Volvo to dump the majority of world motor shows in favour of "online marketting" - oh dear, really ?!?!

Volvo Cars said it will start selling vehicles online as it rolls out new models to compete with German luxury rivals BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The Swedish carmaker, controlled by China's Geely, will gradually introduce web sales and spend more on digital advertising, the company said today as it outlined changes to its global marketing strategy.

"The plan is to have all our car lines in all our markets offered digitally," Volvo sales chief Alain Visser said in an interview.

"We know from research that more and more of our customers are ready to buy online," Visser said. "The reason why they are willing to buy is not to get a cheaper price, but to avoid the hassle around negotiating the deal."

Few manufacturers have tried selling directly online. A notable exception is Tesla, whose electric car sales have cut out traditional dealers, leading to conflict and effective exclusion from parts of the United States.

But Volvo has assured its 2,000 global dealerships, half of which are in Europe, that it has no such plans.

"If you say the word e-commerce, initially dealers get nervous," Visser said.

"We don't see a car distribution network without dealers in the foreseeable future," he said, adding that vehicles sold online "will still pass through the dealer network" for delivery.

Volvo raised its 2014 sales goal in August as it launched a revamped XC90 crossover, the first vehicle developed under Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ownership.

With its flagship SUV and other models to follow, Volvo is ratcheting up the gadgetry and glitz to woo Chinese customers without losing sight of core attributes including safety and uncluttered Scandinavian design.

Volvo said it would not follow rivals into city-center boutique dealerships of the kind increasingly used by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. "We're a different brand with limited financial means," Visser said. "We don't believe in building these big palaces."

Some 80 percent of Volvo customers already shop online for other goods, the sales chief added, and research suggests many will do the same for cars in future.

But some analysts such as Stuart Pearson of Exane BNP Paribas remain skeptical, citing weak orders from experimental online sales of the BMW's i8 hybrid sports car. "BMW has tried it in Germany, but they really haven't had a huge amount of volume," Pearson said. "People still want to go into dealers."

Fewer auto shows

Volvo is also shifting its focus from auto shows to market more directly to buyers. Starting next year, the company will take part in just one motor show per region: Geneva in Europe, Shanghai or Beijing in China and Detroit in the U.S.

"We have been doing what is expected in the car industry so far, and we're going to do things that are unexpected," Visser said. The carmaker needs to "stand out and challenge things," just as its products will, he said.

Volvo's decision to leave some key auto shows, including Frankfurt and Paris, contrasts with the desire of German competitors BMW, Audi and Mercedes to show off. Interest in such shiny and sometimes extravagant affairs is especially high in emerging markets, where car ownership is soaring.

Audi attends all the major international shows including Paris, Geneva and Shanghai. At the last two industry events in Frankfurt, Audi constructed temporary free-standing exhibition halls to display its latest models and seek to one-up rivals. In 2011, that meant spending more than 10 million euros ($12 million) on an indoor test track.

"When we go there, we try to be the best," said Luca de Meo, Audi's sales chief. "We see them as very important platforms," he said, especially in growth markets like China, where car shows are proliferating.

Small player

Volvo's Visser said: "Let's be honest about it: We're still a relatively small player. We have an 800,000 volume forecast by 2020, which means that our budgets compared to our some of our competitors are still going to be relatively small."

Volvo will probably sell about 465,000 vehicles in total this year, Visser said. By comparison, BMW is set to deliver more than 2 million autos this year, a record, after handing 1.9 million over to customers from January to November. Audi sold 1.59 million cars over the same period, also setting a record. Daimler delivered 1.49 million Mercedes-branded vehicles.

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USA - New Lincoln Black Lable, the ultimate Lincolns available.

• The Lincoln Motor Company introduces Lincoln Black Label for customers who desire the ultimate in personal service and luxuriously appointed vehicles
• Lincoln Black Label versions of MKZ and MKC will feature one of four unique interior design themes, showcasing the use of premium materials such as Venetian leather, Alcantara^® and designer wood trim
• Thirty-two Lincoln dealerships in six states will be Black Label-certified, providing an elevated Lincoln customer experience
• Lincoln Black Label will provide personalized shopping and special privileges with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online or in locations more convenient for customers.

