Fancy an Aston ? got up to a Million ? well, there is a lot for sale here, go on, you know you want to !

In its 60^th anniversary year Aston Martin Works is gearing up to host the biggest ever Aston Martin Sale staged by internationally renowned auction house Bonhams.

Now in its 16th year, Bonhams’ Aston Martin Sale is set to see some of the brand’s most iconic, and valuable, sports cars change hands as eager bidders head to the Aston Martin Works facility for this globally significant auction event.

Among the highlights in the packed catalogue are two rare and collectible DB4 convertibles. The first, a 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible, is one of only nine produced in left-hand drive and was once the property of Sir Peter Ustinov. It carries an estimate of £900,000 to £1m. 

Meanwhile, in right-hand drive, a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 4.0-Litre Series IV Convertible is estimated at £800,000-900,000.

The 2015 event is Bonhams’ largest Aston Martin Sale to date, and features more than 250 lots of motor cars and automobilia.

A total of 21 DB4, DB5 and DB6s have been consigned to the sale – the largest number of Sir David Brown-era motor cars in the sale’s 16-year history.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: “The Bonhams auction weekend is always a highlight of the Works’ calendar and this year, once again, some truly remarkable cars will be offered for sale.”

Tim Schofield, Bonhams UK Head of Motor Cars, said: “This year’s sale features a selection of significantly rare left-hand drive Aston Martins from the Sir David Brown era.

“At the time, only a small number of left-hand drive models were produced by the luxury marque, making the models incredibly rare. This year’s sale – in which more than a quarter of cars are left-hand drive – is very unusual indeed.”

He added: “But it’s not all about left-hand drive models. The sale has over 30% more lots than 2014, meaning there’s something for everyone. 

This includes restoration projects such as the 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon (Lot 201: £30,000-50,000); concours-standard motor cars such the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé, originally the property of His Royal Highness, Prince Bertil of Sweden (Lot 209: £250,000-300,000), and the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series II’ Sports Saloon (Lot 233: £420,000-460,000) – plus many examples of automobilia.”

Formerly the property of Sir Peter Ustinov, the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible adds some Hollywood sparkle to the sale.

Originally owned by the Academy Award-winning actor, playwright and diplomat, this ultra-rare DB4 Vantage Convertible was delivered to him at the Montreux Palace Hotel in Switzerland in 1962. One of only nine DB4 Series IV convertibles ever made, the car is estimated at £900,000-£1m.

Aside from the auction activity, the event will also play host to the UK public debut of the luxurious new Lagonda Taraf super saloon. 

Unveiled to the world last year, and announced as a right-hand drive model in February, the new Lagonda makes its UK debut at the place where the last Aston Martin Lagonda model – the William Towns-designed four-door – was built up to its end of production in 1989.   

McLaren three tier model range to make UK debut at the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show.

• Sports Series: 570S Coupé to make UK public debut after New York premiere
• Super Series: Limited edition 675LT will make its UK debut alongside the groundbreaking 650S
• Ultimate Series: Track-dedicated 1,000PS McLaren P1™ GTR offers access to the world’s most exclusive McLaren ownership programme

The full three-tier McLaren model range will be displayed publicly in the UK for the first time at the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show. The event, based at the Wilton House estate in Wiltshire takes place 6-7 June 2015, and will see models from the Super Series and Ultimate Series joined by the McLaren 570S Coupé; the first model in the recently launched Sports Series.

Following the global reveal of the 570S Coupé at the New York Auto Show last month, the first and most powerful model in the newly announced Sports Series will be shown publicly in the UK for the first time. 

The mid-engine sportscar features the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, and a highly efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine generating 570PS (562bhp) and 600Nm (443lb) of torque. 

With a greater focus on day-to-day usability and refinement, this latest model is very much a pure McLaren, boasting a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne, and electrifying performance. 

The 570S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.2 seconds, reaches 200km/h (124mph) in 9.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 328km/h (204mph). Pricing for the 570S Coupé starts at £143,250.

The limited edition 675LT will make its UK debut as one of two Super Series models on display, alongside the award-winning 650S Spider. 

The 675LT generates, as the name implies, 675PS (666bhp) and is the lightest and most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the Super Series. 

Production of the coupé-only model is strictly limited to 500 examples worldwide. With a clear focus on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement, the coupé-only model re-establishes the ‘Longtail’ heritage. 

