Mazda launches the newer more environmentally friendly 1.5 Litre Skyactiv-D along with news it's grown it's fleet sales.

• Mazda UK achieved more than 19,000 fleet sales in 2015 – a 22 per cent year-on-year increase.
• New Mazda3 1.5 SKYACTIV-D lets Mazda enter the sub-100g/km CO₂ C-Segment for the first time.
• On sale now, the Mazda3 1.5 SKYACTIV-D designed to open new fleet doors in 2016.

Mazda UK’s fleet sales have more than trebled in the last three years and grew by 22 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014. Despite this, Mazda is still a predominantly retail brand. “The way we measure it, 30 per cent of our sales are fleet,” explained Mazda UK’s Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson. 

“For a manufacturer that has constraints on supply, it doesn’t make sense to chase some of the high cost fleet volume that’s available,” he said. “We’re predominantly retail out of choice and it wouldn’t make sense for us to change that.”

According to the SMMT the overall UK market is evenly split between fleet and retail sales; those same figures give Mazda a 42 per cent fleet, 58 per cent retail split. This, said Tomlinson, “is because the SMMT counts as fleet any car registered to a business which we don’t.”

However, whichever way you measure it, “Mazda excels with user-choosers”, commented Tomlinson. “Company car drivers choose a Mazda because our cars meet both their work and personal needs, in the way they look and the way they drive” he said. “They also appreciate the efficiency and economy of our cars and the positive financial impact that can have” But since Mazda doesn’t offer any commercial vehicles, an A-segment model or any electric or hybrid cars, there are several big fleets that are closed to us, Tomlinson noted, so our sales figures demonstrate how we punch above our weight in the sectors and fleets we gain access to.”

To help increase the awareness of their cars to potential buyers, Mazda UK sells a small volume of cars to the daily rental market. “It’s limited and it’s profitable and it will never be more than five or six per cent of our total volume,” said Tomlinson.

Mazda also supplies cars to Motability. “Again, compared to our overall volumes Motability makes up a relatively small proportion of what we do, it’s a legitimate channel because people have to make a choice,” explained Tomlinson, adding that Motability accounts for more than 10 per cent of total UK sales (some 274,000 units in 2015). “It’s only about five per cent of our total at around 2,500 units so we could definitely increase this volume if we had the appetite. Currently we offer all-new Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 on the scheme.”

Mazda’s best fleet seller in 2015 was Mazda6 at 5,590 units. “It’s a segment that is declining year-on -year, but having benefited from a substantial update last year, the Mazda6 is still proving to be a popular choice, which considering it is competing in a market that has seen the launch of many new models in the last twelve months, is very encouraging.”

“Heading into 2016 I am very happy with Mazda’s position within the UK fleet market and putting the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D into the Mazda3 will significantly increase the appeal of the Mazda3 to those fleets who prefer their drivers to run vehicles with a sub 2.0-litre engine. With CO₂ emissions from 99g/km this will make the car more popular with drivers who place low BIK taxation near the top of their consideration criteria. I’m confident that the addition of the Mazda3 1.5-litre diesel derivative to Mazda’s already extensive corporate vehicle choice list will enhance our fleet appeal even further.”

“On top of that I’m sure it’ll open doors to fleets that were previously closed to us. In a UK marketplace that now sees 42 per cent of C-segment diesel sales delivering sub 100g/km CO₂ emissions, fitting our 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D engine into the Mazda3 is great for potential fleet sales growth in this sector,” said Tomlinson.

SPAIN - Audi launches the new A4 Avant with an alternative Bi-Fuel Engine system, making this car more efficient.

• Alternative propulsion system for the new Audi A4 Avant
• Bi-fuel engine 2.0 TFSI equipped with an innovative combustion process
• The Audi e-gas provides free mobility of CO2 emissions

Sporty, versatile and with low emissions of CO ₂ . With marketing scheduled for late 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron Audi is another proposal for the sustainable mobility of the future.Following the trail initiated by the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, it is the second model of the brand that can use natural gas and Audi e-gas production sustainable.

The A4 Avant g-tron is simultaneously sporty, efficient and extremely economical. The engine is based on the new 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi, which offers an advanced and highly efficient combustion process.Turbocharged power unit produces 170 hp (125 kW). 

Its maximum torque of 270 Nm is available at around 1650 rpm. The pistons and valves have been specially modified to run on gas and allow optimum compression ratio. An electronic controller reduces the high pressure of 200 bar gas from the reservoir until a pressure of 5 to 10 bars in the motor. 

This control system pressure is done dynamically and precisely in response to the requirements that the driver requires the engine. The correct pressure is thus always present in the gas pipes and valves injection: low pressure for efficient driving at low speed ranges, and higher for more power and torque pressures.

