My thoughts on all things motoring, press releases, reviews & techie stuff, from around the world.
Please note that the pictures of vehicles within this blog are used as examples of the specific press releases, on occasions, due to the lack of available official pictures, examples are re-produced.
ANY AND ALL PROFANITIES WILL BE REMOVED AND THE PERSON/S RESPONSIBLE WILL BE BANNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Purpose
I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
INFINITI Rickmansworth; following on from a recent training programme every INFINITI Centre across the UK is now able to provide a range of cars through the Motability Scheme.
The Motability Scheme provides an affordable, worry-free way for people with disabilities to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for their mobility allowance.
Each Centre has a qualified sales consultant available to look after Motability Scheme customers, providing a first-class personal service.
Currently available on the Scheme is the new ‘Built in Britain’ active compact Infiniti Q30, available with an Advance Payment of £299. More models will become available on the Scheme over time.
Barry Beeston, regional director for INFINITI UK, commented “The Motability Scheme is superb as it provides customers with a great level of mobility and lifestyle in an affordable way.
The three year business model is good for personal expenditure planning and provides a sustainable business practise within the industry.”
To be eligible for the Scheme, customers must be in receipt of one of the following allowances:
higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
The full range of cars available to lease through the Motabilty Scheme can be found on their website motability.co.uk
BMW Motorrad USA has set a new all-time year-end sales record. With 16,330 units sold in 2015, BMW motorcycle sales grew 9.3 percent above the total 14,945 units sold in 2014.
The S 1000 RR supersports bike, featured in the film Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, was BMW’s best-selling model (accounting for 13.3 percent of total 2015 volume). Other best-selling models included the ever-popular R 1200 GS Adventure (12.2 percent of total volume) and the R 1200 GS (11.5 percent of total volume).
The S 1000 R power roadster and BMW’s first adventure sports bike -- the new S 1000 XR Adventure – also bolstered annual sales in the BMW Motorrad S-Series model range.
The classic customizable R nineT was one of the top performing models in December with 138 units delivered, and in combination with the new R 1200 RS sport tourer, helped grow flat-twin engine R-Series model retails by 21 percent to 575 units compared to 477 in December 2014. BMW’s F-Series middleweight machine sales grew by 11 percent in the month with sales of 235 units compared to 211 in December 2014.
“New and loyal customers; a broad, continuously enhanced model lineup; a high-performing dealer network; and accolades from the motorcycle press contributed to record growth for BMW Motorcycles in the United States, BMW Motorrad’s strongest export market,” commented Kris Odwarka, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA.
BMW earned four “Best of 2015” awards from Motorcycle.com, and it was the only manufacturer to garner three coveted categories in Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2015 Motorcycle of the Year (MOTY) Awards. (See 2015 Awards below)
According to Odwarka, BMW’s robust product offensive will continue in 2016 with introduction of the R nineT Scrambler, the new BMW G 310 R – the first BMW roadster under 500 cc – and the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT maxi scooters in the urban mobility segment.
Under extremely bad and bumpy conditions, coupled with relatively high road speed, a potential defect with the steering under bracket stem (lower yoke) may cause it to crack and eventually break. If a break occurs, the control of the machine will be adversely affected.
Remedial Action :
Recall the affected machines and replace the steering under bracket stem (lower yoke) with a remedial part.
Vehicle Id :
SE591011001 to SE591019570
Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)
MINI presents an innovative concept providing increased flexibility for individual mobility in conurbation areas; MINI Citysurfer Concept combines the agile riding properties of a kick scooter with an electric drive and expressive design features in the style of the British premium brand.
Wide range of potential uses due to compact structure, foldability and low weight of just 18 kilograms (40 lbs); MINI Citysurfer Concept suitable both for use on its own and in combination with other means of transportation; easy to transport, for example in the luggage compartment of the new MINI 3 door or on buses and trains; minimum traffic space due to single-track concept, enabling spontaneous and convenient mobility even in those sections of an urban area not accessible to motorised vehicles; therefore the ideal mobility supplement for covering the distance between car park, rail or bus station and final destination.
