SEAT grows sales accross Europe and UK benefits with exceptional growth.

• SEAT UK first-half 2014 sales up 20.2% compared to 2013, to record 27,342 units and market share of 2.1%
• Impressive 32.2% surge in retail sales, led by Ibiza and Leon
• Ibiza becomes sixth best-selling supermini in UK June retail market
• SEAT international sales increased by 9.9% between January and June 2014

SEAT’s inexorable rise continues, as the brand’s just reported a new half-year sales record in the UK. For the third consecutive year, the Spanish brand eclipsed its previous year’s sales performance between January and June. This time, it rocketed by over 20% to 27,342 units, eclipsing its 2013 performance by a considerable 4,590 units.

Led by a stellar Leon performance, and the continued success of Ibiza, SEAT outpaced the UK market’s own 10% growth by a further 10%. One of the most impressive statistics in the figures, recently revealed by the SMMT, was the Latin firm’s 32.2% surge in retail sales, to 15,341 and a market share increase of 0.4% to 2.5%.

Within SEAT’s six-model line-up, the ever-popular Ibiza range spearheaded the charge, with 11,897 sales. It narrowly held off the surging Leon, at 11,481, boosted by the recent impact of the ST (1,800) and flagship Cupra. Notably, 1,577 Ibizas found homes with retail customers in June, up over 21% on the same month last year.

Commenting on its latest set of impressive sales figures, SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson, said, “It’s been a great week. Only a few days ago, we collected three prestigious trophies at the Auto Express awards and now here we are celebrating our best-ever first-half sales results in the UK. It’s a tremendous result and one the team and our Retailer partners should be very proud of. We’re on track for our most successful year ever, but with several more launches in the pipeline and a focus on both retail and fleet business in the months ahead, we won’t be resting on our laurels any time soon.”

Looking ahead, a series of new and recent introductions, are set to bolster SEAT’s performance even further. The recent introduction of I-TECH special editions across the Mii, Ibiza, Toledo, Altea and Alhambra ranges, plus the special edition Ibiza 30 years, to celebrate its latest milestone, are sure to cement the brand’s standing.

The striking new Mii by MANGO is already getting in on the act, with 50 examples having already been snapped up even before it officially launches in showrooms on 1^st August. Not to be outdone, the Leon range gains a new member of the family too. In September, when ordering opens, the four-wheel-drive X-PERIENCE joins the ST fold, giving SEAT a presence in the growing compact crossover/off-roader segment.

SEAT soars internationally – best result for six years with sales up almost 10%

SEAT’s impressive sales success was mirrored outside the UK too. The brand ended the first half of 2014 having delivered 200,200 vehicles, 9.9% more than in the first half of 2013 (182,200). Posting its best result in the last six years, it even exceeded the figure of 200,000 units delivered for the first half of a year since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008.

Main European markets boost sales

SEAT increased deliveries by 10.5% in Western Europe for the first half of the year (158,300; 143,300 in 2013) and achieved a market share of 2.5% (2013: 2.4%).

Growth in production and jobs at Martorell

Martorell, the production plant where the majority of SEAT vehicles are built, closed the first six months of the year with 11.1% growth compared to the same period in 2013, with a total of 239,100 units built, almost 24,000 more (2013; 215,200). Thanks mainly to the increase in production of the Leon, this year more than 550 temporary workers have been hired by SEAT; and in March a third shift was added to the line producing the Leon.

Bespoke Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé high performance support vehicle

Jaguar has extended its support as an Innovation Partner to Team Sky by designing, engineering and building a bespoke F-TYPE Coupé high performance support vehicle for the team to use during Stage 20 of the race. Stage 20 of the 2014 Tour de France will see riders traverse from Bergerac to Périgueux.

Development of this bespoke F-TYPE Coupé by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations follows the successful launch of the Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused production car Jaguar has ever built, which went on sale worldwide earlier this year. This unique F-TYPE concept vehicle is based on the F-TYPE R Coupé and will be supplied with the same 550PS/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine.

