Skoda Auto posts a record first quarter for sales, and this will only continue with new models.

• Record Quarter: 283,500 deliveries (+2.5%)
• Best Month: 108,500 deliveries (+2.1%)
• Markets: ŠKODA grows in Western (+ 6.6%), Central (+14.9%) and Eastern Europe (+14.2%)
• Models: ŠKODA FABIA (+10.2%) RAPID (+6.8%) and SUPERB (+18.9%) rising sharply
• Looking to the future: Electro-study ‘VISION E’ premieres at Auto Shanghai 2017 

In the first quarter of 2017, ŠKODA sold more cars than ever before: Between January and March, the brand delivered 283,500 vehicles to customers (January-March 2016: 276,600) – 2.5% more than in the same period last year. In March, the deliveries rose by 2.1% to 108,500 units (March 2016: 106,300). 

This was the best sales result in one month in the company’s 122-year history. ŠKODA models were particularly popular in Europe. 

“ŠKODA successfully continued along its path to growth in the first quarter. This forms a good basis for further growth in the coming months,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. 

“The record figures are the result of an attractive model range and an outstanding team performance. We expect the current market launch of the SKODA KODIAQ to provide further momentum. 

The interest of customers in our new large SUV continues unabated. 4,700 vehicles have already reached their new owners in the first weeks.” 

In Western Europe, ŠKODA deliveries increased by 7.9% in March to 53,600 vehicles (March 2016: 49,600 vehicles). In the first quarter, sales in this region rose by 6.6% to 122,600 units (2016: 115,000 vehicles). In Germany, the brand’s strongest European single market, ŠKODA’s sales increased by 4.5% in March to 17,100 vehicles (March 2016: 16,300 vehicles) and in the first quarter by 4.9% to 40,800 vehicles (2016: 38,900 vehicles). In the first three months, ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth rates in Italy (6,700 vehicles, +20.9%), Austria (6,200 vehicles, +19.1%), Sweden (4,000 vehicles +13.4%) and France (6,200 vehicles +10.6%). 

In Central Europe, ŠKODA achieved an increase of 14.5% to 18,900 vehicles in March (March 2016: 16,500 vehicles). In the first quarter, the brand grew by 14.9% to 52,900 vehicles (2016: 46,100 vehicles). In ŠKODA’s home market, the Czech Republic, sales in March increased by 9.8% to 8,800 vehicles (March 2016: 8,000 vehicles), and in the first quarter by 12.3% to 24,600 vehicles (2016: 21,900 vehicles). The brand grew strongly in Poland (17,500 vehicles, +18.1%), Hungary (3,000 vehicles, +16.0%) and Slovakia (5,000 vehicles, +13.8%). 

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, ŠKODA grew by 9.0% in March to 3,300 vehicles (March 2016: 3,000 vehicles). The Czech producer closed the first quarter with an increase of 14.2% and 8,500 deliveries (2016: 7,400 vehicles). In this period, deliveries to Ukraine rose by 114.7% to 1,200 vehicles (2016: 600 vehicles). 

In Russia, ŠKODA recorded a slight increase of 0.7% to 4,900 vehicles (March 2016: 4,800 vehicles) despite persistently challenging market conditions. Deliveries in the entire first quarter rose more significantly by 1.9% to 12,700 vehicles (first quarter 2016: 12,500 vehicles). 

In China, the brand’s largest market worldwide, ŠKODA delivered 21,800 vehicles to customers in March (March 2016: 25,600 vehicles; -14.8%).The manufacturer sold 66,800 vehicles in the first quarter of this year (first quarter 2016: -11.4%). This development is largely due to tax increases in various vehicle segments where ŠKODA is also represented. The company anticipated this development and expects that demand will return to normal in the second quarter. 

