FIAT makes buying a Panda or Punto with PCP even more complicated, why not just sell it properly DUH !

• The FIAT ‘Say No’ sales event commences today, March 10, and runs for two weeks until March 24
• FIAT Panda and Punto customers can ‘Say No’ to a deposit and to the first three monthly repayments* – FIAT has it covered!
• New customer savings and PCP repayment holiday represent an additional £500 saving for a total of £1,950 savings (Panda 1.2 Pop) and £2,455 (Punto 1.2 Pop)*
• Alternatively, the customer savings can be put towards lowering monthly PCP repayments even further!

FIAT customers are being offered the opportunity to say ‘No’ to a deposit and ‘No’ to the first three monthly PCP repayments, so all they have to do is sign and drive off in a new FIAT Panda or FIAT Punto complete with its new “14” registration number.*

For a strictly limited period of two weeks, from March 10 to March 24, FIAT is introducing a new customer saving and three-month PCP repayment holiday which results in an extra £500 saving to buyers of a new FIAT Panda or FIAT Punto. In the case of FIAT Panda 1.2 Pop, for example, this initiative is in addition to the £1,450 savings already on offer, resulting in a total saving to the customer of £1,950. The remaining 44 repayments would be just £107.26 (Representative 3.8% APR) with an optional final repayment £3,062 due in March 2018.  The FIAT Punto 1.2 Pop now offers total savings amounting to £2,455 with monthly repayments of just £129.33 (Representative 4.2% APR) plus an optional final repayment.

Alternatively, customers also have the option of foregoing the deposit contribution and repayment holiday and instead using the £500 FIAT contribution towards their monthly repayments, resulting in a deposit of just £98 and 47 repayments of £98 for the FIAT Panda 1.2 Pop (plus optional final repayment) or a £118 deposit and 47 monthly repayments of £118 for the FIAT Punto 1.2 Pop (plus optional final repayment).

The FIAT ‘Say No’ sales event commences today (March 10) and runs until March 24, 2014 and is open to all retail customers subject to certain terms and conditions*. The offer isn’t limited to the examples given – other versions of the Panda and Punto are available as part of the ‘Say No’ FIAT initiative as well.

Kate McLaren, Senior Brand Manager FIAT UK, commented, “We believe that being able to put a brand new fully-warrantied FIAT Panda or Punto on the driveway, without having to stump up a deposit and with very affordable monthly repayments, offers customers huge peace-of-mind at a time when household budgets are stretched and keeping an older vehicle in safe and roadworthy condition can be a real challenge.The payment holiday also offers a welcome break from monthly payments and frees up those funds to be used elsewhere.”

The five-door FIAT Panda is the second-best selling car in its segment in Europe, behind the FIAT 500, and is a practical, efficient and stylish city car. The FIAT Punto offers even more space and comfort, as well as the option of a sporty three-door hatchback, while retaining the efficiency and affordable stylishness that FIAT is synonymous with.

Alfa announces Spring sale with discounts and upgrades.

• Alfa Romeo Special March Sales Event launches today, March 10
• Alfa Romeo MiTo buyers offered an additional £1,000 contribution^†
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta buyers drive away with a £500 contribution^††
• Special March Sales Event runs for two weeks only: March 10 - 24
With the introduction of the new “14” registration plate, Alfa Romeo is holding a special March Sales Event offering of up to an additional £1000 contribution^† on the latest Alfa Romeo models, over and above all existing retailing offers.
From 10 - 24 March new car buyers can drive away an Alfa Romeo MiTo with an additional £1,000 contribution^† or an Alfa Romeo Giulietta with a £500 contribution^††.
Buyers wishing to drive away in an Alfa Romeo MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 105hp Sportiva can avail of an additional £1000 contribution^†, monthly payments of just £199 and a customer deposit of only £999*. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Sportiva takes its inspiration from the range-topping Quadrifoglio Verde and is fitted with 18-inch Quadrifoglio Verde alloy wheels, red painted brake calipers, rear parking sensors, sports kick plates, “Black Speed” sport seat upholstery and the Uconnect™ five-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. The offer already includes a £750 customer saving.



Customers can also step into the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp Progression with an additional £500 over and above the existing £1,000 Alfa Romeo deposit contribution^{^^} with monthly payments of £209; 0% APR Representative^* and just £1,899 customer deposit. The offer also includes the new “Luna Pearl” special metallic paint worth £510.
The 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta benefits from new interiors with redesigned seats and new fabric and leather upholsteries, improved standard specification across the range plus new technologies such as the Uconnect™ colour touch screen infotainment system.
For more information on this offer visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/finance-offers.

Ducati MotoGP team presents at AUDI Forum in Munich.

• Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow will take part in the MotoGP World Championship with the Desmosedici GP14 in Open configuration
• Ducati Team sporting programmes and Desmosedici GP14 technical content presented at Audi Forum
• The new GP14 livery to be revealed in a second event at the Audi Zentrum in Eching, in the “pre-night” before tomorrow’s Audi Annual Press Conference in Ingolstadt

The Ducati Team for the 2014 MotoGP World Championship was presented today in an original location in Germany. Confirming the close ties and synergy between the Bologna-based manufacturer and the Audi Group, the official presentation of the Ducati Team was held at the Audi Forum inside Munich Airport. 