Jaguar does not plan to place into series production any version of this unique F-TYPE Coupé. Engineers working in the new Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team were briefed specifically to develop one vehicle for Team Sky, and this exciting version of the F-TYPE sports car is now set to support some of the Team Sky riders on Saturday 26^th July during the time trial (TT).

Bespoke features include a new racking solution, which carries two of the team’s Pinarello Bolide TT bikes. The vehicle exterior is finished in Team Sky’s famous livery, with colourways and other Team Sky graphic design features also present inside the car. Further specifications include a separate electric supply in the boot which provides power to the radios, amplifiers, microphones, horns and televisions which support communications between Team Sky’s Sports Director and the rider.

Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Principal at Team Sky, said: “Jaguar is an iconic British brand that has been an integral partner for Team Sky for over four years. We have already benefited from their high performance credentials and expertise in technological capabilities and engineering innovations, particularly with the recent development of the Pinarello Dogma F8. This F-TYPE concept is a world class vehicle that will help get the best out of the team on the TT stages.”

JLR Global Brand Experience Director, Mark Cameron added: “Jaguar has supplied high performance support vehicles to Team Sky since its first season in 2010. The development of this F-TYPE Coupé is the latest example of our shared belief to push the boundaries and provide technologically innovative solutions, both on and off the bike.  The visual impact of the F-TYPE Coupé during Stage 20 will also of course bring added attention to Team Sky and our unique partnership.”

As an Official Supplier to Team Sky since its inception in 2010, Jaguar has been proud to support the team’s back-to-back victorious campaigns in 2012 and 2013, where the British engineering leaders supplied Team Sky with a fleet of all-new high performance Jaguar XF Sportbrakes.

Mazda enjoys strong Euro sales in first half of the year.

• Convention-defying carmaker raises January-June unit sales by 23 per cent
• Mazda continues to gain market share despite overall European market recovery

Mazda continues to soar above the European automobile market in the first half of 2014, upholding its position as the region’s fastest-growing volume car manufacturer. The convention-defying Japanese company hiked passenger car sales by 23 per cent year-on-year between January and June, outpacing the overall market (up 6.2 per cent) by a wide margin. At 92,430 units, Mazda’s turnover was good for a market share of 1.3 per cent, up one-tenth from 2013*.

As in previous quarters, Mazda achieved market-beating growth in almost every country. Portugal, Poland and Spain continue to spearhead year-to-date hikes in percentage terms, up 128, 75 and 74 per cent respectively during the first six months of 2014. The other major markets also saw double-digit increases, led by the UK (+27 per cent), Germany (+22 per cent), France (+15 per cent) and Italy (+11 per cent).

Mazda’s new-generation models remain exceptionally popular – particularly its youngest member. During the first half, sales of the new Mazda3 multiplied by a factor of more than six in the Netherlands (+581 per cent), five in Sweden (+470 per cent), three in Denmark (+291 per cent), and two in Spain (+149 per cent). Mazda’s popular compact also saw gains of above 50 per cent elsewhere, such as Germany and Switzerland. Demand for its two new-generation siblings, the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, remains solid as well with full order books going forward.

All these SKYACTIV Technology-based models combine stunning KODO designs and superb performance with class-leading fuel economy and Mazda’s patented driving fun. This is proving to be a highly successful recipe for uncompromising cars that are both appealing and accessible to customers in Europe and around the world. More of them are on the way too, including the next Mazda2 supermini and the new-generation of Mazda’s iconic MX-5 roadster, which was first launched 25 years ago.

“Most markets across the region share a positive view for the balance of the year,” says Mazda Motor Europe COO Philip Waring. “The growing sales reflect not only our excellent products but also our strong and vibrant dealer network, which gives us a rock-solid foundation for consistent customer satisfaction.”

Skoda to showcase three rare cars at Schloss Bensberg Classics

ŠKODA will be presenting three exclusive automotive gems at this year’s ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ (18 to 20 July). The streamlined ŠKODA Rapid OHV, ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’, and ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo Coupé will be taking part at the annual meeting for collectors and fans of top-class vintage automobiles. The ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ in Bergisch Gladbach near the city of Cologne will be held for the sixth time this coming weekend.

