PSA Group announces its third quarter statement with an over growth, but certain global area's show decreases.

• 2016 Group cumulated revenue up 1.3% at €39.2 billion^[1] at constant exchange rate
• Continued improvement of pricing power in Europe
• Start of the product offensive: launch of Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy in June, Peugeot 3008 in October and Citroën C3 in November
• Faster international expansion: partnerships signed in Iran with Iran Khodro for Peugeot and Saipa for Citroën
• Enlarge customer base: online multi-brand used vehicle sales and rollout of mobility services

Group Q3 2016 revenue totalled €11,404 million, compared with €12,016 million in Q3 2015. In the first nine months, Group revenue reached €39,183 million, compared with €40,052 million in 2015, up 1.3% at constant exchange rates.

Automotive division revenue was €7,542 million, compared with €8,052 million in Q3 2015. Negative exchange rate effects (-4.7%) were partially offset by the positive price impact (+1.8%), reflecting the policy of improving the price positioning of the three brands, Peugeot, Citroën and DS.

Consolidated worldwide sales were up 10.6%². Ahead of major product launches in the fourth quarter, which are not yet visible in registrations, sales volumes declined in Europe (-4.3%) and China (-16.5%). In Latin America, they were up 22.6%. In Africa Middle East, volumes increased, driven by sales of vehicles manufactured in Iran under Peugeot licence^[2].

As of end-September 2016, inventories totalled 400,000 vehicles^[3] (382,000 in the same period last year).

Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon, Chief Financial Officer of the PSA Group and member of the Managing Board, said:“The levers of the Back in the Race plan, especially pricing power and cost reduction, make us confident that we will achieve the objectives of the Push to Pass plan, despite a more challenging external environment, particularly in respect of exchange rates.”

Market outlook

For 2016, the Group expects the automotive market to grow by about 6% in Europe and 15% in China, and to shrink by around 6% in Latin America and 15% in Russia.

Operational targets

The Push to Pass plan, has set the following targets:

• Reach an average 4% automotive recurring operating margin in 2016-2018, and target 6% by 2021;
• Deliver 10% Group revenue growth by 2018⁴ vs 2015, and target additional 15% by 2021^[4].

Financial Calendar – 23 February 2017: 2016 Annual Results

Appendix

Revenue YTD September 2016 versus YTD September 2015

In million euros	9M 2015*	9M  2016	Change
Automotive	27,461	26,732	-729
Faurecia	13,811	13,773	-38
Other businesses and eliminations**	(1,220)	(1,322)	-102
Group revenue	40,052	39,183	-869

Revenue Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015

In million euros	Q3 2015*	Q3 2016	Change
Automotive	8,052	7,542	-510
Faurecia	4,323	4,241	-82
Other businesses and eliminations**	(359)	(379)	-20
Group revenue	12,016	11,404	-612

* restated according to IFRS5 (Faurecia Exteriors division)

** Including remaining activities of PSA Finance

Audi takes its successful Black Edition and puts it on its first Crossover, the Q3 Black Edition,along with other range changes.

Popular Black Edition specification reaches Audi compact SUV as part of a package of range-wide styling and equipment enhancements

• Revised Q3 range priced from £26,600 OTR to £36,945 OTR available to order from October 11, 2016 and due in the UK by the end of the year
• New specification line-up replaces SE, S line Navigation and S line Plus with Sport, S line Edition and Black Edition
• Exterior enhancements and equipment upgrades across the board
• Four TDI and TFSI engines offering up to 62.8mpg with CO₂ of as little as 117g/km

The dark and brooding good looks of the Black Edition models that have been mainstays of the Audi A4, A5, A6 and A7 Sportback ranges have inspired a new Q3 Black Edition that spearheads a wholesale update of the perennially popular compact SUV line-up. 

The new top flight Q3 and the sharper, even better equipped versions that sit below it will become available later this month priced from £26,600 OTR, and will reach their first customers towards the end of the year.

As part of the programme of revisions the current Q3 specification structure, starting with SE, moving to S line Navigation and then on to S line plus, has shifted further upwards. 

At entry level, SE becomes Sport through the addition of SD navigation as standard and through styling enhancements that lend an even more purposeful air, including larger front air vents and a body-coloured front diffuser.

S line Navigation models become S line Edition by gaining standard interior features such as cruise control and the Audi Parking System Plus, and by adopting a new look for the front end, which now incorporates a distinctive horizontal strut spanning its full width, above which are air inlets with more pronounced surrounds and a new diamond-pattern mesh design. They flank a more eye catching Single Frame grille with a new high gloss finish which is also shared by the air vents.

The main attraction in the range is now the Q3 Black Edition, which stays true to the concept introduced so successfully elsewhere in the Audi range. Replacing the S line plus model, it builds on that version's already extensive specification with features such as standard metallic paint, privacy glass from the B pillar rearwards and a Bose sound system upgrade, but its key point of differentiation is of course the distinctive black treatment for many of its parts. These start in the cabin with piano black inlays, and continue outside to take in everything from the 19-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch cappings and Single Frame grille surround to the roof rails, rear spoiler and tailpipes, all of which are finished in gloss black.

