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.

The MONO Supercar is expanding into the USA with upto 10 dedicated dealers.

• British manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is continuing to take the world by storm and has officially launched BAC USA
• The brand behind the world’s only single-seater, road-legal supercar – the Mono – is now rolling out a direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) strategy for its operations in the United States
• BAC has enjoyed success in North America with the Mono, having exported the highly acclaimed luxury supercar with the help of distribution partners before the adoption of OEM
• BAC USA operates out of Sonoma, California, and will be headed up by BAC USA President Mark Rayner

Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) has officially launched BAC USA Inc., as the British maker of the One-of-a-Kind Mono supercar expands its operations in North America.

Having previously worked with distribution partners, BAC will now roll out a direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) strategy to bring factory assembly, sales and maintenance services to United States shores.

Designed to provide the most authentic driving experience, BAC’s bespoke and luxurious Mono is the only road-legal, single seater supercar in the world, and it’s taken the U.S. by storm since its launch in 2011.

Now with the facility to directly sell and service cars, BAC aims to enhance its already sterling reputation and bring the Mono to a more diverse audience and improve the BAC experience for existing customers.

BAC USA is based in Sonoma, California, with Mark Rayner overseeing the business. Mark has been involved in the North American automotive industry prior to BAC. He is taking his broad experience and is currently building a robust Stateside operation.

The brand’s dealership programme is now in full swing in the U.S., boosting its profile in major cities and states across the country.

BAC USA’s launch will bring about even more success across the country and ensure buyers have total peace of mind. The company is also providing technical support, dealer acquisition and technician training and aims to have between 8-10 dedicated dealers across the USA within the next 12 months.

Mark Rayner, BAC's Chief Operations Officer and BAC USA President, said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for BAC with the launch of BAC USA. It’s the optimum time in the evolution of the North American market for BAC to enter the region as the OEM, and I’m very proud to be leading the operation. By offering factory presence in the U.S., buyers can benefit from added peace of mind and we can attract new customers to experience the Mono."

Company co-founder and Director of Product Development Neill Briggs added: “Our venture in the United States of America is born out of extensive industry research. It’s the biggest and most informed supercar territory in the world, which is why it’s at the very top of our global sales strategy. BAC USA is another string to BAC’s bow and we’re looking forward to sharing the Mono dream across the Atlantic even more.”

Notes to Editors

Bespoke supercar manufacturer BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) is based in Liverpool and was co-founded by brothers Ian and Neill Briggs. It produces the fast and highly acclaimed Mono supercar, a single-seater formula-style car that provides a visceral and exhilarating driving experience.

Since its launch in 2011 it has been going from strength to strength and is now sold in several markets around the world. It launched with great success and fanfare in Hong Kong at the end of 2015, with eight cars sold in a single night. BAC dealers can also be found in North America, Japan and London.

The 2016 model year version of the Mono comes with a four-cylinder 305bhp 2.5-litre Mountune engine, which takes the 580kg car from 0-60mph in just 2.8sec.

BAC recently launched a carbon hybrid wheel and announced the use of super material graphene, which is up to 20 per cent lighter than carbon fibre and as much as 200 times stronger than steel.

Despite its global appeal, BAC Mono remains proudly British, with parts sourced from its home country wherever possible.

The British Made VUHL has signed a five year contract to race at the Race Of Champions.

• Five-year partnership with Race Of Champions begins this weekend
• All-new VUHL 05 ROC Edition supercar to test drive at Marlins Park, Miami
• Lightweight, agile supercar perfect for the tight and twisty track
• Test programme undertaken by legendary stunt driver Terry Grant
• Customers in North America now have a dedicated new sales team and web-portal at VUHL05.US

VUHL is delighted to confirm a five-year partnership with the Race Of Champions ahead of the competition last weekend at Marlins Park in Miami.

The announcement comes off the back of a busy period for the lightweight supercar maker, after taking part in the Live Action Arena at the UK’s legendary Autosport International extravaganza last weekend. 

Europe's largest indoor pre-season motorsport event was the perfect proving ground to explore the car's agile handling ahead of the Race Of Champions in Miami this weekend.

The five-year partnership will allow the world’s best drivers to handle challenging tracks across the globe in VUHL’s latest machinery.

The chassis encompasses an ultra lightweight body with a carbon fibre and aluminium combination structure in the monocoque creating a reliable safety cell all weighing 675kg. The VUHL in Miami will adorn exclusive carbon fibre wheels, weighing in at 4.5kg. This light weight combined with the award-winning two-litre Ford EcoBoost powerplant gets the car off the start line to 60mph in 3.2 seconds.

The car has been specially modified and tested exhaustively in the run-up to the Race Of Champions to ensure the finest drivers in the world experience all of the car's capability around the challenging, tight and twisty circuit.