​ŠKODA has been a part of this outstanding classic car event since the first year. Three ŠKODA classic cars will be presented this year. “Our selection of vehicles is in keeping with the motto of the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’: ‘Very important cars only’. We will be presenting absolute highlights from our collection,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. All three ŠKODA vintage cars will be taking part in the ‘Rallye Historique’, the ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo will additionally be scrutinised by the distinguished jury of the ‘Concours d'Elegance'. 

The ŠKODA Rapid OHV is an extremely rarely seen streamliner dating back to 1940. The Rapid OHV presented at the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ was painstakingly restored over 30 years by its owner Miroslav Strouhal, and is currently on loan to the  ŠKODA collection in Mladá Boleslav. Only 110 of the Rapid OHV were ever built between 1938 and 1941. The vehicle is powered by a 46 hp four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1558 cc. OHV stands for the ‘overhead valves’ in the engine. 

The ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’ is also a real rarity. Its other name ‘Little Entente’ refers to the specific purpose of the rally car dating back to 1937. In that year, the vehicle took part in a rally through the countries of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania, which at that time were members of the ‘Little Entente’ alliance. After the race, the car went into private ownership and changed hands a number of times. The coupé has been the property of the ŠKODA Museum since 1968. Under the bonnet there is an inline four-cylinder with a displacement of 995 cc OHV and an output of 27 hp.

ŠKODA’s appearance at Schloss Bensberg is rounded off with a professionally restored ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo Coupé from 1937. Only 72 ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlos – as convertibles and coupés – were built between 1936 and 1938. This is a special edition of the ŠKODA Popular. The reason for the special production was ŠKODA’s success at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1936. The vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with 1386 cc displacement and 30 hp, and reaches a top speed of 110km/h. In addition to the ‘Rallye Historique’ the elegant coupe will also be participating in the ‘Concours d'Elegance’.

2014 marks the sixth year that the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ will be taking place. Schloss Bensberg and the picturesque Bergische Land near Cologne provide the magnificent setting for one of the most prestigious events for classic cars, where the focus is on exclusivity and high quality. Unusual and exceptionally rare vehicles are presented under the motto of ‘very important cars only’. The main program points include the star-studded ‘Rallye Historique’ and a FIVA-A ‘Concours d'Elegance’ with some of the most beautiful and rare classic automobiles in the world. The ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ is included in the circle of the ‘Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award’ and is thus on par with renowned competitions such as the Pebble Beach/California and Villa d’Este/Italy.

OBITUARY - Sir Nick Scheele, Ford and Jaguar leader passes away aged 70.

Nick Scheele, a globe-trotting troubleshooter and tough-nosed negotiator who served as president and COO of Ford Motor Co., died Friday. He was 70.

The affable, British-born Scheele spent nearly four decades at Ford and his easy-going style earned him a bevy of friends and admirers throughout the auto industry.

He served as chairman and CEO of Ford's Jaguar Cars unit from 1992 to 1999 and later chairman of Ford of Europe from January 2000 through July 2001.

He capped his career as Ford’s president and COO from 2001-05.

Scheele, working under then-CEO Bill Ford, led the troubled automaker's turnaround plan after the departure of former CEO Jacques Nasser. Ford was losing U.S. market share and spending huge sums on consumer rebates and incentives. The company remained profitable but only because of Ford Credit.

“Not only did Nick help us overcome many challenges at the time, he mended relationships with our dealers, our suppliers and our employees, and set the stage for many of today’s leaders who are moving us forward," Executive Chairman Bill Ford said in a statement Friday. “Nick Scheele was an outstanding leader whose global experience and passion for our products served Ford Motor Company at a critical time."

Scheele was no stranger to solving problems and helped steer Ford through some of its best and worst times, including the Firestone tire crisis at the turn of the century.

At the time of his appointment as COO, Scheele downplayed the notion that Ford needed a savior.

"It's not broken -- let's be clear about that," he told Automotive News at the time. "We've got a few problems, but the barn isn't burning down."

But in a 2002 interview with Fortune, Scheele rattled off some other ills still battering Ford: weak capital spending, high marketing outlays, damaging employee lawsuits, and the Firestone tire debacle.

