Renault-Nissan Alliance and Microsft have signed a deal to develop the next generation of connected Services.

• Companies sign global, multiyear contract to work on next-generation connected car technologies and driving experiences

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Microsoft Corp. have signed a global, multiyear agreement to partner on next-generation technologies to advance connected driving experiences worldwide.

The companies will work together to develop next-generation connected services for cars powered by Microsoft Azure, one of the company’s intelligent cloud offerings. These new services will improve customer experience via advanced navigation, predictive maintenance and vehicle centric services, remote monitoring of car features, external mobile experiences and over-the-air updates.

“A car is becoming increasingly connected, intelligent and personal,” said Ogi Redzic, Renault-Nissan Alliance senior vice-president, Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services. “Partnering with Microsoft allows us to accelerate the development of the associated key technologies needed to enable scenarios our customers want and build all-new ones they haven’t even imagined. We aim to become the provider of connected mobility for everyone with one single global platform.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is pioneering autonomous driving and connectivity features on mainstream, mass-market vehicles at affordable prices. The Alliance aims to develop connectivity technologies and features to support the launch of more than 10 vehicles with autonomous driving technology by 2020 with services to maximize better use of newly found in-car free time.

Renault-Nissan will continuously develop and launch new connected services and applications that make it easier for people to stay connected to work, entertainment and social networks, and offer vehicle centric services that will simplify and enhance engagement with the car through usage-based information, remote access, remote diagnostics and preventive maintenance.

Microsoft Azure provides a proven, secure global cloud platform with unlimited scale that allows Renault-Nissan to deliver services worldwide to its broad customer base.

Renault-Nissan selected Azure in part because of its enterprise-grade security and Microsoft’s rigorous commitment to compliance. In addition, Azure supports multiple operating systems, programming languages and tools, providing flexibility and choice to build a common platform for Renault-Nissan to deploy services to both Alliance brands.

“While the connected car experience is in its infancy, we believe there’s so much potential to dramatically change the industry. We are partnering to accelerate Renault-Nissan’s mobile and cloud strategies and unlock new experiences for their customers,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, executive vice president and president, Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, Microsoft. “Renault-Nissan is an exceptional partner thanks to its global presence and range of brands, which enable it to bring entirely new mobile and digital experiences to so many people. This collaboration will bring a new standard to connected cars.”

Focus on next-generation technologies

The partnership will accelerate development of best-in-class infotainment and location-based services that will:

Allow customers to personalize and protect their settings: Customers will be able to customize their settings knowing that data is safe and that they have the option to transfer the settings from one car to another, or lock them and disable transfer. By adding a driver-centric experience in the car, the drive becomes personal and allows for things like adaptive route suggestions and advanced navigation.

Productivity: With Microsoft, Renault-Nissan will expand the realm of productivity into the car – transforming the daily commute into a productive experience by seamlessly integrating the digital experiences present at work and life into the car. 

Give access to over-the-air updates: Customers will be able to download over-the-air updates to, for example, have the latest autonomous drive software and collision-avoidance applications.

Help customers stay in touch: Customers will be able to easily check in and communicate their estimated time of arrival, or alert friends to a change of plans. They will also be able to use automatic payment from the car for highway tolls or parking, with a simple touch from the comfort of their seat.

Monitor the car from a distance: Car owners will be able to monitor their car from anywhere, through their mobile phone or laptop. They could transfer control to a friend or relative who needs their car – without transferring physical keys. They will use a mobile application that helps them find the car, can trigger remote charging and preconditioning and lock and unlock the car.

Protect the vehicle: Tracking software locates a stolen car and disables it at the next practical opportunity. “Geofencing” technology creates invisible fences around the car that will enable notifications when the car enters or exits a predefined area or route.  

Improve the vehicle experience: By adding connectivity, customers will be able to have access to advance vehicle diagnostic services, allowing the car manufacturer to deliver unique features. Collecting real usage data will also support vehicle engineering to improve manufacturing quality.

CES 2016 - Aston martin and Letv signed a memorandum of understanding to develop technological projects.

Leading global technology company Letv and luxury sports car brand Aston Martin today revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show the first results of their collaboration – an Aston Martin Rapide S incorporating the latest Letv Internet of the Vehicle (IOV) system.

Aston Martin and Letv signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on December 3rd 2015 to confirm research projects that include the development of connected electric vehicles through to manufacturing consultation on future electric vehicles.