In terms of model series, the models ŠKODA SUPERB, RAPID and FABIA are driving the strong growth rates. The brand’s flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, increased by 18.9% to 38,300 deliveries in the first quarter. Sales of the ŠKODA RAPID series increased during the same period by 6.8% to 51,800 units. The small car FABIA recorded substantial growth in the first quarter (54,600 vehicles, +10.2%). ŠKODA CITIGO deliveries fell by 0.3% to 9,700 vehicles in the first three months due to the upcoming model change. Similarly, sales of the SKODA YETI (21,500, -20.0%), the successor of which will be presented to the public in the middle of May. As expected, deliveries of the SKODA OCTAVIA fell in the first quarter by 6.3% to 103,000 vehicles. This is due to the ongoing introduction of the updated model and the associated – temporarily limited – model availability in certain markets. 

The ŠKODA KODIAQ is also being gradually introduced in the markets. 4,700 of the brand’s new large SUV have already been delivered to customers. 

At the Shanghai motor show 2017, which takes place from 19 to 28 April, ŠKODA will be presenting their brand-specific outlook on the future of individual mobility with the concept study VISION E for the first time. The emotive five-door SUV coupé can travel up to 500 kilometres on electric alone and reaches Level 3 of autonomous driving. 

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in the first quarter of 2017 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in percent compared to the first quarter of 2016): 

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (103,000; -6.3%)

ŠKODA RAPID (51,800; +6.8%)

ŠKODA FABIA (54,600; +10.2%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (38,300; +18.9%)

ŠKODA YETI (21,500; -20.0%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 9,700; -0.3%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (4,700; - )

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in March 2017 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in percent compared to March 2016):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (37,000; -6.1%)

ŠKODA RAPID (19,000; +3.8%)

ŠKODA FABIA (22,100; +8.0%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (13,800; +6.4%)

ŠKODA YETI (8,800; -16.9%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 4,800; +6.8%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (3,000; - )

The most beautiful Volvo ever made celebrates it's 60th Anniversary, and i would love one.

Volvo’s timeless beauty, the Amazon, was introduced to the world for the first time 60 years ago. Named after the female warriors in Greek mythology, it is still one of the most iconic models in Volvo’s history.

Volvo’s new four-door model was revealed in the first weekend of September in 1956. It had its première in the Swedish town of Örebro, with the elegant car differing greatly from the common perception of what a Volvo should look like.

The shapes were beautiful and challenging, with features drawn from Italian, British and American design. The man responsible for the design was 26-year-old Jan Wilsgaard, who went on to become Volvo’s head of design for many years, designing the 140, 240 and 700 series, as well as parts of the 800 series. Jan Wilsgaard recently passed away at the age of 86.

The new car was the company’s second postwar model, following on from the PV444, and had been named Amason – spelled with an ‘s’. The name came from Greek mythology, in which the Amazons were female warriors. 

The spelling was changed to the more internationally viable Amazon prior to the launch of production in 1957. Unfortunately, the German moped and motorcycle manufacturer Kreidler also happened to launch a moped called Amazone at the same time, which meant the name was unavailable in a number of key markets.

A deal was reached to allow the Volvo model to be known as Amazon in the Nordic markets. In the rest of the world, the standard model was known as 121, while 122 was used for the sport model. The estate model with a standard engine was called 221, while 222 was used for estates with the sport engine. However, the car is now known as Amazon around the world.

The first few years of Amazons were incredibly elegant. Between 1957 and 1959, all cars were two-coloured. The combinations on offer were black, midnight blue or ruby red bodies with a light grey roof, or a light grey body with a black roof. From 1959, it became possible to buy an Amazon in just one colour, and 1961 was the final year of production of the two-coloured cars.

The 1958 Amazon Sport was developed for customers who wanted more power. With twin SU carburettors and a sharper camshaft, the engine could generate 85 hp SAE.

In 1959, Volvo’s patented three-point seatbelt became a standard feature in the Amazon – a world first. No other single safety feature has been anywhere near as significant. It is estimated that at least one million lives have been saved by the three-point seatbelt over the course of its 57-year lifetime.

February 1962 marked the introduction of the estate edition of the Amazon. The difference between this car and the Duett van was substantial. The Amazon estate was an elegant car with an American-inspired boot door that was split horizontally.

The sportiest edition of the Amazon was the 123 GT, which borrowed its engine from the 1800S sports car. The 123 GT was launched as a 1967 model, offering 115 hp and overdrive. The wing mirrors were attached to the front fenders, extra lights came as standard and a tachometer was mounted above the dashboard.