He found it hard to believe that Ford, which just two years earlier was widely admired for being one of the world's best-managed automakers, had fallen so far so fast.

"It is absolutely nuts," he told the magazine.

As head of Ford's European operations, Scheele oversaw the painful and controversial closure of the company's car assembly operation in Dagenham, England, in 2000, but managed to handle it with great composure and skill.

The closing was particularly difficult for Scheele because he was born in Essex, the county where Dagenham is located.

Scheele, second from right, joined other Ford executives in Jan. 2002 to announce plans to cut 35,000 jobs, close 5 factories by the end of the decade and drop four vehicle models to restore profits.

Photo credit: BLOOMBERG

Jaguar years

Ford purchased Jaguar in 1989 and in 1992 installed Scheele as chairman and CEO.

Scheele helped stabilize Jaguar sales, revamp its manufacturing operations, improve quality and launch new models such as the XK8 sports car.

He eventually did what many industry skeptics thought would be impossible -- led Jaguar out of the craft-shop and make it profitable, at least for a short term. Queen Elizabeth II later knighted Scheele for saving the beloved British brand.

In a story last week with England’s Birmingham Post, Scheele said Ford made the right decision to sell Jaguar and Land Rover in 2007.

“Had Jaguar Land Rover still been around, it could have turned the ship over," Scheele told the paper. "It was a mammoth cash drain, and in the dark times of 2008-09, cash was what was required.”

Nick Scheele was born on Jan. 3, 1944.

He started his Ford career in 1966 right out of college and held several senior purchasing posts in the company's British and European operations before moving to the United States in 1978.

He was named president of Ford of Mexico in 1988. 

After he retired from Ford on Feb. 1, 2005, Scheele served as chancellor at the University of Warwick, one of England's top engineering schools, located in Coventry, the cradle of the country's auto industry.

In an interview with Automotive News before his retirement after more than 38 years with Ford, Scheele boiled success in the auto industry down to a few fundamental practices.

"You've got to make models that are appealing, have high quality, great durability; and you can sell them at a profit for a price that people consider to be a great value," Scheele said. "Apart from that, it's easy."

Richard Truett

Maserati states it will limited annual production.

Luxury carmaker Maserati, part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, will not sell more than 75,000 vehicles globally a year to retain the exclusivity of the Italian brand.

Maserati previously said it was on track to meet annual sales targets of 50,000 vehicles next year and 75,000 by 2018.

The carmaker also aims to boost its South Korean sales by five-fold this year, from 120 last year, said Umberto Maria Cini, Managing Director for General Overseas Markets at Maserati S.p.A.

Maserati executives said last month the brand planned todouble its dealership network to about 500 by 2015 to sustain demand for the Ghibli and Quattroporte luxury sedans.

“You need them to support the growth,” Maserati CEO Harald Wester said in a June interview with Bloomberg Television in Modena, Italy, where the carmaker presented an exhibition to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.

Maserati had 250 sales outlets in 2011.

Fiat is investing in Maserati as part of a plan to boost global sales of Italian-made luxury models to end losses in Europe.

The manufacturer targets lifting Maserati’s sales nearly fivefold to 75,000 vehicles in 2018. The brand is already set to match 2013’s full-year deliveries of 15,400 vehicles by the end of June, Wester said.

That type of growth justifies “the investments we did and gives us a sort of confidence for further investments and further projects,” Wester said last month.

Maserati plans to more than triple revenue to 6 billion euros ($8.2 billion) in 2018 as it introduces new models, including its first ever SUV and the Alfieri sports car. The brand’s cheapest model currently is the $66,900 Ghibli.

REPORT HERE

Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8.

The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is approximately the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.

With 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, and offers a maximum available trailer rating of 12,000 pounds, based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. As with other EcoTec3 engines, it seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads to improve fuel economy.

Additional technical details and the EPA estimated fuel economy will be announced closer to the start of production in the fourth quarter of 2014.

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, a front drive BMW, and not very dynamic looking either.

