Toyota hits the ten million hybrid milestone less than a year after hitting 9 million.

• Over Three Million Hybrids Sold in the U.S.

Toyota announced today that it has achieved more than 10 million cumulative units of hybrid vehicle (HV) sales, including plug-in hybrids, as of January 31. The latest milestone was achieved just nine months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016.

Toyota Motor North America also saw its sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids reach a cumulative total, exceeding three million units as of December 31, 2016.

“The Prius stands as an icon for sustainability and efficiency, and is a shining example of what you can achieve when you have the right idea to help solve a problem,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor North America. 

“Hybrids remain an important part of our lineup of vehicles, with over 246,000 units sold last year, and we have seen continued demand with the release of the RAV4 Hybrid variant of the popular compact SUV, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its total sales volume in 2016.”

Takeshi Uchiyamada, known as the father of the Prius and co-chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota said, “When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was, but, thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream.” He added, “We are grateful to each and every one of our customers who have helped us achieve this important [global] milestone.”

As of January 31, Toyota estimates that the use of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance has resulted in approximately 77 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions and has saved approximately 7.66 million gallons of gasoline (29 million kiloliters).

More than a numerical milestone, the results demonstrate the staying power of hybrid powertrain technology, which has emerged as a mainstream solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Toyota values activities to help reduce the environmental effects of automobiles.  This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.

Renault moves towards the 66-Plate chnage with some greta new offers to tempt the buyers.

• Exciting offers from Renault available on brand new 66-plate models
• Award-winning Renault Twingo now available from only £7,995
• Additional £500 deposit contribution over all other offers when a Clio, Captur, Kadjar or All-New Renault Mégane is purchased following a test drive
• Three-year PCP offers introduced on Twingo, Clio, Captur, All-New Mégane and Kadjar
• 0% HP offers available on Twingo, Clio, Captur and ZOE
• Manufacturer deposit contributions on Renault Selections PCP of up to £2,500
• All-electric ZOE available from just £189 per month including battery rental

Renault is offering motorists who are looking to treat themselves to a new 66-plate car a whole host of exciting offers across its entire model range.

In addition to its two-year and four-year Renault Selections PCP packages, Renault is offering customers even greater choice with a three-year option, whilst anyone who purchases a Clio, Captur, Kadjar or All-New Mégane after a test drive will receive an extra £500 towards their new car over all other offers¹.

As part of the limited time offers, the innovative rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Renault Twingo is available from the unprecedented price of only £7,995 for the SCe 70 Expression – representing a saving of £1,500 on the normal list price. Cool, nimble and with five-door practicality, the Twingo offers a huge array of colour, trim and personalisation options and has scooped top city car award wins in the 2015 British GQ Car Awards and TopGear Magazine Awards. 

The cash offers are available across the stylish, fun-filled range including THE COLOR RUN Special Edition – now costing only £8,995. With a £1,500 saving on its normal list price of £10,495, THE COLOR RUN Special Edition is packed with features that include the R&GO^® application that allows any compatible smartphone to turn into an infotainment and navigation system, alloy wheels, an electric panoramic folding sunroof and is available in an array of nine exterior colours and four interior colours.

The Clio supermini, can be purchased on three-year, four-year and 0% two-year Selections PCP packages. On the three-year package, and after the test drive offer of an extra £500 takes the total manufacturer deposit contribution to £2,500, the Clio can be purchased from just £159 per month with a deposit of £947². 

Customers who prefer the 0% APR four-year hire purchase offer can drive away a number of versions with the help of a £1,750 manufacturer deposit contribution, which includes the additional £500 for taking a test drive.

The Renault ZOE, three-time winner of the What Car? ‘Best Electric Car on Sale for Under £20,000’ award, is available in Dynamique Nav specification on a two-year Selections PCP package, costing just £189 per month including battery lease* after a customer deposit of £1,499. 

A free** 7kW wall-box home charger is also included in the offer. Both the ZOE Dynamique Nav and the Expression Nav come with a manufacturer deposit contribution of £1,500 when financed via 0% APR four-year hire purchase deals.

The popular Captur compact crossover – voted Most Highly Rated Car by owners at the 2016 Honest John Awards – is available from just £179 per month after a deposit of £607, via one of Renault’s new three-year Selections PCP packages. Those who take up this offer also benefit from a total manufacturer deposit contribution of £2,250 after taking advantage of the test drive offer. 

Alternatively, Captur customers can finance their new Renault on four-year and 0% APR two-year Selections PCP packages, or with a 0% APR four-year hire purchase offer that on many trim levels incorporates a £1,500 manufacturer deposit contribution once customers have enjoyed a test drive.

