PSA group are the first manufacturer to raise prices directly due to the UK's decision to leave the E.U.

PSA Group has raised prices for its new cars in the UK after the pound plunged following the country’s decision to leave the EU.

Other automakers including Fiat and Nissan have warned that car prices will have to rise to counter the pound's fall but PSA is the first to do so,

PSA increased UK car prices for its Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands on Aug. 1.

A Peugeot brand spokesman said the increase partly reflected the pound’s 10 percent fall in value against the euro following the Brexit vote on June 23. “We have to anticipate fluctuations in currency,” he said.

Peugeot didn’t give an average increase but in one example the entry 308 compact car rose by 435 pounds ($567) to 15,930 pounds, a 2.8 percent increase.

Citroen and DS prices rose by an average of 2 percent, a spokesman for those brands said. The price increase was planned before the recent exchange rate fluctuations, the spokesman said.

PSA’s three brands have a combined 7.24 percent share of the UK market based on sales in the first seven months. The French automaker has no local production to offset currency variations and imports all its cars into the country.

UK industrywide passenger car registrations increased by just 0.1 percent in July with private sales declining by 6.1 percent as consumer confidence fell, according to data from industry association SMMT released on Thursday.

Price rises would “hurt car sales” in the UK, Europe’s second largest market after Germany, JATO Dynamics global analyst Felipe Munoz said.

Automakers are still assessing what the UK’s exit from Europe means for business there, he said. “However the first effect is on the pound, and the price rise is the easiest and quickest way to deal with that,” he said.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn last week told journalists he had “no doubt” prices would have to rise in the UK.

Fiat brand's UK chief, Sebastiano Fedrigo, warned earlier this month that price rises are inevitable but said most companies are waiting to see if the pound stabilizes.

Automakers have warned that Brexit is hitting the profitability of their European operations.

Ford Motor, the UK's top-selling brand, said last month that Brexit has already cost the company $60 million because of the pound’s slump in value. It expects to lose $200 million this year and $400 to $500 million next year due to Brexit, Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks said.

General Motors said it was considering cost cuts in Europe to offset up to $400 million of potential headwinds triggered by the Brexit vote. GM is seeking to return its Opel and Vauxhall to a full-year profit after years of losses.

Nick Gibbs

Automotive News Europe

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EURO NCAP - Jaguar takes a double award with both the new XE and XF saloons's getting the full Five Star awards.

The Jaguar XE and all-new Jaguar XF saloons have been awarded the maximum five star rating in Euro NCAP’s 2015 safety tests. XE and XF scored highly in every category – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist – and are among the most highly-rated models in their respective segments.

As well as outstanding crash protection, the XE and XF also benefit from a range of active safety systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking (fitted as standard in Europe), which uses a forward-facing stereo camera to detect vehicles which could pose a threat of collision: the system can give the driver visual and audible warnings and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is deemed imminent.

“The XE and XF were engineered without compromise: we placed just as much focus on safety as we did on dynamics, performance, refinement and efficiency, and our stringent in-house standards far exceed the requirements of legislative and consumer tests.

“Everything from the aluminium alloys we developed for the body structures to the state-of-the-art stereo camera at the heart of the Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been painstakingly optimised to deliver world-class levels of safety.”

Kevin Stride, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XE, XF, F-PACE

The XE and XF are developed from Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture: the inherently light yet stiff and strong body structures deliver exceptional occupant protection, further enhanced by driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags. In the event of an impact with pedestrians, deployable bonnets help to mitigate serious injuries.

Both models offer a full suite of active safety technologies and advanced driver assistance systems* including Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Reverse Traffic Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Additional features offered in the XF – and which will be offered in the 2017 Model Year XE – include Lane Keep Assist, Driver Condition Monitor and Adaptive Speed Limiter.

EURO NCAP - The All-New Infiniti Q30 hatchback also achieves the full five star Euro Ncap award.

• New Infiniti Q30 achieves maximum five-stars safety rating
• Top scores in all four testing areas

Rolle – The all-new Infiniti Q30 has received the maximum five-star rating by independent vehicle safety organization, Euro NCAP.

The Euro NCAP scoring system considers various aspects of vehicle safety, such as occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist which is the availability and effectiveness of safety systems and driver aids.

As well as achieving the maximum five stars, the Infiniti Q30 gained top scores in each of these four testing categories.

