Push to Pass is working wonders at the PSA Group, lets see how they cope with vauxhall and Opel !

Successful execution of Push to Pass strategic plan

• Automotive recurring operating income at €1,442 million up by 10.7%, representing a record recurring operating margin of 7.3%[1]
• Group revenue at €29,165 million, up 5% vs 2016 H1
• Record Faurecia recurring operating margin1 at 5.7%
• Record Net income, group share, at €1,256 million
• Growth of net financial position at €7,631 million thanks to a positive €1,116 million Free Cash Flow[2]

"Groupe PSA record performance was achieved thanks to our customers who have made our last commercial launches great successes, and thanks to the continuous commitment of all Group employees in the execution of the Push to Pass plan, combining agility and business sense. The way the teams overcame headwinds brings confidence for the coming challenges." said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA Managing Board.

Group revenues amounted to €29,165 million in the first half of 2017, up 5.0% compared to €27,779 million in the first half of 2016. The cumulated growth since the beginning of Push to Pass, excluding exchange rates impact, stands at +8.2%[3].

Automotive revenues amounted to €19,887 million, also up 3.6% compared to the first half of 2016, benefiting from the success of the new models and the pricing discipline.

Group recurring operating income amounted to €2,041 million, up 11.5% compared to the first half of 2016. The Automotive recurring operating income grew by 10.7% compared to the first half of 2016 at €1,442 million. This 7.3% record profitability level was reached despite raw material cost increases and exchange rate headwinds, thanks to a positive product mix and further cost reductions.

Group non-recurring operating income and expenses had a negative impact of -€112 million, compared to -€207 million in the first half of 2016.

Group net financial expenses decreased to €121 million, compared to €150 million in the first half of 2016.

Consolidated net income reached €1,474 million, up by €91 million, in spite of the negative impact of operations in China. Net income, Group share, reached €1,256 million, compared to €1,212 million in the first half of 2016.

Banque PSA Finance reported recurring operating income [4] of €312 million, up 5.1% compared to the first half of 2016.

Faurecia recurring operating income amounted to €587 million, an increase of 19.8% compared to the first half of 2016.

The Free Cash Flow of manufacturing and sales companies amounted to €1,116 million, driven by the improved profitability of operations.

Total inventory, including independent dealers, stood at 374,000 vehicles at 30 June 2017, down 25,000 units from end June 2016.

The manufacturing and sales companies' net financial position at 30 June 2017 was a positive €7,631 million, up €818 million compared to 31 December 2016.

Market outlook: for 2017, the Group expects the automotive market to grow by approximatively 3% in Europe, and 5% in China, Latin America and Russia.

Operational targets

The Push to Pass plan sets the following targets:

• Deliver over 4.5% Automotive recurring operating margin[5] on average in 2016-2018, and target over 6% by 2021;
• Deliver 10% Group revenue growth by 2018[6] vs 2015, and target additional 15% by 2021 [6].

Financial Calendar – 25 October 2017: third-quarter 2017 Revenue

Groupe PSA consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2017 were approved by the Managing Board on 20 July 2017 and reviewed by the Supervisory Board on 25 July 2017. The Group's Statutory Auditors have completed their audit and are currently issuing their report on the consolidated financial statements.

The interim results report and interim financial results presentation for 2017 are available at www.groupe-psa.com, in the “Analysts and Investors” section.

Europe’s best-selling crossover gets premium upgrades as the new model starts production.

• Europe’s best-selling crossover gets premium upgrades

Production of the new Nissan Qashqai has begun, introducing a raft of premium design, technology and performance improvements to Europe’s best-selling crossover.

Made at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, UK, upgrades to the new model focus on four areas – a contemporary new exterior design; higher levels of interior quality; improved driving performance; and the addition of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.

The new Qashqai will also be available with ProPILOT autonomous driving capability, which controls the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic congestion and high-speed cruising, from Spring next year.

These significant new enhancements will underpin and strengthen the Qashqai’s position as Europe’s number one crossover, and follow a £53m investment in Nissan’s UK facilities, which includes extra production capacity introduced last year to enable Qashqai to be built on both lines in Sunderland.

Made round the clock in Sunderland, the Qashqai is currently the best-selling vehicle built in Britain, and is exported to around 100 European and global markets. It represents almost one in five of all British-made cars, and is Nissan’s most successful model ever in Europe.

Colin Lawther, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, said: “The Nissan Qashqai is the original urban crossover and remains the undisputed leader in the segment.

“In the decade since Qashqai launched we have built more than 2.8m in Sunderland, taking plant output to record levels. Offering new premium design features and Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, this new model marks a new chapter for Qashqai and for our manufacturing operations.”

