DS Automobiles moves into the second half of the year with some decent offers.

• DS Automobiles announces attractive offers - ideal for those purchasing a brand new 67-plate car in September.
• Prices range from £199/month for the new model DS3 Connected Chic and include attractive offers on the latest collection of Limited Edition models and range-topping DS5 with generous dealer contributions.
• These offers close at the end of September.

DS Automobiles announces a selection of attractive consumer offers across its model range, aimed at customers who are in the market for a car with a certain panache and style, with premium positioning, offering good value and French flair. 

With the new 67-plate September timing in mind, the marque’s latest campaign offers includes the new DS 3 Connected Chic trim level, and Limited Edition: DS 3 Inès de la Fressange, DS 4 CROSSBACK Terre Rouge and DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust.

DS 3 is an elegant car with broad appeal from its Parisian chic personality and the perfect choice for individuals who appreciate personalisation. 

The new DS 3 Connected Chic model incorporates further attractive features, with 17 inch black diamond-cut ‘Aphrodite’ alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, Black Contrast Pack (bi-tone paint including black roof and door mirror paint finish), Basalt Black cloth upholstery, dark tinted windows, satellite navigation, Mirror Screen with Mirror Link® and Apple CarPlayTM, alarm and automatic air conditioning. 

DS 3 Connected Chic is available from £199/month over 36 months and includes a £700 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*, three-year warranty and DS roadside assistance.

For those who desire a sportier appearance with optimised efficiency, DS 3 Performance Line is a perfect choice, while those with more enthusiastic drives in mind can look to the capable DS 3 Performance model. The DS 3 Performance Line trim level features coloured stitching influenced by the colours of DS Performance – the motor sport & racing department of DS, on the leather sports steering wheel and seats, Performance Line badging, and is available from £239/month over 36 months with a £1,600 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*. DS 3 Performance models are available from £389/month over 36 months with a £1,000 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

Staying true to the promise of delivering authentic Limited Edition models that go further to express the DS brand’s avant-garde spirit and French heritage, DS 3 Inès de la Fressange is an exclusive model with only 200 of the distinctive models being made available in the UK. The Limited Edition model features an Ink Blue paint finish with Opal White roof and complemented on inside with sumptuous Granite Blue leather upholstery and equipped with DS LED Vision – exquisite looking Xenon headlights. DS 3 Inès de la Fressange Limited Edition is available from £269/month, over 36 months with a £1,600 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

DS 4 CROSSBACK is the brand’s adventurer model, aiming to strike the perfect balance between performance and elegance. The Limited Edition Moondust and Terre Rouge enhance the model’s versatility, offering a unique version for anyone who wishes to express their personality. The DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust features a striking matt paint finish to its Platinum Grey bodywork, with DS LED Vision, touchscreen technology and luxurious Basalt Black grained leather interior trim. The Limited Edition model with PureTech 130 petrol engine is available from £395/month over 36 months and comes with a £2,800 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

Developed with dynamic looks and offering a refined driving experience, the DS 5 Performance Line adds sports styling to technical excellence, with serene levels of comfort and refinement. The model comes with an intuitive touchscreen, DS LED Vision technology. DS 5 Performance Line with the BlueHDi 150 Diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission is available from £445/month over 36 months with a £2,950 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

For more information on DS Automobiles, visit the DS Website http://www.dsautomobiles.co.uk/home

*Terms and conditions apply

Images of forthcoming 67-plate DS cars, referencing the models mentioned above are available to use with this communication.

Mercedes adds a new cabrio and All-Terrain to the upcoming new E-Class range.

• Rugged new E-Class All-Terrain priced from £58,880
• Luxurious E-Class Cabriolet starts at £44,675
• E 220 d 4MATIC and E 350 d 4MATIC models added to E-Class Coupé line-up
• E 350 d 4MATIC now available in Saloon and Estate

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class All-Terrain are now available to order, along with new versions of the E-Class Coupé, Saloon and Estate. The cabriolet is priced from £44,675 for the E 220 d AMG Line Cabriolet. The All-Terrain is available in one special launch edition: All-Terrain Edition, from £58,880.