Included in the new offers is the recently launched All-New Mégane, which is available on the three-year Selections PCP package from £219 a month with a £1,330 customer deposit, which after the £500 test drive promotional offer includes a total manufacturer deposit contribution of £2,250. There is also the option of a four-year Selections PCP package and a 0% APR four-year hire purchase scheme.

The Kadjar crossover – voted Best SUV in the 2016 Auto Express Driver Power awards – can be enjoyed via a three-year Selections PCP package starting from £239 a month after a customer deposit of £888. The offer also includes a total manufacturer deposit contribution of £1,750, which incorporates the extra £500 when a test drive is taken. 

As with the All-New Mégane, the Kadjar can also be purchased on a four-year Selections PCP package or financed via a 0% APR four-year hire purchase offer, the latter including a total manufacturer deposit contribution on certain versions of £1,100 after customers receive an extra £500 contribution for taking a test drive.

In addition, there are a host of other finance options available across the wider Renault range. Whichever option a customer chooses, they will benefit from the Renault 4+ warranty and Renault Assistance vehicle recovery scheme which provides the ultimate peace of mind for four years or 100,000 miles.

¹ This additional offer is on top of all existing offers and applies to all versions of Clio, Captur, Kadjar and All-New Renault Mégane provided they are ordered between 22 August and 26 September and registered by the end of September.

²Clio Play 1.2 16V 75 – representative example:

Monthly payments over terms of agreement	£159
Customer deposit	£947
Cash price	£12,675
Dealer deposit contribution	£2,000
Total amount of credit	£9,728
Finance facility fee	£99
Optional final payment	£4,632
Option to purchase fee	£149
Total amount payable	£13,551
Duration	37 months
Fixed interest rate p.a.	2.86%
3.99% APR representative

CANADA - June sees the top six automakers push ahead with growing sales and broken records.

The Detroit 3 and Japan's biggest automakers posted higher Canadian sales for June, on an annual basis, boosted by growing demand for light trucks and an extra selling day during the month.

Across the industry, June sales hit a new record for the month, rising 7.4 percent to 191,088 on an annual basis, Canadian auto analyst Dennis DesRosiers said Monday. Sales of trucks, SUVs and vans grew 14 percent, even as sluggish sales of sedans declined 2.9 percent on an annual basis, he wrote in a note.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reported sales of 27,776 in June for an increase of 2 percent compared with the same month in 2015. For the first half of 2016, FCA Canada said it sold 152,439 vehicles, a record high for the automaker.

"At the mid-year point, FCA Canada is on pace for another record-setting sales year," Dave Buckingham, COO of FCA Canada, said in a statement.

Scotiabank, in a June report, projected Canadian auto sales will rise to 1.96 million vehicles in 2016, up from a record-breaking 1.9 million cars and light trucks last year.

In May, Canadian auto sales slipped 1.5 percent on an annual basis, the first monthly decline since December 2015, in part because the month had two fewer selling days.

The market rebounded strongly in June after a slower month in May," DesRosiers said. "Sales finished 6.0 percent higher for the first half of 2016, without a clear sign of slowing down."

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors also reported higher Canadian sales for June, on an annual basis.

Ford said it sold 28,718 vehicles in June, a gain of 7 percent for the month. Demand for pickups fueled a near 12 percent rise in Ford's sales for the first half of 2016, with the automaker reporting the sale of 149,942 vehicles during the six-month period.

General Motors delivered 26,045 vehicles in June, up 8 percent compared with the same month in 2015. GM said the month had 26 selling days, compared with 25 in June 2015. GM said its retail sales rose 19 percent in June and 6 percent in the first half of the year.

Behind record hybrid and truck demand, Toyota Canada Inc. sold 22,004 Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles in June, an increase of 6.4% compared to 2015. Sales in the first half of the year reached 113,410, a gain of 8 percent compared to the first six months of 2015.

The Toyota division, which includes Scion, recorded June sales of 20,252 for a gain of 7.9 percent compared to 2015, while Lexus said deliveries slipped 8.5 percent to 1,752.

Honda Motor reported a 2 percent rise in June Canadian sales, on an annual basis, with 16,905 units sold during the month. The Honda division reported June sales of 15,273, up 4 percent over last year, and marking an all-time June record for the brand.

Nissan Group reported June deliveries of 14,132 for an increase of 13 percent over 2015 and the best sales month ever for the company. Volume rose 13 percent at the Nissan brand and 5.4 percent at Infiniti.

