Jeep has it's third consecutive year of growth in the EMEA region, and has a number of country record sales.

• Third consecutive year of sales growth
• Sales tripled in the region in the last six years
• Second only to the NAFTA region, EMEA currently represents 10 percent of Jeep® global sales
• Fastest-growing brand in Europe and EFTA (source: ACEA data)
• Italy, Germany, UK, France and Spain recorded best year ever
• Renegade is the main driver of Jeep growth in the region

In 2015, the Jeep® brand set its all-time sales record in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) with 117,620 units sold and volumes up by 55.7 percent in comparison with 2014.

After 26 months of uninterrupted year-over-year growth achieved through December, Jeep ended 2015 reporting its third consecutive year of commercial success and confirming the brand’s momentum and customer appreciation in the region.

Since 2009, Jeep sales have tripled in EMEA, with the region currently ranking second in terms of volume after North America, with a share of 10 percent of the brand’s global sales (compared with 7 percent in 2014).

In Europe (EU28 + EFTA), Jeep was the fastest-growing automotive brand recording a 132.2 percent increase* in a year that also saw the best performance ever in terms of volume for the European market with 88,200 registrations and a 113 percent increase compared with 2014.

Several EMEA countries recorded their best sales year ever in 2015. In Italy, the top-selling country in the region, Jeep set its all-time record with sales almost tripled in comparison with 2014 and with Jeep being the fastest-growing automotive brand in the country.

Recording a total of 14,995 new registrations, Jeep achieved its best annual result also in Germany with sales up by almost 42.6 percent versus 2014.

The UK sold more Jeep vehicles in one year than in the four years of 2011 to 2014 combined, recording a growth of 176.1 percent, compared with 2014 sales. 2015 was the UK’s best year ever, with Jeep being the fastest-growing car brand in the market last year.

In France, Jeep also recorded its best ever full-year sales performance with an increase of 208.5 percent (8,585 units) versus 2014, mainly driven by Renegade.

Also, in Spain, Jeep closed 2015 as the fastest-growing brand in the automotive sector (205.4 percent) and set its all-time annual sales record. During the 12 months of 2015, more Jeep vehicles were sold in the Spanish market than in the previous three years (2012-2014) combined.

At product level, Renegade led the brand’s EMEA results last year with more than 54,800 units sold and accounting for 49.8 percent of total Jeep sales in the region. 

With more than 200,000 units manufactured to date at the renewed FCA Melfi Plant in Basilicata (Italy), Renegade’s success in terms of sales and appreciation by the public was awarded by several accolades during the year, including:

• "New Car of the Year 2015," Quattroruote (Italy), January 2015
• "Best SUV of 2015," Coches.net (Spain), March 2015
• "4x4 of the Year 2015," 4x4 Magazine (France), May 2015 
• “SUV of the year 2015,” 4x4 Tout-Terrain Magazine (France), June 2015
• "4x4 of the Year 2016," 4x4 Magazine (UK), December 2015
• “Car of the Year 2016,” awarded by a panel of specialized motoring journalists in Greece

With 28,159 units sold, the flagship Grand Cherokee made an important contribution to the brand’s commercial success, accounting for almost 24 percent (23.9 percent precisely) of total 2015 sales and being the second best-selling Jeep model in the region. Jeep Cherokee significantly increased its performance versus 2014, while the iconic Wrangler confirmed its steady performance with 14,109 units sold.

USA - General Motor's hits 9.8 Million sales for the third year of record sales.

• GM #1 in North America, South America and China
• Cadillac sales up 8 percent globally
• Buick achieves third consecutive global sales record
• Chevrolet sales in North America up 6 percent
• Opel/Vauxhall post best European results since 2011

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) global sales totaled 9.8 million vehicles in 2015, up 0.2 percent for the company’s third consecutive year of record sales.

