Caterham Cars continues it's expansion with another new dealership, this time Liege, Belgium.

British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has strengthened its presence in Belgium with the launch of the House of Speed showroom in Liege.

Caterham’s new premises is located closer to the centre of Liege and sees pre-existing Belgian dealer, Villers Auto, join forces with Redwater Classic Cars at the considerably larger 500-square metre site.

The dealership will showcase the full European Caterham range, including the Seven 165, the Seven 275, the Seven 355 and the top of the range Seven 485. In addition to catering for new customers, House of Speed also offers Belgian customers a full after sales service, run by a dedicated team of expert Caterham technicians.

The showroom launch was celebrated over the weekend of January 9/10 for specially invited Caterham customers and members of the Belgium Seven Club, with over 200 attendees.

David Ridley, Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of the new House of Speed showroom in Belgium. Last June, we began our partnership with Villers Auto in Liege and the partnership went from strength to strength.

“With the introduction of this new facility and the revised Seven 355, we’re better equipped than ever to cater for sportscar enthusiasts in Belgium. I am looking forward to working with the team at House of Speed and taking our success even further in 2016.”

Caterham Cars House of Speed is located on Avenue Deponthière, 60 4431 Loncin.

USA SALES 2015 - FORD/LINCOLN - Ford continues to be the biggest single brand in the US, #1 model too.

• Ford Motor Company 2015 U.S. sales total 2,613,162 – up 5 percent, the company’s best annual sales performance since 2006; Ford is America’s best-selling vehicle brand for sixth straight year
• Ford Motor Company posts best U.S. December monthly sales results since 2005, selling 239,242 vehicles, up 8 percent
•  F-Series sales total 85,211 trucks in December, surpassing 85,000 sales for the first time in a decade; F-Series now America’s best-selling pickup for 39 straight years and the best-selling vehicle for 34 straight years with 780,354 trucks sold; Ford vans set annual sales record
• Ford brand SUVs up 13 percent, for best December since 2003; Escape, Edge and Explorer contribute to gains
• Fusion posts record December results, with total sales of 25,576 cars
• Lincoln has its best December since 2006, with annual volume their highest levels since 2008; sales of all-new Lincoln MKX up 77 percent

Ford Motor Company’s total 2015 U.S. sales of 2,613,162 vehicles are the company’s best annual sales results in nine years – up 5 percent. Ford brand sales of 2,511,935 vehicles make Ford America’s best-selling brand for six straight years.

U.S. December sales total 239,242 vehicles, up 8 percent versus a year ago. An 8 percent retail sales increase drove overall performance, with 174,509 vehicles sold last month.  

F-Series sales totaled 85,211 trucks in December, up 15 percent. Strong demand for F-150 contributed to the performance, as F-Series broke through the 85,000 vehicle mark for the first time in a decade. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 780,354 trucks – making it America’s best-selling pickup for 39 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 34 straight years.

“December capped off six straight months of year-over-year sales gains for F-Series, with strong increases coming from both retail sales and the strength of commercial fleet orders, as we closed out 2015,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. 

“Ford-brand SUVs delivered their best sales results in more than a decade, with our newest SUVs leaving dealer lots in a matter of days.”

Ford sold a total of 220,586 vans in 2015. This was an increase of 32 percent compared to the year prior and represents Fords highest van sales performance in company history. For the month of December, Ford van sales totaled 21,549, a 6 percent increase. 

Ford-brand SUVs totaled 65,675 sales last month – a 13 percent increase versus a year ago, for the best December performance since 2003. Escape sales of 27,954 rose 9 percent, for a record December and a record year. 

The all-new Edge delivered a 29 percent increase, with 10,263 vehicles sold. New Explorer sold a total 18,892 SUVs, a 14 percent increase, marking its best December performance since 2005.

December Fusion sales increased 15 percent at retail and 10 percent overall, making it Fusion’s best-ever December sales performance with 25,576 cars sold.