In the United States, which reported results on July 1, the pace of auto sales slowed in June compared to a year ago, as slumping sales of sedans offset strong demand for pickups and sport utility vehicles. The seasonally adjusted annual sales pace for June was 16.66 million, according to Autodata Corp., down from 17 million vehicles a year earlier.

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USA - A new comparison showcases BMW's BHP growth from 1976 with three models to today's huge model range.

Infographic Shows BMW's Expansion in the US Since 1976

A new chart from EuroSportTuning.com compares the BMW line-up in 1976 with the line-up in 2016, showing BMW's explosive US growth over the last 40 years. In 1976, BMW offered three models: the 2002, 3.0i, and 530i. Today, BMW offers 21 distinct models.

"BMW's North America popularity has exploded over the last 40 years, and that's putting it mildly," says Frank Derks, manager at EuroSportTuning.com. 

"BMW's most popular car in 1976 was probably the 100hp 2002 model. Today, BMW offers seven times as many models, most with at least three times the power," says Derks.

The chart also compares the max horsepower of the models from 1976 to 2016, and the difference is substantial. The 1976 2002 was rated at 100hp. Today's most comparable model is the BMW 2-series, and that vehicle is available with as much as 320hp.

"Many people argue that the 60s and 70s were the golden age of BMW, and they point to the 2002 as proof. While I love the 2002 - and understand the sentiment - I wonder if we aren't living in BMW's golden age right now," says Derks. "Speaking as a performance enthusiast, most BMW models today are pushing 300 plus horsepower. We've got great BMW coupes and sedans that can carve up the track, as well as crossovers and SUVs that offer respectable performance considering their size. I think 2016 should also be considered a golden age for BMW enthusiasts," offers Derks

BMW announces a whole host of updates, upgrades, new engines, more power, better kit and more for 2017.

• New 340hp BMW M140i and BMW 240i M Performance models top BMW 1 and 2 Series ranges.
• BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more powerful, efficient engines.
• New BMW iPerformance range launched, including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.
• Superior connectivity for the six additional model ranges.
• New equipment and personalisation options.

BMW is upgrading its product range for the 2017 model year with more efficient, stronger-performing new four- and six-cylinder engines for the BMW 1 and 2 Series, the introduction of a BMW iPerformance range of Plug-in-Hybrid models and improved connectivity systems for several model series.  

Debut of a new six-cylinder 340hp engine: Introducing the BMW M140i and M240i.

The pinnacle of the 2017 BMW 1 Series three-and five-door hatch ranges and the BMW 2 series Coupé and Convertible line-ups are the M Performance models. 

They are powered by a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine also employing TwinPower Turbo technology to develop a power increase of 14hp and torque increase of 50Nm delivering a maximum of 340hp and 500Nm of torque, ensuring instantaneous acceleration across almost the entire rev range.

Acceleration in the BMW M140i is achieved 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model, the M135i and now has a zero to 62mph time of 4.6 seconds (automatic). 

The BMW M240i Coupé performs the same sprint in the same time with a reduction of 0.2 seconds from the previous M235i Coupé. 

The M240i Convertible goes from rest to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds yet at the same time there is a reduction of up to seven per cent in fuel consumption. 

Official figures for the BMW M140i hatchbacks and M240i Coupé are 36.2mpg (manual) or 39.8mpg (Sports Automatic), with respective CO2 figures of 179g/km and 163g/km. The M240i Convertible is capable of 34.0mpg in manual guise and 38.2mpg as an automatic, while their respective CO₂ emissions are 189g/km and 169g/km.

Model	Price from OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW M140i	£31,875	340	500	4.8 (4.6)	155*	36.2 (39.8)	179 (163)
BMW M240i Coupé	£35,090	340	500	4.8 (4.6)	155*	36.2 (39.8)	179 (163)
BMW M240i Convertible	£38,535	340	500	4.9 (4.7)	155*	34.0 (38.2)	189 (169)

*Electronically-limited

This impressive demonstration of high performance mixed with parsimony is the result of painstaking attention to detail with every aspect of the powertrain. The compact size of the Twin Scroll turbocharger makes it extremely efficient, and it is linked to an indirect intercooler. 

The new M Performance models also feature electric wastegate control, a close-coupled catalytic converter, an on-demand cooling pump and map-controlled oil pump, electronic power steering, Auto Stop Start and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The six-speed manual transmission includes an engagement control function which blips the throttle on downshifts for increased smoothness and sportiness. 