“GM continued to grow in 2015 as our focus on the customer and successful new vehicle launches more than offset the challenging conditions in South America and the curtailment of our presence in certain markets such as Russia,” said GM President Dan Ammann.

Deliveries in North America rose 6 percent in 2015 to 3.6 million cars, trucks and crossovers.  In the U.S., GM grew its retail sales, which are sales to individual customers, faster than any other automaker.

In China, General Motors and its joint ventures delivered a record 3.6 million vehicles, up 5 percent compared to 2014. Their lineup expanded through the introduction of 12 new and refreshed models. SUV deliveries were up 144 percent, led by new models such as the Buick Envision and Baojun 560.

In 2015, General Motors’ cars, trucks and crossovers were leading automotive sales in China and its North American and South American regions.

GM has several major product launches underway around the world, including the new Opel Astra with more than 80,000 orders across European markets and the new Chevrolet Malibu in North America, which began arriving in showrooms at the end of last year.

Global Sales Highlights (vs. 2014)

• Chevrolet grew retail market share in the U.S. faster than any full-line automotive brand, with total sales up 5 percent to more than 2.1 million cars, trucks and crossovers. Chevrolet sales in Canada increased 3 percent while sales in Mexico went up 18 percent. Combined sales for the brand in North America were up 6 percent.
• Buick set a global sales record for the third consecutive year, driven by record sales in China and record crossover deliveries in the United States. Total sales surpassed 1.2 million vehicles.
• Cadillac grew globally by 8 percent, driven by record sales in China and the strong growth in SRX and Escalade deliveries in the U.S.
• GMC continued to grow and achieved its 6th consecutive year of sales gains. Based on new and significantly refreshed products, deliveries grew 11 percent to 680,000 vehicles.
• Opel/Vauxhall achieved its best sales result in four years delivering more than 1.1 million vehicles despite its strategic departure from the Russian market. Share of the total European vehicle market increased for the third year in a row to nearly 6 percent.
• In the U.S., GM’s total sales were up 5 percent supported by the momentum of vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, the GMC Sierra and record crossover deliveries. Retail deliveries increased 8 percent.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - The Renault ZOE takes best Electric car under £20,000 for the third year running.

• Renault ZOE named ‘Best Electric Car under £20,000’
• Third consecutive What Car? title for ZOE
• ZOE available from £13,445 after Government PiCG
• ZOE sales in the UK doubled in 2015

The Renault ZOE has been recognised by the judges at What Car? for the third consecutive year, picking up the title of What Car? 2016 ‘Best Electric Car for less than £20,000’ with its pure electric ZOE Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge hatchback.

Commenting on the decision to give ZOE the award for a third consecutive year, Jim Holder, Editorial Director, What Car? said: “The Renault ZOE was our favourite electric car for less than £20,000 a year ago, and tweaks to the specification and the added ability to go further have only increased its appeal. 

The ZOE’s main strength is that it feels like a conventional, stylish, nippy small car that happens to cost pennies to run. The electric motor has enough shove for the ZOE to lead the charge away from traffic lights, and the cabin seats four in reasonable comfort. Even the boot is larger than you’ll find in many regular small cars – easily big enough for a week’s shopping.

“The rapid charger means that you can get the ZOE’s battery from flat to 80 per cent of its capacity in as little as 30 minutes, using one of the fast charging public points. With a full charge, you’ll be good for around 90 miles – more than enough for the average commute. Renault even includes installation of a home charger in the price. The standard kit list looks good, too, with a reversing camera and an excellent infotainment system with satellite navigation included with our preferred trim level,” added Holder.

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK, said of the result:“The ZOE proves that zero emissions in use vehicles can be stylish and practical with sales more than doubling in the UK last year, in an EV market up 48 per cent, as more and more motorists recognize ZOE, not only for its environmental credentials but for its ultra-low running costs, serene driving style and high standard of specification.  We’re thrilled that What Car? has recognised ZOE’s talents for the third year in a row.”

