UK RECALL #14 - Vauxhall recalls the Corsa MK4 for possible risk of fire due to water ingress on the Vacuum pump.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2016/087
Manufacturer Ref :	E150427 (16-C-023) – Corsa D
Make:	VAUXHALL
Model :	Corsa D
Launch Date :	22/04/2016
Numbers Involved :	2767
Build Start Date :	03/07/2012
Build End Date :	03/09/2014

Recall Details
Concern :	RISK OF FIRE
Description :	Water ingress to the relay on the electrical vacuum pump may cause a short. In extreme instances this may lead to fire.
Remedial Action :	On affected vehicles check and correct the connection of the relay box to the Vacuum Pump, and also add silicone grease in order to protect the connector cavity plugs and the relay box. In instances where water/wetness is detected when inspecting the plug connection replace Vacuum Pump Assembly.
Vehicle Id :	W0L0SDL08D6000098 to W0L0SDL08E6125110

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

VAUXHALL - CORSA D

UK RECALL #10 - FORD - Relay may overheat and catch fire on Fiesta models.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2015/033
Manufacturer Ref :	15S04
Make:	FORD
Model :	Fiesta
Launch Date :	04/03/2015
Numbers Involved :	10265
Build Start Date :	16/04/2010
Build End Date :	21/04/2011

Recall Details
Concern :	RELAY MAY OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE
Description :	On affected vehicles, the diesel engine Glow Plug Control Module, previously replaced under Recall R/2014102, may not be not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.
Remedial Action :	Recheck those vehicles which may have had a suspect replacement fitted and replace module with correct waterproof version
Vehicle Id :	WF0GXXGAJGAA27605 to WF0RXX GARBY89393

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

FORD - FIESTA

Citroen celebrates with a number of commercial vehicle awards.

Citroën LCVs have just scored a hat trick at the Business Van of the Year Awards 2015, presented by Business Vans, in association with Low Cost Vans. Announced at a ceremony in London earlier this week, Citroën LCVs were honoured with:

Van of the Year- Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise

Best Heavy Van- New Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise

Best Small Trades Van- Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise

Ralph Morton, Business Vans’ Editorial Director, remarked; “Citroën is to be congratulated for its major success in the Business Van of the Year Awards 2015, presented by Business Vans. Winning three of these prestigious awards reflects the exceptional range of benefits that the Berlingo and New Relay offer van operators. 

The Business Van Awards are recognised industry-wide, thanks to the strict operational and financial criteria laid down by the judging panel, which this year included directors and senior managers from three major leasing companies; the FTA; Glass’s BCA and our sponsors Low Cost Vans.”

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’sHead of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, commented; “To win one of the prestigious Business Van of the Year Awards is an achievement, but to win three is exceptional. The double win for Berlingo is a reflection of the great all-round capability and versatility of our best-selling LCV, which recorded its highest-ever annual sales in 2014. 

We are also delighted that the New Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise impressed the judges sufficiently with its exceptional range of operational, financial and load carrying benefits to win the ‘Best Heavy Van’ prize. The New Relay is also winning new customers, with sales of this model up by over 35% in 2014.”

“The Citroën Berlingo is smart, practical and versatile, plus it's affordable to run - no wonder it's perfect for trades wanting a small panel van. It is a great all-rounder, supported by a network that understands the requirements of small business van operators. If you only need one van, this is it: our Business Van of the Year,” comments Ralph Morton.

Winning the ‘Best Heavy Van’ Award against tough competition, the New Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise convinced the judging panel of its strong combination of operator benefits. These include load carrying practicality, driver safety, comfort and convenience. There are also low whole life costs to consider, thanks to very competitive contract hire rates, long service intervals (up to 30,000 miles) and excellent combined cycle fuel economy of 38.2mpg. 

This model also provides the highest payload (1,525kg) in its class and a very practically laid out load compartment. Other New Relay features noted by the judges were its high levels of standard equipment, such as air conditioning, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth hands free and USB connectivity, Teletrac Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. 

The judges commented that the Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise won the ‘Best Small Trades Van’ Award, as it suits all trades wanting a compact van and has excellent built-for-business specification. This Berlingo model offers operators low contract hire costs, excellent fuel economy, in-service reliability and low emissions. 

It also has strong driver appeal with high levels of standard equipment, including Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and air conditioning, as well as the unique Citroën Teletrac telematics package. As with the New Relay, this includes Smartnav intelligent satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking for additional productivity, cost savings and safety gains.