With a top speed of 3330km/h (205mph), the 675LT accelerates to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 2.9 seconds, and hits 200km/h (124mph) in just 7.9 seconds.

The 650S is the core model in the Super Series, designed and developed to give the enthusiast driver the ultimate in luxury, engagement and excitement. 

Fitted with the award-winning 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine producing 650PS (641bhp) and 678Nm (500lb ft) of torque, it is a no compromise open-top high performance supercar with optimised levels of performance, handling and driver enjoyment. 

The secret of its success is its carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, which needs no extra strengthening to provide the necessary rigidity or safety when developing a convertible. 

This keeps any weight increase to a minimum, meaning the McLaren 650S Spider offers all the enjoyment and driver appeal of the fixed-roof sibling – but with the added appeal of roof-down driving. 

The 650S Spider is fitted with an electrically retractable hard top, which can be automatically raised or lowered on the move in less than 17 seconds.

Completing the line-up from McLaren at the annual event will be the McLaren P1™ GTR, representing the Ultimate Series – the most exclusive and definitive McLaren range. 

The track-dedicated model is the most powerful built by McLaren to-date, fitted with a 1,000PS (986bhp) powertrain comprising a highly efficient 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo petrol engine generating 800PS (789bhp) together with an integrated lightweight electric motor producing an additional 200PS (197bhp) of instant power. 

Drivers will also join the world’s most exclusive McLaren ownership programme, and gain unique access to more than 50 years of race winning knowledge and expertise. With access to the world within the McLaren Technology Centre, each driver will have an unparalleled, and completely unique, experience. 

As race winners and world champions have before them, each driver will embark on a bespoke driver programme designed to hone and optimise driving skills, and learn how to get the best of themselves and the car.

The complete range of McLaren models is available from the network of McLaren retailers across the UK. McLaren now has locations in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and, most recently, McLaren Ascot opened its doors a short distance from the McLaren Technology Centre.

The Eleventh Generation Astra, German Engineering, British Built, the best of both worlds.

• 11th generation Opel compact car to star at Frankfurt Motor Show in September
• Opel Group CEO Dr. Neumann promises an efficient, lightweight and spacious car

Continuing an eight-decade long tradition of Opel compact models, Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will unveil the all-new Astra at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27, 2015). Currently, only fully camouflaged engineering development prototypes can be seen, but Dr. Neumann promises that the new Astra will feature “an awesome design”, highest efficiency and an abundance of innovations.

Dr. Neumann has set new development priorities for this 11^th generation Opel compact car that has been created from a white sheet of paper, resulting in a revolutionary car that is much more efficient in all respects.

Space is used in an efficient way: while its exterior dimensions will be reduced, the space devoted to the new Astra’s occupants in its cockpit will be increased substantially. The engineering teams in charge of the development of the new Astra have also dramatically reduced its weight. 

This will make it more agile and have an extremely favorable impact on its fuel consumption. Dr. Neumann also confirmed that, as the result of the greatest powertrain offensive in Opel’s history, the new Astra will be powered only by state-of-the-art engines of the new generation.

The compact models Kadett and Astra, of which more than 24 million have been produced so far, have been the core of Opel’s portfolio ever since the first compact vehicle drove off the assembly line. 

“With each Kadett generation, Opel made individual mobility accessible to millions of people around the world, and several generations of Astra have brought innovative technologies from the upper class into the affordable compact segment,” said Dr. Neumann. 

“Each generation has raised the bar in safety, comfort and efficiency. The new Astra will once again set standards in the compact class. Amongst others, it will be the first new Opel model to be launched with Opel OnStar’s unique connected service that is ready to help and rescue you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

BMW Group announces Income, sales and profits for the full financial year.

• New highs for sales volume, revenues and earnings in first quarter
• Group revenues up by 14.7% to € 20.9 billion
• Profit before financial result 20.6% higher at € 2.5 billion
• Profit before tax improved to approximately € 2.3 billion
• Automotive segment EBIT margin of 9.5%
• Earnings outlook for current year confirmed

The BMW Group continued to perform well during the first three months of 2015, with sales volume, revenues, profit before financial result and profit before tax all rising to new highs for the first-quarter period.

Group revenues grew significantly by 14.7% to € 20,917 million (2014: € 18,235 million). Profit before financial result (EBIT) for the three-month period rose by 20.6% to € 2,521 million (2014: € 2,090 million), thanks to strong performances by the Automotive, Motorcycles and Financial Services segments. 