Redefining what it means to shop for, purchase and own a luxury automobile, The Lincoln Motor Company is delivering Lincoln Black Label.

Unveiling details of a dealer network that offers personalized service as exceptional as the vehicles it sells, Lincoln announced its plan to provide an enhanced shopping and service experience to complement luxuriously appointed Black Label vehicles that surround occupants in premium materials.

When the program launches in December, 32 dedicated Lincoln Black Label dealers in six states will provide showroom space dedicated to serving Black Label customers. Lincoln plans to expand the network nationwide in late 2015.

At launch, Black Label will be offered on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ midsize premium sedan and the 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility. Ultimately, Black Label versions of all new Lincoln vehicles will be available in the U.S. Black Label will be launched in China later in 2015 under the name Presidential.

“Black Label represents a new level of Lincoln luxury in terms of product execution and personal service,” said Matt VanDyke, director, global Lincoln. “This combination of elevated service, materials and execution will set Lincoln Black Label apart.”

Premium materials meet exquisite craftsmanship

The first generation of Lincoln Black Label design themes drew inspiration from a variety of sources – from fashion and food, to luxury travel and architecture. Each was created to make driving a Lincoln a more personal, emotive experience. Set to debut on the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC are Indulgence, Center Stage, Modern Heritage and Oasis.

All four interior themes showcase some of the finest automotive materials, including Alcantara^®-wrapped headliner, pillars, package tray and accent details; Venetian leather on the seating surfaces, armrests and doors; fully leather-wrapped and stitched instrument panel, console and doors; subtle branding elements with unique Lincoln perforation designs; and elegant trims of crafted woods or woods rare to the automotive industry.

“Our goal is to provide an ultimate sensory experience by creating luxurious environments with a variety of unique color themes that resonate with customers,” said Janet Seymour, Lincoln color and materials design manager. “We achieve this by using the most premium materials with meticulous attention to detail.”

Eagle Ottawa created Venetian leather specifically for use in Black Label vehicles. Less than 1 percent of raw hides worldwide meet the stringent softness and durability requirements for becoming Venetian leather, making it an exclusive Black Label offering.

Venetian leather, unique for its lightly finished, fine-grained texture, is produced to reveal the natural characteristics of the hide. Its use in Black Label design themes signals a renewed emphasis on the hand-crafted elegance that has long defined the Lincoln brand.

Alcantara is a soft, premium material favored in a wide spectrum of luxury industries including fashion, aviation and marine for its aesthetic and sensory qualities.

Designer woods – which appear on the instrument panel and doors with all Black Label themes – include Black Stripe (Center Stage Lincoln MKC), Onyx (Center Stage Lincoln MKZ) and Argento (Modern Heritage).

All were uniquely created for use in Black Label, with color accents and patterns that complement the design theme. Ziricote, used in Indulgence, is an exotic wood from South America featuring beautiful natural grain, pattern and coloration with no added dyes or stains. Open-pore American Walnut Burl has a natural authentic beauty that harmonizes with the soothing, tonal interior colors of Oasis.

Lincoln Black Label exteriors: Understated elegance

While delivering sumptuous interior luxury, Lincoln Black Label vehicles will feature understated exterior cues.

Customers can choose from a palette of standard exterior colors exclusive to Black Label: Black Tie, Confidential White and Crystal Silver are core colors, and are offered with all interior design themes. Other standard exterior color choices are Chroma Flame, a deep red; Chroma Couture, a rich brown; and Notorious, a vibrant blue.

Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC Black Label models come standard with 19-inch painted aluminum wheels. MKZ owners can upgrade to 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, while MKC buyers can upgrade to 20-inch polished multi-piece aluminum wheels with premium-painted pockets accented with bright chrome inserts.