The bespoke rear wing will provide maximum downforce while the limited slip-differential will demand respect from the drivers to put the car through its paces. Race Of Champions Official Stunt & Test Driver Terry Grant has developed the brakes, suspension and quickened the steering rack for the Marlins Park track. Ten Race Of Champions-spec VUHL 05 ROC Editions will go on sale shortly after the event in Miami.

VUHL are proud to announce the launch of a dedicated website in America - VUHL05.US - where prospective customers can access news and information on cars in addition to sales advice from a dedicated U.S. team. 

VUHL co-founder, Guillermo Echeverria said: “This announcement is a huge milestone for VUHL. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and continues an already successful year. We are tremendously proud to start 2017 by having the world’s best racers drive our car around the challenging Race Of Champions circuit in Miami. We can't wait to excite fans in the stadium and around the world.”

Terry Grant, the Race Of Champions Official Stunt & Test Driver, said: “This two-seater, full carbon fibre sports car makes it ideal for the tight and twisty Miami track.

“The Race Of Champions demands a car that is fast and dynamic, and the mid-engined VUHL 05 ROC Edition is highly dynamic which is perfect for putting the world's best drivers through their paces. The track requires a car which is quick off the line and can hold its own with the rear hanging out. Going from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds definitely gets my thumbs up! This very fun car will entertain the fans in the US and across the globe.”

Volkswagen expands the range of Tiguan variants to include a new longer version

• Volkswagen expands the range of Tiguan variants to include a new longer version

Volkswagen will launch an exciting addition to the Tiguan range next year: the new Tiguan Allspace. 

The lengthened version of the best-seller will celebrate its world premiere at the beginning of January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS, 8– 22 January 2017). 

Beginning in the early part of summer, the Tiguan – with up to seven seats – will be launched successively in North America, China and Europe.

The European version of the lengthened Tiguan will be given the added designation “Allspace”, while the models for North America and China will simply be called "Tiguan". 

As the name suggests, the new long version of the Tiguan boasts more room inside, and a longer wheelbase (+11cm). Both aspects ensure greater flexibility in the interior. 

In addition, the Tiguan Allspace comes with an attractive range of equipment features.

USA - Ford Motor Company issues two recalls mainly affecting the Fusion and MKZ.

Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-16 Ford Fusion, 2015-16 Ford Mondeo and 2013-15 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to insulate seat belt anchor pretensioner cables

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 650,000 2013-16 Ford Fusion, 2015-16 Ford Mondeo and 2013-15 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to insulate front driver and passenger seat belt anchor pretensioners to prevent cable separation in a crash. 

In the affected vehicles, increased temperatures generated during deployment of the seat belt anchor pretensioner could cause pretensioner cables to separate, which may inadequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing risk of injury.

Ford is aware of two accidents and two injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2013-15 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 2, 2012 to July 31, 2014
• 2013 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 13, 2012 to Nov. 1, 2012
• 2015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to April 2, 2016
• 2015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to Feb. 22, 2016
• 2014-15 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, April 12, 2013 to July 31, 2014
• 2013-15 MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 14, 2012 to July 31, 2014
• 2015-16 Mondeo vehicles built at Valencia Assembly Plant, Aug. 5, 2014 to July 31, 2016

There are approximately 680,872 vehicles affected, including 602,739 in the United States, 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 in federalized territories. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S42.

Dealers will inject a conformal coating into the front driver and passenger seat belt anchor pretensioner to protect the cables from increased temperatures generated during deployment at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles to replace second-row left-rear seat back frame

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 27 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles to replace the second-row left-rear seat back frame, which may have been built with improperly welded pivot pins. 

In the affected vehicles, seat backs with pivot pins that were improperly welded may not adequately retain cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Sept. 27, 2016 to Sept. 28, 2016.

There are approximately 27 vehicles affected, including 25 in the United States and two in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S43.

Dealers will replace the second-row left-rear seat back frame at no cost to the customer.

USA - Ford launches the EcoSport to North America, after being in Europe (not that successfully) for some time.

• Ford introduces all-new EcoSport for North America today during the world’s first-ever Snapchat vehicle reveal; event kicks off a three-day interactive experience in Hollywood open to the public through Wednesday
• Fun, capable and connected, EcoSport gives drivers the freedom and versatility to go small and live big
• Technology – including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-inch floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ – easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move

Ford today introduces the all-new EcoSport for North America for those who want space-saving convenience and SUV capability.

The EcoSport – a fun, capable, connected compact SUV – stars in the world’s first-ever vehicle reveal on Snapchat, kicking off a Hollywood pop-up event open to the public through Wednesday evening.

The interactive event showcases how EcoSport is a perfect companion for those who believe in going small and living big.