UK SALES - CITROEN & DS - Continued growth for the French giant with a raft of new metal.

• Citroën & DS in the UK record over 110,000 car & van sales in 2014
• Combined car & van sales up 9.2% compared to 2013
• DS 3 is most popular model, selling 19,977 units in 2014
• Four successful new model launches in 2014 contribute to growing sales & improved residual values

In 2014, Citroën and DS sold 110,625 new cars and LCVs in the UK, delivering a sales increase of 9.2% on 2013 thanks, in part, to its growing range of award-winning products.

Passenger car sales for the two brands increased by 6.4% to 83,397, with a significant contribution from three highly successful new car launches during the year – Grand C4 Picasso, New C1 and C4 Cactus. The premium DS 3 continues its run as the most popular choice for buyers across the Citroën and DS ranges, with 19,977 sales last year (incl. Cabrio).

The Grand C4 Picasso, New C1 and C4 Cactus represent a new positioning for the Citroën brand, with an even greater emphasis on eye-catching design, greater comfort and more useful technology, as well as excellence in terms of the customer ownership experience. As a result, more Retail customers have been attracted to the brands’ showrooms, with Retail sales up 9.0% to 35,629 registrations.

The combination of growing sales in 2014 and a multiple award-winning product range reflects the rising desirability and appeal of Citroën and DS models, which in turn helps to deliver increasingly competitive residual values across both ranges.

Last year’s results are particularly encouraging in the context of New Citroën C4 Cactus only going on sale in September 2014. That means 2015 will be the first full year of sales for the striking new model – which is just one of the seven 2015 European Car of the Year finalists and was recently voted BBC TopGear Magazine’s ‘Hatchback of the Year’.  

Citroen and DS knows how to celebrate Christmas with these fun items.

• DS World Paris launches range of Christmas gifts, including chauffeur-driven experiences in a classic DS
• DS gift ideas also available in the UK through the web store at 
• https://webstore.citroen.co.uk/

DS World Paris is showcasing a host of unique, original and sophisticated gift ideas for Christmas. Themed gifts from DS World Paris include chauffeur-driven tours through the city in a classic DS, offering an opportunity to discover the ‘city of light’ on board this legendary car.

EXCLUSIVE TO DS WORLD PARIS

DS World Paris is offering two experiences on board the legendary vehicle. ‘Eternal Paris’ and ‘Romantic Paris’ experiences offer an opportunity to discover the magic of Christmas in a classic DS, in the company of a chauffeur-guide.

THIS BAG COSTS NEARLY £800.00 

WHAT A TOTAL AND UTTER RIP OFF

Ideal for couples or for nostalgic fans of Paris, and the DS, these gift experiences are available exclusively at DS World Paris.

Also available exclusively from DS World Paris, the ‘Midnight Platinium’ candle by Marianne Guedin transports the senses into a pastoral and elegant world. Available in a limited edition of 100 examples, each candle is numbered and signed by Marianne Guedin.

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

Designed by the DS Styling Centre, the DS weekend bag illustrates the DS brand’s expertise. Made entirely of full-grain calfskin leather, its sophisticated look and elegant finish are inspired by haute couture. The leather features a delicately-traced DS monogram in relief.

The DS ladies’ watch is a model of understated elegance and smooth curves. This modern, sophisticated accessory expresses the feminine side of the DS spirit, just in time for Christmas.

What child has not dreamed of driving a real car? DS has designed pedal-driven and ride-on children’s DS vehicles – including the striking DS 3 – which are sure to enchant younger drivers. Both cars feature the same distinctive details as their larger siblings, including DS badges and shark’s fin styling ques.

Citroen wins gold at the Apple Green car awards.

Citroën has just been awarded a Gold trophy at the prestigious International Green Apple Awards, held at the Houses of Parliament in London. Citroën scooped the top accolade in the Automotive Industries category for Environmental Best Practice. 

The award recognises the brand’s investment in minimising the environmental impact of its cars, LCV’s and its manufacturing operations.

Citroën impressed the organisers with its green philosophy, which has seen the organisation focus on reducing the environmental impact of production, through customer operation, to end of life disposal and recycling. 

Citroën’s green philosophy extends from initial design, manufacturing in energy efficient production facilities, to delivering emission reductions and improved fuel efficiency throughout the vehicle’s operational life, with a 95% end of life recyclability. 

As part of the PSA Group, Citroën manufacturing facilities are ISO 1401 certified, indicating their efficient use of energy and material resources. This also applies to the majority of the production facilities used by its joint venture partners. 

