MINI launches the All-New Countryman and offers it as a plug in hybrid, the first for the brand.

• The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
• The brand's first ever plug-in hybrid model
• High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds
• CO₂ emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
• Lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be charged at a wallbox in 2:15 hours.

Hallmark MINI driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first plug-in hybrid model offered by the premium British brand. This new Countryman model provides the option of purely electric and therefore emissions-free mobility.

Propulsion is shared between a 3-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 224 hp. Equally impressive is the average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg and the CO₂emissions figure of 49 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures for plug-in hybrid vehicles), yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the perfect vehicle for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of purely electric mobility when commuting between home and work every day for example, while at the same time benefiting from unlimited long-distance suitability at the weekend.

MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the space and practicality of the largest model in the MINI range with the sustainability of BMW Group eDrive technology and an electrified all-wheel drive system.

The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic, but for long distances too – at a top speed of 78 mph and with a range of up to 25 miles. Drawing on the power of both drive forms, it offers driving fun away from surfaced roads as well.

“The plug-in hybrid concept perfectly matches the new MINI Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive as well as being able to run on electricity alone both in urban areas and over longer distances, too. 

This is unique in the segment,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager.

MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: the highlights.

• The brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid model
• High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman that draw on expertise gained from the development of BMW iPerformance automobiles 
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 134.5 mpg, CO₂ emissions: 49 g/km
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
• Three operating modes available for selection via eDrive toggle switch
• High standard equipment, including satellite navigation and Hybrid-specific displays

MINI is a pioneer in the field of electric mobility.

The BMW Group’s technological expertise and range of models already on offer are evidence of the company’s leading role in the area of electric mobility. MINI was an early pioneer of these developments: the MINI E presented in 2008 was the BMW Group’s first ever purely electrically powered automobile and was driven by private users in everyday traffic as part of a large-scale field experiment. More than 600 of the MINI E, based on the MINI Cooper Hatch, were used for practical testing purposes worldwide. The project yielded vital insights into the use of electrically powered automobiles which were incorporated in the development of the BMW i3.

MINI TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technology combined.

The plug-in hybrid drive of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the best of a 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The space under the bonnet is occupied by a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology from the latest generation of the BMW Group engines. From a capacity of 1.5 litres this provides a peak output of 136 hp. The maximum torque of the engine is 220 Newton metres, which goes on stream at 1,250 rpm. In the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, the combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission which transfers its power to the front wheels.

The second power unit of the MINI S E Countryman ALL4 is an electric motor that is housed under the luggage compartment floor. Designed according to the principle of a hybrid synchronous motor, the electric drive offers a high output of 88 hp -considering the size and weight of the car - and generates a maximum torque of 165 Nm that is available from standing. In addition, it provides constant power delivery even during high engine speed ranges as well as a very high level of efficiency. The electric motor directs its power to the rear axle via a two-stage single-speed transmission.

Lithium-ion battery: compact, powerful and produced using BMW Group expertise.

The lithium-ion battery is positioned directly in front of the electric motor underneath the rear seat. It is made up of five modules, each comprising 16 battery cells. Like the electric motor, it is produced at the Dingolfing plant, the BMW Group’s competence centre for eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW it can be fully charged in 2:15 hours. Charging at a regular household socket takes 3:15 hours.

Intelligent energy management provides fun driving and excellent efficiency.

The intelligent energy management system controlled by the power electronics of the plug-in hybrid system ensures that the interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor is optimised for both driving fun and efficiency in all situations. Using the power of the electric motor alone, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to provide locally emissions-free driving, and in the event that more intense acceleration is required, the electric motor supports the combustion engine via a boost function. A total system output of 224 hp and a combined torque of 385 Nm are available. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds.

Two power units, four drive wheels.

Only one of the two power units is used when the car is moving, while the other one can be additionally enabled at any time to optimise traction, ride stability and agility. The signal required for this purpose comes from the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) unit, which continuously analyses both the situation on the road and the commands of the driver. “The result is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that ensures perfect movement in all weathers and on all road surfaces,” explains Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager. The precisely controlled interaction achieved in the powering of the front wheels by the combustion engine and the rear wheels by the electric motor is the same as the principle that is applied in the BMW i8, only the other way around: it is a key factor that contributes to the captivating character of the plug-in hybrid sports car.

