motorsport vehicles. Prior to the Fabia R5 the Fabia S2000 was the European Rally Championship overall winner in 2012, 2013 and 2014, so we are seen as the most competitive vehicle in this category. 

Incredibly, used Fabia S2000 vehicles are fetching up to €120,000 on the second hand market! Already three Fabia R5 vehicles have been delivered or ordered for customers here in Ireland.”

Motorsport fans are encouraged to place their order sooner rather than later as the production run on the Fabia R5 is limited to approximately 60 units per year.

Despite the massive cost savings at Volkswagen Group, the next Bugatti is definitely coming soon.

Volkswagen Group's Bugatti will survive for at least one more supercar generation in the wake of the emissions scandal.

Bugatti said it will introduce a new supercar soon. Interest in the successor of the sold-out Veyron is "phenomenal" among North American customers, sales chief Stefan Brungs said after opening revamped showrooms in Manhattan and Miami. More outlets will follow in Munich, Monaco and Tokyo.

Bugatti's new showroom concept is a "fundamental investment in the future of the brand," Brungs said in a statement on Friday.

VW's widening scandal over rigged diesel engines and understated carbon dioxide emissions has drawn scrutiny over whether the company will stick to extravagant operations such as Bugatti as the parent company plans wide-ranging spending cuts to become leaner and more efficient.

Cleanup will cost at least 8.7 billion euros ($9.3 billion), Volkswagen has said. CEO Matthias Mueller said last week the group will scrutinize its vast lineup of more than 300 vehicles and weed out the least profitable.

Gold Veyron

Profitability was never the opulent, highly-engineered Veyron’s strong suit. Though the two-seat sports car sold for an average of 2.3 million euros, the cost of developing and building it -- in everything from gold and titanium to porcelain -- meant Volkswagen may have lost about 4.6 million euros on each Veyron it sold, according to estimates from analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein.

A spokeswoman for Bugatti declined to comment on speculation over the company’s prospects, saying that like all brands in the group, it needs to watch its costs. Bugatti has already started showing the Veyron successor to selected customers and will unveil it to everyone else in the near future, she said.

VW bought the rights to the brand founded by designer Ettore Bugatti in 1998, aiming to make a car powerful enough to drive faster than 400 kilometers (250 miles) per hour and civilized enough for a trip to the opera. In February it sold the 450th and final Veyron, an open-top Grand Sport Vitesse variant with 1,200 horsepower.

VW has hinted since then that a successor is coming -- the next iteration will be even faster, brand chief Wolfgang Duerheimer said at the Frankfurt auto show in September.

The Friday announcement is the first confirmation that Bugatti will survive the cuts.

Ssangyong aanounces five more dealers, and with new cars, sales should rocket - I am still waiting for the promised test.

• Five new SsangYong sales & service dealerships appointed in Batley, Doncaster, Horsham, Stockton-on-Tees and Telford

A further five new dealers have joined the SsangYong franchise, with new appointments currently running at around one a month.

The new appointments are:

• Burrells Motor Group - Doncaster
• Driven Car Sales - Stockton-on-Tees
• Hammertons - Batley, West Yorkshire
• Horsham Car Centre - Horsham, West Sussex
• Shukers - Telford

“The arrival of the new Tivoli B-segment crossover, has certainly increased interest in the franchise from across the motor trade,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“Confidence in the SsangYong brand has been growing steadily as our sales performance indicates, but Tivoli has really fired-up enquiries from potential dealers.  We’re also now hearing from businesses representing premium brands looking for another string to their bow.

“Additionally, we’re finding that existing SsangYong dealers are wanting to add the brand to other locations they either already have or want to open for us, Shukers in Shrewsbury and now Telford being a case in point.  This is hugely encouraging,” added Mr Williams.