In the presence of a carbon black Ducati Desmosedici GP14, which had just returned to Europe following the recent tests in Malaysia and Australia, Claudio Domenicali (Ducati Motor Holding CEO), personally introduced the team, represented on the stage by Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager), by Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati Corse Sporting Director) and by the two riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow. The sporting activities for the new season and the technical details of the new Desmosedici GP14 were illustrated, in the light of the recent tests and the decision to take part in the championship in Open configuration (as announced last week in Sepang).

“As I have said recently” declared Claudio Domenicali at the start of the press conference, “in MotoGP we also want to find again those values that have led us to obtain successful results in the past. We are ready for the new MotoGP season, firmly convinced that the enthusiasm, the passion and the technical competence of our team, together with the support of our sponsors and partners and all of our ‘tifosi’, will enable us to tackle this commitment with determination. Cal and Andrea are very talented riders, and Luigi Dall’Igna will surely be able to manage the resources available in the best possible way. The new technical and sporting decisions that the company has decided to take will allow us to compete once again with the spirit that has always characterized the women and the men who work in Ducati, capable of producing dream bikes that are in the forefront for technology and design.”

Claudio Domenicali then invited onto the stage Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Audi AG for Technical Development. The German manager underlined that Audi and Ducati share the same passion for racing, have many values in common and both represent excellence in the field of technology and innovation. Following this introduction, as a true enthusiast and fan of Ducati, Dr. Hackenberg passed on his best wishes to the Ducati Team on behalf of the entire group.

 

Then it was the turn of Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, who presented the Desmosedici GP14. “Coming to work in Ducati Corse is probably the most important challenge of my life: working in MotoGP as General Manager for one of the most famous and prestigious manufacturers in the world – Ducati – is an important achievement but also a great responsibility. I am very proud of the choice that I have made and just as motivated by the results of testing at Sepang and Phillip Island. At the moment the most important thing is to continue with the development of the bike, and the choices that we have made will allow us to move forward and improve. We are satisfied with the lap times in the last tests, but also the consistency of the times, which are backed up by the riders’ comments. Ducati has significantly reduced the gap to its rivals and we are confident we can make further steps forward during the season.”

Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Sporting Director, as well as MotoGP Project Manager, declared: “After three difficult seasons without any significant results, the changes in organization that we have made in our structure for this season are producing their first results. The entire Ducati Team is very motivated and united, and the encouraging results we obtained in the last tests give us hope for the championship that is about the start. We know that we still need to do a lot of work to further reduce the gap separating us from the frontrunners, but we are convinced we have made the right decisions and so we are very optimistic”.

For Andrea Dovizioso 2014 will be the second season in MotoGP with the Ducati Team. After an eighth place last season, the 27 year-old Italian will be hoping for better luck this time around and first impressions from the tests are positive. “I am very happy with the way the pre-season tests went because we managed to improve more than expected, and this gives me a lot of confidence. Thanks to the work of Gigi, and by making a few balance changes, the bike is now more manageable, goes better and we succeeded in doing the times we did in the recent tests. Losail is a very difficult track but I think we will be quite competitive, even though we still have a few doubts about our effective race pace. In any case, we have reduced the gap from last year and today we are much more competitive. We still have to improve to arrive at the positions where we want to be, but I think that in the first race we will manage to start close to the front.”

The 2014 season will be Cal Crutchlow’s fourth year in MotoGP, and the first as factory rider for the Ducati Team. The occasion initiates an exciting new chapter in the career of the British rider. “I’m excited about the season ahead and I think Qatar is going to be good for us. The team have been working well, and especially in Australia I felt we were doing a good job. We still have some things to try with the bike, but I’m excited to start the season in what I feel is not too bad a shape. I think we will be at a disadvantage because we never tested there, but we’ll still be giving 100% in the race.”

The Ducati Team will be on track at Losail (Qatar) starting from Thursday 20 March, with the first practice sessions, while the race is scheduled for the evening of Sunday 23 March at 10 pm.

Press kit and photos of the Ducati Team riders are available on Ducatipress.com (subscription required) [here]

Photos of the Ducati Team Desmosedici GP14 plus video will be available on Ducatipress.com from 19.30 GMT onwards.

The Ducati MotoGP Team will be waiting for you at World Ducati Week at Misano from 18-20 July, click on http://wdw.ducatiuk.com for further information

OBITUARY - William Clay Ford, the last Grandchild of Ford founder Henry Ford.

William Clay Ford, who helped steer Ford Motor Company into the modern era as an employee, director and influential member of the Ford family, died this morning at his home from pneumonia.

Mr. Ford, 88, served as Director Emeritus, Ford Motor Company and was the last surviving grandchild of the company’s founder, Henry Ford.

Mr. Ford served Ford Motor Company for 57 years as an employee and board member, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company for more than half of its 110-year history. He was elected to the Board of Directors on June 4, 1948, and began his employment with the company after graduating from Yale University in 1949. In 1957 he was elected chairman of the Design Committee, a post he held for 32 years. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in setting the company’s design direction, overseeing the development of a number of classic vehicles, including the Continental Mark II, considered by many to be one of the most iconic cars ever built.