According to the NEDC measurements, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron consumes less than four kilograms of CNG (compressed natural gas) per 100 kilometers, which results in fuel costs for the client less than four euros (prices in October 2015 ). Emissions of CO ₂  are less than 100 grams per kilometer. 

The fuel tank capacity is 19 kilograms of gas, enough to have a range greater than 500 kilometers. When the content of gas in the reservoir falls below 0.6 kilos -number analogous to a residual pressure of 10 bar-control unit switches to gasoline mode operation. 

The A4 Avant g-tron can then cover an additional distance of 450 kilometers in this mode. The total potential range is comparable to that of a car equipped with an engine TDI.

Mouths filling gas tanks and gas are located next to each other in the same location under the same cover.

After refueling and whenever the temperature is not too cold, the engine begins its start in petrol mode, then changing as fast as possible, to run on natural gas. Two indicators in the scorecard keep the driver abreast of fill levels of both deposits. The driver information system shows fuel consumption in active mode.

Audi four cylindrical tanks installed CNG as a single compact module in the rear of the A4. Each has been specifically sized and adapted to the available space. 

They are protected by a coating of steel sheet and a tensioning straps hold the cylinders and protect them against damage. The full CNG tank module, which includes the fuel tank 25 liters, the body is set during production of A4. 

The usual spare wheel has been removed, the battery and its location varies from the luggage compartment to the engine compartment. The trunk floor even has its edge in the cargo area, which can offer a fully functional space for luggage.

CNG tanks, with an operating pressure of 200 bar at 15 ° C, follow the principle of lightweight construction of Audi. 

Thanks to its innovative design, its weight is 56 percent lower than comparable steel deposits. Its inner layer is a polyamide matrix gastight. The second layer, a compound consisting of polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) and polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFPR), provides maximum strength. 

The third layer is made of GFPR and serves mainly aid for initial visual inspection if necessary, to turn a milky white in case of damage. Before being installed in the car, every tank is tested at 300 bar during the production phase, so that the maximum pressure that support is even higher and far exceeds legal requirements.

Audi e-gas produced in Germany, the A4 Avant g-tron is a vehicle that runs free of CO ₂ . 

The e-synthetic methane gas is obtained from water and CO ₂  with the help of sustainable electricity in plants "power-to-gas". Audi launched the world's first plant of this type for the production of Audi e-gas on an industrial scale in Werlte, but now e-gas produced at other facilities. 

With the "power-to-gas" technology, the brand with the four rings makes it possible to store excess renewable energy, a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

The company and its partners are strongly promoting the development of various known synthetic fuels such as Audi e-fuels, including through new biological production processes.

In Germany, the driver can refueling card using the Audi e-gas refueling as in the case of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which serves as a means of payment and at the same time as a tool to balance emissions.

From the information transferred during payment, Audi supplies the German natural gas network with the amount equivalent to the gas load refueled by the customer. Thus, Audi achieved a completely neutral emission mobility CO ₂

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors that may have been caused.

Ford wipes the board with five awards at annual Fleet awards ceremony.

Ford’s new 2015 company car line-up carried away five Fleet News awards – the blue oval’s best haul in over five years.

Ford’s acclaimed all-new Mondeo and new Focus, being delivered to fleets from the start of the year, spearheaded Ford’s success in five categories:

Ford Mondeo – Best Upper Medium Car

Ford Mondeo – New Company Car of the Year

Ford Focus – Best Lower Medium Car

Ford Motor Company – Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Ford Motor Company – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Both the new Ford Mondeo and Focus ranges feature models with CO₂ emissions of under the 100g/km benchmark – equating to 78.5mpg fuel economy achievable in the 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel Mondeo and 83.1mpg from the 1.5-litre diesel Focus.

The addition of a hybrid petrol/electric Ford Mondeo and zero emissions Ford Focus battery helped scoop Green Manufacturer of the Year for the blue oval brand.

Stephen Briers, Fleet News editor, said:  “The Focus is an excellent all-round fleet car that has been revitalised with a superb quality interior. It leads the way on wholelife costs and is a great driver’s car, combining the cost advantages and badge appeal necessary to satisfy fleets and drivers alike.  New Mondeo has the style and design to appeal to drivers, while its wide choice of low emission engines and very strong residual values make it a great package, rated highly by all sectors of the fleet market.

Ford’s recent new product onslaught, culminating in the introduction of new Ford Mondeo and Focus, confirmed Fleet News’ top honour – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.

“There are no weaknesses in Ford’s model range which, from supermini to full-size people carrier, offers something to meet every fleet requirement. Low running costs are a given, while Ford has a deserved reputation for making some of the best drivers’ cars on the market,” added Stephen Briers.