E-Class All-Terrain Edition

The E-Class All-Terrain Estate comes with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and one efficient diesel engine, badged E 350 d. This 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 generates 258 hp and 620 Nm and emits

179 g/km, while delivering combined fuel economy of up to 41.5 mpg. It has a top speed of 155 mph, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The All-Terrain Edition comes generously equipped as standard, with a Burmester surround sound system; Air Body Control air suspension; panoramic electric sunroof; Comand Online with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch cockpit display – creating a widescreen effect; memory package, including electrically operated front seats; LED Intelligent Light System; Keyless-Go Comfort package; privacy glass; split folding rear seats; 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels; and an electrically folding tow bar with a 13-pin adapter. It has a towing capacity of up to 2,100 kg.

Dynamic Select – which allows the driver to tailor steering, suspension and accelerator settings - is also standard and features a specific All-Terrain mode, raising the vehicle by 20 mm.

The E-Class All-Terrain is 39 millimetres higher than the E 350d AMG Line Estate. The highest suspension setting gives ground clearance of up to 156 mm. The 4MATIC permanent four-wheel-drive distributes power between the front and rear axles with a split of 31:69.

E-Class Cabriolet

The E-Class Cabriolet is a full four-seater, with a multi-layer acoustic fabric roof that can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph and opened or closed in just 20 seconds. The roof can be specified in one of three no-cost option colours: black; dark blue and dark brown.

There are four engines available from launch: E 220 d; E 350 d 4MATIC;  E 300; and E 400 4MATIC.

The E 220 d features a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 194 hp, and 400 Nm of torque. It emits 126 g/km of CO2 and delivers up to 57.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while 0 to 62 mph takes 7.7 seconds. The E 350 d 4MATIC’s 3.0-litre V6 unit has an output of 258 hp and 620 Nm. Combined fuel economy is 41.5 mpg, and CO2 emissions 179 g/km, and 0 to 62 mph takes 6.1 seconds.

The E 300 uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 245 hp and 370 Nm and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds. It has a CO2 output of 167 g/km and can deliver up to 39.2 combined mpg. The range-topping E 400 4MATIC has a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine generating 333 hp and 480 Nm. It emits 194 g/km of CO2 and delivers 32.8 mpg combined. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Standard specification for the E-Class Cabriolet is based on that of the E-Class Coupé, with the addition of the Airscarf neck-level heating system and Aircap, which helps to redirect the air flow over the cabin for a more relaxing driving experience. Other standard equipment includes: Agility Control suspension; Magic Vision Control wiper system; LED high performance headlights; reversing camera; heated front seats; and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours. Air Body Control air suspension and Comand Online - including the 12.3-inch infotainment screen - are optionally available for £1,495, or standard on the E 400 4MATIC. A second 12.3-inch screen is £495.

A Premium package is optionally available for £1,795 and adds Memory package (including electrically operated front seats) and Keyless-Go Comfort package (keyless entry and start, plus hands-free boot access). The £2,895 Premium Plus package adds to the Premium package with a Burmester Surround Sound system and Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System. Exclusive to the E-Class Cabriolet is the new Rubellite Red metallic paint, which costs £645.

The optional Driving Assistance Plus Package (£1,695) includes Drive Pilot, which combines Distance Pilot Distronic; Speed Limit Pilot; Active Lane-Change Assistant; Active Brake Assist cross-traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.

Additional changes to the E-Class range

Two new all-wheel drive models have been added to the E-Class Coupé line-up: the E 220 d 4MATIC and E 350 d 4MATIC. The £41,820 E 220 d 4MATIC generates 194 hp and 400 Nm, emits 137 g/km, delivers 53.3 mpg and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The £51,415 E 350 d 4MATIC packs 258 hp and 620 Nm, emits 174 g/km and delivers up to 42.8 mpg. It can accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in six seconds.

The E 350 d 4MATIC model has also been added to the E-Class Saloon and Estate range. In the Saloon it emits 167 g/km and delivers up to 44.8 combined mpg. The E 350 d 4MATIC Estate emits 174 g/km and can achieve 42.8 mpg.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP see's sales dip in the first four months of the year.