The eDrive toggle switch: purely electric power at the press of a button.

The driver can also use the eDrive toggle switch to choose between three operating modes.

AUTO eDRIVE	Purely electric driving up to 50 mph. The combustion engine is automatically enabled when necessary, for example when accelerating quickly or when the battery charge falls below seven per cent.
MAX eDRIVE	Purely electric driving up to 78 mph, the combustion engine is additionally enabled at higher speeds or on kickdown.
SAVE BATTERY	The car is powered by the combustion engine.

In the standard setting AUTO eDRIVE, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs on electrical power only up to a speed of 50 mph. At higher speeds and in the case of very intensive loads, the combustion engine is automatically enabled in addition. In MAX eDRIVE mode the vehicle is powered by the electric motor alone at speeds up to 78 mph. Finally, the SAVE BATTERY mode can be selected so as to relieve the capacity of the high-voltage battery or raise its charge state to at least 90 per cent so that sufficient electrical power remains for purely electric driving later on.

When route guidance is activated on MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 standard-fit navigation system, the anticipatory energy management system ensures that appropriate sections of the route are run on electric power alone. Taking the data from the navigation system into account, the operating strategy of the hybrid system is geared towards drawing on the energy capacity of the high-voltage battery to maximum extent.

Versatile in the interior, too.

Thanks to the compact structure and arrangement of the eDrive components, the plug-in hybrid model variant of the new MINI Countryman has a versatile interior. The high-voltage battery is housed underneath the slightly raised rear seat, as is the 35-litre fuel tank. When all seats are in use, the luggage compartment volume in the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is only slightly less than in the conventionally powered model variants. The rear backrests offer the possibility of a 40 : 20 : 40 split; they can also be folded down and varied in their tilt angle. “The entire hybrid technology is installed in such a way that you don’t notice it inside the car at all,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager, “with the exception of the controls used to activate the various driving modes.”

Hybrid-specific design features and displays.

Discreet but equally unmistakable indications of the car’s unique drive form are provided by the model-specific design features on the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 exterior. The connection for the charging cable is under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle. Other features are the model-specific “e” badge on the side scuttles and also a yellow “S” in the model inscription on the rear as well as on the radiator grille and door sill finishers.

Inside, the cockpit includes a yellow start/stop unit at the centre of the toggle switch panel and a performance display in the instrument cluster on the steering column.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes as standard with the MINI Visual boost Radio featuring a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument. This displays information such as the charge state of the high-voltage battery and operating mode of the hybrid drive selected by eDrive toggle switch. In conjunction with the optional Media package including MINI navigation system XL, operation is via an 8.8-inch screen with a new graphic design and touchscreen function as well as via the Touch Controller in the centre console.

Efficiency meets individual style.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines highly efficient driving fun with versatile space and all the other advancements that characterise the new edition of the all-round model for the premium compact segment. Its powerfully expressive design and optimised use of space are just as striking as its increased ride comfort and refined premium ambience.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes with the MINI Driving Modes as standard. Regardless of the operating mode selected via eDrive toggle switch, the vehicle set-up can be adapted to a particularly sporty or efficient driving style, according to preference.

MINI CooperS E CountrymanALL4:

3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp, system torque: 385 Nm.

USA - Recall #4 - FIAT 500e, possibly short circuit which may cause service fuse to fail.

SUMMARY:

Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Fiat 500e Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, through April 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have cooling plates for the Power Inverter Module (PIM) that may leak coolant into areas of the high voltage circuitry, resulting a short circuit that could cause the related service fuse to blow.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the service fuse blows, the vehicle would have a loss of propulsion while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PIM, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P23.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

USA - Mercedes-Benz has best month yet for 2013

Best month yet for 2013

In the 10th consecutive month of its 2013 sales streak, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported total October sales of 32,620 units for the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 22.4% increase from the 26,642 vehicles sold in the same period last year.  Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone broke October records at 30,069, up 25.4%, while year-to-date sales rose 13.7% to a landmark  245,125 units.  Adding year-to-date volumes of 16,978 for Sprinter Vans and 7,450 vehicles at smart, MBUSA’s year-to-date totals reached 269,553 units, making this the best October in the company’s history.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for the brand, embodied in two cars— the CLA and the S-Class —as stunning as they are technologically fit,” said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA.  “More importantly, October sales show they’re resonating with customers.  The recently-launched CLA is already one of the top volume models and our flagship S-Class, just rolling into dealerships, is up 75%.  With sustained momentum and compelling product across the model range, we’re looking toward a record finish in the final stretch of 2013.”