In 1978, Mr. Ford was elected chairman of the Executive Committee and appointed a member of the Office of the Chief Executive. He was elected vice chairman of the Board in 1980 and chairman of the Finance Committee in 1987. He retired from his post as vice chairman in 1989 and as chairman of the Finance Committee in 1995. He retired from the board and was named Director Emeritus on May 12, 2005.

Mr. Ford is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha Firestone Ford; daughters Martha Ford Morse (Peter), Sheila Ford Hamp (Steven), and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis (Charles); son William Clay Ford, Jr. (Lisa); 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“My father was a great business leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to the company and the community,” said William Clay Ford, Jr., executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “He also was a wonderful family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, yet he will continue to inspire us all.”

“Mr. Ford had a profound impact on Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “The company extends its deepest sympathies to the many members of the extended Ford family at this difficult time. While we mourn Mr. Ford’s death, we also are grateful for his many contributions to the company and the auto industry.”

Mr. Ford had numerous associations and roles outside of Ford Motor Company. He became president of the Detroit Lions football team in 1961. He purchased the team in November 1963 and served as its chairman until his death. He also was a dedicated and generous philanthropist and community leader.

He was chairman of the board of trustees of the Henry Ford Museum from 1951 to 1983, after which he was named chairman emeritus. Mr. Ford served as a director of the Detroit Economic Club, was an honorary life trustee of the Eisenhower Medical Center and a national trustee for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. He also was an honorary chair of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and served on the Texas Heart Institute National Advisory Council.

In 1996, Henry Ford Hospital opened The William Clay Ford Center for Athletic Medicine, a leading sports medicine treatment and research institution. In 1997, the outdoor courts of the University of Michigan’s new tennis center also were named in his honor. The largest donor in history at the Henry Ford Museum, the Great Hall of the museum – The William Clay Ford Hall of American Innovation – also was named in recognition of his support.

Funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in the name of William Clay Ford to the Henry Ford Museum at 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. 48124 or to Dr. Scott Dulchavsky’s Innovation Institute at Henry Ford Health System at 2799 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, Mich. 48045.

In honor of Mr. Ford’s memory, Ford Motor Company locations in the U.S. will lower their American and Ford flags to half-staff for a 30-day period. Ford locations outside of the U.S. will follow local custom.

Maserati has a great start to the year in the UK and Europe,.

Maserati in the UK started 2014 with 84 units registered over the first two months and an increase of 140% compared to the same period last year.

The significant increase in sales has affected all major European markets (Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland) with a total of 854 units registered in January and February and an average increase of 698% over the same period of 2013.

The Ghibli was the best-selling model (65% of total sales), with a 60/40 Diesel/Petrol split.

The February results corroborate the positive trend with which the House of the Trident closed 2013. Maserati delivered a total of 15,400 vehicles, an increase of 148% compared to 2012, thanks to the success of the Quattroporte and Ghibli, launched during the year.

In 2013 the USA remained the brand’s number one market, with shipments up 138% over the prior year to 6,900 units. China, the brand’s second largest market, sold 3,800 vehicles.

Maserati had revenues of 1,659 million euros, an increase of 120% over 2012. Maserati closed 2013 with full year trading profit of 171 million euros (10.3% margin) representing a 114 million euros over the prior year (57 million euros in 2012).

AUDI's new traffic light recognition system could save millions of litres of fuel.

Market maturity for traffic light networking represents the next phase of Audi connect

• Audi Online traffic light information system has the potential to save time and fuel
• 15 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions possible
• System alerts driver to speed required to reach the next green light
• Fully developed prototype system showcased in an Audi A6 Saloon at CES
• Integrated into Audi connect and MMI, and compatible with every Audi model

Audi is ready to add a little oil to the wheels of the daily grind with advanced traffic light recognition technology which could make driving through towns and cities far more fluid and free of annoying and economy-denting red light punctuation.

Audi Online traffic light information harnesses the power of in-car internet in a new way via Audi connect to establish a link between the car and the traffic light network via the central traffic computer in each town or city. It quickly assimilates the automated traffic light change sequences in the vicinity, and on the approach to a set of lights the Driver Information System (DIS) located in the central instrument cluster then shows the driver the speed to select in order to pass through the light during a green phase. It also displays a visual aid using red, amber or green icons.  

If the driver is already waiting at a red light, Audi connect will calculate and count down the time remaining until the next green light is scheduled to appear via a timer on the DIS. The system also interacts with the car’s Start-Stop function to ensure the engine is switched on five seconds before the green phase.

Audi AG calculates that Online traffic light interaction has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 15 per cent, and could save approximately 900 million litres of fuel if it were to be deployed throughout Germany.

The fully functional system is now production ready and could be fitted to every Audi model in the range subject to the necessary government legislation. It was actively demonstrated recently on the busy Las Vegas freeways in an Audi A6 Saloon as part of a trailblazing technology display at the Consumer Electronics Show, and comprehensive testing continues in Las Vegas with 50 sets of traffic lights. Testing is also underway in the northern Italian city of Verona, where some 60 traffic lights covering almost the entire city centre are involved, and in Berlin, where 25 Audi customers are driving cars fitted with Online traffic information that can link up to a total of 1,000 traffic lights in the city. A market launch is currently the subject of intense analysis in the United States.