Citroën’s continuous improvement process has achieved significant reductions in energy usage and this has seen the amount of energy used to produce a vehicle reduce by around one third. Also, water consumption per vehicle manufactured has seen a near two thirds reduction.

Citroën has also been innovative in the use of the latest material technology to reduce weight (without compromising strength) and increasing the use of sustainable materials. This includes raising the percentage of green polymers used in its vehicles to 30% by 2015. Citroën LCVs also utilise an increasing amount of high tensile steel and plastics to deliver weight-saving efficiency benefits.

Roger Wolens, Managing Director of The Green Organisation, remarked; “The standard of entries for these awards has never been higher, so Citroën’s achievement is that much greater. The manufacturer’s holistic approach to green manufacturing is evident in the range of green initiatives it has undertaken. Citroën’s continuous improvement process has achieved significant reductions in energy usage, both in the manufacturing process and on the road.”

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, commented; “Our success in this category reflects the dedication of our research and development staff to make our vehicles even greener. To succeed, when organisers say entries have never reached such a high standard, is an even greater achievement.”

Double delight for Citroen with two GreenFleet awards.

Citroën has been honoured with two key GreenFleet awards, which recognise both the company’s expanding range of efficient, low emission city cars and its LCV product excellence. The ceremony, taking place last night in Birmingham, saw Citroën presented with the GreenFleet City Car Manufacturer of the Year Award and the GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year Award. In addition, Citroën was commended in the GreenFleet Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year category.

Martin Hamill, Citroën’s Director – Fleet & Used Vehicles, comments: “Citroën’s double victory in the GreenFleet Awards 2014 is a reflection of the company’s continuous process of design innovation and engineering improvement.  The GreenFleet City Car Manufacturer of the Year Award recognises that Citroën now has one of the most comprehensive and growing ranges of ultra-low emission city cars available in the UK.  In winning the GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year Award, the judges have recognised that Citroën’s long-term philosophy of providing high payload, fuel-efficient, low-emission LCVs is one which appeals to today’s environmentally aware and cost conscious van operators.”

Part of Citroën’s growing, ultra-low emissions range, is the New C1, which includes no less than 19 model variants (all under 100g/km CO₂ emissions).  Another ultra-low-emission Citroën is the recently-launched C4 Cactus.  This mid-size, 5 door hatchback is up to 200kg lighter than other C-segment competitors.  The C4 Cactus engine choice includes three cylinder PureTech petrol engines, as well as new Euro 6 Blue HDi diesel engines, for emissions as low as 82g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 91.1mpg.

Today, Citroën offers a choice of no less than 51 cars with ultra-low, 0 - 100g/km CO₂ emissions.  These Citroën vehicles extend from city cars, through super-minis, lower medium hatchbacks, upper medium saloons/estates, small people carriers, full size 5/7seat people carriers, coupes, cabrios and premium upper medium hatchbacks.

In the LCV sector, Citroën continues to reduce the carbon footprint of its model range with the launch of the New Relay. The New Relay range continues Citroën’s long-term philosophy of providing fuel-efficient, low-emission LCVs, which have class-leading payload capacity.  Fuel economy figures of the New Relay range have improved by up to 15% – with combined cycle fuel economy in the 37.7-42.8mpg range – exceptional figures for large panel vans in the up to 3.5 tonne gvw sector.  New Relay CO₂ emissions have also been reduced, with all up to 3.5 tonne gvw vans achieving less than 200g/km. 

The New Relay’s carbon-footprint reduction process goes further.  All New Relay panel vans, in line with Citroën Berlingo and Dispatch panel vans, are fitted as standard with sophisticated Teletrac satellite navigation and stolen vehicle tracking systems.  The use of this advanced telematics platform significantly improves vehicle productivity and efficiency, as well as cutting unnecessary mileage, reducing driver stress levels and improving safety.

New Citroen Relay Van wins two AMPM awards in Ireland.

The New Citroën Relay van has scooped two accolades in the inaugural Association of Professional Motoring Press (APMP), Van of the Year Awards 2015 in Ireland. Winning alongside sister vehicles, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, Citroën’s recently launched New Relay range was voted APMP Panel Van of the Year 2015 and took the top award in the LCV sector by winning the overall APMP Van of the Year 2015 prize.

The APMP has amongst its ranks several experienced commercial vehicle journalists, including the current International Van of the Year Chairperson, Jarlath Sweeney, who noted that the New Relay was a “major evolution” for the model. Gerry Murphy commented that the “functional improvements are impressive” and Paul White described the New Relay as “very easy to drive”, with a “strong list of options and safety equipment”. Cathal Doyle commented that it was “the most refined offering yet.”