SsangYong is actively looking for the right quality of dealers, with an entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitude, to represent the brand in a number of locations, and current open points include: Aberdeen, Ayr, Barnstaple, Basingstoke, Bedford, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Chester, Derby, Dover, Dundee, Edinburgh, Folkestone, Greater Manchester, Grimsby, Hull, Inverness, Isle of Man, Kings Lynn, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Mid & North Wales, Newbury, Nottingham, Orkneys, Perth, Portsmouth, Reading, Salisbury, Shetlands, Southampton, Worcester and York.

USA - Sixth Generation Camaro is rolling out of the Lansing grand Rover Assembly Plant and on the way to dealers.

Gen Six models rolling out of Lansing Grand River Assembly to dealers nationwide

The wait is over. Chevrolet announced today it will begin shipping the all-new 2016 Camaro to dealers. The first wave of production models will leave the plant by the end of this week and should arrive at dealerships for customer delivery by mid-November.

The Gen Six Camaro rolls off the line at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly facility, which received a $175-million upgrade in tooling and equipment to support its production.

“It is an exciting day for everyone involved in bringing the new Camaro from a concept to the assembly line,” said Mike Trevorrow, Lansing regional plant manager. “As the transporters head out to dealerships across the country, the hard work and pride of everyone at Lansing Grand River Assembly goes with them.”

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement starting at $26,695 for the Camaro 1LT and $37,295 for the 1SS.

Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a standard 2.0L Turbo and an available, all-new 3.6L V-6 in LT models, and the 455-hp LT1 6.2L V-8 in the SS – making it the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The first vehicles delivered to customers are coupes – SS or LT models with the 3.6L V-6. The Camaro Convertible and models with the 2.0L Turbo engine will begin shipping in early 2016.

Vehicle mass has been reduced between 223 and 390 pounds, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience. The leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the new Camaro’s exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency. 

Inside, a driver-focused cockpit integrates class-leading technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and an available customizable ambient lighting feature. Standard connectivity features include Chevrolet MyLink with Apple CarPlay capability and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

“There has been a lot of excitement and anticipation around our community and throughout the world for the next-generation Camaro,” said UAW Local 652 President Mike Green. “We have received great products here because of the quality of work always performed by the Lansing autoworker, active and retired.”  

FAST FACT: The original 1967 Camaro went on sale Sept. 29, 1966. 

ITALY - First "Open House" for the new premium Alfa Romeo MiTo Racer - Looking Great.

Details sleek exterior and interior with a vintage features of the new version that aims to satisfy a customer more mature and with the latest trends. The price list starts at 18,700 Euros. "Open doors" this weekend in all Alfa Romeo dealerships.

Saturday 13 and Sunday, June 14 showrooms will host the first "open house" dedicated to the Alfa Romeo range and, in particular, the new MiTo Racer, a concentrate of style in vintage version that modern interpretation "street spirit" of the bikes They have made history.

Five body colors available, including the new Slate, which are matched to the refined treatment for bronze alloy wheels 17 "and the wing exterior mirrors. 

In addition, the new special set us apart from the stylish treatment Chrome satin finish for door handles and frames of the headlights and rear, as well as the sporty rear bumper, spoiler and chrome exhaust tailpipe. 

Last but not least, on request, is available the special "Sticker Racer chess bronze" to be placed on the roof of the car.

Even stronger personalization within the sports environment where dark is enhanced by new seats in gray fabric and brown leather, vintage effect, with seams in tone and Alfa Romeo written on the front headrests.

The leather with brown stitching is also reserved to cut sports steering wheel with radio controls, the shift boot and parking brake lever. 

A touch more classic taste is also noticeable in the adoption of written mats with Alfa Romeo and brown stitching, dashboard Street black and elegant chrome sill plate. 

Also standard manual air conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors and the UConnect infotainment system with touchscreen 5 "full Bluetooth interface connector Aux-in, USB port and voice commands (optional navigation function). 

Moreover, in the security field the MiTo Racer offers standard 7 airbags, the Alfa DNA system (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), the ESC system (including ASR and hill holder), fog lamps and tire pressure sensor.