Online traffic light information shared the stage with a host of technological advances from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand at this year’s CES, which represented the next phase in seamless connectivity between Audi models, their drivers and the rest of the digital world. Significant developments in Audi piloted parking and driving were demonstrated, with the central focus on an Audi A7 Sportback that can drive fully autonomously in moving traffic. Another immersive innovation is the Audi Smart Display, an Android-based tablet that allows users to interact with in-car controls yet can also be used as a standalone portable device in the home or on the move.

The Sport quattro laserlight concept also revealed the next generation of Audi lighting. The high-beam laser light unit can illuminate the road by up to 500 metres and will debut on the R18 e-tron quattro sports prototype at Le Mans in June.  

AUDI achieves pioneering feat with new e-Tron quattro four wheel drive

• Trendsetter Audi: four-wheel drive also established in LMP1 sport 
• New development of e-tron quattro four-wheel drive system for 2014
• 34 years of four-wheel drive expertise in production and motorsport

Audi has set another trend in motorsport. After the brand revolutionised rally racing with quattro four-wheel drive in the nineteen-eighties and significantly shaped touring car racing with this system in the nineties, four-wheel drive has been making its way into LMP1 sports prototypes as well. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro now aims to extend ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ with a system featuring an all-new development.

In 2012, Audi became the first manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a four-wheel-drive LMP1 sports car. Equipped with the innovative e-tron quattro four-wheel drive, the R18 has won ten WEC rounds to date including the 2012 and 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours plus the WEC World Champion’s titles in the same years. In 2014, for the first time, Audi’s two LMP1 challengers on the manufacturers’ side are also relying on LMP1 sports prototypes with four-wheel drive.

“Innovations only become pioneering achievements when they’re successfully used and others start to adopt them,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi, like no other manufacturer, has repeatedly achieved such feats ever since the debut of quattro four-wheel drive in 1980.” In the DTM, as well, Audi was the first team in 1990 to use four-wheel drive in racing, just like in Super Touring Cars, starting in 1993. In the past two years, on achieving the string of success in the WEC, the brand proved that e-tron quattro – the combination of a hybrid system with four-wheel drive – offers significant advantages.

 Up to now, Audi had been allowed to use four-wheel drive only above 120 km/h. But four driven wheels promise to deliver traction advantages particularly at low speed, for instance when the driver accelerates on exiting a tight corner. This year, this speed-related rule no longer applies. 

 

A fundamentally new Motor Generator Unit (MGU), together with a differential, sits in the monocoque at the level of the front axle. Two drive shafts connect the system with the front wheels. Under braking, the kinetic energy of the race car is converted into electric current which flows into an optimised flywheel energy storage device located in the cockpit next to the driver. During acceleration, the recovered energy is converted again by the MGU and powers the front wheels.
 

“We’ve developed the entire hybrid drive from scratch again for 2014,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. “Specifically, it’s become even lighter and more efficient than before.” As of 2014, a single e-machine connected to a front-axle differential is longitudinally mounted. Furthermore, these front-wheel drive components are completely integrated into the monocoque of the R18 e-tron quattro. The recuperated energy is stored in a newly designed flywheel energy storage system. 

 While the quattro systems of Audi’s factory-fielded rally models and touring cars between 1980 and 1997 used a mechanical connection in the form of a drive shaft between the front and rear axles, the power distribution to the front and rear wheels in the e-tron quattro four-wheel drive system is governed strictly by an electronic control unit. In addition, due to the new efficiency regulations, a modified strategy for the engine and drive system will be used in 2014. The e-tron quattro four-wheel drive with its sophisticated energy flow is characterised by optimum efficiency. 

Ford's Transit and Connect both win in gruelling Arctic testing

• Ford wins Arctic Van Test that puts vehicles through a series of challenges in severe winter driving conditions
• Punishing five-day ordeal in the frozen north of Finland includes slaloming on a frozen airfield, and a 700-kilometre endurance drive, as well as extreme cold starts
• Ford’s all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect vans deliver the company’s first double victory in the 23-year history of the test

Ford has achieved a landmark double victory in the Arctic Van Test – one of the most gruelling tests of vehicle performance on the planet.

The all-new Ford Transit and the all-new Ford Transit Connect finished first in their respective classes after competing in the punishing five-day ordeal that subjects vehicles and drivers to extreme challenges in ice, cold and snow, in the frozen north of Finland – where temperatures can drop as low as -50 C.

For a video recap of the event, please click here.

From slaloming across a frozen airfield, to tackling a torturous 700 kilometre route of icy, rutted roads, the Ford Transit vans won for their overall performance across categories that included fuel efficiency, load carrying, and handling.

“Every one of our new Ford Transits is tested in the world’s toughest climates and driving conditions long before launch, so they are prepared for just this kind of challenge,” said Paul Randle, vehicle line director, global commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Our customers depend on their Transits to get the job done, and we have made sure they are ready for work, whatever the weather.”

Expert drivers from six European commercial vehicle magazines drove all the vans taking part in the Arctic Van Test and rated the two Transits winners to deliver Ford’s first double victory in the event’s 23-year history. The challenge also tests engine starting, and heating and demister operation, after vehicles have been left outside overnight in sub-freezing conditions.

The all-new Ford Transit was rated top or joint-top in nine out of 13 categories against rival vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. The smaller all-new Ford Transit Connect was ranked top or joint-top in seven categories, and particularly impressed for its handling and stability in icy conditions, against rivals from Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen.