Mercedes-Benz October sales were led by the C-, E- and CLA-Class model lines.  The sporty C-Class came in first at 6,548 units, followed close behind by the E-Class with sales of 6,456—an increase of 22.6% from October 2012.  Sales of MBUSA’s newest star, the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe, rounded out the top three at 4,895.

The Sprinter model line posted month-to-date gains of 22.3% at 2,038 units, driven by the popularity of its redesigned 2014 lineup on sale since September.  Month-to-date sales at smart totaled 513 units.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz’s BlueTEC diesel models were 1,536 for the month, up 60% versus October 2012 (960) and up 10.1% for the year at 13,368.  The company’s high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 729, an increase of 49.4% from last October.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales of 7,612 vehicles in October, an increase of 13.1% when compared to October 2012 (sales of 6,732 vehicles).  On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,502 vehicles, an increase of 21.4% over the 66,318 vehicles sold during the comparable period last year.

SEAT upgrades range for even more value for money.

• Spacious Toledo now offers even more equipment for less money
• Range now starts at just £10,000 for the five-seat, big-booted hatchback
• Over £1,000 worth of extra kit now included with SE models
• SEAT revises the majority of its range for added freshness and value
• Leon FR TDI 184 PS now available with DSG automatic

The SEAT Toledo was already a car with unquestionable value for money on its side – but it’s just got even better. That’s because SEAT has added a load of extra equipment to the spacious five-door hatchback for no extra cost.

In fact it costs less, thanks to the decision to chop £2,500 off the price of every Toledo until at least the end of 2013. That means the starting point of the Toledo range is now just £10,000, for a Toledo E 1.2 12V, while a top-of-the-range Toledo SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive costs just £15,340.

The specification upgrades apply to S and SE models, with the former gaining a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows, rear parking sensors and a centre-rear headrest. This is in addition to the already standard Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo with USB port, air conditioning, and electric heated door mirrors.

SE cars gain SEAT Media System 2.2, formerly a £700 option, which is a colour touch-screen system including satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. And as well as the rear parking sensors and centre rear headrest offered with S, the SE also gains dark tinted rear windows. In addition, SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and automatic climate control.

All told, the added equipment value for S cars is £430, and for SE £1,080.

The SEAT Toledo remains one of the most practical-per-pound cars on the market, with a huge 550-litre boot accessed via a large hatchback tailgate, and seating for five adults. Across the range it’s extremely economical too, with the Ecomotive S version returning 104 g/km CO2 and 72.4 mpg combined, while even the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol model is rated at 56.5 mpg.

SEAT model year 2014 improvements

As part of the process of constantly refining the product and increasing value for the customer, SEAT has implemented a number of improvements across its model line-up for the 2014 model year.

Mii

SEAT’s city car will, from the beginning of 2014, sport the new SEAT logo first worn on the new Leon, and will for the first time be available with DAB digital radio and a SEAT Sound premium audio system, which includes a boot-mounted subwoofer. Those options are for the Ecomotive trim level and above. A new colour, Night Blue, comes to the range, while there are various trim and wheel changes to refresh the line-up. Please ask the SEAT Press & PR office for details.

Ibiza

As per the Mii, the Ibiza range will also wear the new SEAT badge from the turn of 2014, and will be available with a DAB digital radio for the first time. The SEAT Portable System Live is improved across the range, with the standard unit now including ‘SEAT Call’, for faster communication with emergency services in the event of an accident. In addition, Cupra models will have a ‘Performance Display’ application added to the system, which shows attributes including turbo boost pressure and G-force.

Leon

A DSG transmission option has been added to the range-topping Leon FR TDI 184 PS, which brings the convenience of an automatic transmission but with no loss of performance. Equipped with DSG, the Leon FR TDI 184 PS retains the manual’s 7.5-second 0-62 mph time, while its CO2 rating is raised only slightly, to 119 g/km for SC and five-door versions and 122 g/km for the ST.

SEAT has introduced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist as a Leon option, available with SE and FR versions, and a new ‘Dynamic Multi’ alloy wheel design is available. Tow bar pre-installation is now available across the range.

SEAT sales success

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year