Lincoln sales totaled 10,860 vehicles for the month, representing a 12 percent increase and a 13 percent retail gain.

Strong performance from the all-new Lincoln MKX, with 2,960 vehicles sold, contributed to a 77 percent increase compared with a year ago. Lincoln MKZ sales were 3,207, up 22 percent.

Ford has been given the title as the UK's most Trusted brand after a recent survey by Future Thinking.

• Almost a third of respondents to an online poll voted Ford most trusted brand
• The blue oval was picked by 29 per cent as most trustworthy
• Researchers Future Thinking asked almost 2,750 Brits about all car brands in the wake of the emissions scandal

Ford is the most trusted automotive brand in the UK, according to a new survey. Research firm Future Thinking conducted the survey to gauge consumer trust in the industry following the recent VW emissions controversy.

Future Thinking questioned 2,735 respondents in the UK, asking which of the 29 top car brands they trusted most. Ford was chosen by 29 per cent of those surveyed, more than any other brand.

Only two other brands scored over 20 per cent.

Among those aged 55 and over, trust of Ford rose to 30 per cent – seven points ahead of the next favourite among the group of brands.

“Ford’s car sales success is reflected in the company being most trusted brand,” said Lisa Bedwell, Future Thinking‘s senior director. “Consumers have clearly re-evaluated their perceptions of car brands following the emissions crisis and are likely to increasingly turn to those brands that they believe offer real reassurance in this area.”  

Within days of September’s emission controversy breaking, Ford clarified that that its award-winning vehicles and engines met all applicable emissions standards.

Jim Farley, Ford of Europe chairman and chief executive officer, said:  “There is nothing more valuable to Ford than our reputation for operating ethically and legally.  It’s the bedrock of our company and one of the reasons why we have been in business successfully since 1903.”

USA - Land Rover/Range Rover cleans up at the ALG residual Awards, taking four awards in total.

- Land Rover awarded for "Best Premium Brand"

- The 2016 Range Rover awarded "Best Premium Full-Size SUV"

- The 2016 Range Rover Sport awarded "Best Premium Mid-size (two row) SUV

- The 2016 Discovery Sport awarded Premium Compact SUV

- ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements for vehicles predicted to retain highest percentage of original price after three-year period

Land Rover North America is proud to announce that the luxury automotive brand has been honored with four 2015 ALG Residual Value Awards for "Best Premium Brand," "Best Premium Full-Size" for the 2016 Range Rover, "Best Premium Mid-size (two row)" for the 2016 Range Rover Sport and "Best Premium Compact SUV" for the 2016 Discovery Sport. 

ALG is the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. This is the brand's second consecutive win, and marks the tenth win in eleven years for the Range Rover Sport.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. 

Awards are given in 26 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all premium vehicles. This year's awards are based on 2016 model year vehicles.

"Being named Best Premium Brand for retaining value by ALG is another significant achievement for the Land Rover brand here in the United States, where new model launches and growing brand appeal have led to record sales," said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar 

Land Rover North America. "Being recognized by ALG for retaining value over three years demonstrates that Land Rover is not only the pinnacle of SUVs, but a great value as well."

The fourth-generation Range Rover debuted in 2013 as the world's first luxury SUV with aluminum unibody construction for significantly improved strength, agility and improved fuel efficiency. Underlining its status as the ultimate luxury SUV, the Range Rover receives a comprehensive suite of revisions for 2016. 

Key updates include a more powerful V6 engine, the addition of a new turbo-diesel powertrain and all-new driver assistance features. 

The roomiest (especially in long-wheelbase form) and most luxurious Range Rover ever, the model still retains the true dual-purpose spirit of the original, combining impeccable British craftsmanship and serene on-road comfort with the brand's renowned all-terrain capability.

Developed alongside the new-generation Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport delivers exceptional on-road dynamics with genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The Range Rover Sport presents an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior, and the practical flexibility provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating for occasional use.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a versatile and capable premium compact SUVs. The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery Sport, features optional 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs. 