All Black Label wheels feature a unique Lincoln insignia on the center of the rim. Unique badging at the rear serves as a subtle callout. A bold, high-gloss black with a chrome “Z” or “C” distinguishes vehicles in the Black Label family.

“The Black Label exterior is purposely understated,” VanDyke said. “From the outside, few people might recognize that it is a Black Label vehicle. It’s all about comfort on the inside, creating a luxurious experience for the driver and passengers.”

Four exclusive Lincoln Black Label design themes

While there are subtle design variances between Lincoln MKC and Lincoln MKZ Black Label themes tied to unique vehicle architecture, Lincoln color and materials designers worked from the same color and material palettes for consistency.

Black Label design themes available on the MKZ and MKC are:

• Indulgence: Inspired by the allure of rich, sumptuous chocolate, Indulgence is defined by Truffle-colored Venetian leather featuring an antiquing process to infuse richness and depth on the seats, doors and armrests. Ganache-colored Alcantara extends the richness to the headliner, pillars and package tray.
  
  
  Seat leather features an elegant linking-L perforation pattern with black accent stitching. Ziricote wood trim, a material typically reserved for use in yachts and classical instruments, adds an elegant touch on the instrument panel and doors.
  
  
• Center Stage: Inspired by the drama of theater arts and fashion, Center Stage includes a Jet Black cabin with Foxfire Red accent stitching on the doors and seats. Jet Black Alcantara headliner, pillars and package tray surround Jet Black Venetian leather seats that feature a diamond-L perforation pattern.
  
  
  Onyx wood trim in the Lincoln MKZ and Black Stripe wood trim in the Lincoln MKC are equally stunning accents.
  
  
• Modern Heritage: Offering a fresh take on a classic black-and-white color theme, Modern Heritage features Jet Black upper door panels with Vianca white Venetian leather seats and center console.
  Seat leather is accentuated by an exclusive diamond-L perforation pattern. Subtle Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim on the instrument panel and doors add a dash of elegance.
  
  
• Oasis: Inspired by the warmth and serenity of a spa, Oasis leans on Far East influences to create a peaceful escape. The interior features the colors of Oasis and Island for a soft, harmonious environment. Venetian leather seats in the soft Oasis color are accented by a darker Island-colored instrument panel and center console. Oasis-colored Alcantara covers the headliner, pillars and package tray.
  
  
  American Walnut Burl wood trim appliqués with a natural open-pore finish continue the earth-tone theme on the instrument panel and doors.

A more elegant car-buying, car-owning experience

Lincoln Black Label will provide personalized shopping with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online or in locations more convenient for customers.

A specially trained Black Label experience liaison will meet prospective clients at their home, office or anywhere within 30 miles of the showroom to begin the experience. Acting as a personal shopping assistant, the liaison will help customers identify their ideal vehicle by sharing paint samples, material swatches and wood trim samples.

In addition to these tangible samples, a detailed tablet presentation allows customers to fully understand all that is unique about each of the four Black Label offerings.

“The Lincoln Black Label dealer network is designed to cater to our customers on an individual level,” said Kevin Cour, director of sales and service, Lincoln. “The 32 dealers participating at launch have committed to providing a level of service that is as unique as the vehicles they’ll be selling.”

Lincoln Black Label owners will enjoy special privileges, such as:

• Four years or 50,000-mile extended premium service and maintenance coverage on wear items such as shock absorbers, engine belts and hoses, brake pads and linings, wiper blades and spark plugs
• No-cost rental vehicle while any covered maintenance is performed
• Remote service that lets Lincoln Black Label customers have their vehicle picked up and returned (within a 30-mile radius) while maintenance is performed
• Annual vehicle detailing
• Anytime car washes
• Culinary Collection membership: Black Label customers enjoy access to a curated list of restaurants from coast to coast, with noted chefs who will provide an at-your-service dining experience.

Black Label privileges, upgraded materials and design themes are priced at $5,995.

Building the Lincoln Black Label dealer network

The program launches in dedicated showrooms in December, with Black Label versions of the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC available for sale. Thirty-two dealerships in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Florida, California and Texas will have space dedicated to Lincoln Black Label customers.