Extensive specification

Aside from the now range-wide satellite navigation, standard equipment for all Q3 models is plentiful, and includes Audi Music and Bluetooth interfaces, sensor control for parking (rear only in the Sport, front and rear in the S line Edition and Black Edition), for lighting and for wiper function, dual-zone climate control and a Concert audio system with DAB radio linked to a 6.5-inch manually retractable colour monitor. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights feature as standard in Sport versions, while S line Edition and Black Edition specification levels upgrade to all-weather LED headlights and dynamic ‘scrolling’ rear indicators which illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

Under the skin, two TDI diesel and two TFSI petrol engines are available, depending on the chosen specification. The 1.4-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology brings 150PS and the option of either manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. It gives the exclusively front-wheel-driven Q3 1.4 TFSI a 0-62mph sprint time of as little as 8.9 seconds (S tronic), but also 51.4mpg capability (manual) based on the combined cycle test. Above it in the petrol line-up is a 2.0-litre TFSI unit with 180PS, which can be linked to either manual or S tronic transmission and works with quattro all-wheel-drive without exception.

Forming the diesel contingent are two four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDIs with outputs of 150PS and 184PS. When linked to manual transmission and Sport specification with its 17-inch wheels, the 150PS version has the potential to return up to 62.8mpg with CO₂ output of just 117g/km.

The 2.0-litre 150PS TDI engine can work with either manual or S tronic transmission and can channel its output through either the front wheels only or through all four with the help of the quattro system. The 184PS version also offers two transmission options, but deploys its heightened power and torque solely via quattro drive.

Audi drive select as standard

The composed agility of the Q3 chassis imparts a nimble feel that belies its SUV dimensions, and the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system - a standard feature of all Q3 models – enables drivers to make the most of it by adjusting throttle response, automatic transmission shift points and operating characteristics of other optional components such as the damper control system to suit personal preferences.

Up to five adults can enjoy the ride in comfort and with space to spare, and their luggage can be equally comfortably accommodated in the 420-litre load compartment, which in S line Edition and Black Edition versions is accessible at the touch of a button thanks to powered tailgate operation. When the back seat is free, its split backrest can be folded to liberate a total of 1,325 litres of cargo capacity

Kia UK announces the third quarter offers available on a selected number of its new cars, with a £1000 saving or PCPC deals.

• Customers who take a test drive will receive £1,000 saving on a new car purchase
• New line-up for superminis Picanto and Rio
• 4.9 per cent APR across models in the range

Kia Motors UK Ltd is set to continue a strong range of customer offers across the entire line-up, available from 188 dealers across the country. New for the third quarter, Kia are offering customers who choose to take a test drive of selected models of the Kia range between 1 July and 30 September a massive £1,000 saving if they purchase a new car.

Certain models and trim levels may be exempt from any offers currently on offer - please refer to your
local dealer for a more details list of what cars and trim levels are on offer by Kia UK.

With a test drive proving a valuable part of the car-buying experience, customers will benefit from this exclusive offer. With many consumers now choosing to shop for their vehicles online, Kia believes that taking a test drive is still an important part of buying a car as it allows customers to really experience the vehicle for themselves.  

Kia’s superminis are also getting a revised line-up this summer, with added features and a range of financial offers available to customers. The revised Picanto 5-door line-up has been honed to just three generously specified grades – ‘1 Air’, ‘SE’, and ‘Sport’ -  available with 4.9 per cent APR across the range and £500 PCP deposit allowance on ‘SE’ and ‘Sport’.

The Rio 5-door line-up will also benefit from a simplified enhanced range, with a revised ‘1 Air’ and new ‘SE’ derivatives. Rio also benefits from the 4.9 per cent APR, with up to £750 PCP deposit allowance.

Kia will continue to offer its popular 4.9 per cent APR, with no deposit required. This means customers can walk into a dealership with no deposit, and take a new Kia model home the same day. In addition Kia’s mid-size range cars – Venga, Soul and Carens – continue to benefit from a zero per cent conditional sale with a 50 per cent minimum deposit. 

Audi's small cars will soon all have a new style air filter to boost the filtration of a vast amount of substances.

New filter system for compact Audi models will help to bring relief to allergy sufferers

• Active substances in filter reduce allergens
• Additional layers against fine particulates and gaseous impurities
• Use in Audi A1, A3, Q3 and TT from June; in Audi Q2 at launch

From June 2016, compact Audi models will bring a breath of fresher air to their occupants thanks to a new air conditioning filter that not only removes fine particulates and harmful gases from the air, but also neutralises virtually all allergens. 

With the new filter, which will be used in the Audi A1, A3, Q3 and TT model series from June, Audi is setting a new standard worldwide in the premium compact segment.

The new Audi Q2 compact SUV will be equipped with the filter at market launch. Customers can also have their cars in the respective model series retrofitted with the new filter as part of their regularly scheduled service intervals.