The EBIT margin for the Group was 12.1% (2014: 11.5%). Profit before tax(EBT) improved by 5.1% to € 2,269 million (2014: € 2,159 million). Net profit came in at € 1,516 million (2014: € 1,458 million), 4.0% ahead of the previous year's first quarter.

Automobile sales volume of the BMW Group climbed by 8.1% to 526,669 units (2014: 487,024 units), thus setting a new record for the period. "We have got off to a good start in 2015", commented Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Wednesday in Munich. 

Automotive segment: EBIT margin at upper end of target range

Automotive segment revenues increased by 14.1% in the first quarter to € 18,893 million (2014: € 16,559 million) due to the increase in sales volume and changes in the fixed exchange rates. EBIT climbed by 13.5% to € 1,794 million (2014: € 1,580 million). 

The EBIT margin in the Automotive segment was unchanged at 9.5% and is therefore in the upper half of the targeted range of between 8 and 10%. Profit before tax amounting to € 1,634 million (2014: € 1,643 million; -0.5%) was at a similar level to the previous year. Earnings were held down by a number of factors, such as fair value losses recognized on commodity derivatives.

The BMW brand also recorded a new sales volume high, with 451,576 units (2014: 428,259 units; +5.4%) sold during the first quarter. Tailwind came from numerous models, including the BMW X5 and the 4, 5 and 6 Series, each of which achieved the pole position in their relevant segments.

The BMW 2 Series recorded a total sales volume of 27,930 units (2014: 2,608 units) in the period from January to March. Sales of the BMW 3 Series remained at a high level, with 107,283 units (2014: 116,671 units; -8.0%) sold during the period. As the Convertible and Coupé models are now part of the BMW 4 Series, the previous year's high level was not quite achieved. Sales of the BMW 4 Series more than doubled in the same period to 36,545 units (2014: 17,709 units).

The various models of the BMW X family also remain very popular. First-quarter sales of the BMW X4 totalled 13,925 units. The BMW X5 recorded a 29.7% jump in sales volume to 40,242 units (2014: 31,025 units), while the BMW X6 increased sales by 4.7% to 9,588 units (2014: 9,160 units).BMW i remains on the road to success, with a total of 6,636 units (2014: 2,022 units; +228.2%) sold in the first quarter.

MINI , too, recorded a new high for first-quarter deliveries to customers, registering a sales volume of 74,312 units (2014: 57,868 units), 28.4% up on the previous year. Sales of the MINI (3 and 5 door) more than doubled to 47,922 units (2014: 17,860 units). 

In the ultra-luxury segment, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars achieved the second-best first-quarter sales volume performance in its history, with 781 units delivered to customers (2014: 897 units; -12.9%), including 310 units (2014: 305 units; +1.6%) of the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

In line with its strategy of a balanced distribution of worldwide sales, the BMW Group recorded sales volume growth in all major sales regions. 

In Europe, sales of the Group's three automobile brands increased by 9.6% to 234,849 units (2014: 214,210 units). Sales volume was 3.4% higher in Germany at 64,610 units (2014: 62,502 units). The number of vehicles sold in the United Kingdom grew by 15.1% to 53,534 units (2014: 46,500 units). 

A total of 166,678 units (2014: 158,582 units; +5.1%) was sold in Asia, including sales on the Chinese mainland which grew by 6.4% to 115,078 units (2014: 108,143 units).

In the Americas region, sales volume climbed by 9.9% to 109,743 units (2014: 99,840 units), with sales in the USA rising significantly by 12.6% to 91,479 units (2014: 81,248 units). 

Motorcycles segment records new highs

The Motorcycles segment continues to perform well. Segment revenues for the three-month period grew by 20.1% to € 567 million (2014: € 472 million) on the back of good sales volumes and a high-value model mix. EBIT rose by 79.7% to € 115 million (2014: € 64 million), while profit before tax advanced by 81.0% to € 114 million (2014: € 63 million). Sales volume climbed by 9.2% to 31,370 units (2014: 28,719 units). The figures reported for earnings and sales volume represented new first-quarter highs. The upward trend in business has been further boosted by the new BMW R 1200 R, R 1200 RS, S 1000 RR, S 1000 XR and F 800 R models, which have been in the showrooms since March.