Roland Krueger, President, Infiniti Motor Company, commented: “The Q30 offers a comprehensive technology package that enhances the car’s driving experience while providing maximum safety to all occupants. The five-star rating from Euro NCAP is testament to Infiniti’s advanced safety approach.”

Occupant protection scored highly in the rigorous test program with an 84 per cent rating for adult safety. As well as a driver knee airbag, the Q30 has driver-, passenger-, front hip-thorax side and front-to-rear curtain airbags.

Designed and engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, an automated system in the front passenger seat will turn off the front passenger airbag when someone fits a rearward facing child seat.

For Pedestrian Protection, the Q30 scored 91 per cent, a score which is determined from tests to the most important vehicle front-end structures, such as the bonnet and windshield, the bonnet leading edge and the bumper. The Q30 is equipped with a sensor that detects a pedestrian’s legs contact with the bumper and causes the hood to pop up to give more clearance between the hood surface and the hard parts of the engine to protect pedestrians.

An 81 per cent score in the Safety Assist category was due to the latest safety technologies fitted to the Q30 as part of Infiniti’s acclaimed Safety Shield system. They include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Alert.

EURO NCAP - The New Vauxhall Astra gets high scores in all categories to achieve the full five star award.

• High scores across all categories assessed by Euro NCAP
• First compact car with front camera in volume sector

The all-new Brit-built Astra has been awarded the maximum five stars by Euro NCAP in its latest safety ratings published today. The compact five-door hatchback from Vauxhall achieved high scores in each of the categories assessed – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

The new Astra realises Vauxhall’s safety objective for all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles of optimised protection in real traffic and collisions, achieved by the integration of its passive and active safety systems.

The interior of the Astra is designed to create the largest possible survival space in crash conditions. To accommodate the impact force in case of a crash, the front, sides and rear of the passenger compartment are surrounded by energy absorption zones that deform and protect in a controlled manner.

Inside the passenger compartment, the new Astra features a three-part approach for the airbag system consisting of front airbags for driver and co-driver, thorax-pelvis side airbags and full-length curtain airbags for the first and second seat rows. 

Combined with advanced retractors/pre-tensioners with load limiters mounted on the vehicle body, lap pre-tensioners attached to the seats and seat-integrated anti-submarining ramps, the Astra ensures maximum passenger protection and reduces injury potential.

The Astra’s high standards of adult, child and pedestrian protection are complemented by state-of-the-art active safety and driver-assistance systems.

Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist not only warns the driver, but also applies a gentle nudge of corrective steering if the Astra should stray out of its lane. Frontal collisions can be avoided or mitigated thanks to Automated Emergency Braking, Integrated Brake Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indication. 

The collision warning system is optimised by a row of flashing red LED lights, which are projected onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision if the distance to the vehicle in front gets too small and a collision is imminent. 

The data for these systems is collected by the new Astra’s front camera, installed at the top of the windscreen. The Astra is the first compact car with a front camera from a volume manufacturer and it is also the first Vauxhall providing assisted braking with data received only from the camera.

The Astra’s active safety and driver assistance systems are completed by Side Blind Spot Alert (which uses the ultrasonic sensors of the Park Assist system to warn of hidden dangers when changing lanes, overtaking or turning corners) and IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. This advanced lighting technology automatically adapts to the current traffic conditions and always offers the best possible illumination.

In addition to driver, occupants and other road users, the Astra also offers “five star” protection for the driver’s wallet and driving licence. Traffic Sign Assist continuously monitors the data provided by the mono camera and compares it with information from the embedded navigation of the Navi 900 Intellilink infotainment system. Speed limits are then displayed to the driver in the instrument cluster, reducing the risk of speeding tickets.

Nissan reports six months results, significantly higher than the same period in 2013,

Results for six months to September 30, 2014 (TSE report basis – China JV equity basis)*	FY2014 First Half (Apr.-Sep. 2014)	Y-O-Y
Net revenue	¥5.14 trillion ($49.95 billion/€37.04 billion)	+8.2%
Operating profit	¥261.9 billion ($2.54 billion/€1.89 billion)	+18.0%
Ordinary profit	¥328.2 billion ($3.19 billion/€2.36 billion)	+41.9%
Net income	¥237.0 billion ($2.30 billion/€1.71 billion)	+24.9%

Based on average foreign exchange rates of JPY 103.0/USD and JPY 138.9/EUR

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced financial results for the six months to September 30, 2014.