“The Ford vans were clear winners in very slippery conditions – a great advantage when frozen roads can be found anywhere, and not just found on the test track,” said Heikki Laurell of Auto Tekniikka ja Kuljetus magazine in Finland, which organises the annual event. “Our tests push vans to the limit, and can be quite a shock if you are not used to a Scandinavian winter.”

The all-new Ford Transit is on sale now with over 7,500 orders already taken in the UK. The all-new Ford Transit Connect – the 2014 International Van of the Year – was launched last year and has amassed over 7,000 orders so far.

The all-new four-vehicle Ford Transit family was designed and engineered at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, Essex – the global centre of excellence for the company’s commercial vehicles and powertrain development. All diesel engines powering Fords new commercial vehicles for Europe are built at the Ford Dagenham Engine plant, Essex, in the UK.

ŠKODA - official Tour de France partner until 2018

› ŠKODA and Tour de France marketers A.S.O. extend successful partnership for another five years 
› ŠKODA also supports La Vuelta and other cycling classics 
› Carmaker has been the official Tour de France partner since 2004
› ŠKODA’s success story started in 1895 with the construction of bicycles

Cycling remains a cornerstone of ŠKODA’s sponsorship strategy. The Czech manufacturer has extended its successful engagement as the official partner and official vehicle partner of the Tour de France for another five years until 2018. The agreement for the period 2014-2018 was signed today in Geneva by ŠKODA and the French marketing company, ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation).​

In addition to the Tour de France – the world’s most famous cycling race – part of the sponsorship will also include La Vuelta, which the company has been committed to since 2011. Alongside these, eight other international cycling events have been incorporated into the A.S.O. agreement.

“Through extending our engagement at the Tour de France and other famous classics, we reaffirm our close relationship with cycling,” says ŠKODA CEO, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “ŠKODA plans to grow further as an international volume brand in the coming years with the most comprehensive model campaign in corporate history. Our continued strong presence in cycling supports the long-term image and the international awareness of the brand. Additionally, this sponsorship reflects an almost 119-year tradition that the brand has had with cycling in a very special way.” It was with bicycle manufacture that ŠKODA’s founding fathers Laurin and Klement first laid the foundation stone for the future success of ŠKODA in 1895.

“ŠKODA has been a strong and reliable partner for international cycling events for ten years. I personally feel that my ŠKODA during the race is more than just a car; it is my office and the place where I spend most of my day,” says Christian Prudhomme, Cycling Director of A.S.O. and Director of the Tour de France. “We are very pleased to be continuing our successful cooperation with the dynamically growing brand over the next five years.”

The Czech carmaker has been the official partner, the official vehicle partner and sponsor of the White Jersey in the Tour de France since 2004. “The third largest sporting event in the world is a great opportunity for us to present the brand and models to a global audience,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

At the Tour de France in 2013 alone, around 12 million cycling fans cheered along the route, joined by 1.4 billion television viewers around the world.

The use of ŠKODA vehicles has always played a major role in ŠKODA’s commitment to the Tour de France. Year on year, more than 200 ŠKODA models travel 2.8 million kilometres during France’s number one cycling event. A total of around 28 million kilometres has been covered over the last ten years, and it is in reliability where the ŠKODA fleet really shines; during all that time, not a single car has broken down due to a technical defect.

In addition to the use of ŠKODA vehicles, the company’s advertising is displayed in large lettering and all channels for extensive communications are used.

Alongside ice hockey, cycling is the most important pillar of the Czech carmaker’s international sponsorship strategy. ŠKODA provides support to significant professional cycling events races and also to cycling in general. Among others, ‘Bike for Life’, ‘Ride London’ and the Berlin ‘Velothon’ also benefit from ŠKODA’s support.

ŠKODA demonstrates is close relationship to cycling beyond mere sponsorship agreements. Bicycles and cycling accessories have long been included in ŠKODA’s extended product range. ŠKODA’s current bicycle collection consists of ten unique models, making it more diverse and attractive than ever before.

Three new Monte Carlo special models for ŠKODA Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback

  Unique ŠKODA Monte Carlo family grows to five models
› Sporty look: edgy design, distinctive aluminium wheels, sports seats
› ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo: jaunty city car
› ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo: sleek compact SUV with ambition
› ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo: sporty hatchback
› ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo and ŠKODA Fabia Combi Monte Carlo already successfully launched on the market
› Monte Carlo: homage to 113 years of successful ŠKODA motorsport history

ŠKODA’s sporty Monte Carlo model family grows with three new members. In future, these striking special models will also be available for the ŠKODA Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback models. The Czech car manufacturer is already offering attractive Monte Carlo versions for the Fabia and the Fabia Combi.
​Sports seats, aluminium wheels, dynamic exterior and interior design features, attractive colours – the striking ŠKODA Monte Carlo special models are impressively sporty and well-equipped as standard. “The success of the Monte Carlo versions of the ŠKODA Fabia and ŠKODA Fabia Combi demonstrates our customers’ desire for custom-designed cars with a certain spark,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “With Monte Carlo editions of Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback, we have given our model offensive a new edge, recounting our successful motorsport tradition in production vehicles with appeal,” says Eichhorn.

New ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo

With the ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo, ŠKODA presents a special version of its successful city car Citigo in a new ultra-dynamic design. Both the petrol-driven Citigo and the CNG-fuelled Citigo are available in a Monte Carlo edition. The brand was launched with success into the city car scene about two years ago with the ŠKODA Citigo. In 2013 alone, ŠKODA delivered 45,200 Citigos to customers, 51 percent more than in 2012. The Citigo offers maximum space for its compact dimensions, optimum functionality, clever features, top safety features, low fuel consumption, perfect handling and an attractive design.

The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo pulls away on black 15-inch ‘Auriga’ design aluminium wheels. As an option, there are black 16-inch aluminium wheels in the ‘Serpens’ design. With the sports chassis lowered by 15 millimetres, the vehicle sits somewhat lower than the standard Citigo. The windows are tinted (SunSet), as is the sunroof. The front is distinctive with its black radiator grille frame, the broad, black air inlet and black front spoiler. The side mirrors are painted black, as is the roof-edge spoiler. There are striking Monte Carlo design features in the lower section of the vehicle’s sides and on the tailgate. The rear black diffuser enhances the car’s sporty image.

Inside too, the new Citigo special model lives up to its name. The red-stitched, height-adjustable three-spoke steering wheel is encased in leather, as is the handbrake lever and the gear knob. The gearshift sleeve too is finished with red stitching. Roof lining, dashboard, carpeting and interior pillar trim are also all in black. The standard sports seats are decorated with a unique fabric design in black and red with vertical grey stripes. On the door sills, there are Monte Carlo decorative trims. The dashboard has a special Monte Carlo design with integrated pad and black decorative paintwork.

The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo’s features are based on the ‘Ambition’ design. In terms of safety, in EU countries, the following are some of the features supplied as standard: four airbags including head/thorax airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), four three-point seatbelts, seatbelt alarm and Isofix fittings on the outer rear seat. The Citigo received five-star (maximum) points for its safety features in the Euro NCAP crash test.

For comfort and convenience the customer will enjoy front electric window control, central locking with remote control, ticket holder, bag hook, folding split rear seat backrest and many other ‘Simply Clever’ details.

The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo is available with two three-cylinder petrol engines 1.0 MPI/44 kW (60 hp) and 1.0 MPI/55 kW (75 hp) as well as the CNG variant 1.0 CNG/50 kW (68 hp). The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo comes in four very attractive colours: Tornado Red, Candy White, Brilliant Silver and Deep Black.

New ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo

ŠKODA is exhibiting the sports trim version of its completely redesigned compact SUV Yeti for the first time in Geneva. The ŠKODA Yeti is one of the most popular compact SUVs. The new edition ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo, launched at the beginning of 2014, has an exciting new front and new rear, a fresh-look interior, all-wheel or front-wheel drive, expanded engine/gearbox combinations and new technical features.

The front of the ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo has a distinctive black radiator grille frame and a striking black front spoiler. ŠKODA is treating purchasers of its special model to black 17-inch aluminium wheels and tinted back side windows and rear windscreen (SunSet), all as standard. The vehicle roof and the A, C and D pillars are all painted black, as is the roof rail and the exterior mirror housing. The door sills are also painted black. At the rear, a black diffuser emphasises the sports styling.

Sports styling is also in evidence in the interior of the ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo. The special 3-spoke sports steering wheel, finished with red stitching, is encased in black perforated leather. The gear knob and handbrake lever are also trimmed in black leather. Red stitching decorates the gearshift sleeve and the central front armrest. The sports seats are covered in fabric in black-red-grey combination, with grey vertical stripes providing visual accents. The stainless steel pedals resemble those of a sports car. The floor mats are trimmed with red stitching. There are decorative door sill trims in synthetic aluminium with the Monte Carlo logo.

With the exception of the basic diesel engine 1.6 TDI/77 kW, the entire Yeti range of engines is available for the ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo: three petrol engines 1.2 TSI/77 kW, 1.4 TSI/90 kW, 1.8 TSI/112 (118 kW) and three diesel units 2.0 TDI/81 kW, 2.0 TDI/103 kW and 2.0 TDI/125 kW.

The Yeti Monte Carlo comes in seven exterior colours: Corrida Red, Magic Black, Candy White, Laser White, Moon White, Metal Grey and Brilliant Silver.

The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo

The third in this set of new sporty special models is the new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo. In the autumn of last year, the car manufacturer slotted the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback into its product range, between the Fabia and Octavia. This is ŠKODA’s first ever compact car, combining ŠKODA’s practical qualities into hatchback form. The dynamically fresh design will appeal to new customer groups. As is typical of ŠKODA, the Rapid Spaceback is very spacious, has many ‘Simply Clever’ ideas, top safety features, low fuel consumption and is excellent value for money.

The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo cuts an impressive figure at first glance with its dynamic, powerful look. At the front, the black radiator grille frame shows off the vehicle’s sportiness, as do the broad black honeycomb air inlet and black-back headlamps and fog lamps. The door sills also have black elements.

The Rapid Spaceback has a particularly sporty look with the StylePLUS package. It includes the black exterior mirror housing, the distinctive panoramic sunroof with black roof-edge spoiler, a long rear windscreen as well as black-back tail lights. The black tail diffuser completes the dynamic rear aspect. The Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo travels on black 16-inch aluminium wheels or, as an option, 17-inch aluminium wheels.