Mercedes shapes the future with new concept - G-Code.

Shape of the future

For today's opening of the new Product Engineering Centre in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz is putting the focus squarely on the G‑Code vehicle study. The innovative and versatile Sports Utility Coupé (SUC) for town and country shows how emotionally appealing a future compact SUC can be, and what evolutionary possibilities the Mercedes‑Benz design philosophy offers. 

The new Product Engineering Centre of the brand bearing the three-pointed star also features a complete design studio. Under the leadership of the main studio in Sindelfingen, the studio in Beijing creates design models and mobility concepts that incorporate and focus on local cultures and trends. 

Consequently, this new Advanced Design Studio within the Daimler Product Engineering Centre in Beijing also pursues an already established strategy of Daimler. Worldwide a total of five such centres serve as "seismographs" for market-specific developments. The knowledge gained there is then incorporated into the technical concept and design of future models.

The G-Code concept vehicle is a prime example of this strategy: it interprets the current design idiom of sensual purity from the perspective of the Mercedes-Benz advanced designers in Beijing and Sindelfingen. The combination of emotion and intelligence conveys modern luxury in a compact form. 

As a result, the G-Code is also a perfect fit for today's understanding of design in China. "The G-Code is both beautiful and intelligent, and interprets our typical Mercedes Coupé design idiom," says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design of Daimler AG. 

A coupé-like side line, a dynamically flowing greenhouse and extremely sporty proportions immediately catch the eye. Furthermore, compact dimensions, extensive assistance and camera systems as well as the variable plug-in hybrid drive system with long electric operating range make the SUC ideal for traffic in Asia's mega-cities. At the same time, the electronic all-wheel drive technology with "digital prop shaft" ensures a particularly sporty and energy-efficient set-up both on and off the road.

G-Code: inspired by the urban lifestyle of Asia's metropolises

With the G-Code the employees of the Advanced Design Centres in Beijing and Sindelfingen not only implement technical innovations, but also provide a look ahead to the evolutionary possibilities of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity. 

The 2+2-seater SUC measures about 4.10 metres in length and has counter-opening doors. It captivates with a coupé-like profile, muscular wheel arches and a continuous greenhouse without visible A-pillars. This continuous glass area - similar to the cockpit glazing of a powerboat - lends the G-Code, which is about 1.90 metres wide and only about 1.50 metres tall, a coherent horizontal arrangement and a resounding forward thrust even while at a standstill. 

This solution seems to literally levitate the roof with its retractable roof rails and tension-charged surfaces above the vehicle body, and signals the lightness of automotive being.

In addition to the striking "muscles" that span from the headlamps to the rear and lend the side a purist and flowing line, the 21-inch aluminium wheels with delicate carbon-fibre spokes catch the eye in the side view. They provide an interesting contrast to the harmonious side line of the G-Code.

The short front and rear overhangs, the enlarged ground clearance and the front and rear aluminium underride guard hint at the SUV talents of the G-Code. The aforementioned wheels give the compact SUV a solid stance on the road and leave no doubt about its passion: even at first glance the vehicle study signals its sporty ambitions both on and off the road.

A digital world in the radiator grille: regards from the "warp drive"

Who hasn’t heard of the legendary Starship Enterprise from the Star Trek TV series and the numerous feature films? One feature which has always been the centre of attention is the warp main drive in the lower drive pod with holographic, most often blue-illuminated pulsating opening. 

The designers have created a similarly spacey front for the G-Code. In place of a conventional louvred grille, the central trademark star and the two chrome louvres in the radiator are surrounded by a continuous display. 