Product development on the Amazon continued despite the introduction of the 140 series in 1966. Both the Amazon and the 140 series received the new B20 engine for their respective 1969 models. The larger volume provided better torque and a slight increase in power.

A total of 667,791 Amazons were built between 1956 and 1970, making it Volvo’s most manufactured model at that time. The Amazon switched Volvo’s focus from the domestic market to the export market – a total of 60 per cent of Amazon’s manufactured were sold outside of Sweden.

The Amazon was also the first Volvo to be assembled outside of Sweden. In 1963, Volvo’s plant in the Canadian city of Halifax opened its doors. Cars were built there for the North American market.

Later, an assembly plant was also opened in Durban, South Africa. However, the biggest investment was in the Belgian city of Ghent. As Sweden was outside of what was then the EEC, it was important to get a foot inside the European customs union. In 1965, the factory opened with an initial capacity of 14,000 cars per year.

On 3 July 1970, the final Amazon was built at Torslanda. It was dark blue and was driven straight into the collection of cars that later became the Volvo Museum.

10 facts about the Volvo Amazon you may not know:

1. Around eight per cent of the approximately 297,000 Amazons sold in Sweden are still around. The most common edition is the model from 1966, of which there are still 4,804 registered cars. In total, there are 24,282 Volvo Amazons registered in Sweden.

2. Volvo’s factory driver, Carl-Magnus Skogh, won the 1965 Acropolis Rally in Greece driving a 122S.

3. The Swedish police cooperated with Volvo, and they jointly developed equipment that was later included on ordinary production cars. The police cars featured disc brakes, brake assist and radial tyres several years before they became common in production cars. The police Amazons were also equipped with rear window fans and there was a button by the steering wheel connecting the windscreen cleaner with the fastest windscreen wiper setting.

4. Colin Powell, the USA’s former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is a big fan of cars. He has owned several classic Volvos, including a 1966 Amazon estate. When he left his post as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1993, he was given an Amazon in dire need of renovation by President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

5. The 1963 Geneva catalogue featured the Volvo 122S Cabriolet – its creator was listed as Jacques Coune, the Belgian coach builder. It was a beautiful conversion, featuring doors without window frames, door openings that were gently rounded at the back and rear lights that were angled forward. The catalogue gave the impression that it was a production car, but Volvo had nothing to do with the initiative and only four were built.

6. Advertising man Amil Gargano of New York took on the Volvo account in 1962. He concluded that Volvos could withstand practically anything, and this became the brand’s USP. An advertising film shows an Amazon being driven hard on gravel roads. The advert’s payoff is just as clear as it is impossible today: “And you can drive it like you hate it. Cheaper than psychiatry”.

7. There were plans to put a V8 in an Amazon – an evolved version of a truck engine. Five prototypes were said to have been built, but in the end Volvo’s management realised that a V8 was not suitable for the Amazon, not least given there was no six-cylinder version and the leap from a four to a V8 would have been too great.

8. The Amazons built in Volvo’s assembly plant in Halifax, Canada, were marketed under the name Volvo Canadian.

9. When Volvo’s range of models expanded thanks to the Amazon, Volvo regained its position as Sweden’s best-selling brand of car in 1958. This is a position it had retained every year since then.

10.In “All The President’s Men”, the movie about the Watergate affair that forced the resignation of President Richard Nixon, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, played by Robert Redford, drives a white Amazon.

Aston Martin Premieres DB10: Built for Bond at Blenheim Palace, in a setting with dozens of Astons.

• 50 Aston Martins form multi-million pound drive-in-screening
• DB10 and DB5 featured in Spectre take pride of place
• Premiere of specially commissioned one hour feature documentary

An impressive line-up of current and classic Aston Martins gathered in the Great Court at Blenheim Palace on Sunday 8 November for the premiere of DB10: Built for Bond.

The specially commissioned one hour documentary follows the creation of DB10, a model developed specifically for James Bond in Spectre, built in-house by the luxury brand’s design and engineering teams in just six months.

Created by FIN London, the documentary was filmed over an 18-month period, with over 120 hours of material captured in ultra-high definition 4K.