Nick Themistocleous, Ford Britain fleet director who was presented with the awards, said:  “Ford’s renewed cars and vans – from Fiesta to Transit – have caught the eye of fleets and the discerning business car user and drawn even more of them to our range.

“Fleet News and its readers have endorsed Ford Mondeo and Focus as their stars, which Ford, its dealers and fleet partners thank them for.”

New Mondeo Hybrid takes Next Green Car Award, with the Transit Courier commended.

• Ford Mondeo Hybrid wins Next Green Car Large Family Car Award
• All-new Ford Transit Courier Kombi was also commended in LCV category

Ford’s first hybrid to be built and sold in Europe has been awarded a Next Green Car Award.

Next Green Car praised the all-new Mondeo Hybrid, stating: “Well done to Ford for bringing its hybrid know-how to the UK market. The Mondeo Hybrid delivers emissions under the 100g CO₂/km threshold.”

Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe said, “With our first hybrid to be built in Europe, we’ve improved fuel efficiency and CO₂ without sacrificing the power and driving experience Mondeo customers have come to expect.”

The Ford Mondeo Hybrid now on sale uses two electric motors in the hybrid system – one to support the petrol engine in driving the wheels and another to enable regenerative charging to the 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery, located behind the rear seats.

It is capable of speeds up to 85mph in electric mode, and the combination of the specially-developed 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and electric drivetrain delivers 187PS with 67.3mpg and 99g/km CO_2.*

The all-new Ford Transit Courier was also highly commended by Next Green Car in the LCV category.

The smallest van in the new Transit line-up is a first for Ford in the compact van segment, offering unrivalled fuel economy across its diesel and petrol engine range with class-leading load space of 2.3m³ (SAE) behind the bulkhead.

The 95PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, Dagenham-built engine achieves 76.3mpg and 97g/km CO₂ emissions*, and the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost offers 54.3mpg and 119g/km CO₂ ** – 15 per cent better than the closest rival.

FORD FOCUS #4 - New Voice activated SYNC 2, makes life far easier when on the move.

• Ford demonstrates SYNC 2 that allows drivers to control key in-car systems using simple voice commands and a new high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen
• Drivers can use simple, conversational language to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems ; MICHELIN guide helps with food choices
• Simplified dashboard features easy-to-operate, high-resolution eight-inch touch screen; navigation screen features detailed intersections, 3D junctions and landmarks

The new Ford Focus will debut SYNC 2 in Europe, Ford’s advanced connectivity system that enables drivers to control key in-car systems using simple, natural voice commands and a new high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen.

The SYNC 2 features in the new Focus make it easier to control the car’s entertainment system, climate control, satellite navigation and linked mobile devices using voice commands. In addition, SYNC 2 also features simplified, dashboard controls.

Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants. If your need for food is less urgent, you can use the MICHELIN guide to choose a restaurant. SYNC 2 will connect you by phone to the restaurant to book a table and then guide you there.

Entering a navigation address is also simplified. Rather than reciting the address in stages, you can say the full address at once, and SYNC 2 will bring up directions. For points of interest, you don’t even need an address – simply say “Picasso Museum” or “Eiffel Tower”. The SYNC 2 navigation system is supported by map services provider HERE, enabling landmarks and major junctions to be displayed in 3D.

“We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly switches between touch screen and voice commands,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Drivers will be able to controlmore in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

If you’re hot, say “Max AC” to cool down quickly, or be more specific by saying “Temperature 20 degrees”.

Plug in your MP3 device and you can hear the music you want simply by asking SYNC 2 to play the artist or track you want. There’s no need to recite a string of commands. Cover art is also displayed on screen with compatible players. Connectivity is delivered via Bluetooth, USB and SD card ports.

Customers can place hands-free phone calls with the command “Call <name>”, without first having to give the command “Phone”, while the system is in audio, navigation or another mode.

SYNC 2 also features Ford’s Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

Following its debut in Europe on the new Focus, SYNC 2 will also be introduced on the new Mondeo later this year.

FORD FOCUS #3 - New Focus delivers 15% better fuel economy and a reduction in CO2.

• New Focus powertrains deliver up to 15 per cent improved fuel efficiency
• New Focus debuts 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in Europe and also offers 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine to achieve a significant reduction in CO₂ emissionsacross the range
• 2.0-litre TDCi engine upgrades deliver more power, torque and fuel efficiency
• Ford’s lean NO_X trap reduces emissions; Diamond Like Coating reduces friction of engine internals

The new Ford Focus delivers the car’s most fuel-efficient powertrain line-up ever with improvements of up to 15 per cent, and a significant CO₂ emission reduction across the entire line-up.