The optional eight-speed Sport Automatic gearbox now has a wider spread of ratios to enhance efficiency and is capable of multiple downshifts for greater responsiveness. 

It incorporates Launch Control with a predictive shift strategy, all linked to the navigation system so that the car can extract every last fraction of performance when accelerating from standstill. 

A rev-linked vibration damper enhances smoothness and improves the rich sounds the driver hears, further aided by an acoustic shield beneath the bonnet.

OTR prices for the BMW M140i starts at £31,875, the BMW M240i Coupé costs £35,090 and the Convertible is listed at £38,535.

BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more efficient engines.

With the arrival of the 2017 model year BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch and 2 Series Coupé and Convertible, BMW completes the introduction of the highly efficient new Baukasten 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to all variants in both ranges.

The 2.0-litre engines employ BMW TwinPower Turbo technology incorporating a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS valve control. 

They are available in 20i, 25i and 30i guises, delivering between 6hp and 7hp more than the units they supersede at 184hp, 224hp and 252hp respectively. The introduction of Baukasten engines sees the 20i upgraded to twin exhaust tailpipes.

Model	Price from OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW 120i	£23,980	184	290 (270)	7.1	143 (140)	47.1 (48.7)	138 (133)
BMW 125i	£28,610	224	310	6.1	151	47.9	134
BMW 220i	£26,865	184	290 (270)	7.1 (7.2)	146 (143)	47.1 (48.7)	138 (133)
BMW 230i	£29,710	252	350	5.8 (5.6)	155	44.1 (47.9)	147 (134)

Acceleration times with the new engines are trimmed and fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions also fall in many models, in some cases by up to 17g/km, with advantages for Benefit-in-Kind taxation and Vehicle Excise Duty.

An eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission becomes standard for the 125i, while on the BMW 2 Series Coupé and Convertible a 230i takes the place of the former 228i.

Prices start at £23,980 OTR for the new BMW 1 Series, £26,865 OTR for the BMW 2 Series Coupé and £29,830 OTR for the Convertible. 

New BMW iPerformance range launched including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show BMW announced a new iPerformance range of electrified fuel-saving, emissions-reducing models. 

They will take technologies developed for BMW i and introduce them into mainstream models, in much the same way as BMW's M Performance employ the design and engineering expertise of BMW M. 

Three of these plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models – the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e – are already on sale. They are now to be joined by the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons, all to be sold under the new iPerformance banner.

Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.

All iPerformance models benefit from the advanced electronic motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems developed by BMW for the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8.

In the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive the combination of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronised electric motor produces a combined 326hp, with spontaneous delivery and exemplary efficiency. 

They are capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone – sufficient for the majority of urban commutes – while CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 134.5 to 113mpg.

OTR prices for the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive start from £68,330 and £74,880 and are available in the Exclusive or M Sport trim.

Superior connectivity for additional six model ranges.

Six additional model ranges now benefit from the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity services. 

Originally introduced on the BMW 7 Series and added to the BMW 6 Series, X3 and X5 in March/April 2016, it will now be available on the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X5 and X6 ranges. Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. 

This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. 

The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. 

The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.

New equipment and personalisation options.

BMW pioneered the idea of the personalised car, and now takes it a step further with the 2017 model year versions.

Black Dakota leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching becomes an option on all BMW 3 and 4 Series M Sport models, and Venetian Beige Dakota leather upholstery contrasting with the black interior carpets for an elegant appearance is offered on the BMW 3 and 4 Series cars. 

For the BMW X5 and X6, the tilting monitors with the optional DVD and MP3 rear seat entertainment system have been increased in size from 9.2 to 10.2 inches, with higher resolution, while the DVD player is now compatible with BluRay and features an HDMI input to connect external devices.

An M Sport version of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in-Hybrid has been introduced at £34,405 OTR before Government Plug-in Car grant. There are revised colour options for several models.

A BMW Individual leather steering wheel becomes standard on all BMW 3 and 4 Series Luxury models; there is a new Exclusive trim level available for the 7 Series models, while Executive Lounge seating and Executive Lounge package is available on long-wheelbase versions. In addition to this, the 7 Series Executive package has been renamed the Premium package which now includes Climate Comfort laminated windows and windscreen.

Finally, there is a new M Sport Plus package available on various models including the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the X5 and the BMW X6. 

This package includes the Harman/kardon Loudspeaker system and sun protection glass across all three models, 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 303M on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 469M on the BMW X5 and BMW X6. The pack also includes Head-up Display and a Speed-limit display for both the BMW X5 and BMW X6.