USA - Ford celebrates the American's biggest seller for decades, the F-Series with a year long celebration.

• Ford F-Series is now America’s best-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 35 years; with more than 26 million trucks sold since 1977
• Listening to customers, delivering constant innovation and best-in-class levels of performance enabled the Ford F-Series to set itself apart by making customers more productive through tougher, smarter and more capable trucks

• Ford kicks off 2017 with a yearlong celebration for loyal F-Series owners and their trucks at 40YearsTough.com

Ford, America’s truck leader, is celebrating a major milestone as F-Series now reigns as the top-selling truck in the country for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 35 years.

Ford has now sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks since January 1977. Think of it like this: That many trucks could circle the globe more than three times, or, lined up bumper-to-bumper, would span 90,000-plus miles.

Ford truck leadership was established with the sixth-generation of F-Series for the 1977 model year, a time when 8-track tapes, disco and bell bottoms were the rage. 

The company was riding a sales wave – based on an all-new F-150 light-duty pickup featuring an improved 351-series V8 engine, standard front disc brakes, and an extended SuperCab offering.

Yet continuous innovation is at the very core of F-Series’ success and even with the momentum in 1977, Ford engineers were already at work on a clean-sheet design for an all-new lineup. That seventh-generation F-Series not only set sales records for trucks, but also by 1982 it had become the overall best-selling vehicle in America.

“The 1980 model was a breakthrough generation for Ford,” said historian and author James Wagner. “It was all new – probably the greatest change in 40 years. It was fresh and had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, things really went Ford’s way as far as trucks were concerned.”

1997 marked the beginning of a split for F-Series into two distinct platforms – the 10th-generation F-150 was geared toward light-duty truck customers, while new F-250 and F-350 Super Duty brand trucks debuted in 1999 targeting heavy-duty commercial vehicle buyers.

Ford anticipated widening consumer needs, expanded its truck lineup

Early on, Ford identified changing consumer preferences among truck customers who were increasingly using their vehicle to do more than haul livestock and equipment; customers were also using their trucks for their family and lifestyle needs. 

Beginning with the King Ranch in 2001, Ford was now offering luxury edition pickups that provided a combination of capability, style and comfort. Furthermore, models like the Platinum and Limited series went further, featuring leather seating, rich wood trim, full power accessories and premium sound systems.

Ford also pioneered performance and specialty truck segments with the special-edition Harley-Davidson F-150 and SVT F-150 Lightning in 1993. By 2002, Ford was marking 25 years as best-selling truck in America and 20 years as best-selling vehicle overall.

“What’s made the F-Series so successful is the Ford truck team’s ability to anticipate the needs of our customers better than anyone else – how those needs change, what’s most important, and what they need to move forward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Their insights help us design, engineer and build America’s best-selling trucks.”

For the 2004 model year, the 11th-generation F-150 received a top-down redesign. 2009 saw Ford charging ahead with some of the strongest visual cues ever for the 12th-generation F-Series. 

For the 2011 model year, the company was poised to combat skyrocketing energy costs with introduction of the all-new fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 engine for F-150.

Toughest, smartest, most capable F-Series ever

On rare occasions, innovative companies forever change the game with the introduction of a revolutionary product. Ford’s all-new high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body for the light-duty F-150 in 2015 was that breakthrough product. 

Then Ford applied the same lightweight material to make the all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty even more capable than ever.

When paired with advanced powertrains, like Ford EcoBoost V6 engines, the F-150 lineup offers the most hauling capability* and best-in-class gas mileage**.

Customers and critics alike appreciate the continued innovation of Ford F-Series trucks, with the 2017 Super Duty winning the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award – the seventh time in 30 years Ford has taken home the honors.

F-Series innovations and milestones, 1977 to present

• 1977: Ford begins F-Series truck leadership, selling 818,580 trucks for the model year
• 1979: Ford introduces the Built Ford Tough brand promise
• 1980: All-new seventh-generation F-Series features efficient gas and diesel V8 engines, new angular design, improved interior features; twin-traction-beam four-wheel-drive front suspension introduced
• 1984: F-150 replaces F-100 as base F-Series truck, adding improved safety features and new center console; optional CD player comes a year later
• 1987: Eighth-generation F-Series features a more aerodynamic design, available electronic fuel injection, redesigned interior including instrument panel, and rear antilock brakes
• 1998: Super Duty brand of medium-duty trucks debuts for commercial customers and aligns the popular F-150 line for light-duty customers
• 2001: Luxury King Ranch is an unprecedented success
• 2002: Ford, celebrating 25 years as best-selling truck in America and 20 years as best-selling vehicle overall, introduces Ford-engineered, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® turbo diesel engine
• 2008: Ford introduces all-new Class 3-leading F-450 pickup, once again raising the bar for maximum towing capacity
• 2011: Powerful, efficient EcoBoost engine technology introduced for F-150
• 2015: Ford shifts production away from steel to high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body for F-150; introduces all-new technology, including 360-degree camera
• 2016: New Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob; plus F-150 is only full-size pickup to earn a five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• 2017: Ford celebrates F-Series leadership, marking 40 years with the best-selling truck in America and the best-selling vehicle overall for 35 years