Two versions of the filter will be used, each of which comprises three layers. What makes them special is the new outer carrier layer, which now features an additional anti-allergen effect. One variant reduces allergens by means of plant-derived, bioactive substances called polyphenols, which attach themselves to the receptors of the allergens. 

The other uses a modification of the protein structure to achieve the desired effect. Independent tests by specialist testing institutions such as SGS Fresenius, which investigates the allergenic properties, and Fiatec GmbH, which tests the filter properties, confirm the high effectiveness of the new Audi filters.

The two remaining layers also make a significant contribution to the high air quality in the interior. The filtration layer made up of special microfibres removes even the tiniest of particulates from the air. Gaseous impurities are trapped in the activated carbon layer.

A comprehensive measurement series documents the high effectiveness of the filter system. The arrangement of the layers ensures outstanding separation performance and conditioner air throughput over the life of the filter.

Dont know what to get as that perfect gift for an AUDI fan - Well, take a look at this.....

New format driver tuition programme puts stars from S1 to R8 in the hands of Audi enthusiasts keen to hone their skills in safety

• Get to grips with the 367PS RS 3 Sportback, 310PS TTS Coupe and 231PS S1 for just £299
• Move up to the 560PS RS 6 Avant and 610PS R8 V10 plus for £749
• quattro experience using Q3, SQ5 and Q7 focuses on SUV control on road and in the rough
• Instruction on Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit and off-road facilities involves a wide variety of dynamic disciplines to build knowledge and experience
• Selected course dates running through to October 2016

Indelibly memorable, immensely rewarding and edge-of-seat exciting – these come close to describing the all-new Audi R8, but they apply just as much to the 2016 Audi Driving Experience in which the 205mph super sports car plays a starring role. 

From this month the spectacular R8 and an all-star supporting cast of Audi performance cars will be seen, heard and thoroughly enjoyed as part of a restructured ADE programme of high performance driver tuition taking place at  Northamptonshire’s Silverstone Circuit.

The 610PS R8 V10 plus tops the bill in the fleet that will be lapping the hallowed venue’s Stowe Circuit as part of the full-blown Audi Sport Experience, but Audi enthusiasts will also have access to an Introductory Experience costing under £300 that puts them in the driving seat of a trio of powerhouses including the 367PS RS 3 Sportback.

Open to UK driving licence-holders aged 21 and over*, irrespective of the car they own, the latest Audi Driving Experience has been condensed into three core modules - the half-day Audi Sport  Introductory experience, half-day quattro experience and full-day Audi Sport experience. All are available on selected dates running through to October.

Costing £299, the morning or afternoon Audi Sport Introductory  experience includes instruction on cornering techniques and management of fast lane changes, plus a challenging slalom course, and enlists the help of the 231PS S1 quattro, the 310PS TTS quattro and the 367PS RS 3 Sportback quattro.

The Audi Sport Experience, costing £749, ramps up the excitement several notches further still by pitching the RS 3 Sportback in with the 560PS RS 6 Avant and the 610PS R8 V10 plus for a full day of clipping apexes and perfecting racing lines. During this high-octane session delegates focus on everything from cornering and high-speed lane changes to braking at speed, and are then treated to a high-speed passenger ride in a R8 V10 plus with an expert Audi instructor.

The increasing number of fans of the flourishing Audi SUV family are also taken care of at Silverstone by the quattro Experience, available for £349. This half-day module divides time between special handling areas within the circuit and its purpose-built 4x4 area.

The Audi Q family on parade

Tackled in the Q3 and the potent 326PS SQ5 TDI, the ‘hard surface’ elements of the quattro Experience allow drivers to develop their confidence in the on-road control of these agile and imposing machines and to understand how that control is dramatically enhanced by quattro all-wheel-drive. Away from the asphalt, the challenging gradients and rough terrain of the 4x4 section are the domain of the latest Q7 with its height adjustable air suspension, and subscribers to this module are given plenty of opportunity to experience how adeptly this luxurious seven-seater with state-of-the-art quattro drive can iron out the undulations.

The half-day Introductory and quattro modules include breakfast and light refreshments, and lunch is also served during the full-day Audi Sport Experience. All delegates who complete their modules leave with a ‘graduation’ certificate.  

For an additional cost of £49 participants can invite a guest spectator, who can enjoy refreshments during the training and will also have the opportunity to try a ‘taster session’ on the off-road course in a Q model alongside an off-road driving expert. 

The thrilling Audi Sport Experience is included as part of the ‘standard equipment’ for customers purchasing a new R8 Coupe or Spyder, and is offered at reduced cost to recipients of a new RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback (including 605PS performance versions).

The compelling Experiences at Silverstone don’t have to be the end of the action-packed journey for committed drivers. They can continue to hone their skills at an international level through exciting Audi driving experience programmes involving everything from ice driving in Finland to conquering the 170+ corners making up Germany’s gruelling Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

To purchase a voucher for the Audi driving experience visit https://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/audi-driving-experience.html

* With fewer than 9 driving licence penalty points. For some of the European ADE courses, customers will need to be over the age of 25.