The ideation and engineering of the Aston Martin Rapide S project has been led by the Letv IOV team and has focused on a new concept for the centre console and instrument panel.  

The center console is now a 13.3 inch HD touch screen and the instrument panel is now a 12.2 inch screen incorporating electronic instrumentation and gauges. The original human-machine interaction (HMI) has also been updated by integrating Letvs latest speech recognition technology.

Letv first showed its Autolink system in November 2015, the first time the technology company had released a product specifically developed for automotive applications. 

The collaboration with Aston Martin on the Rapide S further demonstrates the capabilities of the Letv global open auto eco-system. The Aston Martin Rapide S concept has been engineered to work with Letvs other devices and will include remote monitoring and services with the support of LeCloud through the vehicles Wi-Fi system.

Commenting on the significance of the reveal, Ding Lei, co-founder, global vice chairman and China and Asia Pacific CEO of Letv Super Car, said, “After a few months ‘efforts, we finished the integration of an Aston Martin vehicle and the Letv IOV system. We have successfully equipped this supercar brand with over 100 years of history with an ‘Internet brain’.”

Commenting on the project, Dr. Andrew Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin said: “Aston Martin is renowned for the beauty and quality of its hand-crafted cars. The integration of Letv advanced connected technologies into this bespoke environment is a natural progression as we look to the future demands of our customers”.

Maserati and Cipollini team up to make a One-of-a-kind road bike to be auctioned for charity.

MASERATI CIPOLLINI BOND SILENT AUCTION WILL RAISE MONEY FOR ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH

To celebrate its partnership with the inaugural Rouleur Classic event, Maserati has teamed up with Italian bike brand, Cipollini to create a one-of-a-kind Maserati Cipollini BOND road bike.

The stunning bike, which will be signed at the show by Mario Cipollini, will be the centrepiece of the Maserati Lounge, where visitors will be invited to join a silent auction to win the bike and raise money for Action Medical Research. 

Action Medical Research has been funding medical innovations since they began back in 1952. 

Breakthroughs such as the first polio vaccines in the UK, ultrasound in pregnancy and the rubella vaccine have helped to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more.

Guests will be able to enter the silent auction at the Maserati Lounge throughout the Rouleur Classic as well as via www.championsofcyclesport.com. 

The auction will then continue on stage at the Champions of CycleSport Dinner on Thursday, 26 November, when the overall highest bidder will be announced at the end of the evening.

The Cipollini BOND frame is painted in Maserati blue and white and features Rouleur Classic and Maserati branding, including the Maserati trident in red on either side of the seat tube.

The partnership pairs two iconic Italian brands with speed and style at their heart.

Peter Denton, Region Manager for Maserati Northern Europe comments, ‘When we started our Maserati Cycling initiative it was with the aim of enhancing the experience of the cycling community through our brand’s involvement in a series of unique and exciting cycling events.

‘The vision behind the Rouleur Classic is absolutely complementary to what we are looking to achieve, and the show promises to become a must-attend destination for the discerning road cyclist.

‘We hope our partnership with Cipollini will add another interesting element to the event. To be able to produce a truly one-of-a-kind Maserati Cipollini road bike which will allow us to raise money for a great charity like Action Medical Research is fantastic. The bike is a beautiful piece of design and represents perfectly the style, tradition and quality that Maserati stands for.” 

Mario Cipollini, owner of Cipollini bikes shares this excitement, ‘To pair two such like-minded Italian brands was an opportunity not to miss, and the Rouleur Classic is the perfect place to show the bike and hopefully raise a lot of money for charity. The lucky winner will be the owner of a truly unique bike.’

The technical specification of the bike, with a RRP of £4500, comprises an Ultegra mechanical groupset, Selle San Marco Aspide racing saddle and a Fast Forward F2A alloy clincher wheelset.