Speaking about the awards, Frédéric Soulier, Managing Director of Citroën Motors Ireland, said; “Citroën is delighted to win two of the debut APMP awards – including the top LCV accolade. This APMP Van of the Year Award 2015 is a vote in confidence for the New Relay and will no doubt boost our performance in the Irish market.”

Citroen posts imporved sales worldwide, with Europe showing large gains.

• The rebound in Citroën’s sales that began in 2013 continued in the first half of 2014, with 7% growth worldwide
• The recovery in Europe, where the market grew by 6.6%, got a strong boost from the 10% increase in Citroën sales, its best performance in over 10 years
• China remained Citroën’s largest market and the main front in its international offensive. China accounts for a quarter of the brand’s sales, with Dongfeng Citroën’s growth of 16% outpacing the market’s 13% gain
• A key factor in these strong results is the success of the New Citroën C4 Picasso, with 127,000 units sold since launch, and the New C-Elysée, a saloon spearheading the brand’s international offensive, which boasts 120,000 sales since launch
• These trends will continue in the second half thanks in particular to the launch of the C4 Cactus and the New C1, which have already achieved orders exceeding objectives

The global car market expanded by approximately 4% in the first six months of the year, with two major regions – Europe and China – the main drivers of this growth.

Citroën sold 624,000 vehicles worldwide in this period, up 7% on the first half of 2013. The biggest contributors to this performance were China and Europe, two key markets for Citroën that account for a full 85% of its worldwide sales. Moreover, Citroën outperformed the market in these two countries.

2014 FIRST HALF RESULTS 

BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION:

Europe (30 countries): after shrinking for several years, the market rebounded 7% during the first six months of 2014. The brand took full advantage of this recovery by focusing on the most profitable distribution channels.

Its sales were up 10%, outpacing the overall growth in these markets. The performance was Citroën’s best in Europe in over ten years and the brand increased its market share by 0.2%, to reach 4.8%.

• In France (the No. 2 market), Citroën sales rose by 8%, outpacing the market’s 3% gain and increasing the brand’s market share by 0.6%, to 12.2%.
• In the UK (No. 3), where the market grew by 11%, the brand reported 15% growth and a 0.1% gain in market share to 3.1%.
• In Spain (No. 4), Citroën sales were up 28%, exceeding the market’s 20% gain and increasing the brand’s market share to 7.3% (+0.5%).
• In Italy (No. 5), Citroën saw its sales rise by 1% in a market that expanded by 4%, with its market share standing at 4.1% (-0.1%).
• In Germany (No. 6), where the market was up 3%, Citroën’s sales rose by 7.5% and its market share by 0.1% to 1.7%.

Sales outside Europe accounted for 38% of the brand’s global sales volume, with the situation varying from region to region.

• In China & South East Asia, the market was up 10% overall, with China driving the growth. Citroën set a new record in that country with more than 160,000 invoices in the first half of the year, a gain of 16% in a market that grew by 13%. The world’s No. 1 car market remained Citroën’s leading market as well. China alone accounts for two thirds of the brand’s sales outside Europe and 25% of its total sales.
  This performance is the outcome of a highly successful product offensive:
  
  
  - The New Citroën C-Elysée, launched in September 2013, is already established as the joint venture’s new bestseller, with more than 62,000 invoices since launch, including 46,000 since the start of the year.
  
  
  - The C4 L, introduced in January 2013, is selling briskly too, with a total of 92,000 invoices.
  These included 35,000 in the first half of 2014, an increase of 75%.

These positive trends are reflected in the rapid expansion of the Dongfeng Citroën network, which had 442 dealerships at the end of June, with a target of 470 by year-end. The network is also recognised for top-quality sales service, with Dongfeng Citroën ranking No. 1 in JD Power’s 2014 Sales Satisfaction survey for new-vehicle purchases.

• In Latin America, Citroën is managing to strengthen its positions despite market pressures.
  
  
  - In Brazil (the No. 7 market), where the market shrank by 7%, Citroën maintained its share of 1.8%, thanks in particular to the C4 L (called C4 Lounge locally), which already ranks among the six best-selling mid-range saloons in the country, just a few months after its launch in September 2013.
  
  
  - In Argentina (No. 9), in a difficult context of high taxes and strong pressure on prices, Citroën sales decreased by 24%, as did the market. The brand’s penetration held steady at 4.5%.
  