The engine is cooled by means of innovative air deflection via apertures in the side and at the bottom of the front. The inspired display visualises the current operating mode of the G‑Code with a complex and multi-layered star matrix:

• When the G-Code is parked, it signals the current rest mode with a softly pulsating blue light.
• In all-electric HYBRID eDrive mode, the digital miniature stars in the radiator grille light up in blue and seem to move from the edge of the display towards the centre. It creates the visual impression of an imaginary permanently opening tunnel in the vehicle front.
• In the mixed HYBRID eco mode, the direction of movement of the miniature stars remains the same, but the colour changes to a purple hue.
• In HYBRID sport mode on the other hand, the colour changes to a vivid red and the direction of movement of the miniature stars is reversed. Now it creates the impression of the G-Code permanently transporting imaginary energy to the outside.

Attractive exterior details demonstrate high tech

The two full-LED headlamps are further eye-catchers at the front in addition to the innovative radiator grille. When they are switched on, they extend from the depth of the headlamp like the lens of a digital camera and focus the light in line with the driving and traffic situation. 

In addition, the daytime running lamps in the shape of a stylised "G" attract attention. The two cameras in the small flics at the top of upper A-pillar are retractable too. They replace the classic rear-view mirrors and retract flush into the A-pillars after the G-Code is parked. An LED light strip across the entire rear provides a stage for the G‑Code with various illuminations for turn indicators, tail lights, and brake lights.

Interior: the digital world meets hallmark Mercedes feel-good atmosphere

Despite its compact dimensions the G-Code is a 2+2-seater with great variability. The interior visualises the designers' idea of combining the practical talents of an SUV with the emotional appeal of a sports car. 

The interior specialists deliberately let digital and analogue worlds collide. This combination of classic elements and state-of-the-art high tech stimulates the senses and provides the occupants of the G-Code with an even more authentic experience.

The act of getting into the G-Code is an experience in itself. Thanks to counter-opening doors and the elimination of a B-pillar, the G-Code offers unrestricted access to the interior for driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear. The process of taking a seat at the wheel could not be more impressive. 

After the driver has taken a seat in the most comfortable of fashions and has activated the vehicle by means of a smartphone, the instrument panel and pedals automatically extend from their rest positions and move into the most ergonomic position for the driver that also offers the best tactile experience. Then the steering wheel, which rests in the instrument panel, unfolds like a butterfly and together with the integral head-up display also moves into a perfect position. The finale of the getting-in ceremony is provided by the air vents and the multi-information display that extend from the instrument panel. 

The wide-screen display spans almost the entire width of the instrument panel and provides a clear overview of the various vehicle and multimedia functions, all of which feature intuitive control. 

The images from the rear-view cameras are superimposed at the edges of the wide-screen display. When the G-Code is switched off with the smartphone, the moving elements in the interior revert to their original positions to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic exit.

Of course the G-Code is equipped with the most innovative driver assistance systems with 360-degree monitoring of the surroundings via 3D cameras, radar, infra-red scanner, GPS data and an exchange of large volumes of data with the traffic infrastructure and other vehicles in the vicinity. 

Potentially critical driving and traffic situations are already detected as they develop and defused automatically.

The interior: anything but painting in black and white

In the interior of the G-Code a striking contrast between dark and light areas signals clarity. In addition to the stylistic appeal it exudes, there is also a technical reason behind this colour scheme. 

While black components such as the dirt-resistant floor covering or the carbon-fibre seat structure are supposed to visualise stability, durability or utility, the white interior components such as the soft leather upholstery on seats and armrests embody comfort and wellness. The high-contrast interior exudes modern luxury and at the same time provides the perfect stage for orchestrating the individual modes of the hybrid drive system. Similar to the visualisations of the display in the radiator grille, the interior lighting also varies, with the large wide-screen display adopting both the star matrix and the colour schemes.

The centre console creates the harmonious link between digital and analogue world. The docking station in particular stands out, which networks the personal smartphone with the G-Code for switching it on and off and for communication purposes. Depending on the personal configuration, the central display shows a wide variety of functions of the mobile device. 

Controls with a high-quality finish and classic design such as the switches, buttons and rotary controller as well as the aluminium grab handles hint at the analogue world.