The launch of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer sees BMW bringing the functionality of space and comfort, combined with hallmark BMW dynamics, style and elegance, to the premium compact class. Offering generous levels of space within impressively compact dimensions (length: 4,342 millimetres, width: 1,800 millimetres, height: 1,555 millimetres), the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer represents the perfect response to increasingly exacting mobility requirements.

New turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive ensure a driving experience defined by sporting ability and exemplary efficiency.

Dynamism and functionality of space brought together in classic BMW fashion. 

Conscious of the need to meet the high level of spaciousness, variability and functionality demanded in the premium compact class, BMW has given the 2 Series Active Tourer a sophisticated front-wheel-drive system capable of delivering the degree of driver engagement expected of the brand’s models. Together with the long wheelbase of 2,670 millimetres and raised roofline, this configuration enables the room inside to be maximised, resulting in an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness. Driver and front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior.

The brand identity with its overriding sense of dynamism is clearly present in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer too. It shines through in trademark features such as the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille at the front end flanked by the distinctive twin circular headlights. The short front overhang in particular is highly unusual for a front-wheel-drive car, and is just as much a classic BMW styling cue as the short overhang at the rear, the long wheelbase, the Hofmeister kink in the rear side windows and the L-shaped rear lights. Crisp contours and an eye-catching swage line at the sides give added impact to the wheel arches and inject the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with forward thrust even when stationary. Moving inside, the controls for the radio, air conditioning and air vents are angled towards the driver in another unmistakable BMW design trait.

Maximum versatility and functionality. 

The versatile luggage compartment, whose capacity can be enlarged from 468 to 1,510 litres, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest fitted as standard exemplify this model’s excellent everyday practicality. Flexibility is further enhanced by a sliding rear seat which allows legroom in the rear or the load compartment capacity to be increased as required. One particularly smart touch is the foldable boot floor that conceals a storage compartment with a handy multifunction tray. The rear backrest can be adjusted as an option to offer either added comfort for the three rear seats or extra luggage space. Access to the luggage compartment couldn't be easier thanks to the large, broad, wide-opening tailgate. This can be optionally specified with pushbutton automatic opening and closing or – for supreme ease – touchless gesture control.

Latest-generation engines running on three or four cylinders. 

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is being launched with a choice of three powerful, light and fuel-efficient three and four-cylinder drive units that form part of a new generation of engines. They are installed transversely and boast a compact design along with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, at the same time as complying with the EU6 emissions standard.

The new three-cylinder petrol unit stands out for its exceptional efficiency and great performance abilities. This cutting-edge powerplant is receiving its premiere in a model from the BMW core brand in the guise of the BMW 218i Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 5.2–4.9 l/100 km [54.3–57.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 120–115 g/km) with six-speed manual gearbox.

The engine has a displacement of 1.5 litres, generates 100 kW/136 hp and excels with its spontaneous throttle response, hearty appetite for revs and high pulling power. The design of three-cylinder engines means they are not subject to first and second-order inertia forces, while the balancer shaft included on the BMW unit ensures that it operates even more smoothly over the entire rev range.

Topping the bill at market launch is the BMW 225i Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 6.0–5.8 l/100 km [47.1–48.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 139–135 g/km)* with a standard-fitted eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. With an output of 170 kW/231 hp, a time of 6.6 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) dash and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph), the model’s four-cylinder engine raises the bar for dynamic performance in its class.

Hard at work under the bonnet of the BMW 218d Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 4.3–4.1 l/100 km [65.7–68.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 114–109 g/km)* is a four-cylinder diesel engine. A member of the same new engine family as its two petrol counterparts, it delivers 110 kW/150 hp while mustering up peak torque of 330 Nm (243 lb-ft). This powerpack serves to reaffirm the exceptionally dynamic performance qualities of diesel engines from BMW, propelling the BMW 218d Active Tourer with standard six-speed manual gearbox from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). An eight-speed Steptronic gearbox will be available as an option for this model variant.

The BMW among front-wheel-drive cars. 