Auxiliary electric drive with thumb-operated accelerator and gearless hub motor in the rear wheel; electric motor power permits top speed of 25 km/h (15 mph); electric drive of the MINI Citysurfer Concept is not activated until a minimum speed is reached from the rider's own physical thrust; motor is deactivated by means of a brake lever.
Power supply via lithium-ion battery permanently installed in the frame; charging via 12-volt automobile socket or household socket; charging during travel by means of brake energy regeneration when brake is activated; battery management system with integrated power electronics; electric range: 15 to 25 kilometres (10 – 15 miles); use of the MINI Citysurfer Concept possible at any time, independently of auxiliary electric drive using physical strength and without rolling resistance from the motor.
MINI Citysurfer Concept has safe, versatile and agile riding properties, large wheels with pneumatic tyres also make it suitable for bumpy paths, low foot board, stable frame and height-adjustable handlebars; three brake systems which operate independently of each other; recuperation brake via electric drive generator function, hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear wheel; excellent deceleration and agile handling since there are no limits to the rider in shifting the centre of gravity; good all-round view and visibility to other road users due to upright riding position; folding concept with safety function for correct engagement when unfolding.
Protection from dirt and weather impact due to trim parts and wheel covers at front and rear; extended range of potential use of the MINI Citysurfer Concept for both private and work-based mobility; additional everyday functionality with mobile phone holder and charge facility on the handle bars; use of Last Mile Navigation possible in conjunction with the MINI Connected XL Journey Mate.
Vehicle fittings flexibly adaptable to market-specific public traffic regulations; MINI Citysurfer Concept also usable by young people going to school or travelling in their leisure time.
Vehicle concept covers the entire range of individual urban mobility: commuting to work and school, sight-seeing and shopping, tourist excursions when on motor home, camping or boat holidays; spontaneous riding fun typical of MINI derives from the interaction between rider and electric motor when generating propulsion.
Spontaneous riding fun - versatile and emissions-free: the MINI Citysurfer Concept.
Superb fun on the road combined with minimum space requirements - this has been the principle underlying the success of MINI for 55 years. The British premium brand is now facing up to the current and future challenges posed by the traffic situation in urban conurbation areas all over the world by presenting an innovative concept for flexible individual mobility.
The MINI Citysurfer Concept closes the often time-consuming gaps in the transportation infrastructure of modern cities in a way which is convenient, emissions-free and also lots of fun. As a light and compact single-track vehicle in the style of a kick scooter with an auxiliary electric drive, the concept study shows attractive ways in which its users can get directly to their final destination without having to consider traffic congestion, the shortage of parking space and the timetable intervals of local public transportation.
With a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h (15 mph) and an electric range of some 15 to 25 kilometres (10 - 15 miles), the MINI Citysurfer Concept is ideally suited for day-to-day use over short distances. The full range of the concept vehicle's strengths especially come into their own when it is used as a spontaneously available supplement to an automobile or local public transport.
Thanks to its low weight of some 18 kilograms (40 lbs) and a folding concept, it fits easily into the luggage compartment of the new MINI 3 door, for example. In a few swift moves it is ready to take the user from a car park on the outskirts of the town to their final destination in the city centre - the so-called 'last mile'. Its compact dimensions allow the MINI Citysurfer Concept to be taken along on a bus or train, thereby expanding flexibility in urban traffic.
In presenting the MINI Citysurfer Concept, the BMW Group once again demonstrates its creativity in the development of sustainable solutions for future mobility. Flexible mobility concepts have a key role to play in confronting the challenges posed by such developments as increasing urbanisation, climate change and the scarcity of resources. Even today, more than half of the world's population live in urban conurbation areas.
According to United Nations forecasts, this proportion will increase to more than 60 per cent by 2030. In view of both increasing individual mobility needs and changing structural conditions, the organisation and control of traffic flow in cities will be likewise subject to rising demands. As the world's leading manufacturer of vehicles and provider of mobility services in the premium segment, the BMW Group responsibly dedicates its innovative strength to being involved the creation of future-oriented transportation concepts.
With novel vehicle concepts geared towards specific target groups and needs as well as zero-emissions drive systems, it adopts a holistic approach in securing the future of individual mobility based on sustainability.
The ideal last mile solution - wherever you're going: MINI Citysurfer Concept.