The high-quality seats with a shell-like design and a mix of carbon fibre and leather resemble sculptures. In addition, they are equipped with 3D body scanners that monitor important physical parameters and can optionally show the degree of wellness of all occupants on the central display. Depending on the measured values, massage, heating or cooling functions are automatically activated in the seats, which help prevent fatigue or eliminate muscle tension already at a very early stage. This ensures relaxed travelling even on longer journeys.

The air conditioning system boasts the wellness programme by cleaning the incoming air naturally before ionising it to ensure an interior atmosphere free of allergens and particulate matter. The oxygen produced during the hydrogen synthesis as part of the drive management system is routed to the interior as needed, and provides an additional refreshing effect for the occupants. As a result, even urban stop-and-go traffic in congested Asian metropolitan areas sheds its unpleasant aspect.

Intelligent packaging of all chassis components and the effective and variable use of the interior are of particular importance in the case of compact vehicles such as the G-Code. The G-Code not only offers sufficient room for up to four people, it also provides adequate stowage space. For example, of note are the two mini stand-up scooters below the double luggage compartment floor, which are recharged while driving and offer additional mobility in the city after parking.

Everything in flow: visionary drive technology

The technical visions in the G-Code pave the way for specific future technologies to enter into mass production. As such, the compact SUC, like the previously introduced Ener-G-Force and GT 6 vehicle studies, makes absolutely no claim to be implemented within foreseeable periods.

The power of two individually controlled drive cores acts in the G-Code. The engine at the front is a compact, state-of-the-art turbocharged combustion engine that runs on hydrogen and solely drives the front wheels. An electric motor drives the rear axle and transmits its power selectively to the two wheels via a dual multi-disc clutch.

The G-Code also impresses with the decentralised generation of electricity. In addition to the classic energy intake – by means of regeneration or plug-in technology - the high-tech "multi-voltaic silver" paint finish also ensures the power supply in the SUC of the future. On the one hand, it acts like a giant solar cell with excellent efficiency. On the other, "multi-voltaic silver" is also charged electrostatically by the relative wind or by the natural wind when the vehicle is stationary. 

These electrical charges are tapped and likewise used for the methane and hydrogen synthesis. Finally, the special "power on the move" suspension aids in the generation of electricity. Springs and dampers are hydraulic and networked via a central control unit. The rebound of the springs and dampers and thus the flow of hydraulic fluid drives a compact current generator.

Innovative all-wheel drive with "digital prop shaft"

Depending on the selected mode, the G-Code can operate as a front-wheel drive vehicle powered solely by the combustion engine, as an all-electric rear-wheel drive vehicle or fully variable in all-wheel drive mode. A completely newly configured system controls this innovative all-wheel drive system. It combines the two power sources as demanded by the current driving situation.

The powertrain control acts as a "digital prop shaft" between front and rear axle. Which drive mode is the most sensible in any given situation is not only determined by aspects of economy. Driving dynamics parameters are also incorporated to enhance active safety or boost longitudinal and lateral dynamics in HYBRID sport mode, for example. 

At the same time, the control logic always ensures steady and, for the driver, predictable handling characteristics independent of the respective front-wheel, rear-wheel or all wheel drive mode.

HYBRID select: a variety of modes for all conditions

The HYBRID select driving dynamics system offers three specific modes:

• In HYBRID eDrive mode the G-Code is set up for maximum all-electric operation. The control strategies of this mode focus on maximum energy efficiency and maximum drive system comfort.
• When the driver activates HYBRID eco mode, the focus is on maximum drive system comfort in addition to maximum hybrid efficiency. The digital sound modulation compensates acoustically for the alternating or simultaneous use of the electric motor and the combustion engine, and generates a subdued, pleasant soundscape in the interior.
• In HYBRID sport mode, the occupants experience the G-Code as a driving machine on the level of a compact sports car. For maximum longitudinal and lateral dynamics the electric motor is used as a booster during acceleration. For spirited driving on twisty roads, torque vectoring on the electrically driven rear axle significantly increases agility. The digital sound modulation also lets the occupants experience the soundscape of a powerful sports car equipped with a flap exhaust system.