• 3.3 million vehicles handed over in the first four months of 2017
• Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales: “At the beginning of the second quarter, we were able to increase our deliveries in China”

Since the beginning of the year, the Volkswagen Group has handed over 3.3 million new vehicles to customers. In April, the Group delivered 841,200 vehicles (-1.4 percent). “At the beginning of the second quarter, we wereable to increase our deliveries in China again. 

In April, the development in Volkswagen Group deliveries in Western Europewas better than the market as a whole, which was affected by the late date of the Easter holidays. 

At the same time, we experienced strong tailwind in Central and Eastern Europe, where there was a marked increase in deliveries of newvehicles,” said Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, summarizing the figures for April.

In Europe, the Group handed 1.5 million vehicles over to its customers in the year to April (+2.8 percent) including 368,600 in April (-1.6 percent). 305,000 vehicles (-3.9 percent) were handed over to customers in Western Europe in April; Group deliveries therefore developed better than the market as a whole. 

113,200 vehicles (-7.2 percent) were handed over to customers in Germany. In Central and Eastern Europe, strong growth has been observed since the beginning of the year. Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, Group deliveries grew by 12.0 percent to 233,200 vehicles. 

In April, the Group boosted deliveries in the region by 11.1 percent to 63,600 vehicles.

In the North American market, the Volkswagen Group delivered 293,200 vehicles from January to the end of April (+3.3 percent). 79,500 vehicles were handed over to customers in April, a fall of 3.4 percent. 

In April, 52,000 customers in the USA took delivery of a new vehicle from the Group, representing a rise of 3.0 percent. In South America, a slight rise of 1.5 percent was recorded in April compared with the previous year; 39,400 vehicles were handed over to customers in the region.

Deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region in April reached 320,800 vehicles (-0.2 percent). In total, 1.3 million vehicles (-5.3 percent) were handed over to customers in the region in the first four months of the year. 

On the Chinese market, Group deliveries reached 299,700 vehicles in April (+1.5 percent), rising again for the first time since the beginning of the year.

Overview of deliveries by the Volkswagen Group:

Deliveries to customersby markets	April 2017	April 2016	Change (%)	Jan.-Apr. 2017	Jan.-Apr. 2016	Change (%)
Europe	368,600	374,600	-1.6	1,466,500	1,426,800	+2.8
Western Europe	305,000	317,400	-3.9	1,233,400	1,218,500	+1.2
Germany	113,200	121,900	-7.2	433,400	441,300	-1.8
Central and Eastern Europe	63,600	57,200	+11.1	233,200	208,300	+12.0
Russia	16,000	14,200	+12.3	53,700	50,600	+6.2
North America	79,500	82,300	-3.4	293,200	283,800	+3.3
USA	52,000	50,500	+3.0	187,500	174,500	+7.4
South America	39,400	38,800	+1.5	161,200	149,200	+8.1
Brazil	22,600	24,300	-7.1	90,900	95,500	-4.8
Asia-Pacific	320,800	321,400	-0.2	1,294,500	1,366,900	-5.3
China	299,700	295,300	+1.5	1,191,200	1,250,800	-4.8
Worldwide	841,200	853,300	-1.4	3,336,200	3,361,400	-0.7

Deliveries to customers by brands	April 2017	April 2016	Change (%)	Jan.-Apr. 2017	Jan.-Apr. 2016	Change (%)
Volkswagen Passenger Cars	468,000	476,700	-1.8	1,908,900	1,936,200	-1.4
Audi	156,100	164,300	-5.0	578,700	620,200	-6.7
ŠKODA	97,300	97,200	0.0	380,800	373,900	+1.8
SEAT	41,400	35,700	+16.0	158,700	138,600	+14.5
Porsche	22,100	21,600	+2.5	81,800	77,500	+5.5
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles	39,900	41,400	-3.8	161,700	154,300	+4.8
MAN	8,200	8,300	-1.7	33,400	31,800	+5.1
Scania	7,000	7,000	+0.3	27,700	25,400	+8.8
Volkswagen Group (total)	841,200	853,300	-1.4	3,336,200	3,361,400	-0.7