The progressive new design approach of the Discovery Sport defines the new Discovery family with optimized volume, proportions and stance.

For the full year 2014, Land Rover brand U.S. sales reached a new all-time high of 51,465 units, with sales led by the brand volume leader Range Rover Sport.  For 2014 CYTD, the Land Rover brand sales are now up 32 percent.

"For generations, the Land Rover brand has been synonymous with genuine capability and dignified luxury," said Eric Lyman, vice president of industry insights for ALG.  

"A newly expanded lineup and enhanced luxury amenities have served only to increase demand for Land Rover products allowing for limited incentive spending and high residual values. 

Land Rover embodies what it means to travel in style and comfort to any destination, making it one of the most respected brands in the auto industry."

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts.

Brand DS to star at the Geneva Motor Show with refreshed models and new tech.

DS will be making the headlines at the Geneva Motor Show with the world premiere of New DS 5, heralding a new era for DS.

New DS 5 celebrates a relentless quest for excellence, coupled with the industry's most confident design stance, expressed through features such as the new front end “DS Wings”, highly efficient engines, cutting-edge technologies, and styling that remains true to the traditions of the finest French luxury goods. The Geneva Motor Show is an ideal opportunity for the new premium brand to reassert its grand ambition, namely a real upmarket comeback for the French automotive industry.

DS will be present at the 85^th International Geneva Motor Show for the first time as a brand in its own right. Designed to express the brand’s refinement and attention to detail, the DS stand will be a showcase for its latest creations and connected services, demonstrating the purpose behind the arrival of the brand.

In addition to New DS 5 and the DIVINE DS concept car, the public will be treated to two major surprises when this worldwide event opens its doors.

NEW DS 5: THE EMBODIMENT OF THE DS BRAND

This is the DS brand’s flagship model. New DS 5 features DS brand identity throughout, including the new front end and a range of other new features that make DS what it is.

With its avant-garde styling, dynamic performance, sophistication, refinement, attention to detail and cutting-edge technologies, New DS 5 features all the attributes of current and forthcoming DS cars.

The DS 5 front end expresses status and personality consistent with the brand's premium positioning, with Xenon headlights with LEDs and a vertical grille sculpted with the central DS badge. The grille goes by the name of DS Wings, as a tribute to the historic DS models.

Inside, the driver can find the latest-generation touchscreen technology for controlling functions, including innovative connected services. From initial release, New DS 5 comes with a choice of five high performance engines, combining power (torque up to 400Nm, depending on engine choice) and energy efficiency (emissions down to 90 g/km, depending on engine choice). 

With these new features, alongside the classic DS virtues, such as avant-garde design, refinement down to the smallest detail and the cockpit-style interior, New DS 5 marks the arrival of the flagship of the DS range.

DIVINE DS: THE FUTURE OF DS

The DIVINE DS concept car, which was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, is a pure example of the brand’s DNA and demonstrates its future. Designed and created in Paris, this stylistic statement is a combination of refinement and technology. Divine DS showcases a compact, four-door outline that is sleek and powerful which includes distinctive graphic signatures. The bold finish of the interior is entirely unique. The advanced technology of Divine DS includes; laser headlights, slats on the rear window that can be raised to optimise streamlining, on-board rear-view camera and a predominantly digital cockpit.

Divine DS inaugurates the “Hyper-typage” concept that offers three interchangeable interior ambiences, each with their own bold and unique personality: “Parisian Chic”, “Male” and “Fatal Punk”.