UK - RECALL #1 - TRIUMPH - Ignition May Fail

Vehicle Details
Reference :	RM/2014/029
Manufacturer Ref :	SB519
Make:	TRIUMPH
Model :	Thunderbird & Storm ABS, Tiger 800/XC ABS, Thruxton, Bonneville & T100, America, Scrambler, Rocket III Touring, Rocket III Roadster ABS, Speedmaster
Launch Date :	03/11/2014
Numbers Involved :	256
Build Start Date :	06/02/2014
Build End Date :	07/08/2014

Recall Details
Concern :	IGNITION MAY FAIL
Description :	Components within the ECU are incompatible when operating at extremes of tolerance. This condition can cause damage to the injector driver and can lead to the injector being constantly on. The engine will either fail to start or, if running, the fuel injector circuit can malfunction causing one cylinder to lose power.
Remedial Action :	Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the ECU.
Vehicle Id :	SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 SMT920K13FT665698 to SMTTRE16B8F668964 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396 97N910K17FM673855 to 97NE06BFXFM666396

USA - 2015 Escalade exterior rooted in quality and excellence.

Iconic design elevated through Galvano chrome and detailed surfacing

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade features a new yet instantly recognizable design that maintains the vehicle's signature quality and elegance. The styling cues combine sculpted surfaces with high technology embellishments to give Escalade an unmistakable stand-out appearance.

The Escalade is all new for 2015, but its iconic character has been preserved through an evolution of design dating to the first generation vehicle, introduced in 1999. With a strong sense of presence and proportion, the next-generation Escalade modernizes many signature Cadillac elements, including a shield-shaped grille, the Galvano bright trim, and the LED vertical light signatures.

“The 2015 Escalade continues the theme set by the first Escalade – a vehicle differentiated from other SUVs through its artistic integration of bright work, grille textures and wheels,” said Bob Boniface, Global Cadillac director of design. “The Escalade design has a more sophisticated and integrated exterior appearance when compared to the rough-and-rugged aesthetic of standard SUVs.”

There is more sculpture on the body side as compared with past Escalade models. As exemplified by the photographs of indie artist Autumn de Wilde, the body sides reflect the vehicle’s surroundings like a mirror. Boniface’s team managed vehicle proportions through the sculpting of the side surfaces and by designing new 20- and 22-inch wheels. The result produces “beautiful, liquid-like reflections” on the body side, complemented by the visual drama of the long wheel spokes.

New to the Escalade is the use of Galvano chrome, which has a more subtle bright finish than standard chrome.

“It adds a level of refinement and sophistication to the Escalade that bright chrome cannot match,” Boniface said.

It is a more complex process to apply the Galvano finish, but Cadillac’s exterior design team believes it sets the vehicle apart. This type of attention to detail can be found throughout the 2015 Escalade, including the Galvano trim and the cut-and-sewn instrument panel end cap.

Designers also paid close attention to the Escalade’s headlamps and taillamps.

“The detailing in the exterior lamps is extraordinary,” Boniface said. “We have taken an established brand element and constructed them with absolute state-of-the-art technology. The result is bold, modern and pure Cadillac.”

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade, built in Arlington, Texas, is on sale now. 

USA - VW surprises with a very poor October and year to date, both down on previous year.

• October sales total 28,129 units
• Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 7,258 for the month 
• Jetta Sedan delivered 10,161 units for the month
• Tiguan delivered 2,153 units
• High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October and 22 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record
• Passat TDI sales reach 33.3 percent of mix with 2,416 units, the best October results ever

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 28,129 units delivered in October and 342,962 units year-to-date, down 18 percent for the month.  Adjusted for models in run-out, Volkswagen’s year-to-date pace would be on par with the prior year-to-date pace.

