The new Micra has begun customer production at the Flins Production Facility, France.

• First cars roll off the line at Flins plant, France
• Micra production returns to Europe after break of seven years
• Fifth-generation Micra is an exceptional car characterised by expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive

Production of the all-new Nissan Micra has begun, with the first cars rolling off the line in the last few days. Final checks have ensured they are finished to the highest quality. Deliveries to Nissan retailers and customers will commence from mid-February in key European markets, and from March in the remainder.

The start of production marks the beginning of a new chapter in a success story which stretches back more than three decades. First launched in Europe in 1983, Micra is one of the world’s most recognisable model names with global sales of more than seven million cars. 

This all-new version – the fifth generation – sees it return to the heart of the European B-hatchback segment.

The new Nissan Micra is manufactured at Flins, France, at a plant operated by Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault. The new Micra is the first Nissan passenger car to be built in a Renault plant in Europe, and returns Micra production to Europe – close to its key customer base – after a break of seven years. It is being built on a modified version of Nissan’s V-platform.

Flins, to the west of Paris, is a factory with vast experience in producing hatchbacks for the European market. First opened in 1952, the 237-hectare site is the longest-established car-producing plant in the Renault Group. It is currently home to the Renault Clio and Renault Zoe models.

This ‘cross-production’ of vehicles is a major driver of manufacturing synergies for the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and brings several key benefits to the business and to the customer.

Most importantly, it maximises the advantages of the Alliance Production Way, a manufacturing and shop-floor management system common to Renault and Nissan. As well as allowing plants to make better use of their production capability, this system takes benchmarks and best practice from both brands to ensure the highest quality production standards are met and maintained.

Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe, commented: “The start of production for the all-new Micra is a moment to be celebrated, embodying the spirit of co-operation which exists throughout the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”

He added: “We have taken the European compact car segment to a new level by focusing on what customers really want today and expect tomorrow. The all-new Nissan Micra is an exceptional car, characterised by its expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive.”

The new Nissan Micra is quite simply a revolution. It is a radical progression from the model it is replacing, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to the Micra’s debut in Europe 34 years ago.

The new Micra is longer, wider and lower than ever before. It has been conceived, designed and engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda.

Key to its appeal is the car’s athletic and expressive exterior design, which moves the Micra name plate in a daring new direction. The contemporary look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range.

The new Nissan Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects the Micra back on to the right path should it be required.

Also unique is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the driver’s head rest for an exceptional 360° sound experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation options, modifying the exterior and interior with premium components in a variety of stylish and contemporary colours.

It is also a fantastic car to drive, with a dynamic performance that is the perfect balance between agility, excitement and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. Three engines are available – two petrols and a diesel.

McLaren expands the aftermarket options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT

• McLaren expands the range of aftermarket personalisation options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT
• Available for all Qualified pre-owned McLaren Super Series models
• Range now includes a wide selection carbon fibre accessories produced by McLaren Special Operations under its MSO Defined portfolio

Current and future McLaren Super Series owners can now refresh the design of their cars through a range of dramatic McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Defined accessories. 

Offered and installed through McLaren retailers, the options can now be widely applied to any McLaren Super Series models from the 12C to the 675LT and at any point in the car’s ownership.  

The accessories enhance the dramatic design of the car and in true McLaren fashion, also frequently bring a performance advantage, as a result of weight saving.

Among the exterior embellishments in the MSO Defined Super Series collection are a Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, which reduces weight and enhances airflow, and Carbon Fibre Mirror Arms which can be coupled with matching mirror casings.  

The range also includes Carbon Fibre Louvered Front Fenders, which take inspiration from McLaren historic race cars, such as the renowned 1970 Can-Am winning McLaren M8D to save 0.5 kilograms over the standard equivalent. 

They feature vented wheel arch liners, to remove turbulent air from under the wheel arches giving more grip over the front axle. 

Also available is a carbon fibre bonnet that is finished in visual carbon fibre for increased impact, as seen on the limited-edition McLaren 650S Can-Am model. 

Interior enhancements begin with MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Vent Bezels. Carbon Fibre Sill Tops highlight the driver-focused design of the cabin, as well as protect the sills of the MonoCell structure.  

While likely to interest the track day enthusiasts are a Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel, which can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara®, and Extended Carbon Fibre Gear Shift Paddles. 

Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive, commented: “The growing MSO Defined portfolio gives customers an opportunity to further personalise their cars and significantly expands our wider accessories portfolio.  We have experienced significant interest in the MSO Defined range on Super Series cars being ordered new and we are now very pleased to be bringing these features to a wider group of customers as a retrofit choice.”  

The aftermarket enhancements in the Super Series MSO Defined range are available for existing owners and new customers purchasing through the Qualified programme.

The 400,00th DS3 hatchback has been produced and handed over to it's new owner.

A DS 3 Performance Black recently became the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback off the production line and is already on the road in France. The car was delivered to its new owner a few days ago by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS. 