Like all BMW models, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer makes its mark with great driving dynamics and the sort of driving experience the brand is renowned for. The newly developed chassis, comprising a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle, combines agility and directional precision with excellent handling stability and suspension comfort. The front drive axle in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has undergone extensive fine-tuning, ensuring that it endows the car with optimum driving dynamics and wonderfully precise steering feedback. The electromechanical steering and the system’s functional arrangement combine to produce a driving sensation that is devoid of interfering torque steer.

The intelligent use of high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels makes a decisive contribution to safety standards in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, while also helping to keep the vehicle’s weight down. Apart from being a crucial factor in the model’s exceptional driving dynamics, this lightweight engineering is just one among many BMW EfficientDynamics technology elements. These also include the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the integral Air Curtain, which uses two vertical air inlets in the front bumper to direct the airstream along the front wheels.

Five model variants designed to meet individual customer requirements. 

In addition to the standard model, BMW also offers the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in four other variants with an interior, exterior and specification tailored even more closely to customer requirements. Standard equipment for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer already comprises the Radio Professional including a hands-free telephone facility with Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with controller on the centre console and 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and Collision Warning with City Braking function. The Advantage, Sport Line and Luxury Line variants also feature two-zone automatic climate control, Park Distance Control at the rear, front foglamps, cruise control with braking function and a multifunction steering wheel.

The Sport Line model highlights the dynamic character of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with special alloy wheels and sports seats. The high-gloss black kidney grille bars, model-specific air intakes and the accent strip on the rear apron underline the car’s presence. And in keeping with the look, the exhaust tailpipe comes in an electroplated black chrome finish.

The Luxury Line model majors on elegance and exclusivity, as underlined by subtle chrome applications for the exterior before you climb aboard and the exquisite leather trim including heated seats for the driver and front passenger once inside.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available with the M Sport specification from the end of 2014. With its M aerodynamics package, High-gloss Shadow Line trim, M Sport suspension, 17 or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, M leather steering wheel and sports seats with bespoke upholstery, the M Sport model of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer displays unbeatable road presence. The launch of the M Sport model will coincide with the addition to the range of variants equipped with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive. The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be available in Germany from 27 September 2014 priced from €27,200.

High degree of connectivity for enhanced safety and comfort. 

Standards of safety and comfort aboard the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are boosted by the assistance systems and various infotainment features that are collectively known as BMW ConnectedDrive. Take, for instance, the Traffic Jam Assistant, which works using a mono camera. It makes motorway driving less stressful under monotonous conditions: in dense traffic at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) it lets the car “go with the flow”, enabling the driver to progress through the congestion in a more relaxed state. It automatically maintains the desired distance from the vehicle ahead and autonomously controls the car’s speed all the way to a standstill while providing active steering input. In this way the vehicle helps drivers to stay in lane as long as they keep at least one hand on the steering wheel.

BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps bring smartphone applications into the vehicle and allow innovative features like the Concierge Service or Real Time Traffic Information to be added. These can also be booked at a later date and, in many cases, for flexible periods of time. In this way, the functionality of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can be vastly enhanced and updated by the owner at any time.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first model in the premium compact class to be made available with a Head-Up Display, which projects all relevant driving information into the driver’s field of vision in full colour. Instead of being displayed on the windscreen itself, the information is shown on a screen that extends out between the steering wheel and windscreen. This enables drivers to view all key information without having to divert their attention from the road.

* Fuel consumption figures have been calculated as per the ECE test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format.

Beautiful Bentleys from past and present at Hampton Court Palace

• Beautiful Bentleys from past and present at Hampton Court Palace
• Bentley key sponsor of 5-7 September Concours
• Luxury and performance from across the eras

Some of the finest examples of the Bentley marque are set to shine at the 2014 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace this September. Five Bentleys will feature in the 60 exceptional cars chosen for this year’s Concours, with owners from around the world displaying their cars in the Fountain Gardens at Hampton Court.

Among the Bentleys will be a 1931 8 Litre Park Ward Sports Saloon. Regarded as one of the finest models to have been created by the company’s founder W.O. Bentley, the 8-litre combined breath-taking performance for a grand saloon (it was capable of 100mph in 1930) with the height of bespoke luxury and comfort. A press review of the time simply described the 8 Litre as “motoring in its very highest form.”