Employment supported by Nissan’s UK design studio (Paddington, London), technical centre (Cranfield Bedfordshire), manufacturing plant (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear) and sales and marketing operations (Maple Cross, Hertfordshire) now totals more than 40,000. Nissan has made more than £4bn capital investment in these facilities, and additionally spends £3bn annually in the British economy through suppliers, services and wages.

In addition to the Qashqai, Nissan also manufactures the all-electric LEAF, Juke crossover and Infiniti Q30 and QX30 premium models in Sunderland. With total production last year at 507,436 vehicles, and with more than 30 years of success behind it, Sunderland is the biggest UK car plant of all time.

Following the start of production in Sunderland, Qashqai reached the milestones of 1m and 2m units faster than any vehicle in the history of the UK automotive industry, and is well on the way to reaching 3m units in record time.

The first-generation Nissan Qashqai went on sale in 2007. This new version represents a major refresh for the second-generation model, launched in 2014. It goes on sale across Europe from next month. In October 2016 Nissan announced that production of an all-new, third-generation Qashqai would also be at Sunderland.

Volvo, from 2019, will end cars that have only an internal combustion engine.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has announced that every Volvo it launches from 2019 will have an electric motor, marking the historic end of cars that have only an internal combustion engine (ICE) and placing electrification at the core of its future business. 

The announcement represents one of the most significant moves by any car maker to embrace electrification, and highlights how, over a century after the invention of the internal combustion engine, electrification is paving the way for a new chapter in automotive history. 

“This is about the customer,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “People increasingly demand electrified cars, and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish.” 

Volvo Cars will introduce a portfolio of electrified cars across its model range, embracing fully electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars and mild-hybrid cars. 

It will launch five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021, three of which will be Volvo models and two of which will be high-performance electrified cars from Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance car arm. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.

These five cars will be supplemented by a range of petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid 48-volt options on all models, representing one of the broadest electrified car offerings of any car maker. 

This means that there will in future be no Volvo cars without an electric motor, as pure ICE cars are gradually phased out and replaced by ICE cars that are enhanced with electrified options. 

“This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car,” said Mr Samuelsson. “Volvo Cars has stated that it plans to have sold a total of 1m electrified cars by 2025. When we said it we meant it. This is how we are going to do it.” 

The announcement underlines Volvo Cars’ commitment to minimising its environmental impact and making the cities of the future cleaner. Volvo Cars is focused on reducing the carbon emissions of both its products as well as its operations. It aims to have climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025. 

The decision also follows this month’s announcement that Volvo Cars will turn Polestar into a new separately branded electrified global high-performance car company. Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars, will lead Polestar as Chief Executive Officer. 

UK SALES JUNE - MG - The Longbridge based brand bucks the trend showing a growth of 5%

While the UK’s new car market is beginning to feel the effects of a challenging political and economic climate, Longbridge-based MG Motor UK is seeing a five per cent increase in year-to-date sales figures, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released today, 5 July 2017. 

The SMMT figures highlight that new car sales in the first half of 2017 declined by over one per cent over the past six months. However, MG continues to show strong year-to-date growth, thanks largely to the roll-out of MG3 and MG GS models and the expansion of its dealer network.

With more than 77 dealers now retailing under the MG brand, represented by large and small groups as well as quality independents, the brand is one of the fastest growing in the UK. MG is committed to growing the network even more throughout the rest of 2017 by attracting progressive dealers that are passionate about driving the MG brand value of honestly priced vehicles. With engaged dealers delivering great service, MG Motor UK expects to have close to 90 dealers in place by the end of 2017.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, comments: “Our straightforward approach to franchising and low cost of set-up appeals to forward-thinking dealers that want to be part of a dynamic and successful organisation.

“Thanks to the commitment and passion of our dealers, we continue to buck the trend on new car registrations. Well-equipped, well-designed and well-priced, our models are proving an attractive proposition for dealers and customers alike.

“We increased our figures by almost 33% from 2015 to 2016 and are already tracking 5.12% up again this year. We are aiming to push figures even higher this year, thanks to continued penetration of the MG3 and MG GS and the launch of the much-anticipated MG XS.”

MG Car fest to raise funds for air ambulance is hosted by W.H. Brand for teh 2nd year running.

• Families gather at WH Brand MG Carfest to raise money for Air Ambulance

More than 100 classic and current MG models gathered for the WH Brand MG Carfest at the Whaplode Drove-based dealership on Sunday 23 July. The event, which takes place for the second consecutive year, is raising money for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. 

With last year’s meeting welcoming 192 cars, raising over £400 for charity, organisers are expecting an even larger turn-out to this year’s event. 