The symptoms of increasing urbanisation include a shortage of traffic and parking space in the very sections of large conurbation areas which frequently attract particularly large numbers of people.
The concentration of work, leisure and shopping facilities in a few areas results in increased mobility within a limited space.
Some of the practical effects of this development include traffic congestion and a shortage of parking space - phenomena which not only impair the quality of living in the areas concerned but also generate unnecessary emissions, accident risks and economically significant time wastage. In view of this, novel vehicle concepts are becoming increasingly attractive.
The MINI Citysurfer Concept is tailored specifically to the kind of mobility situation in which individual travel by automobile or local public transport reaches its limitations.
With its compact dimensions, the MINI Citysurfer Concept only takes up minimum traffic space. It allows convenient mobility even in those parts of a city centre where automobiles are not permitted access.
It can also be easily combined with other means of transport. When packed into the luggage compartment of an automobile, the MINI Citysurfer Concept is available for the user to switch over to at any time. It can also be taken along in many types of public transportation and used for the last stage of a journey to get to your final destination after arriving at a bus or rail station.
Auxiliary electric drive for riding fun and convenience.
Its compact dimensions make the MINI Citysurfer Concept smaller than a folding bicycle. While the latter is powered by physical strength alone, the MINI Citysurfer Concept also has an electric drive which adds additional comfort features to urban mobility, enhancing the travel experience with a sense of innovation and fun. A brushless hub motor integrated in the rear wheel provides effective support for the rider, accelerating the MINI Citysurfer Concept to speeds of up to 25 km/h (15 mph).
The electric motor is powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery contained in a rain and splash proof housing and integrated permanently in the frame under the foot board. This unit also includes a battery management system with integrated power electronics which controls energy feed and consumption based on both efficiency and cell durability.
The lithium-ion battery provides sufficient power to allow the MINI Citysurfer Concept to achieve an electric range of 15 to 25 kilometres (15 miles). When the battery is completely discharged, the electric motor is automatically switched off and disconnected from the free-wheel hub in the rear wheel. The rider can then continue to travel by foot power and without being limited by the rolling resistance of the motor.
Battery charging is also highly flexible. A special cable with the relevant plug connections allows it to be charged at a conventional household socket while a supplementary cable is provided for the 12-volt power supply in an automobile.
What is more, the MINI Citysurfer Concept is able to recharge its battery during travel by means of brake energy recuperation. The electric motor acts as a generator during braking phases for this purpose. In everyday use, most deceleration required by situations on the road can be carried out entirely by means of recuperative braking.
Urban mobility of the future: nimble, agile, emissions-free.
Since electric drive enables local zero-emissions mobility, it is predestined for use in a vehicle designed for city traffic. It thereby meets the requirements for an innovative means of transportation that is able to contribute to the reduction of emissions generated by urban traffic.
There are a growing number of cities in the world where, in order to improve air quality, legal restrictions apply to vehicles with a combustion engine and the use of electrically powered vehicles is promoted by all kinds of benefits. So from this point of view, too, the locally emissions-free drive of the MINI Citysurfer Concept is future-oriented in character.
In terms of the riding experience it offers, too, the electric drive is ideal for a compact and lightweight vehicle with a high level of agility and manoeuvrability in urban traffic. The electric motor's spontaneous power delivery allows swift progress to be made with short accelerating and deceleration phases. For safety reasons, the auxiliary power of the electric motor is not activated until the rider reaches a minimum speed purely through physical thrust.
This prevents the vehicle from rolling away unintentionally. The electric drive can be deactivated at any time by means of a switch in the brake lever. The particular interaction between the use of physical strength required in the lower speed range and the electromotive power which supports medium to high speeds is a factor that adds to the highly emotional riding experience.
Safe riding properties, characteristic MINI agility.
The concept study is designed in hallmark MINI style, instantly showing itself to be a versatile, agile and safe means of transportation in high-end design for spontaneous riding fun with a touch of individual style. The large wheels of the MINI Citysurfer Concept are fitted with robust pneumatic tyres with sound grip, thereby providing for a safe and also comfortable ride response not just on perfectly asphalted surfaces but also when passing over curbs, cobblestones or unsurfaced roads. The extremely stable frame of the MINI Citysurfer Concept also contributes to its agile, effortlessly controllable handling properties.