Strong of a style that expresses sportiness and road manners that makes it a reference point recognized in the category, the new MiTo Racer offers a wide range of engines, all efficient, reliable, high-performance and environmentally friendly. 

Just like the award-winning TwinAir gasoline engine 0.9 Turbo 105 HP that stands out for brilliant temperament and low fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 in the combined cycle, they are respectively 4.2 l / 100km and 99 g / km. All without sacrificing performance: 184 km / h top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.4 seconds.

For those who want more performance is available the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 140 hp with automatic "Alfa TCT" which registered 250 Nm of torque at 2,500 revs / min, 209 km / h top speed and 8.1 seconds of acceleration 0 -100 km / h.

Complete the offer of motoring Racer MiTo petrol engine 1.4 78 bhp, with the turbodiesel 1.3 JTDM 85 HP, offers a unique opportunity to young drivers to drive an Alfa Romeo; and the engine bi-fuel 1.4 LPG Turbo 120 HP, an exciting powerhouse and technology that combines high-level performance with respect for the environment and low running costs.

The price list starts at 18,700 Euros for the 1.4 78 bhp petrol engine and reaches 22,550 euro for those equipped with the sparkling 120 bhp 1.4 Turbo LPG.

Translated by google - apologies for any errors.

CHINA - Lincoln celebrates opening first new stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou today

• Lincoln opens its first three stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, officially unveiling The Lincoln Way, a unique new luxury automotive ownership experience in China
• Eight Lincoln stores will open in China by year’s end. By 2016, 60 Lincoln stores will be open in 50 cities across the country
• The Lincoln MKZ midsize premium sedan and Lincoln MKC small premium utility are the first two of five new vehicles Lincoln will bring to China by 2016

Lincoln opened its first three stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou today, officially unveiling The Lincoln Way, a unique new automotive ownership experience for Chinese luxury customers.

“The launch of The Lincoln Way and our first Lincoln stores in China marks an important milestone for Lincoln’s reinvention as a global luxury automotive brand,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln.

“The Lincoln Way demonstrates how a storied brand with a nearly 100-year history is innovating for our Chinese customers while staying true to our roots of personal service. Our Lincoln customers will not only get the very best when it comes to product, but also when it comes to the entire ownership experience.”

In addition to these first three locations, Lincoln will open five more Lincoln stores in China by year’s end, and a total of 60 stores in 50 cities in China by 2016. The Lincoln Way will be embedded in all Lincoln stores in China.

The Lincoln Way will serve today’s younger and more discerning luxury customers who value individuality. Through Lincoln’s specially trained staff, customers will experience a warmer, more engaging purchasing and ownership experience personally crafted to their individual needs and desires.

The Lincoln Way was developed over three years and is based on research across luxury retailing experiences from different sectors, including hospitality. Key elements of The Lincoln Way include a dedicated Lincoln Team; a distinct, welcoming, home-like environment featuring a relaxing tea room; intuitive personalized technology, with an exclusive Personalization Studio; and complete sales and service transparency.

The Lincoln stores in China will first offer the all-new MKC small premium utility vehicle and the MKZ midsize premium sedan. The Lincoln MKZ and MKC will be followed by the Lincoln MKX, the Lincoln Navigator and an all-new full-size luxury sedan, fulfilling the brand’s promise to bring five new vehicles to China by 2016.

“The launch of the Lincoln Way in China is the result of our global team researching a wide array of luxury brands,” said Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China. “After extensive concept testing with luxury consumers, a comprehensive customer experience was developed defining the ‘Lincoln Way.’ We believe the resulting customer experience will reshape luxury automotive ownership in China today.

“We are humbled by the efforts our first three partners are putting forth sharing our vision of The Lincoln Way. Their experience in the luxury automotive industry and excellence in customer service represent the winning combination we believe customers will appreciate.”

