Ford launches new colour editions of the ever popular Transit Customer LCV.

• Ford launches exclusive new Transit Custom models for customers that want to combine eye-catching looks with impressive capability
• New Transit Custom Colour Edition brings vibrant contrasts to the one-tonne van market, in four striking colour schemes with contrasting roof, mirrors and skid plate
• Sport series with signature twin stripes now available in eight bodystyles; responds to rising customer demand, with sales up 52 per cent in first 10 months of 2016
• Latest Tourneo Custom people mover also enhances appeal with Sport package, plus new 6-speed automatic, rear air suspension and alloy wheel options

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle that provide stylish and functional transportation for independent businesses and artisans who want to stand out from the crowd.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. 

 Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend.”

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short-wheelbase van version offered previously.

As before, the range-topping Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Tourneo Custom people mover – with Sport, Auto and Rear Air Suspension options

For the first time, Ford’s spacious and versatile Tourneo Custom people mover is now available with a Sport series option, providing both private buyers and business purchasers with a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior.

The Sport variant is based on the Tourneo Custom Titanium model, and can be specified as an 8-seat vehicle in either short or long wheelbase form with the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine. The exterior and interior enhancements are shared with the equivalent Transit Custom.

The latest Tourneo Custom is also now offered with significant new features and technologies including the smooth and responsive new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, and an attractive new 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom showcase all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel

Ford earlier this year introduced the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine to Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque by 20 per cent.

Sophisticated new driver assistance technologies for both models include:

• Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether
• An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system that provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path

DS Automobiles is launching DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge Limited Edition, you'll need to be quick though because just 17 will be available to buy in the UK

DS Automobiles is launching DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge Limited Edition, you will need to be quick though because just 17 models will be available to buy in the UK from 1 November 2016. 

DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge comes in an all-new matt Tourmaline Orange body paint inspired by the latest Parisian fashion trends, while also featuring cutting-edge technology such as Mirror Screen and DS LED Vision.

On sale in the UK from 1 November 2016, DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge is a highly specified Limited Edition with a fashion inspired body colour, matt Tourmaline Orange, cutting-edge technological features and BlueHDi 180 diesel engine. 

DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge showcases the style, technology and attention to detail typical of the DS brand and with only 17 models available to buy in the UK you will need to be quick.

DS 4 CROSSBACK TERRE ROUGE: A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF FEATURES

DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge is a dynamic and refined alternative to classic hatchbacks. With its driving position elevated by 30mm, wheel arch embellishers, roof bars and panoramic windscreen, this limited edition model perfectly embodies the spirit of avant-garde.

The car’s design is highlighted by the unique and highly resistant matt Tourmaline Orange body colour, exclusive to DS Automobiles, while the adventurous personality is complimented by the 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels and tinted rear windows. DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge is equipped with front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system and aluminium sports pedals.

DS 4 CROSSBACK TERRE ROUGE: A HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCE

A DS model to the core, the new Limited Edition features an extensive line-up of technological equipment. With Mirror Screen technology comprising Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink®, drivers can access their smartphones through 7-inch colour touchscreen. The headlights incorporate DS LED Vision technology for a clearer view of the road with light beam intensity increased by 51%. The reversing camera, keyless entry and lane departure warning system add ease to the driving experience. 

The DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge Limited Edition is available with the BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 auto engine and priced at £30,045 OTR.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Exterior	Exclusive Matt Tourmaline Orange paint 18-inch gloss black ‘Brisbane’ alloy wheels
Interior	Black Basalt leather upholstery
Equipment	Front parking sensors Blind spot monitoring system Reverse-dipping door mirrors Aluminium sports pedals

DS 4 IN BRIEF

• One model, two body styles: DS 4, a dynamic and refined hatchback, and DS 4 Crossback, an all-new body style with a stylish adventurer look and raised height
• Launched in Europe in November 2015
• Produced at Mulhouse, France
• Crossback models account for one-third of total DS 4 sales

Suzuki launches an all new, updated, and fresh clothing collection for 2016.

Suzuki has launched its new clothing range for 2016, which sees a number of new lines added, including new additions to its in-vogue heritage collection.

Styling cues taken from mainstream fashion set the Suzuki collection apart from traditional branded apparel and the popular heritage range has been expanded with new t-shirts and a retro jacket.

The Urban Classics collection is new for 2016 and includes t-shirts, shirts, hoodies and hats with an urban-led design and subtle Suzuki branding.

‘Anybody can wear anything’ was a key concept throughout the development process which will broaden the appeal of Suzuki clothing beyond the more traditional Suzuki fan base.

The clothing range was designed by a European team of designers and takes inspiration from Suzuki’s rich Japanese roots and heritage combining this with a European take on fashion.

Suzuki GB’s Merchandise Co-ordinator, Faye Ball, said, “We’re really excited about this year’s collection and the new lines that we’ve added. We’ve bolstered our heritage line-up, which has proven to be a really popular collection every year, but all of our additional items across the whole range mean we can offer customers even more choice and variety, whether they’re after a casual jacket or a smarter shirt.”

Porsche to deliver a new type of Electric Car, capable of high speeds, fast pull away's and long Journey's.

Porsche to invest around a billion euros - More than 1,000 new jobs

The first 100% electrically powered Porsche is on its way. The supervisory board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG today gave the green light for the Mission E project. In the words of Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche is thus "beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car." 

The vehicle is due to be launched at the end of the decade.

With the Mission E project, Porsche is continuing to back sustainable growth. In Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen alone more than 1,000 new jobs are being created. The company will be investing around 700 million euros in its main site there. 

Over the next few years, a new paint shop and a new assembly plant will be built. The existing engine factory is also being expanded for the production of electric motors. In addition, the existing body shop is being enlarged. On top of that come other areas in which the company will be investing in this context, such as in the Weissach development centre.

The Mission E concept car celebrated its premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September. Visitors were gripped above all by its highly emotional design. Living up to the buzzword of 'E-Performance', the technological trailblazer combines outstanding driving performance with trendsetting day-to-day practicality. 

The four-door car with four individual seats has a system power output of over 600 hp (440 kW). The vehicle will thus achieve both acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and a range of more than 500 kilometres. 

Charged via an 800-volt charger unit specially developed for the car, which is twice as powerful as today's quick-charge systems, the lithium-ion batteries integrated within the vehicle floor have enough power again for 80 percent of the range after just 15 minutes. 

The vehicle can optionally be 'refuelled' wirelessly by induction via a coil set into the garage floor.

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG: "With Mission E, we are making a clear statement about the future of the brand. Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car."

Chairman of the Porsche Executive Board, Dr. Oliver Blume: "We are resolutely taking on the challenge of electric mobility. Even with solely battery-powered sports cars, Porsche is remaining true to its philosophy and offering our customers the sportiest and technologically most sophisticated model in this market segment." 

Blume added that the E Mission project underlines the importance of Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen as a production site, of Baden-Württemberg as a centre of technology and of the whole German automotive industry.

Uwe Hück, Chairman of the Central Works Council and Deputy Chairman of the Porsche AG Supervisory Board: "A day to celebrate! Yes, we did it! We brought Mission E to Zuffenhausen and Weissach where the future has tradition. 

The workers' side made the employer's side an offer that they couldn't refuse. This heralds the dawn of a new age in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Digitalisation will be growing up with us. And Factory 4.0 will be a major challenge for the workforce, trade union and employer. 

We will be taking new approaches but not giving up on the social aspects. With today's decision, Porsche is driving flat out with no speed restrictions into the automotive and industrial future."