Frameset: Groupset:	Cipollini Bond – Medium (54cm) Ultegra 6800 Mechanical 11 Speed Rear mech – short cage 11SPD Cassette – 11-23 11SPD Cranks – 172.5 Chainrings: Standard 53/39
Handlebars: Stem: Saddle: Handlebar tape: Wheelset: Tyres:	Ritchey WCS Logic II Alloy Handlebar (42cm) Ritchey WCS 4-Axis 44 Alloy Stem (100mm) Selle San Marco Aspide Racing Saddle - Black Selle San Marco Presa Corsa Racing Handlebar Tape - Black Fast Forward F2A Alloy Clincher DT240 Wheelset Challenge Forte Race Clincher Road Tyre (120TPI) 25c

The Rouleur Classic Cycling Emporium - a three day exhibition celebrating the very best in road cycling – runs until Saturday 20^th November. For further information please visit: www.rouleurclassic.cc

For your chance to own this one-off piece of classic Italian design and to raise money for Action Medical Research, place a bid in the silent auction before 16.00 Thursday 26^th November at:

www.championsofcyclesport.com

GENEVA - Maserati never fails to impress, and again they have at the 2015 Geneva show.

EXCLUSIVE INTERIORS FOR THE GHIBLI AND QUATTROPORTE, SIGNED BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

After a year of commercial success and the recent centennial celebrations, Maserati views 2015 as a year of consolidation before the launch of its new models. In terms of product, this consolidation starts with the strengthening of the all-Italian partnership between the brand and the Ermenegildo Zegna maison of Trivero. At the Geneva Motor Show, Maserati has confirmed the production launch of a new interior version available as an option from next autumn.

The Ermenegildo Zegna interior combines Poltrona Frau leather with 100% natural fibre Zegna Mulberry Silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. Available in three colour variants for the interiors of the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloons, this exclusive outfit will be the most exquisite of all Maserati customisations. 

The stand features the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition, the stylistic concept car that contains some of the features available for order by Maserati saloon customers.

Also on display on the Maserati stand is a substantial representation of the brand’s range, with the luxurious Quattroporte GTS and the diesel version. The Ghibli is present in the S Q4 and diesel versions, alongside the Centennial Editions of the GranTurismo MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA INTERIORS FOR THE GHIBLI AND QUATTROPORTE

For the Ghibli and Quattroporte, Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna have designed interiors offering luxurious materials and sophisticated styling, with three colour combinations certain to delight the most discerning clientele.

The basic consideration behind this new product offering has remained faithful to that presented with the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept car: the harmony of opposites, where a stylistic synthesis between sophisticated design and technological dynamism creates interiors with a strong contemporary character.

The interior is designed around the passenger compartment’s two-colour, two-material concept, with Poltrona Frau leather combined with Ermenegildo Zegna 100% natural fibre mulberry silk inserts, which give it a distinctive, elegant personality.

Silk, an inherently sophisticated material, is further embellished by the hand-stitched macro-chevron; on the door panel, too, the matching salt-pepper silk Jersey is enhanced by an alternating rib embroidery.

As for the seating, the extra fine grain Poltrona Frau leather with contrasting, light grey stitching, is matched to a central silk insert with a micro-chevron weave of vertical rolls on the central seat and backrest area, within which the central roll, with leather tapes on the sides, features a special macro-chevron weave adding to its three-dimensional feel and technical look.

On the door panels, the central parts are covered with Zegna silk Jersey and embellished by a diagonal roll pattern, with ton-sur-ton ornamental stitching and alternating rib embroideries. The same fabric is used to cover the car's roof lining and sunshades, the latter carrying grosgrain “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” brand labels on the inside. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the car interior is also expressed by the headrests, featuring an embroidered Trident emblem and contrasting stitching.

For both models, Ghibli and Quattroporte, the interior offering includes a choice of colour combinations: the Ermenegildo Zegna silk, always in Anthracite colour, can be combined with three different shades of luxurious Poltrona Frau leather, for three individual looks:

• Black colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel
• Natural colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel
• Red colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel

This extended, exclusive product offering for the Maserati saloons will be available for all markets from autumn 2015, on all Quattroporte and Ghibli versions.

QUATTROPORTE RANGE

The most powerful Maserati currently on the market is also present on the stand: the GTS version of the Quattroporte flagship, driven by the powerful 530 horsepower V8 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with rear-wheel drive, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 307 km/h, surging from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds. In terms of styling, as well as the GTS badge at the rear, the car’s exterior features a front spoiler, side miniskirts and the lower band of the rear bumper coloured to match the body, while the radiator grille has a glossy black surround. The front trident emblem in the middle of the grille, as well as the iconic “Saetta” logo on the rear pillar, includes the red striping typical of higher-performance versions. The standard wheels are 20” in size and forged to ensure a significant weight reduction compared to the conventional flow forming construction; the wheels come in a technical design and anthracite grey colour, with external diamond smoothing treatment and matt finish with colour-matched hub covers and a red trident emblem - only available for this version. The slimline spokes allow a good view of the red, anodised finish brake callipers, indicative of the vehicle's high performance and only available for the GTS version. The standard interiors offer lavish use of fine-grain Poltrona Frau leather (with optional contrasting stitching) and Black Piano lacquered trim. Further interior details include a compact GTS badge added to the inside of the dashboard central clock with red pointers, and the floor mat on the driver's side with a leather insert and embroidered GTS logo.