The film features interviews with the Aston Martin team responsible for creating the DB10. Spectre Producer Michael G. Wilson, Director Sam Mendes and actor Daniel Craig share their thoughts on the collaboration with Aston Martin. Special Effects Supervisor Chris Corbould, Stunt Coordinator Gary Powell and stunt driver Mark Higgins also discuss their experiences with DB10.

Guests enjoyed a reception in the opulent Great Hall at Blenheim Palace, and a Q&A session with Mark Higgins, before returning to their Aston Martins to watch the film.

The exclusive sports car celebrates Aston Martin’s half century association with James Bond, which started with the iconic DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Just ten examples of the DB10 were built, with all surviving the rigours of filming.

Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “I’m delighted to finally share DB10: Built for Bond. Since the car was unveiled at Pinewood Studios in December 2014 we have been overwhelmed by the positive response around the world. The film highlights the skill, care and attention to detail that goes into every Aston Martin.

“I’m extremely proud of the team who have brought the DB10 from concept to reality and feel confident that we have created a sports car that epitomises Bond.”

Spectre, the 24^th James Bond film and the 12^th to feature an Aston Martin is on general release in cinemas now.

McLaren three tier model range to make UK debut at the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show.

• Sports Series: 570S Coupé to make UK public debut after New York premiere
• Super Series: Limited edition 675LT will make its UK debut alongside the groundbreaking 650S
• Ultimate Series: Track-dedicated 1,000PS McLaren P1™ GTR offers access to the world’s most exclusive McLaren ownership programme

The full three-tier McLaren model range will be displayed publicly in the UK for the first time at the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show. The event, based at the Wilton House estate in Wiltshire takes place 6-7 June 2015, and will see models from the Super Series and Ultimate Series joined by the McLaren 570S Coupé; the first model in the recently launched Sports Series.

Following the global reveal of the 570S Coupé at the New York Auto Show last month, the first and most powerful model in the newly announced Sports Series will be shown publicly in the UK for the first time. 

The mid-engine sportscar features the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, and a highly efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine generating 570PS (562bhp) and 600Nm (443lb) of torque. 

With a greater focus on day-to-day usability and refinement, this latest model is very much a pure McLaren, boasting a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne, and electrifying performance. 

The 570S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.2 seconds, reaches 200km/h (124mph) in 9.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 328km/h (204mph). Pricing for the 570S Coupé starts at £143,250.

The limited edition 675LT will make its UK debut as one of two Super Series models on display, alongside the award-winning 650S Spider. 

The 675LT generates, as the name implies, 675PS (666bhp) and is the lightest and most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the Super Series. 

Production of the coupé-only model is strictly limited to 500 examples worldwide. With a clear focus on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement, the coupé-only model re-establishes the ‘Longtail’ heritage. 

With a top speed of 3330km/h (205mph), the 675LT accelerates to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 2.9 seconds, and hits 200km/h (124mph) in just 7.9 seconds.

The 650S is the core model in the Super Series, designed and developed to give the enthusiast driver the ultimate in luxury, engagement and excitement. 

Fitted with the award-winning 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine producing 650PS (641bhp) and 678Nm (500lb ft) of torque, it is a no compromise open-top high performance supercar with optimised levels of performance, handling and driver enjoyment. 

The secret of its success is its carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, which needs no extra strengthening to provide the necessary rigidity or safety when developing a convertible. 

This keeps any weight increase to a minimum, meaning the McLaren 650S Spider offers all the enjoyment and driver appeal of the fixed-roof sibling – but with the added appeal of roof-down driving. 

The 650S Spider is fitted with an electrically retractable hard top, which can be automatically raised or lowered on the move in less than 17 seconds.

Completing the line-up from McLaren at the annual event will be the McLaren P1™ GTR, representing the Ultimate Series – the most exclusive and definitive McLaren range. 

The track-dedicated model is the most powerful built by McLaren to-date, fitted with a 1,000PS (986bhp) powertrain comprising a highly efficient 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo petrol engine generating 800PS (789bhp) together with an integrated lightweight electric motor producing an additional 200PS (197bhp) of instant power. 