The interior of the Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo echoes the sporty look of the exterior. The new 3-spoke leather steering wheel is trimmed with red stitching. The gearshift sleeve is also finished with red stitching. The gear knob and the handbrake lever are also trimmed in red leather. Door trim and dashboard are in black. The dashboard has a decorative ‘Carbon’ design trim. The sports seats are in a black/red/grey design with grey vertical stripes. Here again the pedals are made from stainless steel and the black floor mats are trimmed with red stitching. On the front and back door sills there are decorative trims in synthetic aluminium, the front sills bearing the Monte Carlo logo.

The Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo is based on the ‘Ambition’ design.
The Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo can be supplied with engines from the entire range of Rapid Spaceback engines. The following petrol engines are available: 1.2 MPI/55 kW (75 hp), 1.2 TSI/63 kW (86 hp), 1.2 TSI/77 kW (105 hp) and 1.4 TSI/90 kW (122 hp). There are two auto-ignition common rail direct fuel injection diesels: 1.6 TDI/66 kW (90 hp) and 1.6 TDI/77 kW (105 hp).

Success for ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo and Fabia Estate Monte Carlo

With the three new special models, Monte Carlo ŠKODA’s sporting family has grown to a total of five members. The ŠKODA Fabia has been available in the Monte Carlo version since 2011 and the ŠKODA Fabia Estate Monte Carlo version has been on the market since 2013. Both have enjoyed sales success. To date, the Czech manufacturer has sold a total of almost 38,000 Fabia and Fabia Combi Monte Carlo vehicles.

Homage to 113 years of ŠKODA motorsport success 

The special Monte Carlo models pay tribute to 113 successful years of ŠKODA motor-sport history. ŠKODA has contributed to the writing of some important chapters in the history of the legendary rally from which it takes its name. The Czech brand took part in the ‘Monte’ for the first time in 1936. The ŠKODA Popular drove straight up to the winners’ podium, taking second and third prizes in its category.

Over recent years, the Czech brand has notched up rally victory after rally victory. The most recent tally from the year 2013 was the Driver’s title in the European Rally Championship, Driver’s and Constructor’s Title in the Asia-Pacific Championship and the South American Championship as well as five national titles overall.

USA - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Price Increases Due to High Demand.

It seemed almost too good to be true: the all-new, 455-horsepower, sexier than ever Corvette was made available for $51,000. Well, the dream is beginning to fade. Now it appears Chevrolet is raising prices on the coupe and convertible Corvettes by $2,000, according to recent reports.

The base 2014 Chevrolet Corvette now starts at $53,000. Adding the Z51 Performance Package brings costs to $57,000, or $1,200 more than it was before the price hike. The convertible Corvette now begins at $58,000, and with the Z51, it costs $62,000.

According to CorvetteBlogger.com, the prices went into effect this week. The website, quoting Chevrolet, said that the price hike is due to customer demand that "has exceeded expectations."

The Corvette is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces over 455 horsepower. It is capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in around 4 seconds. Key features include keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

We drove the Z51 coupe last year, and loved it. Despite the price hikes, we think the new Corvette is still an incredible bargain. And considering that buyers have faced price markups at the dealership since the new Corvette was introduced, we don't think this is coming as a huge shocker.

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USA - Mercedes-Benz to Build Porsche 911 Fighter

During the Geneva Motor Show, Automobile Magazine sat down with Tobias Moers, AMG chief, to talk about the future of the brand. Although the automaker was mainly interested in speaking about the Apple iOS integration in its vehicles, the magazine was able to get some information about the new models that will replace the SLS AMG.

Mercedes-Benz is looking to expand its lineup, and not only may the automaker lower the price on the upcoming model, it will also offer more variants. "If we did go in at a different price level, then we'll have more opportunities for a big portfolio out of the sports car than we had with the SLS…There will be more lifetime movement, there will be more lifecycle variants," said Moers.

Spy shots of the all-new model have already surfaced, and while it looks to be a coupe, a convertible variant is still under consideration. Mercedes-Benz wants to create a vehicle that will sell better than the SLS, which never sold more than 1,000 units annually here in the U.S.

Taking a look at the other end of the spectrum, the CLA-Class has created quite the buzz, and already Mercedes-Benz has sold 20,000 units in its first six months. While this model has been a huge success, the automaker is questioning whether or not to build more compact vehicles. The GLA-Class compact crossover is expected to launch later this year, but future vehicles may be placed on hold.

Currently, Mercedes-Benz has a manufacturing capacity of 500,000 for its small cars, and with 370,000 sold in 2013, it will need another facility if it hopes to expand its small car portfolio even further.

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USA - Petition Demands 2015 Honda Civic Type R Come to the U.S.

IF YOU ARE IN THE US, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND ADD YOU NAME TO THE PETITION, AS THE CIVIC TYPE R WILL BE A STONKING MACHINE, THE UK IS GETTING IT AND IT WOULD BE A SHAME FOR THE US TO MISS OUT.

In the U.S. market, the Civic is a car for practical buyers. Those looking for a bit of a sporty edge can opt for the Civic Si, but this model is far from flashy. A number of markets around the world receive the true high performer of the lineup, the 280-horsepower Civic Type R, that is, a number of markets except the U.S.