  
• In Eurasia, where Russia is the primary market, the current crisis is affecting car sales
  
  
  - In Russia (No. 10), the crisis, along with the Rouble’s decline and rising prices, is having a negative impact on the car market, which contracted by 8% in the first half of the year. Owing to these factors, Citroën chose to maintain margins and lost 0.1% in market share, to 0.8%.
  
  
  - In Ukraine, where Citroën has had a subsidiary since 2010, the crisis is also having a strong impact on the car market, which decreased by a substantial 43%. Citroën’s sales fell 54% in the country.
  
  
• In the Middle East & Africa, the situation is also difficult, with the market depressed and exchange rates unfavourable to the brand, which focused efforts on maintaining its margins.
  
  
  - In Turkey, the market was down 26% and Citroën’s market share decreased 1%, to 2.8%.
  
  
  - In Algeria, the scenario was the same, with the market down 28%. The brand’s market share shrank there too, decreasing by 0.8% to 3%.

BY PRODUCT:

• New C4 Picasso: launched in June 2013 in its five-seat form and in September 2013 with seven seats, has already achieved more than 127,000 sales, including 69,000 since the start of the year. The leading compact MPV at end of May, the appeal of the ‘Technospace’ is also reflected in the strong product mix, with the two highest trim levels accounting for two thirds of orders.
• New C3: after a production disruption in 2013, this model, which was restyled last year, has reclaimed its place as the bestseller in the Citroën range worldwide, with over 106,000 sales during the first half, an increase of almost 30%.
• New C-Elysée: over 120,000 units of this three-box saloon specially designed for fast-growing markets have been sold since its launch (end-2012 in Turkey and Maghreb), including more than half in China, where it has been on sale since September 2013. Worldwide sales have more than doubled compared with first-half results 2013.
• LCV range: Citroën’s range of top-performing and complementary light commercial vehicles, extending from Nemo to the recently renewed Relay, fully satisfies the needs of business and fleet professionals. In Europe, Citroën LCV sales increased by 13%, outperforming the market growth (10%), boosting the brand’s market share by 0.3% to 10.6% and enabling the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group to retain its leadership in this market.

OUTLOOK FOR SECOND HALF OF 2014

The brand will sustain its momentum in the second half of the year with:

• The Citroën C4 Cactus and the New C1, two new models illustrating Citroën’s renewal, which feature more compelling design, more comfort, and more useful technology, with a controlled budget. Initial orders for these cars following their June launch are already exceeding objectives (7,000 for C4 Cactus and 4,500 for New C1). This quick start bodes well for the upcoming rollout of these models in more countries.
• The New Citroën Relay, with new features and more equipment than ever to meet professionals’ needs.
• The launch of a new SUV in China, prefigured by the Citroën C-XR concept unveiled at the Beijing motor show last April.
• A technological offensive, with increasingly efficient engines. In the petrol line-up, after the PureTech 130 Stop & Start version offered on the Citroën C4 since the spring, the PureTech range will be expanded with a 110 Stop & Start version on the C4 Cactus. As for the diesels, this model will also be the first powered by the new BlueHDi 100 engine (91.1mpg and 82g CO₂/km).
• In the constant effort to enhance the customer experience, the innovative ‘Citroën & You’ service approach will be rolled out in the brand’s network starting in September to give customers an even greater sense of transparency and more peace-of-mind. 

Appendix– Citroën sales results

			PC + LCV market share
			H1 2013	H1 2014		Difference
Europe (30 countries)			4.7%		4.8%	+0.2 pt
China & SE Asia		China	1.9%		2%	+0.1 pt
Latin America		Brazil	1.9%		1.8%	=
		Argentina	4.5%		4.5%	=
Eurasia		Russia	1%		0.8%	-0.1 pt
		Ukraine	1.9%		1.5%	-0.4 pt
Africa & Middle East		Turkey	3.8%		2.8%	-1 pt
		Algeria	3.7%		3.0%	-0,8 pt

			PC+LCV registrations (in thousands)
			H1 2013	H1 2014	Evolution
Europe (30 countries)			337	371	+10.1%
China & SE Asia	China (PC invoices)		137	160	+16.3%
Latin America	Brazil		32	29	-8.4%
	Argentina		22	16	-24%
Eurasia	Russia		13	10	-18.8%
	Ukraine		2	1	-54.4%
Africa & Middle East	Turkey		14	8	-46.1%
	Algeria		10	5	-43.8%