Due to the upright riding position, the MINI Citysurfer Concept provides a good all-round view of the traffic situation. The rider benefits from an excellent range of vision and visibility to other road-users is also ensured. A telescopic shaft in the front section means the handlebar height can be adjusted individually.
This feature allows users of different body height to find a comfortable and safe riding position on the MINI Citysurfer Concept. The handlebar position and the folding mechanism for stowing away the vehicle are fitted with a safety mechanism in order to ensure that the telescopic shaft and the folding joint are correctly adjusted when setting off.
Meanwhile the three independently operated brakes provide a high level of agility and safety in urban traffic. If an anticipatory riding style is deployed, deceleration manoeuvres can largely be carried out by means of recuperation at the rear wheel. What is more, both the front and rear wheel of the concept study have a powerful and precisely controlled hydraulic disc brake installed.
The two deceleration systems are activated by means of separate brake levers on the handlebars of the MINI Citysurfer Concept.
Lever travel and pressure point can be individually adjusted for both the front wheel and the rear wheel brake. The rider can support the dynamism and intensity of brake operation by shifting their centre of gravity. Due to the low position of the foot board, any change in body posture impacts directly on deceleration response.
A wide range of potential uses for diverse target groups.
The MINI Citysurfer Concept was developed for spontaneous riding fun in urban traffic and responds to the needs of various target groups in a range of different everyday situations. The innovative vehicle concept is not only geared towards fun use for individual leisure activities but is also particularly suitable as a supplementary means of transportation combined with an automobile or public transportation, as well as for commuters travelling to work and back and for other work-related mobility requirements.
Generous trim elements and wheel covers provide effective protection from dirt and splash water, so use of the MINI Citysurfer Concept does not make special demands in terms of the rider's clothing when travelling in wet weather, for example.
The flexible smartphone holder on the handlebars likewise enhances comfort and functionality in everyday urban life. This enables the use of a mobile phone for navigation purposes as required. A user can thus navigate precisely and conveniently to cover the so-called last mile to their final destination.
This provides the ideal basis for the rider to benefit from the Last Mile navigation function offered by the MINI Connected XL Journey Mate. A charging socket integrated in the holder also means that the smartphone can be powered by the MINI Citysurfer Concept's lithium-ion battery during travel.
The design, drive and fittings of the MINI Citysurfer Concept are geared towards allowing adaptation to the specific approval requirements in different markets. Even at the concept stage, for example, the study already has safety and lighting features which make it fundamentally suitable for proper use in road traffic.
The innovative vehicle concept therefore covers virtually the entire range of individual urban mobility. The MINI Citysurfer Concept can be used for everyday commuting as well as providing an attractive means of transportation for young people, allowing them to enjoy future-oriented riding fun both for travel to school and in their leisure time. It offers users a comfortable, zero-emissions ride through urban conurbation areas to go shopping or sight-seeing, for example - without having to get stuck in time-consuming traffic jams.
And the exceptional potential of the MINI Citysurfer Concept as a supplement to other means of transport is not limited to day-to-day urban mobility. It can also be taken along on holiday trips in a motor home, camper van or boat to provide spontaneous and typically fun MINI mobility at all times.
Yamaha offers a wide choice of urban scooters that combine style, fun and convenience. With its modern design, lively performance and masculine appeal, the new Majesty S joins the high wheel Xenter and the more feminine retro-style D'elight to complete the Yamaha 125cc urban scooter
segment.
Yamaha's urban scooters are specifically designed to enhance the daily commuting experience by offering Japanese quality, advanced design and class-leading reliability with an affordable price. As well as the added satisfaction that comes with owning a premium brand, Yamaha customers
can also be assured of a first class spares, service and warranty back up from our comprehensive European dealer network that is on hand to offer friendly and professional advice.
The Majesty name is and has been a mainstay of the Yamaha scooter line for a number of years, with over 150.000 units sold for the 125 to 180cc versions. During this time it has come to represent convenience and affordability, and for 2014 the new Majesty S is ready had to this strong reputation an extra fun factor to attract a new generation of urban commuters.