But maybe things will change. A Civic fan recently started a petition to bring the beloved car to North America. And this crusader seems pretty adamant about it.

"Honda enthusiasts demand that the discrimination against our market stops right here," the petition on Change.org reads. "There is no excuse anymore. If other countries can enjoy the best Honda has to offer, we should be able to enjoy the same rights"

The petition seems to be gaining a lot of traction. By February 13, the >>>PETITION<<< had already gathered 5,000 signatures. As of this publishing, this grew to 5,475 signatures. According to the petition, 2,025 more signatures are needed.

Even if the petition gains the support it needs, we aren't that confident that this car will be making it to the U.S. anytime soon. But it does show just how many people love the car, and perhaps Honda will consider bringing this car to the U.S. further down the line.

In fact, Chris Martin from Honda's public relations posted a response to the petition. He wrote, "I can't promise anything, but we'll take your support of Type-R into account. It is a fantastic car."

The petition comes just as the all-new 2015 Honda Civic Type R concept made its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, sporting a huge rear spoiler, enlarged air outlets, a crazy grille, and 20-inch alloys.

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USA - 2015 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Hits U.S. Shores.

BMW will make a splash at this year's 2014 New York International Auto Show when it debuts the 2015 BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe. This sport sedan will hit showroom floors immediately after its official debut with a price starting at $118,225, including a $925 destination charge.

The current BMW 6 Series sold here in the U.S. tops out at just under $100,000 and, like the new model, offers plenty of interior room. The B6 Gran Coupe gets its power from a 4.4-liter Alpina bi-turbo V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with BMW's xDrive all-wheel system and Alpina switch-tronic.

Sitting on 20-inch Alpina classic 21-spoke wheels, the BMW B6 Gran Coupe shows off elegant and dynamic styling. The front end features integrated splitter elements to direct airflow around the body, increasing speed and stability. The new model also features a high-performance stainless steel Alpina exhaust system with twin elliptical tailpipes, electronic damping control, and active roll stabilization.

The interior features Lavalina leather, which covers the hand-stitched steering wheel and door trims. An Alpina Myrtle wood or Piano Black trim are available as well, and are highlighted by an illuminated Alpina logo. Customers will be able to customize their B6 with exclusive interior colors.

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USA - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban: Full Pricing Info Revealed.

Although we already had an idea of the price range for these new models, General Motors has released full pricing information for the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe starts at $45,890 for the base LS configured with two-wheel drive. Stepping up to the LT trim--which adds leather-appointed seats, Chevrolet MyLink, a premium sound system, and more—brings the price to $50,995. The top LTZ trim can be had for $59,995 and includes keyless entry, power release seats, front park assist, and 20-inch wheels. Adding the all-wheel drive option to any of these trim levels costs an additional $3,000. The Tahoe's long-wheelbase cousin, the Suburban, starts at $48,590.

The LT trim bumps up the price to $53,695 while the top LTZ trim starts at $62,695 without adding any options. As with the Tahoe, all-wheel drive is also available for an extra $3,000 on the Suburban. All prices listed include a destination and handling fee.

Chevrolet has also released fuel economy information on its new line of SUVs. These numbers, along with almost everything else, have improved from the previous generation vehicles. Check out our review of the Tahoe and Suburban.

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USA - Land Rover LR4/Discovery to Become Family of Vehicles in 2015.

In a one-minute teaser clip, Land Rover hints at the new LR4/Discovery lineup. The automaker has announced that in 2015 the Discovery will no longer be a single vehicle, but an entire lineup of different models. While we don't get to see much of it in the clip, we do see an outline at the very end.

Going off the sketchy outline, the new lineup will be very reminiscent of the Range Rover models, giving the automaker a difficult task of keeping the two lineups separate from each other in terms of styling. The current LR4 and LR2 models may not be as luxurious as its Range Rover siblings, but with a new design, that may all change.

This teaser comes in as part of Land Rover's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the LR4 and Discovery models. The automaker is calling for stories that celebrate the history of the model. Land Rover wants to usher in the new age of the LR4/Discovery with the help of current and past owners, and has also launched a special edition model to further the celebration.

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USA - Ford Unveils King Ranch F-150, F-Series Super Duty, and Expedition.

Ford is celebrating 15 years of association with King Ranch, and in honour of the 15th anniversary, the Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty, and Expedition King Ranch editions will make their debut at the 2014 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this month. 

The relationship between King Ranch and Ford started back in 1999, as the automaker saw that the Texas ranch shared the same core values as its trucks. Ford released the first F-150 King Ranch model back in 2001, followed by King Ranch versions of the Super Duty in 2003 and the Expedition in 2005.

 "King Ranch is a legacy. It's one of the best in Texas, if not America. These Ford vehicles wear the King Ranch 'Running W' brand because they are proven to be legitimate and authentic, in the heritage of both Ford and the King Ranch," said Wyman Meinzer, official Texas state photographer, in a recent statement. 

New on the King Ranch models are four exterior paint colour's, including Caribou, Bronze Fire, Guard, and Ruby Red Metallic Clear coat. All colours will have Caribou as an accent colour, while Caribou will remain monotone. Inside, a new leather colour, Premium Mesa Brown, has been added to the King Ranch models. 

The new King Ranch will hit dealers later this year, featuring unique exterior and interior, trims, with more standard features and unique wheels.

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