NEW CONNECTED SERVICES

As DS cars represent advanced-technology through and through, they offer the best in intuitive, customer-oriented connectivity features with:

• A new touchscreen in the first half of 2015. The screen on New DS 5 is the latest-generation device and is compatible with the New Mirror Screen system, meaning it puts the driver's smartphone data up directly on the car's touchscreen.
• The DS Connect Box is an innovative connected service suite developed to meet customers' expectations in safety, time-saving, budget and wellbeing. The services operate via a GPS module and a SIM card in the vehicle. Four services are available:
  SOS & Assistance pack: automatic emergency call or direct contact with emergency services by pressing the SOS button
  Monitoring pack: virtual servicing log (automatic mileage monitoring and service reminders) and car usage reports
  Mapping pack: vehicle location, route displays and information on car loan usage
  Tracking pack: round-the-clock geolocation in the event of theft
  
  
• The new MyDS mobile application, compatible with iOS/Android, offers a wide array of functions, including parked car locator, pedestrian navigation to final destination, servicing reminders and access to documentation. The aim being to provide assistance throughout the customer's journey, along with other innovative, intuitive services, plus full information on the car and customer-specific DS offers.

Happy 60th birthday to the most beautiful car ever made, that will be the Citroen DS.

This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the 1955 DS. Three icons  ̶  the original DS,  DS 3 WRC and Sébastien Loeb  ̶  are joining forces with the DS brand to celebrate the anniversary of this legendary car and support the launch of the new brand. All three icons will be in Monte-Carlo this month: the DS 3 WRC and Sébastien Loeb today, for the start of the 83rd Monte-Carlo Rally, and the DS 21 in a few days for the 18th Monte-Carlo Historic Rally. This year will see a variety of meetings, shows and special events, along with other surprises yet to be announced by the DS brand.

On 6 October 1955, the DS 19 made its debut under the glass dome of the Grand Palais in Paris. Visitors rushed to buy the car, which sold 12,000 examples in one day. The styling and high-tech innovations of the DS made it a legendary car, one that is still talked about today. 

“It was only natural for us to celebrate the anniversary of the historic DS at a time when the brand is beginning its first full year of existence. We are building the brand on the exceptional heritage of this car to bring customers cars that combine outstanding styling and technology, comfort and driving sensations, premium materials, refinement and attention to detail,” explains Yves Bonnefont, DS CEO. For this reason, a multitude of events are planned around the world in 2015 to celebrate this sixtieth anniversary.

THE DS BRAND BRINGS TOGETHER THREE ICONS IN MONTE-CARLO

Opening the festivities, three icons will be present in Monte-Carlo this month:

• DS 3 WRC with its new 2015 livery featuring a large “60” on the rear wings and Sébastien Loeb – nine-time World Rally Champion – will both be on the starting line for the 83^rd Monte-Carlo Rally today.
• A sports version of the 1966 DS 21 will be taking part in the 18^th Monte-Carlo Historic Rally (28 January - 4 February). Stamped with the brand logo and carrying the number 21, the DS will be on the starting line at Reims on 30 January, with Bob Neyret at the wheel. A nod to history, as Bob Neyret has already claimed two victories in the Monte-Carlo Rally at the wheel of a DS.

INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOWS IN THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY COLOURS OF THE DS

DS is also taking part in events dedicated to vintage car enthusiasts, such as Rétromobile (Paris, France, 4 - 8 February) and Techno-Classika (Essen, Germany 15 - 19 April), as well as international motor shows in Geneva (Switzerland, 5 - 15 March), Shanghai (China, 22 - 29 April) and Frankfurt (Germany, 19 - 27 September). The brand will be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the DS with original exhibitions of vintage vehicles, with new vehicles placed alongside the historic DS.

FAN MEETINGS TO CELEBRATE THE SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY OF THE DS

DS enthusiasts all over the world will be celebrating the 60^th birthday of the DS, as in Belgium (on 26 April) or in Australia (2 and 11 October). One of the main international events, set to take place on 22 and 23 May at the historic Montlhéry track in France, is set to bring together 700 vintage DS vehicles.

DS WEEK: A MAJOR EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DS AND LAUNCH THE BRAND

Between 19 and 22 May, the DS brand will be welcoming representatives of its global network to Paris, the home of DS. On the weekend of 23 and 24 May, the brand will be organising events for the general public in the heart of Paris.

The meeting place will be the Tuileries Garden.