The new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to offer Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and new Focus will also be available for the first time with Ford’s 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

Ford engineers have further optimised power, torque and fuel efficiency from the 2.0-litre TDCi engine; and Focus will continue to be offered with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – including a 99 g/km CO₂ 1.0-litre EcoBoost model.*

Advanced new diesel engine technologies are available on both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TDCi engines and include a lean NO_X trap for cleaner exhaust emissions, while friction is reduced with microscopic applications of Diamond Like Coating (DLC); engine breathing enhanced with Variable Nozzle Turbocharger.

Further Ford fuel-saving technologies including Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter, and Smart Regenerative Charging help achieve significant reductions in CO₂ emissions across the full range of petrol and diesel engines.

“We have improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance by analysing engine and transmission effectiveness down to the smallest detail, and also given consumers more choice with an additional four new engine and transmission combinations,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “When the new 1.5-litre TDCi engine is introduced, Focus will be available with all engines meeting Euro Stage VI months ahead of the legislation taking effect.”

Powerful petrol engines

Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine achieves a seven per cent improvement in fuel efficiency when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox and equipped with Auto-Start-Stop, compared with the power-equivalent 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine it replaces. From early next year it also will be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Available with 150PS or 182PS, the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost is equipped with the integrated exhaust manifold technology first introduced with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and also delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between the cylinders and turbocharger.

The engine also uses the core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel-injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing alongside a new aluminium engine block. A water-cooled intake charge cooler delivers a more efficient feed of air into the engine and the control system has been reprogrammed to offer high levels of engine refinement, quietness and performance.

“The new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offers customers the very latest EcoBoost engine technologies in a smarter and more efficient package,” Bakaj said. “More economical, smoother-running and free-revving, this new EcoBoost engine delivers an even more compelling option for drivers who love petrol performance and want low running costs.”

Award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost

The new Focus will continue to be offered with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which last year was chosen by a third of Focus customers** and this year was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third year in a row. From early next year the 125PS Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost will also be offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

New Focus also will continue to be offered as a 1.0-litre EcoBoost version delivering 99 g/km CO₂, the previous version of which became the first non-hybrid petrol family car in Europe to offer sub-100 g/km CO₂ emissions earlier this year.

New gear ratios help to deliver the low emissions, alongside existing fuel-efficient technologies including Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter, and Ford EcoMode that provides drivers with feedback on their driving style to help them become a more fuel-efficient driver.

In addition, Ford’s Smart Regenerative Charging system selectively engages the alternator and charges the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost – reducing engine load for less fuel usage.

Paddle-shift controls will be available as an option with all automatic and PowerShift transmissions, both diesel and petrol – and enable drivers to control gear changes while keeping their hands on the steering wheel.

New diesel technology

New Focus will also be offered for the first time with the Ford’s 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine. Available with 95PS or 120PS, it delivers greater power, torque and responsiveness, with optimised combustion chamber design, and cutting-edge turbocharger and fuel injection technology. It will feature the most fuel-efficient combustion process from a Ford diesel engine to date and it has a lean NO_X trap in the exhaust after-treatment system for even cleaner emissions.

“The total surface area of the active material inside the new lean NO_X trap covers the equivalent of two and a half full-sized football pitches – despite measuring just 132mm in diameter and 124 mm in length,” said David King, manager, diesel calibration, Ford of Europe. “It acts like a sponge to capture the NO_X emissions that result from more efficient combustion of diesel fuel, which is helping Ford achieve lower levels of CO₂.”

Ford has developed the engine’s piston bowl to improve combustion, and coated a number of components including the pistons, pins and seals with a layer of DLC. Less than a third the width of a human hair, the six-micron-thick layer of this extremely tough and smooth material bonded to a component is enough to reduce friction for improved efficiency and refinement.

A revised Variable Nozzle Turbocharger helps to increase airflow into the engine, while the latest generation high-pressure fuel injection minimises internal fuel losses and improves combustion, helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.

The 95PS version will deliver 98g/km CO₂ emissions, a 10 per cent improvement compared to the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel. It also will deliver 74.3mpg fuel efficiency when mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

A 120PS version of 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, with the six-speed manual gearbox, will also deliver a 10 per cent fuel efficiency improvement and a PowerShift automatic option will be introduced next.

The enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine delivers significantly more power, torque and better fuel efficiency. The 150PS version will deliver a 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous 140PS model when specified with the six-speed manual gearbox, or PowerShift automatic transmission – achieved by introducing Auto-Start-Stop and Variable Nozzle Turbocharger technology. Torque is up from 340Nm to 350Nm.

“The new Ford Focus is the clearest example yet of Ford’s commitment to delivering the fuel efficiency drivers demand using advanced technologies,” Bakaj said. “Customers needn’t look to a specific variant to reduce their carbon footprint or running costs – they can now find optimised powertrains across the range.”

Ford’s 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines will still be available on selected series in some markets.