DS 3 is the brand’s best-selling vehicle, with style and the wide range of personalisation options at the top of customers’ most popular reasons for purchase.

Built at the PSA Poissy manufacturing site near Paris, the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback was delivered a few days ago to its owner, Marine Laurent, by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS.

With the guarantee ‘Made in France’, DS 3 was the first modern-day DS to be launched. DS 3 has always placed personalisation at the heart of the manufacturing process, which has helped to make it the most popular model for DS Automobiles.

DS 3 Performance Black number 400,000 is a dynamic version of DS 3 with matt black bodywork, touches of carbon fibre on the side mouldings and a gold roof, making the vehicle stand out through its distinctive good looks.

“I had to have this DS 3 as soon as I saw it. Even though I was already a DS driver, this new model is just irresistible because of its timeless character and personalisation options. I think it’s unlikely that any two DS cars will look the same,” Marine Laurent.

Customer surveys conducted by the DS brand in Europe* show that DS 3 appeals to both women (55% of customers) and men. The main reason for purchase is ‘style’. For 73% of customers DS 3 has a ‘sporty’ image, 62% say it is ‘fun to drive’ and 54% describe it as ‘elegant’. On the road, customers tend to highlight the vehicle’s main standout features as ‘comfort’, ‘high levels of equipment’ and ‘quality’.

*Surveys conducted between 2011 and 2015 in the G10 Europe countries with customers buying New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. Survey panel: 6,000 respondents.

USA - Chevy will showcase the Cruze RS and Malibu Blue Line Concepts at the Las Vegas SEMA Show.

• Malibu, Cruze RS hatch SEMA show cars explore personalization possibilities

Chevrolet previewed the Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line concepts today ahead of their Nov. 1 public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Blending equal parts style, performance and function, they demonstrate the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand’s latest vehicles — all with sophisticated aesthetics. Both of the concept vehicles feature Genesis White exteriors accented with blue-tinted windows and 18-inch concept wheels painted slate blue metallic.

“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” said Roger McCormack, director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”

The production and concept accessories were developed in Chevrolet’s design studio alongside the vehicles.

“Chevrolet accessories bring a level of value and peace of mind that can only come from parts that are designed, engineered, tested and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles,” said McCormack. “It’s a level of integration that enhances the sporty appearance of the vehicles.”

Malibu Blue Line

The Blue Line concept combines design accents with performance parts, for a more athletic stance and sporty look.

The Genesis White exterior offers a transitional look, appearing bright white in some light and light gray in other conditions. In addition to the slate blue metallic 18-inch concept wheels, Chevrolet Accessories include:

• Ground effects kit with a rear diffuser
• Black grille insert
• Black Chevrolet bow tie emblems
• Rear spoiler
• Suspension lowering kit
• Floor liners with premium metal badging
• Illuminated doorsills
• Sport pedal kit

The new suspension lowering kit includes springs that lower the ride height 0.4 inch (10 mm) for a sportier stance and more responsive handling. It is designed for models equipped with the available 2.0L turbocharged engine, which is rated 250 horsepower and matched with an all-new, available nine-speed automatic transmission that offers efficiency and refinement enhancements over the previous six-speed automatic transmission.

The concept also features a concept Chevrolet Performance brake kit (painted Harbor Gray Metallic) and additional custom touches that include tinted headlamp and taillamp lenses and polished exhaust tips.

Cruze RS Hatch Blue Line

The Blue Line concept is based on the 2017 Cruze RS hatchback, which adds a functional, sporty and stylish choice to Chevrolet’s lineup.

It also features a Genesis White exterior, blue-tinted windows, 18-inch slate blue metallic concept wheels and the following Chevrolet Accessories:

• Chrome grille insert (available now)
• Suspension lowering kit (available now)
• Performance brake package (available by the end of 2016)
• Performance air intake system (available mid-2017)
• Performance exhaust system (available mid-2017).

Chevrolet’s new performance brake kit is offered for Cruze sedan and hatchback models originally equipped with available 16-inch or larger wheels. It features larger, 11.8-inch-diameter (300 mm) front Duralife vented and slotted rotors and new calipers versus the stock 10.9-inch (276 mm) rotors.

The suspension kit includes springs to reduce ride height by 0.4 inch (10 mm) and a larger-diameter front stabilizer bar that contributes to more responsive handling.

The concept’s black interior features custom satin graphite accents on the instrument panel, shift knob and door inserts, while the sport pedal kit, illuminated doorsills and an interior trim kit are Chevrolet Accessories.

Under the hood, the Cruze RS Hatchback’s standard 1.4L Turbo engine – rated at 153 horsepower – is accessorized with Chevrolet Performance’s air intake kit and performance exhaust system.

The intake kit includes a high-flow air filter and a secondary inlet duct to decrease air restriction, while the performance exhaust is a high-flow system that reduces backpressure for optimal engine breathing and performance. The intake kit includes a calibration (dealer-installed) exhaust system that is 50-state emissions-compliant.

It’s important to note the new-vehicle warranty remains intact when a Chevy dealer installs the accessories and performance parts.