Welcoming any vintage or modern MG or affiliated marque – including Rover, Austin, BMC, Riley and Wolseley to name but a few – entrance costs just £5 for a display space, £2 for adult visitors and £1 for children, with all profits going to the local Air Ambulance. 

With games, raffles, a tombola and food and drink available, there’s heaps of entertainment on offer, making this a great day out for families.

Adam Brand, sales manager at WH Brand MG, said: “The WH Brand MG Carfest was hugely successful last year. There’s a great appreciation for MG throughout the UK, and events like this give people a chance to come together and talk about the brand that they love. The pre-launch MG XS will also be on display at the event, giving visitors a chance to see the next generation of MG sitting next to the finest examples of the brand’s heritage.”

Matthew Cheyne, head of sales and marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “Events like the WH Brand MG Carfest give a great insight into the evolution of the brand. The new SUV that we have developed, the MG XS, is yet another exciting chapter, and we are sure that people will be delighted with the next MG generation.”

USA SALES JUNE - HYUNDAI - Sales for June are seriously down, and will struggle to regain them.

• Retail Sales Up Year-Over-Year
• Tucson Sales Achieve a 39 Percent Increase Compared with June 2016
• Consumer Consideration of the Hyundai Brand at an All-Time High in 2017

Hyundai Motor America today reported June sales of Hyundai and Genesis branded vehicles of 54,507 units, a 19 percent decrease compared with the all-time June sales record set last year. Retail sales increased for the third straight month, up more than 1 percent in June, while a reduction in fleet sales led to the overall decline.

SALES BY BRAND

	June-17	June-16	2017 YTD	2016 YTD
Hyundai	52,894	67,511	336,441	374,060
Genesis	1,613	0	9,919	0
TOTAL	54,507	67,511	346,360	374,060

HYUNDAI BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

“June was the second month in a row we’ve cut back significantly on fleet sales and seen a rise in retail sales in an industry that is down on the year,” said Sam Brnovich, executive director, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. 

“Tucson continues to draw CUV buyers in its competitive segment and achieved another substantial increase in June. With Ioniq demand exceeding our expectations and the 2018 Sonata hitting dealers shortly, we are poised to close the year strong and pick up retail market share.”

• Accent sales lead the month, up 60 percent year-over-year with 5,028 sold
• Tucson sales are up 39 percent, totaling 10,000 sold
• Elantra retail sales up year-over-year
• Strong consumer demand for Ioniq continues with 1,406 sold
• Hyundai brand opinion at an all-time high in 2017

HYUNDAI MODELS

Vehicle	June-17	June-16	2017 YTD	2016 YTD
Accent	5,028	3,139	32,515	39,330
Azera	241	340	1,792	2,573
Elantra	13,297	22,414	100,252	96,306
Equus	2	131	19	1,035
Genesis	66	2,395	956	17,384
Santa Fe	12,586	18,337	60,012	57,436
Sonata	9,547	11,862	76,315	104,409
Tucson	10,000	7,193	51,707	42,664
Veloster	721	1,700	7,992	12,923
Ioniq	1,406	0	4,881	0

GENESIS BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

“In June, G90 was the top overall vehicle in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards and the Genesis brand was the highest ranked premium nameplate in J.D. Power IQS,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. market. “These recognitions are important indications that we are respecting our customers and delivering on our promise of a new luxury experience.”

GENESIS MODELS

Vehicle	June-17	June-16	2017 YTD	2016 YTD
G80	1,276	0	7,666	0
G90	337	0	2,253	0

USA SALES JUNE - MAZDA - nearly all models saw a drop in sales except for the MX-5 & CX-5.

• Mazda CX-5 Posts Record Sales Month for Third Month in a Row

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June U.S. sales of 22,342 vehicles, representing a decrease of 14.7 percent versus June of last year. Year-to-date sales through June are down 2.6 percent versus last year, with 141,624 vehicles sold.

Key June sales notes:

• The Mazda CX-5 continues its record-breaking sales trend, posting its best-ever June with 9,550 vehicles sold. This number represents an increase of 3.5 percent over June of last year, marking its third recording-breaking month in a row.
• Heading into the summer months, the Mazda MX-5 continues to post strong sales numbers. The roadster posted a year-over-year increase of 17.7 percent, with 1,046 vehicles sold in the month of June.
• Total sales of Mazda‘s CX crossover SUV line, including the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, were down slightly with 12,462 vehicles sold, representing a decrease of 1.4 percent year-over-year. When making purchase decisions regarding crossover SUVs, a majority of Mazda customers continue to choose the AWD option, with 61.1 percent of CX-line vehicles sold in June being equipped with predictive i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported May sales of 4,441 vehicles, up 11.8 percent versus June of last year.