“After more than doubling our sales over the past three years, it is a significant recognition of the strength of our products that we are on course to close out a second consecutive year with over 400,000 vehicles delivered for the first time in 40 years,“ said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Now operating at a new plateau, Volkswagen is seeing a consistent stream of accolades, not only for products, but for interaction with customers -- through compelling advertising and effective website management.  Beyond sales figures, awards like these are a further proof point that the brand has gained a significant foothold in the US market.

Volkswagen’s award-winning commercials have found themselves atop another list.  Ace Metrics named Volkswagen’s “Choose Wisely,” ad at the top of its list for “Funniest Ads of 2013.”  “Top Down Day,” a Volkswagen ad promoting the new Beetle convertible, also made the top ten list, ranking number seven. Volkswagen was the only automaker in the top ten. Volkswagen has also proven successful in reaching consumers on their mobile devices, JD Power and Associates ranked the newly redesigned mobile.vw.com 6th overall among 33 automakers. The 2013 Automotive Mobile Site Study examines the features and content of automotive manufacturer mobile websites and their usefulness in the vehicle-shopping process.

The Chattanooga-built Passat continues as a core model with 7,258 units delivered. In October the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment delivered 2,416 clean diesels, representing 33.3 percent of its sales mix.

Total Jetta deliveries (including SportWagen) for October accounted for 10,161 units. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid continues to attract consumer interest with 666 deliveries in October.,

Total Beetle deliveries for October were 2,555 units, a 4.8 percent increase versus the prior year. The Tiguan sold 2,153 units. Total sales of the Golf (including Golf R and GTI) were 2,249.  The Touareg sold 549 units.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October, and 22 percent year-to-date, the best year-to-date on record.

Citroën reveals its WTCC 2014 challenger – the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC

• Citroën reveals its WTCC 2014 challenger – the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC
• The Citroën C-Elysée WTCC will be the first vehicle to be designed in accordance with new regulations
• With a truly global audience, the WTCC provides an ideal platform to showcase the  Citroën C-Elysée to key markets
• Citroën C-Elysée WTCC to make its public debut at Frankfurt International Motor Show in September

One month after confirming that it would be entering the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, Citroën can now reveal the model that will be driven on the circuits by Sébastien Loeb. The Citroën C-Elysée WTCC will be the very first vehicle to be designed in accordance with the new regulations, currently being prepared by the FIA for the category next year.

On 26 September of last year, at the opening of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Frédéric Banzet, Yves Matton and Sébastien Loeb announced that Citroën was considering taking part in the World Touring Car Championship. A few minutes earlier, the C-Elysée had just been unveiled for the first time to the world’s media. Ten months on, these two events come together again with the release of the first pictures of Citroën C-Elysée WTCC!

Benefitting from the best of the Brand’s expertise in terms of style, development and quality, Citroën C-Elysée is a C-segment saloon aimed principally at high-growth, international markets such as those in Latin America, the Mediterranean region, China and Russia. Widely acclaimed by customers, Citroën C-Elysée is already 30% ahead of its initial sales target, with 30,000 orders placed.

“Choosing C-Elysée as the basis for our WTCC car reflects very clearly our determination to use racing as an active means of supporting our commercial development,”emphasised Frédéric Banzet, CEO of the Citroën Brand. “With rounds in Latin America, Morocco, China and Russia, the WTCC race calendar is genuinely global, and it will be a real advantage to run a C-Elysée, a key driver of our growth, in front of large crowds of enthusiastic motorsport fans.”

“From a strictly technical perspective, the choice of a three-box saloon body was ideal in terms of aerodynamics. C-Elysée was therefore the perfect choice,” added Xavier Mestelan-Pinon, Citroën Racing’s Technical Director. “Apart from this aspect, we were able to install the various components fairly easily. Insofar as this is our first track racing car, we constantly had to ask ourselves questions about the relevance of our choices, but that's what makes this a particularly exciting challenge.”

Firmly anchored to the tarmac on its 18-inch wheels, C-Elysée WTCC is, quite simply, formidable. Featuring an integrated aerodynamic splitter, the front bumper accentuates the radiator grille with its prominent double chevron. The widened front and rear wings lend the car's bodywork a decidedly racing feel. At the rear, the stylish rear wing will ensure that the car hugs the track.

Under the bonnet, Citroën C-Elysée WTCC is powered by the same 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC. With a wider booster flange, power output is now close to 380bhp. The car comes with a front-wheel drive transmission, controlled by a six-speed sequential gearbox.

After making its first track outing a few days ago, Citroën C-Elysée WTCC has now begun a programme of development tests. The car will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (12-22 September).