The Lincoln Way meets the needs of today’s new luxury customer in China

The Lincoln team spent the last three years establishing a deep understanding of the new luxury automotive customer in China. This included extensive quantitative and qualitative deep-dives into luxury customer segmentations as well as behavior models and expectations.

“Our extensive study of the new luxury customer in China revealed a unique opportunity for Lincoln in the luxury auto market,” said Parker. “As a new brand entering the market in China, Lincoln has a great opportunity to differentiate itself by combining great products with a new way of purchasing and owning a luxury vehicle.”

The research showed that today’s Chinese luxury customers are quickly evolving. They are no longer satisfied with luxury as an overt statement of their personal net worth. Instead, they are increasingly seeking luxury as a way to express their unique individuality.

Based on these insights, the Lincoln team took the unprecedented step of building a fully functioning prototype dealer facility in Shanghai a year ago to research, test and refine every aspect of the Lincoln customer journey throughout the purchase and ownership process.

Redefining luxury automotive ownership in China

The Lincoln Way is how Lincoln sells and services its vehicles and how Lincoln customers experience the brand. It completely shifts luxury automotive ownership from a sales-and-service transaction model to an experience model.

A Lincoln dealership is built around the customer, using clean elegant designs, harmonious colors and quality materials. The overall effect is a warm, inviting environment that customers associate with the living room of a home or a five-star boutique hotel lobby. There are different zones and pavilions with seating clusters where customers can relax with their family and friends.

In line with this customer-centric dealership environment is a transparent sales and service experience that aims to surprise and delight. Different from a traditional transaction-model dealership where the purchase experience is all about making the sale, the purchase experience at the Lincoln dealership is designed around building a relationship with the customer and understanding his or her needs. Attentive and intuitive staff gauge when to allow for self-exploration and when to provide assistance.

At Lincoln dealerships, each customer has a dedicated team to ensure personalized service tailored to the customer’s individual needs is consistently delivered throughout the ownership experience.

At the core of The Lincoln Way is the Lincoln Team, led by the Host, the Master and the Craftsman, team members specially chosen and rigorously trained by The Lincoln Institute.

The Host tailors the customer’s experience and maintains the customer relationship throughout the ownership process. If more detailed information is desired, the Host introduces the customer to the Master.

The Master serves as the customer’s trusted resource during the sales process, providing information, advice and recommendations based on the customer’s needs. The sequence of information and level of detail is tailored to the guest’s needs and interests.

The Craftsman serves as the customer’s personal contact for service and maintenance. He maintains a full record of the vehicle and thoroughly explains any maintenance process. If requested, used parts are returned, packaged in a Lincoln box and tagged with a label, extraction date and the name of a service technician.

Personalization Studio: In every Lincoln store, the high-tech Personalization Studio features a 46-inch interactive LCD touch screen that projects a near life-size image of the vehicle. This allows customers, through controls on a nearby table, to visually explore the entire array of models, colors and features and configure the desired vehicle both inside and out before making a selection.

Personalized test-drive routes: Lincoln guests are able to make test-drive appointments of a specific model and available powertrain online or at any Lincoln dealership. Test-drive routes also are tailored to each guest’s personal needs.

Transparent maintenance and repair process: The Lincoln Way subverts the traditional vehicle-maintenance model, which customers in China distrust Lincoln customers have complete transparency throughout the process, including write-up, diagnosis and parts change. Customers also can watch their vehicles serviced real time, from the comfort of the Lincoln dealership Star Lounge, through the E-Console linked to cameras positioned in the service bays. In addition, every Lincoln store in China offers extended service hours and provides Lincoln loaner vehicles for repairs taking more than two hours.

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services

Financing also is an important part of the Lincoln luxury experience in China. Lincoln Automotive Financial Services, a financing organization dedicated to serving Lincoln customers and dealers in China, launched on Oct. 23 and supports Lincoln dealers and customers by providing competitive financing products and exceptional service.