Mercedes-Benz delivered 153,862 vehicles to customers in February, an increase of 15%

• Mercedes-Benz delivered 153,862 vehicles to customers in February, an increase of 15%
• Thanks to its 48th consecutive record month, Mercedes-Benz has grown for four years
• New best figures in all three core regions: Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA
• More than 70% growth for E-Class Saloon and Estate

Mercedes-Benz grew at a double-digit rate also in the second month of this year and sold 153,862 vehicles to its customers (+15%). Unit sales in the first two months of 2017 increased compared with the prior-year period by 16.8% to 332,329 vehicles. 

Thanks to the strong sales figures, the Stuttgart-based company with the three-pointed star posted new best figures both for February and for the first two months. February was the 48th record month in a row; thus, the unit sales of Mercedes-Benz increased continuously for four years. 

Last month, Mercedes-Benz was the premium brand with the highest numbers of new cars registered in Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Australia, USA, Canada and Mexico – among others.

Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: “In February, Mercedes-Benz was able to continue its double-digit growth momentum and increased unit sales by 15 percent. We achieved particularly strong growth of 70 percent with the E-Class Saloon and Estate. Our customers value the numerous innovations as well as the safety and comfort offered by improved assistance systems.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz increased its unit sales to 62,422 vehicles (+7.8%), more than ever before in a February. In Germany, more than 22,000 automobiles with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers (+6.9%). In Great Britain, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Austria and Poland, Mercedes-Benz achieved not only double-digit growth in unit sales, but also a new record in a February.

The Stuttgart-based company with the three-pointed star handed over 58,186 cars to customers in the Asia-Pacific region in February. This is an increase of 29.5% and a best-ever figure in the second month of a year. Demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles continues to be very high especially in China: Unit sales there reached the best-ever number of 36,277 vehicles in February, representing growth of 41.9%. Mercedes-Benz set new records for unit sales in a February also in South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and India.

In the NAFTA region, more automobiles were sold than ever before in a February last month: 29,219 customers were able to receive their new car with the three-pointed star (+8.8%). In the USA, Mercedes-Benz achieved a new high of 24,522 vehicles sold (+6.9%). Mercedes-Benz achieved its highest ever unit sales in a February also in Canada and Mexico.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model

Demand for the C-Class remains very high; it was the bestselling Mercedes-Benz model in February. Sales of the C-Class Saloon and Estate increased to more than 29,000 units (+3.9%). In the Asia-Pacific region, the C-Class set a new record last month, primarily due to strong demand for the long-wheelbase version of the C-Class Saloon.

The E-Class Saloon and Estate posted growth of more than 70% with 23,626 units delivered to customers worldwide in February. Customer demand for the new generation is very strong, so the previous best-ever February sales were significantly surpassed. The biggest contributions to this growth came from China, Germany and the USA.

The SUVs from Mercedes-Benz are very popular around the world. Last month, 52,503 units were sold, a new best figure in a February and an increase of 14.9%. The GLA is one of the bestsellers in the current Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio. Following the successful world premiere of the new GLA in January, the first model has driven off the production line at the plant in Rastatt in Germany.

smart

The smart brand sold 9,265 units of the smart fortwo and forfour to customers worldwide in February. In the Asia-Pacific region, the urban microcar posted new best-ever sales – due in particular to strong demand in the Chinese market.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

	February 2017	Change in %	Jan. – Feb. 2017	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	153,862	+15.0	332,329	+16.8
smart	9,265	-7.5	18,914	-2.2
Mercedes-Benz Cars	163,127	+13.5	351,243	+15.6
Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the region/market
Europe	62,422	+7.8	124,092	+10.0
- thereof Germany	22,173	+6.9	40,190	+10.0
Asia-Pacific	58,186	+29.5	140,769	+29.9
- thereof China	36,277	+41.9	95,076	+40.3
NAFTA	29,219	+8.8	59,220	+7.6
- thereof USA	24,522	+6.9	50,049	+5.1