In spite of volatile economic conditions in several markets, Nissan benefited from strong demand for new products, rising sales in the key North American market, and the favorable impact of the yen correction against the U.S. dollar.

Operating profit rose to $2.54 billion (¥261.9 billion/€1.89 billion) for the first half of the 2014 fiscal year, representing a 5.1% margin on net revenues that climbed 8.2% to $49.95 billion (¥5.14 trillion/€37.04 billion) for the period.

"Nissan successfully overcame challenging market conditions in the first-half of the fiscal year, delivering solid revenues and profitability amid encouraging demand for our latest models," said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer.

"Nissan is on track to deliver its full-year net income guidance, reflecting the benefits of our continued product offensive, financial discipline and synergies from our Alliance strategy."

On a management pro forma basis, which includes the proportionate consolidation of the results of Nissan's joint venture operations in China, FY14 first half net revenue increased to 5.64 trillion yen, up 8.2% year-on-year. Operating profit was up 25.7% versus the same period last year, to 332.6 billion yen, resulting in a 5.9% operating profit margin.

The improvement reflected strong unit sales growth in North America and signs of stabilization in western Europe. This offset slower demand in Japan and continued volatility in Russia and other emerging economies. Rising demand for award-winning products including the Qashqai, Rogue and X-Trail, each derived from the Common Module Family developed within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, contributed to the positive results.

During the first half of FY14 Nissan sold 2.58 million vehicles globally, a 5.8% rise year-on-year.

In the first half Nissan also expanded its zero-emissions leadership. Total sales since launch of the all-electric LEAF have passed 142,000 units and it continues to be the best-selling EV in history. Nissan expanded its zero-emission presence in the light commercial vehicle segment with the June launch of e-NV200, which offers versatility and class-leading running costs.

FY2014 Outlook

Nissan has revised its full-year sales outlook downward by 200,000 units to 5.45 million units for this fiscal year. Although units sales are expected to rise further in North America, this is likely to be more than offset by reduced sales in China and emerging markets.

Despite the anticipated decrease in unit volumes, the company is maintaining its prior forecasts for operating profit and net income, reflecting increased sales in North America, further cost savings and net foreign currency benefits. Net revenue guidance has been revised upward slightly from the forecast first issued to the Tokyo Stock Exchange in May 2014. 

Foreign exchange rate assumptions for the full year are projected to be 104 yen to the dollar and 138 yen to the euro. Calculated under the equity accounting method, the company issued the following revised outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015:

Nissan FY14 Outlook – TSE report basis – China JV equity basis
Net revenue	¥10.8 trillion ($103.85 billion/€78.26 billion)
Operating profit	¥535.0 billion ($5.14 billion/€3.88 billion)
Ordinary profit	¥620.0 billion ($5.96 billion/€4.49 billion)
Net Income	¥405.0 billion ($3.89 billion/€2.93 billion)

Calculated on exchange rate of JPY 104/1 USD and JPY 138/1 EUR

*Since the beginning of fiscal year 2013, Nissan has reported figures calculated under the equity method accounting for its joint venture with Dongfeng in China. Although net income reporting remains unchanged under this accounting method, the equity-accounting income statements no longer include Dongfeng-Nissan's results in revenues and operating profit.

Latest Euro NCAP results, good for some, really bad for others.

The latest Euro NCAP results show that not all vehicles are meeting with the tougher safety requirements.  The following car models have recently undergone Euro NCAP crash tests:

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reached Euro NCAP’s maximum award of five stars. The Renault Twingoreceived four stars and Nissan's new electric e-NV200 Evalia achieved three stars.

The Citroën Berlingo obtained three stars and has exactly the same platform, interior fittings and levels of safety equipment as the new Peugeot Partner. The three star rating therefore applies to both vehicles.

PSA Peugeot Citroën have demonstrated that the Peugeot 108 and the Citroën C1 are identical to the Toyota Aygo in every way likely to influence safety. Therefore, these cars share the Aygo’s four star safety rating.

The detailed results of the tested vehicles are published on the Euro NCAP website. The crash test footages, photos and datasheets are available on our Media Center. All videos are also available on ourYouTube channel. For media requests, please contact Marie Brasseur, Euro NCAP Communications Manager.

Peugeot 2008 tops 100,000 sales in less than one year, and sales are increasing.