Accompanying the immensely powerful Quattroporte GTS is the equally exclusive Quattroporte Diesel, with 275 horsepower V6 engine, which with a top speed of 250 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a total range of more than 1000 km between fuelling stops, delivers unrivalled comfort on long journeys.

The Quattroporte range is completed by the petrol-engined all-wheel drive S Q4 and rear-wheel drive Quattroporte S, both powered by the 410 horsepower Twin Turbo V6 and equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission; top speeds, at the top of the class for both versions, are 283 and 285 km/h respectively, with 0-100 km/h taking 4.9 seconds for the S Q4 and 5.1 for the rear-wheel drive Quattroporte S version.

GHIBLI RANGE

Alongside the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept car on the stand is the most powerful petrol version, the all-wheel drive Ghibli S Q4, with 410 horsepower Twin Turbo V6 engine. Its architecture provides sports car performance, with a top speed of 284 km/h and just 4.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h, together with the versatility to deal with all kinds of road surfaces. On the stand, the leader in comfort, performance and fuel saving combined is the Ghibli Diesel, with its 275 horsepower V6 Turbo engine.  Capable of 250 km/h and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, it delivers low fuel consumption and emissions of 5.9 l/100 km and 158 g/km respectively, on the combined cycle.

The Ghibli range is completed by the petrol version with a 330 horsepower V6 Twin Turbo engine, and the 410 horsepower S version, both rear-wheel drive and with 8-speed automatic transmission.

GRANTURISMO AND GRANCABRIO RANGE

The epitome of the sports car range comprising of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, is the Centennial Edition of the GranTurismo MC Stradale. The Centennial Edition, created to celebrate the Maserati Centennial, is available on both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranCabrio MC, both displayed on the stand. The Centennial Edition features three tri-coated colours, special 20” wheels and hub covers that incorporate the Centennial medallion logo. The leather upholstered seats boast a particularly aggressive look with a contrasting decorative insert based on the three colours (red, white and blue) of the seat profiles. The same motif also extends to the headrests and surrounds the embroidered trident logo.

The engine is a 4.7 litre 460 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 with rear-wheel drive and gearbox coupled with the differential, enabling the car to reach 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds; the top speed is 303 km/h and the car has Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.

Apart from the Centennial Edition, the sports car range includes the GranTurismo, with 4.2 litre, 405 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission, and the GranTurismo Sport, powered by the same 4.7 litre 460 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine as the MC Stradale, available with MC Auto-Shift automatic transmission or MC Shift robotic gearbox, all with rear-wheel drive.

The convertible range is completed by the 450 horsepower GranCabrio and the 460 horsepower GranCabrio Sport, both with 6 speed automatic transmission.

DRIVING COURSES

The Master Maserati programme offers a complete range of top-level, highly exclusive driving experiences, characterised by the unmistakeable Italian style and elegance typical of all Maserati activities.

At the Varano De' Melegari racing track, near Parma, in Italy, a fleet of fifteen cars, all part of the current Maserati production range and coordinated by the former Formula 1 driver Andrea de Adamich, each equipped with an audio-video recording system, will be made available to course participants to learn various driving techniques and emergency manoeuvres.

The driving experiences range from the brand new “Master Warm Up”, an introduction to driving high-performance cars on the circuit, on to the classic “Master GT” one or two days' course, or the "Master High Performance" course for more experienced drivers, and the "Master Italian Lifestyle Experience", encompassing all the most iconic, captivating elements of Italian lifestyle: luxury, art, fashion, and most significantly, racing performance. More information is available at www.maserati.com/MasterMaserati

In the run-up to the Maserati Trofeo World Series 2015, the “Trofeo Racing Academy” is offered on 21 and 22 March; this project is the very highest level of Maserati Driving Courses. It is a professional race-training programme, intended for those who are actually intending to take part in the 2015 Maserati Trofeo World Series, to enable them to enjoy a safe driving experience with performance and competitiveness of a suitable level.