The New Majesty S
To complete its urban scooter segment, Yamaha now introduces the Majesty S, a compact and affordable new 125cc scooter that offers an attractive combination of value, practicality and ease of use. Aimed at the discerning urban commuter who is looking for economy and convenience together with style and reliability, the new Majesty S gives cost-conscious customers the chance to own a quality scooter at an affordable price. The lively 125cc liquid-cooled engine and agile chassis make light work of urban and suburban commuting - with the well-known dynamic
performance that Yamaha can deliver. The new Majesty S thus brings extra spice to the 125cc scooter category.
MAJESTY S DESIGN FEATURES
Comfortable and compact
Yamaha's design team have paid particular attention to the ergonomics on the new Majesty S, and we have succeeded in creating a compact and manoeuvrable 125cc scooter that delivers very good levels of comfort together with high quality features.
One of the main chassis aspects sure to be appreciated by commuters is the large, flat footboard area and stepped dual seat that give a natural and relaxed riding position, and also allow for easy leg access to the ground - making the Majesty S ideally suited to the typical 'stop-start'
nature of urban riding. An automatic seat opening device gives quick access to the storage compartment, and passenger comfort is assured thanks to the fold out footrests as well as the plush stepped dual seat and grab bars.
Plenty of onboard storage space
A number of spacious storage compartments underline the Majesty S's focus on day-to-day practicality. Under the stepped dual seat there's space for a single full-face helmet plus other small items, and in front of the rider there's a large inner box that can easily accommodate a 500cc
drink bottle. Up front there is also a convenience hook that is designed to carry small bags, and Yamaha offer a number of optional top cases for those owners who wish to carry larger loads.
LED lights and modern instruments
To give the Majesty S a sleek new look that matches its lively character, the new model is equipped with an LED position lamp. Inspired by our Yamaha 'MAX' scooter family, the new LED taillight accentuates this 125cc scooter's dynamic character. Completing the package are newly designed instruments featuring a comprehensive 3-gauge design that displays a range of clear and useful information via the analog tachometer, tripmeter and digital speedometer.
KEY DESIGN FEATURES
Stylish, functional and affordable new 125cc urban scooter
Compact, practical and dynamic new bodywork
Natural and ergonomic riding position
Spacious flat footboard area
Easy access to the ground
LED position lamp and LED tail light
Stylish 3 gauge instrument panel
Underseat storage for one full-face helmet plus other small items
Front storage compartment and convenience hook
MAJESTY S TECHNICAL FEATURES
Powerful 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine Powering the Majesty S is a refined version of the highly regarded 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve design that was originally developed for the Xenter. This engine is built to deliver punchy and responsive acceleration away from a standing start, and keep the rider one step ahead of the traffic.
A highly efficient fuel injection system makes this one of the most economical ways to commute, and for a smooth and relaxing ride the engine is equipped with a single shaft balancer and a stepless, lowmaintenance CVT transmission.
Monoshock rear suspension
The Majesty S also benefits from a new monoshock rear suspension system that uses a horizontal single shock absorber that gives smooth and stable roadholding. This monoshock rear suspension helps to give a more centralized mass for increased handling agility, while its progressive linkage ensures responsive and comfortable rear suspension characteristics over a wide range of riding conditions.
Large diameter wave discs
The affordable new Majesty S is equipped with a number of features usually found on more expensive models, underlining the great value for money offered by this new scooter. The large diameter 267mm front wave disc and opposed piston caliper give plenty of strong braking power, and there's also a large diameter 245mm rear wave disc brake for smooth and controlled braking.
Lightweight 13-inch wheels
To complement this urban scooter's attractive looks and high quality design, the Majesty S is equipped with 13-inch diameter alloy wheels. Featuring a stylish 5-spoke layout, these lightweight wheels keep the unsprung weight low and help to ensure smooth and responsive suspension characteristics for a comfortable and confident riding experience.
KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES
Responsive and economical 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine
(8,8 kW @ 7,500rpm)
Horizontal rear shock absorber with progressive characteristics
Side-mounted radiator
13-inch front and rear 5-spoke alloy wheels
Large diameter front (267mm) and rear (245mm) wave disc brakes
Good high-speed stability on the highway combined with easy