• Peugeot 2008 reaches manufacturing milestone in under 12 months
• More than 5,000 already sold in the UK - demand is 35% above target
• Strong January means Dealers on target to sell 18,000 this year
• Peugeot 2008 on sale from only £12,995

There’s no arguing with the success of the Peugeot 2008. Less than a year after its launch, the urban crossover has passed the magic 100,000 barrier in production.

The car in question was taken direct from the plant in Mulhouse, France, where it’s built, and handed over to its delighted new owner. The ceremony was witnessed by Corinne Spilios, Director of the Mulhouse production centre, and Xavier Duchemin, Director of Peugeot France.

Another measure of the Peugeot 2008’s success is the awards it has won. Prestigious honours have come from numerous markets, including Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Poland and Turkey. Evidence of the Brand’s move up-market in the B-segment is illustrated by the fact that 68% of sales are for the two highest trim levels, Allure and Feline.

Built exclusively at the Mulhouse site for all countries except China and those in Latin America, the impressive level of customer demand has already led to three increases in production. Output currently stands at 680 vehicles per day, double the rate at launch.

In the UK, more than 5,000 examples of the 2008 have been sold, with an astonishing level of conquest sales – currently 70%. Dealers have been asked to sell another 18,000 during 2014 and 1,194 registrations in January means that ambition is achievable.

2008 is the only vehicle in its category to offer Grip Control technology, a system that improves traction, and received the maximum five stars in the independent Euro NCAP safety tests. Priced from only £12,995 and also available via Peugeot’s innovative and unique Just Add Fuel™ personal lease scheme, the 2008 Urban Crossover is like no other.

World Premiere Qoros 3 Hatch behind the scenes photoshoot

• World premiere of brand’s second production model: Qoros 3 Hatch
• New body style offers greater lifestyle practicality
• Displays subtly evolved signature Qoros design cues for a more compact, dynamic, sporty look
• Features excellent connectivity, generous interior space and equipment
• Based on the same platform that earned Qoros 3 Sedan the title of Euro NCAP’s ‘safest car of 2013’

A year after the debut of new international car brand Qoros and its first production car, the company will stage the world premiere of its second production model, the Qoros 3 Hatch, at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show on 4 March 2014.

The design and engineering of the compact (C-segment) Qoros 3 Hatch draws heavily on the brand’s first model, the Qoros 3 Sedan. While it is similarly inspired by contemporary European automotive styling themes, it displays a subtle, youthful evolution of the distinctive signature Qoros design cues to inject greater sportiness to the car’s appearance.

“The new Qoros 3 Hatch will appeal to the modern metropolitan always-connected customer who needs a little extra versatility provided by the hatchback body style," says Vice Chairman of Qoros, Volker Steinwascher. “It offers those with active outdoor lifestyles or young families extra practicality, combined with added coolness thanks to its more spirited, sporty look.”

As well as rear lamp clusters and tailgate specific to the hatchback, the Qoros 3 Hatch features subtle visual changes at the front that differentiate it from the Sedan – notably to the front grille, front bumper and front fog lights. These create a bolder ‘face’ and a more compact, dynamic, sporty appearance that will appeal to a new, more lifestyle-oriented group of customers.

Inside, key ergonomic features, refinement, understated quality and equipment are shared with its sedan compatriot, although new upholstery colour combinations and materials will provide a fresh, new ambience.

Each Qoros 3 Hatch will be fitted as standard with the brand’s innovative eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Qoros MMH™ (multimedia hub) – which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs for minimal driver distraction. The hardware, software and graphics were designed and developed in-house by Qoros with the support of world-leading systems specialists.

As part of Qoros’ strategic objective to be creative in meeting the lifestyle needs of the modern metropolitan ‘always-connected’ consumer, the majority of the line-up will feature QorosQloud™, which delivers a comprehensive suite of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation. It brings a new perspective to the way motorists interact with their vehicles, seamlessly integrating with other digital devices through a dedicated website and smartphone apps.

The Qoros 3 Hatch is based on the same innovative modular platform as the Sedan. However, the Hatch features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member to maintain the car’s exceptional torsional rigidity. Built using the same high-strength steels and structural design that resulted in the Qoros 3 Sedan being ranked by Euro NCAP as the ‘safest car’ of 2013, the new Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm.

With a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like silhouette, the 4438mm- long new hatchback will deliver unusually generous interior space for a vehicle in the compact segment.

The Hatch also shares with the Sedan its highly-efficient 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines and six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be manufactured in the brand’s all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable assembly plant in Changshu, China, on the same production line as the Qoros 3 Sedan.

The new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent.