Volvo, 20 years ago launched the V70 CC, today that CC Range has been expanded to more models and bigger sales.

Volvo Cars’ instrumental role in defining the adventurous Cross Country segment is widely acknowledged. With the imminent reveal of the new V90 Cross Country, the Swedish car maker is set to cement its leading role as the most capable and comfortable premium all-roader on offer and complete its 90 series line-up.

“Cross Country has become the true expression of a Volvo car in many people’s eyes. It was a winning concept from the start, perfect for the tough climate and road conditions that we experience in Sweden,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.

Developed in 1996, the first Cross Country estate combined functional flexibility and rugged capability. Today, 20 years later, the Cross Country segment is a familiar sight across the premium car market, providing a capable yet comfortable driving experience.

Extreme climate capability

Designed to cope with the demanding requirements of an extreme Scandinavian climate, Cross Country models perform in all sorts of road conditions – from muddy tracks and knee-deep snow to long-distance motorway driving. 

Proving a popular choice with horse and boat owners thanks to its high ground clearance, pulling power and responsive All-Wheel Drive, Cross Country has cemented its position as a premium mainstay and a true all-weather alternative to the SUV.

“We were very careful from the very beginning to ensure that the Cross Country concept was not just an exercise in rugged styling. 

We placed high demands on real-world capability, and as we developed the segment, we added the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

The eagerly awaited V90 Cross Country will be revealed in mid-September.

First generation, 1997 – 2000

Developed as a capable alternative to the SUV and front-wheel-drive cars, Volvo Cars’ first Cross Country – the V70 XC – grew in popularity as old-school SUVs began to morph into city jeeps. Cross Country offered a new, adventurous take on motoring that delivered a competent mix of capability, functionality and comfort. 

The V70 XC was an instant success, especially in the North American market.

Second generation, 2000 – 2007

In 2000, the second-generation V70 XC came with much bolder styling and higher ground clearance.

When Volvo’s first SUV – the XC90 – came in 2002, the V70 XC received a newer, more modern All-Wheel Drive system and changed its name to XC70 in order to align to its bigger brother.

Third generation, 2007 – 2016

The third-generation Volvo Cross Country arrived in 2007 with added elegance and luxury. The XC70 continued to be a North American love affair, accounting for almost half of the total volume produced.

In 2014, the XC70 gained recognition around the globe as Zlatan Ibrahimović’s car thanks to a Volvo Cars commercial featuring the Swedish footballer. Such was the impact that sales of the model grew markedly during its last years of production.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit will be the launching platform for the All-New Volvo S90.

The new Volvo S90 is Volvo Cars’ entry ticket to the premium saloon club. The S90 marks a giant step forward for Volvo Cars. The Swedish car maker is better known for its SUVs and estates, but with the launch of the S90, Volvo is clearly intent on shaking up the premium saloon segment with its distinctive executive class saloon.

Equipped with a host of new technologies, ranging from cutting-edge safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 is further proof of the Swedish brand’s continuing transformation.

“With the launch of the XC90, we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. With $11 USD billion of investment over the past five years, we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be – we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.

The new Volvo S90 comes equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo.

The S90 will also come with a clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain and one of the most luxuriously appointed interiors and connected infotainment systems in the large saloon segment.

“Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior. On the inside, we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.

The S90 also introduces a world-first function to City Safety – large animal detection – a system capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision. The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.

“The S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

The S90 is set to be publically unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit.

IRELAND - Hyundai is awarded the 2016 Car Of The Year, for the New Generation i20 Supermini.

• First time a Hyundai model has received top award in Northern Ireland
• New Generation i20 recognised for its sophisticated styling, high quality interior and stable and secure handling combined with unbeatable value
• Judged by members of the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association
• New Generation i20 is Hyundai’s third best-selling model in the region

Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating yet another award victory after its New Generation i20 was named 2016 NIIB Northern Ireland ‘Car of the Year’ – the first time a Hyundai model has received this top award from the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association (UMWA).

The ultra-stylish supermini was praised by Jim McCauley, Chairman of the UMWA: “The i20 has immediate appeal in terms of its sophisticated styling and high quality interior.  And the admiration continues as you take to the road with its stable and secure handling and an excellent choice of engines.  The final surprise is its competitive pricing for what is overall a quality package that represents excellent value for money, and is underwritten by a 5 Year unlimited mileage warranty.”

Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO: “We are delighted to receive this award from the Ulster Motoring Writers’ Association. The i20 has been and continues to be a very important car for the Hyundai brand. With the i20 Active and a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine joining the New Generation i20 5-door and Coupe range in early 2016, we believe it will continue to offer customers stylish, practical, economical and value for money alternatives in Britain’s most popular car sector.”

The New Generation i20 is a strong competitor in the popular B-segment and since its launch in January 2015, we have sold nearly 12,000 units across the UK. It is also the 3^rd biggest seller in Northern Ireland behind the ix35 and i10.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce roadster makes global debut in California at The Quail.

Automobili Lamborghini unveils the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster in occasion of the Monterey Car week in California. 

The Roadster, presented at the famous event ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, is available in a limited series of 500 units worldwide and is the first series produced, open-top Lamborghini to bear the name Superveloce.

‘‘The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. 

The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,’’ Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said during the press conference at The Quail.

As a member of Lamborghini’s storied Superveloce family, the car offers greater performance with a power increase of 50 hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575 kg (3,472 lb), that is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster. This leads to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 2,1 kg/hp (4,6 lb/hp).

The Roadster maintains the coupe’s breathtaking acceleration, sheer power and handling prowess. In an enhancement to the Superveloce coupé experience, the Superveloce Roadster’s features a power rear window that allows the free-flowing engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving.

The naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 produces 552 kW (750 hp) at 8,400 rpm and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) happens in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (> 217 mph).

Lamborghini’s highly innovative 7-speed ISR transmission delivers an incomparably emotional gear shift and transfers the engine’s power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system. Of course, as in the SV coupé the car takes advantage of adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for improved driving dynamics.

And as with the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Roadster comes with a two-piece hardtop made from carbon fibre featuring technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®, which deliver a perfect surface finish, allow complex design shapes and the highest possible component stiffness combined with extremely low weight. 

Thus, the two roof parts each weigh less than six kilograms (13.2 lb) and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They provide the perfect complement to the monocoque, which is entirely made from carbon fiber.

Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Rodster begin in early 2016 with base pricing of 357,000.00 Euros (excl. VAT) or USD 530,075.00 MSRP.

Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating its first decade as official Hyundai subsidiary.

• Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating its first decade as official Hyundai subsidiary
• Brand has sold over 600,000 units in the UK since 2005
• Market share has more than doubled to 3.5% - making it the fastest growing car manufacturer in the UK
• Growth led by new product - combining good design with unbeatable value
• £35.2 million invested into dealer network – with over 70% of the network changing since 2005
• Company’s import centre at Tilbury Docks, Essex has trebled in size

Hyundai Motor UK is this year celebrating its landmark anniversary of 10 years in the UK, since the subsidiary was founded in July 2005*. This period has been the most significant in the Company’s history both in the UK and Globally.

Since its official opening in 2005, Hyundai Motor UK has sold over 600,000 units, with over 82,000 cars sold in 2014 alone.  The brand’s market share has more than doubled from 1.5% to 3.5% making it the fastest growing car manufacturer in the UK. Hyundai Motor UK’s rapid growth can also be seen at the company’s import centre at Tilbury Docks in Essex, which has grown to three times its original size in order to accommodate the increased demand. 

Not only has the company grown in terms of volume, but the company has invested over £35.2 million in its dealer network over the past 10 years with over 70% of the dealer network changing since 2005. Most recently, Hyundai introduced its new dealer showroom identity.

  

Reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to delivering exceptional levels of customer service, the new look dealership has evolved significantly. It combines open space, modern furnishings and the latest technology to deliver an enhanced customer experience. 

The Company has also recently introduced in partnership with Rockar, the world’s first digital retail experience – Rockar Hyundai - where it is possible to purchase a car online or in store in under five minutes. With over 120,000 visitors to the store in Bluewater over the last 7 months, the success of Rockar Hyundai so far shows that there is room to offer an alternative process for buying a car for those people that want it.

Globally, Hyundai Motor has sold over 37 million cars over the last decade –with 1.7 million cars sold in 2005, compared to 4.96 million in 2014. Additionally, Hyundai was named the 40^th most valuable brand in 2014, up 44 places since 2005**. This transition means Hyundai is the fastest growing automaker in the world, with a brand value increase of 200% over the 10 year period.

Professor Garel Rhys CBE, President for the Centre of Automotive Industry Research, Cardiff University states:

“Over the last ten years, Hyundai Motor has been the most significant and impressive car company on the world stage.  They are clearly number one in Korea despite the Asian Financial Crisis, they are one of the top companies in China and a major player in the US.  They have solidified their position in Europe by not just selling into but manufacturing in the region –this is the sign of a truly global company.

Rhys adds: “They have been able to tap into consumer preference in the UK by offering customers what they want and were quick to respond when the recession hit and the scrappage scheme was introduced –other brands had the right products at the right price but they failed to act as quickly.  Hyundai’s success though would not have continued without the investment in product.  In my opinion, Hyundai Motor has definitely been one of the smartest actors in the automotive industry over the lastdecade.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “I joined Hyundai in 2005, and it’s fantastic to see how far the company has come in such a short space of time. Our success has been driven by three key areas: our product, our customer and our people.”

“In the last 10 years our product range has been completely transformed.  We have transitioned from a brand with product that was purchased on price and reliability to a brand with product that’s now also bought for its looks, technology and comfort.

“Back in 2009, we took a risk. When the government launched the ‘Scrappage Scheme’, we were ready and waiting to fulfill customer orders when many other manufacturers were running out of stock. It’s this move that led us from 28,000 sales in 2008 to over 61,000 in 2010.  However, our continued investment in product, the brand and the customer experience has ensured we are not just a one trick pony! 

“The brand has seen sales continue to rise year on year, with 15 consecutive quarter increases and this year looks set to be our best year to date.  But the best is yet to come – we are  targeting 100,000 sales in the UK in the next few years, with a long-term goal of being within the top five car brands in the UK in the not too distant future.” concludes Whitehorn.

David Neech, a loyal Hyundai customer from Seaford in East Sussex, commented: “My family and I have owned 20 Hyundai cars since 1992 - the first being a Sonata Saloon. Over that time, I have noticed great changes. I can’t believe how much technology is on my latest car. I still haven’t worked out what it all does! But the key thing is that even with more technology and equipment; Hyundais are still so reliable.

“The brand’s design has also evolved - each new model that the Company launches looks much more sophisticated. I have to say that I’m very proud to have the stylish ix35 sitting on my drive today.

Neech added: “My local dealership, Brooklyn Hyundai, has changed dramatically too. It is now magnificent, not that I have to visit there very often!  In fact, in 20 years I have only ever had one issue with a vehicle. What impresses me the most is that even though Hyundai has grown significantly over the past ten years, my local dealership’s service hasn’t faltered. They are always so friendly and welcoming and I still feel like a truly valued customer.”

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary, Hyundai Motor UK will be launching a world-first driving challenge in London.  More details will be released this Autumn.

The challenge will culminate in a celebratory event where another Hyundai milestone will be announced.