The ZOE is an all-electric, five-door family hatchback available in three trim levels that comes with a high level of standard specification, despite its competitive price-tag, including items such as climate control and sat-nav. 

ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 30 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon™ Charger that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum.  The official NEDC range is up to 149 miles – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 93 miles in summer and 62 miles in winter.

ZOE is available to purchase in two ways. Firstly, under a battery hire scheme, where ZOE pricing starts at £13,445 after the Government Plug-in Car Grant with battery leasing from £55 per month. Benefits include a lifetime performance guarantee for the battery and 24/7 roadside assistance – even if you run out of charge.

You can also buy your ZOE outright. ZOE i ‘full purchase’ models start from £18,445 after the Government Plug-in Car Grant, giving the buyer full ownership of the car and battery and no monthly battery lease payment.

ZOE sales were up 102 per cent in 2015 to 2,053 vehicles, significantly outpacing the UK electric vehicle market, which was up 48 per cent on 2014. ZOE is the second best-selling electric car in the UK representing one in five EVs sold. ZOE is one of three models in Renault’s diverse electric vehicle range which also includes the Twizy urban roundabout and the Kangoo Van Z.E.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Hyundai takes a two awards, the i10 retains best City car and the ix35, the Technology Award

• New Generation Hyundai i10 wins ‘Best City Car’ for third consecutive year
• Best buy between £10,000-11,000 for 1.2-litre SE model
• “Easier to live with and better to drive” than its competitors
• Technology Award winner (in association with Stuff) for the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell

New Generation Hyundai i10 has retained its position at the top of its class after being named What Car? ‘Best City Car’ for the third consecutive year, along with ‘Best Buy between £10,000-11,000’. Praised for its refined cabin, smooth engine, extensive kit list and practicality, i10 continues to hold off competition from the likes of VW Up and Skoda Citigo.

Jim Holder, Editorial Director, Autocar, Pistonheads, and What Car? said: “In 2014, the i10 managed the remarkable feat of knocking the superb Volkswagen Up off the top spot. Despite facing new or updated rivals, it retained its position in 2015 and has come out on top again in 2016. Like the Skoda Citigo and VW Up, the i10 is a comfortable and nippy city car that’s easy to park and cheap to run. However, it offers a more refined cabin, a smooth engine, an extensive kit list and far greater practicality. Those factors combined result in a car that’s easier to live with and better to drive.”

Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell - the world’s first commercially available fuel cell vehicle - also won the Technology Award (in association with Stuff), alongside the Toyota Mirai.  Hyundai was praised for “its bravery in trying to force change”.

Holder continued: “Supporters say hydrogen fuel cell technology holds the key to the future of sustainable motoring. Critics point out that there is next to no recharging infrastructure, that developing it will be hugely costly and that the fuel cell technology itself is far too complex and expensive to hold any mass appeal. Our judges’ counter to that was that all-new technologies need early champions, and that Hyundai’s bravery in trying to force change is to be applauded.”

Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK said: “Winning Best City Car for the third consecutive year is a huge accolade for the cleverly-packaged i10.  It continues to be our best-selling model despite it now being the oldest car in our product line-up.  The fact that it was only launched in 2014 shows just how far the Hyundai brand has evolved and continues to evolve – we have the one of the youngest ranges in the industry and a firm eye on the future with the world’s first commercially available hydrogen-powered vehicle available to buy right now!”

The ix35 Fuel Cell is fitted with a 100 kW (136 PS) electric motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 100mph. It produces no harmful emissions during driving, with only water vapour coming from the tailpipe. The official driving range on a single tank of hydrogen is almost 370 miles, providing range in line with a conventionally-powered car.

The introduction of the ix35 Fuel Cell to market forms part of Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to become a leading environmentally-friendly carmaker by 2020, with the goal of introducing 22 low-emission models by 2020, including 12 hybrids, six plug-in hybrids, two electric vehicles and two hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.