Bentley Motors, a key sponsor of the Concours, will also present a range of exciting cars representing the company’s enduring commitment to luxury and performance. A remarkable double Le Mans winning car, known affectionately as Old No 1, will take pride of place in the Bentley display. The Speed Six racer won the iconic 24 hours endurance race in successive years (1929 and 1930) and recently thundered up the famous hill at Goodwood.

Bringing the Bentley performance story right up to date is the new Continental GT3-R. Inspired by Bentley’s Continental GT3 race car which has stormed to back-to-back victories Silverstone and Paul Ricard in its debut season in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the Continental GT3-R blends proven track and road credentials, and is a highly exclusive and potent interpretation of performance-focused luxury.

Powered by Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, this two-seater GT develops 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque and reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds; establishing the GT3-R as the fastest accelerating road-going Bentley of all time. The 2014 Concours of Elegance will mark one of the first opportunities to see the Bentley GT3-R.

Bentley’s contribution to creating some of the world’s most luxurious and elegant cars will be showcased with the appearance of the company’s new Flying Spur V8 and flagship Mulsanne.

Hand-built at the company’s Crewe headquarters and combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship using the finest wood veneers and leather, the Mulsanne saloon is the modern successor to cars like the 8 Litre and iconic Blue Train Bentley Speed Six which secured the overall award at the 2013 Concours of Elegance at St. James’s Palace.  

Brand new Porsche design studio, wind tunnel and Electronics Integration Center officially opened.

Friday, saw Porsche AG, the Germany based sports car manufacturer, officially opened three new buildings at its Weissach development center, marking the conclusion of the largest investment project in the center's history. Over $200 million were invested in a new design studio with concept car construction facility, a state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel and the Electronics Integration Center that set new standards in forward-looking vehicle development 'engineered and designed in Weissach'. "Weissach now stands more than ever for top German engineering expertise and pure Swabian inventive spirit," said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, during the ceremony. "Intelligent engineering leads to success not only in motor vehicle manufacturing, but in architecture as well. That's shown by these new buildings: our creative developers are able here to work hand-in-hand even more methodically than before," said Müller. The research and development center already stood out in the sector in the past, with the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer being the only player in the industry pooling all R&D together in one place: from concept to production car development (from the first design sketches via drive system, bodywork, chassis, electrics and electronics), including test runs on the center's own road and off-road circuit. Maximum transparency The new studio provides the design staff with optimum conditions for the whole process of creating the exterior and interior of Porsche vehicles. From the first vision all the way through to the finished form – the complete sports cars are created under one roof. The architectural layout of the new studio facilitates a maximum level of transparency and communication and strengthens interaction between the 'Preparation' and 'Flow Analysis' disciplines, whose staff works together with the designers in the same building complex. Adjacent to the studio is the 'New Wind Tunnel'. The proximity aids daily collaboration and reduces the time cycles between design and aero-acoustic development. In this process the experts make multiple use of the wind tunnel, from the early stage of developing concept car designs right through to testing vehicles ready for full production. The building and equipment for the wind tunnel represent the single largest element of the sports car manufacturer's $200 million plus investment at this site. Process-enhancing architecture The adjacent Electronics Integration Center (EIZ) brings together the work of the Porsche developers in the fields of electrics and electronics, thus facilitating a perfect interplay of all components in the vehicle. Previously, the individual electrical and electronics departments were spread across twelve different buildings on the Weissach site. The building's intelligent architecture, which assists the development process, now makes the EIZ a genuine accelerator of innovation. Porsche Weissach Development Center The Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG development center in Weissach (located not far from Stuttgart, Germany) has stood for decades for innovative and intelligent vehicle development. Since 1971, the company has been developing here the sports cars of the future, which are today rolling off the assembly lines at the Zuffenhausen, Leipzig and Osnabrück plants and which are sold in more than 125 markets around the globe. The test track in Weissach has been in use since as far back as 1962. Over 6,000 employees from Porsche (4,500) and partner companies (1,500) are currently working at the center in research and development, motor sports, purchasing and supporting fields. In 2013, the company invested well over $2 billion in research and development, or roughly 11 percent of its total revenues.