“More people are choosing to spend their time and money sharing experiences with friends and family instead of buying more stuff,” said Chantel Lenard, ‎executive director, Ford U.S. marketing. “EcoSport fits perfectly into this growing lifestyle. It’s our smallest SUV, packed with features and personality.”

Fun sound, color and style

EcoSport’s available premium B&O PLAY audio system brings your music to life. HARMAN acoustic engineers spent hundreds of hours perfecting the in-vehicle music experience.  

The Ford-exclusive B&O PLAY audio system, standard on EcoSport Titanium, features 10 speakers, including B&O PLAY-branded tweeters and woofers in the front doors and a subwoofer in back. The 675-watt system unlocks the power of your favorite music and transforms every drive into a “living big” experience.

EcoSport also features available HD Radio technology, SiriusXM® satellite radio and a dual FM radio antenna that boosts the range and clarity of FM signals.

Customers looking to stand apart from the crowd will find plenty of ways to personalize their EcoSport. Along with 10 exterior color choices, there are seven ambient lighting options and four trim level offerings – S, SE, SES and Titanium. All series feature a swing-gate-style tailgate.

The personality-packed SES series makes the biggest splash. It features Intelligent 4WD, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and unique styling cues inside and out – including bold copper accents for the interior and sport seats.

Connected technology

EcoSport makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family with SYNC^® 3, Ford’s communications and entertainment system. Faster, more intuitive and easier to use, the system provides more conversational voice recognition and enhanced response to driver commands. Optimized for hands-free use, SYNC 3 for EcoSport is coupled with a touch screen similar to a smartphone or tablet. The 8-inch screen gives front-row occupants easy access to operate available Apple CarPlay^™ and Android Auto^™ commands, and B&O PLAY audio settings.

Drivers also have the ability to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere using available SYNC Connect with FordPass^®. The mobile app lets owners view vehicle information, such as the fuel level and odometer reading, when not in the vehicle.

EcoSport features two fast-charging USB ports to ensure owners’ devices are always juiced. Plus, there’s a 12-volt power outlet. An available 110-volt outlet positioned behind the center console and another 12-volt outlet allow rear-seat passengers to stay plugged in, too.

Capable, powerful and sporty

Equipped with either the award-winning, 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost^® or 2.0-liter four-cylinder, EcoSport provides power and control. Drivers opting for the 2.0-liter engine get Ford’s Intelligent 4WD standard. Both come with six-speed automatic transmissions.

As many as 30 stowage pockets, bins, hooks make efficient use of every interior inch. A cargo management system at the rear features a movable floor board and fold-away second-row seats to provide a flat area for moving furniture and other larger items.

EcoSport consumer experience in Hollywood

Located at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, the Ford EcoSport Go Small, Live Big experience is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 10 p.m. Registration and tickets are managed by FordPresents.com.

The EcoSport event consumer experiences include:

• Small stage, big entertainment: A sound and light environment showcases the EcoSport’s available B&O PLAY audio system, ambient lighting and LED display. Special musical performances include Chromeo (DJ set), Echosmith, Phillip Phillips, Atlas Genius and Chord Overstreet – plus a popular DJ for the big reveal
• Small bites, big flavor: Downtown L.A.’s super-trendy Smorgasburg hosts local food vendors. Mama Musubi, Donut Friend, Goa Taco and Amazebowls serve up bite-sized food, while Paloma’s Paletas and Wanderlust Creamery are on hand with food carts
• Small footprint, big life: Two tiny homes from 84LUMBER – a cabin and a beach cottage – are on display. Both are less than 200 square feet and inspired by EcoSport’s personality and spirit of adventure. These custom art installations by L.A.-based Onch Movement and “The Most Famous Artist” Matty Mo encourage stylish, simple living. After the event, Ford and 84LUMBER are donating one of the homes in partnership with the Ron Finley Project – a south Los Angeles nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy communities
• Small animals, big joy: Los Angeles Wildlife Learning Center experts teach you about the group’s tiny rescue animals, including owls, chinchillas, foxes, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, bunnies and hedgehogs
• Small beach, big oasis: Paying homage to Venice Beach, surf culture comes alive with real sand and Surfset Fitness, surf-inspired exercise equipment and group fitness classes via the world’s first total body surf trainer designed to mimic the instability of a surfboard on water. Nail artist group Cutepolish features the hottest nail art designs, do-it-yourself nail techniques and trendy polish styles

EcoSport visitors also can share their experiences on social media platforms. Collect and share unique Snapchat geo-filters, an all-new Snapchat innovation exclusive to Ford’s EcoSport consumer experience. An overall Snapchat geo-filter allows attendees to post unique Go Small, Live Big content.

The all-new Ford EcoSport starts arriving in dealerships in early 2018.