Drivers will also join the world’s most exclusive McLaren ownership programme, and gain unique access to more than 50 years of race winning knowledge and expertise. With access to the world within the McLaren Technology Centre, each driver will have an unparalleled, and completely unique, experience. 

As race winners and world champions have before them, each driver will embark on a bespoke driver programme designed to hone and optimise driving skills, and learn how to get the best of themselves and the car.

The complete range of McLaren models is available from the network of McLaren retailers across the UK. McLaren now has locations in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and, most recently, McLaren Ascot opened its doors a short distance from the McLaren Technology Centre.

All new Mitsubishi L200 Pick-Up gets debut at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show.

After 9 years, and 1.3 million units of the L200 as we know it, Mitsubishi Motors will introduce the all-new 5^th generation L200 at the 85^th International Geneva Motor Show next month. A strategic model for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Mitsubishi L200 has been developed as a ‘Sport Utility Truck’ that reaches new heights of reliability, toughness, interior comfort and maneuverability, to further meet the ever-diversifying needs of the global pick-up truck customer.

Performance

• The all-new 2.4 litre MIVEC turbo-charged diesel engine (4N15) and outstanding running resistance achieve a 17 per cent improvement in CO₂ engine, down to 169 g/km minimum mated with an all-new 6-speed manual transmission.
• New 4N15 engine generates 133 kw/ 113 kw (and respective 430 Nm/ 380 Nm) at low RPM and delivers powerful motive performance even when loaded with cargo. The variable geometry turbo charger with small turbine gives greatly improved response and provides utmost driving pleasure together with the new 6-speed manual transmission and automatic transmissions paddle-shift.

Exterior Design

• By retaining the sporty and elegant features of its predecessor, the new L200’s exterior design projects a dynamism which evokes the finely-honed muscles of an athlete. The new exterior design contributes to lower aerodynamic 0.40 Cd and increased fuel efficiency.

Interior Comfort

• Surprisingly quieter interior is achieved through the all-new diesel engine and noise-reducing measures on the vehicle body. It is quiet enough to have conversations between front and rear passengers even when driving on highways or rough roads.
• Enlarged body mounts and extended rear suspension leafs provide for an incredibly smoother vibration-reduced ride never seen before.
• Significant perceived quality step-up combined with better seating & driving position for a more comfortable driving experience.
• Increased roominess and competitive bed length.

Agile handling and superior manoeuvrability

• The new L200 provides agile handling by quicker steering gear ratio than before. The new L200 maintains a class-leading turning radius of 5.9m from its predecessor.

Toughness

• Utilising know-how acquired through its globally-successful predecessor, reliability and toughness of the new L200 has been enhanced by refining and reinforcing the body structure and 7% higher torsional rigidity of chassis frame to endure the gruelling conditions under which pickups must operate over a wide range of terrains and situations.
• Low maintenance power-train (from 15,000 km to 20,000 km oil change intervals now, from 60,000 km to 180,000 km coolant change intervals now, from 80,000 service on A/T to maintenance-free A/T now). UK servicing intervals are yet to be confirmed.

Safety

• Improved pro-active safety:
  • SS4-II (Super Select 4WD II (w/low gear, full-time 4WD) realises better cornering stability even on paved road and drivers can choose four driving modes by rotating drive mode selector.
  • Active Stability & Traction Control with Trailer Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist systems, Lane Departure Warning provide the driver relaxing driving.
  • HID headlamps (with integrated LED daytime running lights and Bi-Xenon projectors) introduced for superior vision during long winter time or night driving.
• Improved passive safety:
  • Passive safety has been enhanced by seven airbags including side airbags and curtain airbags for the front seats and an added knee airbag for the driver.
• New features, including (availability according to model & market):
  • Rear doors are added for more convenience on Club Cab
  • Keyless operation system with engine stop/start switch
  • Cruise Control w/adaptive speed limiter
  • Dual temperature automatic air conditioning
  • Steering column-mounted paddle shifters
  • Reach & rake adjustment of the steering wheel
  • Rear view camera
  • Digital Audio Broadcasting radio system
  • The all-new L200 is built by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand for all global markets – it will be launched in Europe during the summer of 2015, in both Club Cab and Double Cab body styles