Participation is reserved for experienced drivers with high-performance road vehicle driving skills - with or without previous track experience. The programme includes two training days, with both theoretical and practical sessions. At the end of the Trofeo Racing Academy, participants may take a 2,000 cc racing car driving test, required by the Italian National Federation (CSAI) to be able to compete in the Maserati Trofeo.

MOTOR SPORTS

The sixth season of the Maserati Trofeo World Series confirms its status as a worldwide event, with a calendar covering three continents and now including three new tracks, meaning that no fewer than 25 different circuits have now been visited since 2010. 

The Trofeo World Series will commence on 26 April in France, at the Paul Ricard Circuit, where the initial pre-season tests will also take place. The second round will be held on 24 May at the Spielberg circuit in Austria, which will be hosting a stage of the Trofeo Maserati for the first time. On 28 June another new circuit: Road America in the State of Wisconsin in the USA, while the return to the VIR circuit at Danville, Virginia is confirmed for 23 August.

The championship will move to Asia on 25 October and will call at the Suzuka circuit in Japan for the first time, before concluding on 11 December at Abu Dhabi, which will host the closing race for the third year in succession.

The major novelty for the 2015 season concerns the race format, designed to create a level playing-field between drivers and ensure more excitement right from the first sessions on the track. The format will change from three races per round, used in 2013 and 2014, to two races of 42’ each, with no pit stops. More information is available at www.maseraticorse.it

MASERATI'S 2014

In 2014, Maserati delivered 36,500 cars (+137%), thanks to the continued strong performance of the Quattroporte and Ghibli. Net earnings were €2.8 billion (€1.7 billion in 2013) due to the higher volumes. EBIT improved to €275 million from €106 million in 2013, which included non-recurring charges of €65 million relating to the write-down of development costs, previously capitalised in relation to a new model which was subsequently reassigned to a new platform considered more appropriate for the brand. EBIT adjusted to allow for non-recurring items improved by €104 million compared to 2013 as a result of the growth in volumes.

Rolling Stones signed JEEP Renegade up for grabs.

• Following the spectacular "14 On Fire" summer tour featuring the Jeep brand and the legendary British rockers, an original charity initiative has put both icons back in the spotlight.
• New, one-of-a-kind Renegade, signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts in Rome last year, the only Italian date of the tour, is currently up for auction at Charitybuzz.com until 23 December.

Jeep was the Presenting Sponsor and exclusive automotive partner of the Rolling Stones' spectacular "14 On Fire" European Tour that ran from 26 May to 2 July this year and in which the flagship Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever and icon of Jeep’s premium quality, played a key role. The series of concerts also provided an ideal occasion to preview the new Renegade.

The partnership between Jeep and the Rolling Stones has been further strengthened by another outstanding initiative of great social value. It stars a unique example of the new Renegade, the very vehicle that was signed by each member of the legendary band: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts. The Jeep is currently being auctioned until 23 December at Charitybuzz.com/RollingStonesJeep. Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe by auctioning off unique items and experiences.

The vehicle in question was signed in Rome, against the spectacular backdrop of the Circo Massimo, on 22 June at the only Italian date of the tour. Special guest for the evening was the all-new Jeep Renegade, unveiled for the first time in Italy in the ancient Roman stadium following its international début at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

There could have been no finer a location for its Italian preview, given that Renegade is the first ever model in the brand's history to be built in Italy and the first Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicle to emerge from the collaboration of Italian and US designers.

Sold in over 100 countries around the world, including the US, the new Jeep Renegade has unique personality and boasts class-leading off-road capabilities and more than 60 innovative safety devices. It is the only car in the segment to offer 9-speed automatic transmission, two drive systems, rear axle disconnection device and an instrument panel complete with 7" display.

The first Compact Jeep SUV in the EMEA region comes in four different trim levels (Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk) featuring fuel-efficient turbodiesel or petrol engines and either front- or four-wheel drive.

The all-new Jeep Renegade goes on sale in the UK early next year starting at £16,995 OTR for the front-wheel drive 1.6-litre eTorq Evo 110hp Sport, rising to £27,995 OTR for the 2.0-litre MJet 170hp 4WD Auto Low Trailhawk.