Another successful quarter for Financial Services

The Financial Services segment continued to perform well during the period from January to March, recording new first-quarter highs. Segment revenues were 23.9% higher at € 6,058 million (2014: € 4,890 million), while profit before tax rose by 23.4% to € 559 million (2014: € 453 million). The segment result benefited in particular from favourable exchange rate developments.

In total, 384,565 (2014: 348,072) new financing and leasing contracts were signed during the first quarter, 10.5% more than in the previous year. The number of lease and financing contractsincreased by 6.0% to a total of 4,419,817 contracts (2014: 4,170,318 contracts).

Workforce increased 

The size of the workforce grew by 5.5% compared to the end of the previous year's first quarter. Overall, the BMW Group had a worldwide workforce of 117,554 employees at the end of the reporting period (31 March 2014: 111,378 employees). The BMW Group continues to recruit engineers and other skilled workers, in order to keep pace with rising demand for BMW Group vehicles, push ahead with innovations and develop new technologies.

BMW Group reaffirms targets for the full year

The BMW Group can look ahead to the rest of the year with confidence, thanks to its attractive range of models. Economic conditions in some regions will, however, continue to pose challenges. The situation on the Russian automobile market, for instance, is likely to remain difficult. The ongoing process of normalisation of the Chinese automobile market is also likely to continue, resulting in less dynamic growth.

The BMW Group forecasts rising personnel costs over the course of the current financial year as well as ongoing upfront expenditure for further growth and new technologies. The political and economic environment is also expected to remain volatile.

The BMW Group expects tailwind in 2015 due to its attractive model range, the market launch of 15 new models and model revisions and because of the forecast positive development of international automobile markets.

The BMW Group reaffirms its targets for the full year. "We are aiming to achieve solid growth in 2015, and hence new record figures for sales volume and profit before tax", commented Reithofer. The BMW Group also predicts that it will remain the world's leading manufacturer of premium vehicles in 2015.

Automotive segment revenues are forecast to grow significantly due to the increase in sales volume and exchange rate factors. The company had previously expected a solid growth in revenues. The EBIT margin in 2015 is forecast to remain within the targeted range of between 8 and 10%.

The BMW Group forecasts that the Motorcycles segment will continue its upward trend in the current year, helped by positive contributions from the new models launched in time for the start of the biking season. Sales of BMW motorcycles over the year as a whole are forecast to grow solidly.

The Financial Services segment should also continue to perform well throughout 2015. Despite rising equity capital requirements worldwide, the BMW Group forecasts a return on equity (RoE) in line with the previous year’s level (2014: 19.4%), thus remaining ahead of the target of at least 18%.

The BMW Group's forecasts for the financial year 2015 are based on the assumption that political and economic conditions remain more or less stable.

  

The BMW Group – an overview		1st quarter 2015	1st quarter 2014*	Change in %
Sales volume
Automotive	units	526,669	487,024	8.1
Thereof:
BMW	units	451,576	428,259	5.4
MINI	units	74,312	57,868	28.4
Rolls-Royce	units	781	897	-12.9
Motorcycles	units	31,370	28,719	9.2
Workforce1		117,554	111,378	5.5
Revenues	€ million	20,917	18,235	14.7
Thereof:
Automotive	€ million	18,893	16,559	14.1
Motorcycles	€ million	567	472	20.1
Financial Services	€ million	6,058	4,890	23.9
Other Entities	€ million	2	2	-
Eliminations	€ million	-4,603	-3,688	-24.8
Profit before financial result (EBIT)	€ million	2,521	2,090	20.6
Thereof:
Automotive	€ million	1,794	1,580	13.5
Motorcycles	€ million	115	64	79.7
Financial Services	€ million	555	465	19.4
Other Entities	€ million	40	10	-
Eliminations	€ million	17	-29	-
Profit before tax (EBT)	€ million	2,269	2,159	5.1
Thereof:
Automotive	€ million	1,634	1,643	-0.5
Motorcycles	€ million	114	63	81.0
Financial Services	€ million	559	453	23.4
Other Entities	€ million	-23	57	-
Eliminations	€ million	-15	-57	73.7
Income taxes	€ million	-753	-701	-7.4
Net profit	€ million	1,516	1,458	4.0
Earnings per share2	€	2.30/2.30	2.22/2.22	3.6/3.6

*Prior year figures partially adjusted in accordance with IAS 8

1 Figures exclude dormant employment contracts, employees in the work and non-work phases of pre-retirement part-time working arrangements and low wage earners

2 Earnings per share of common stock/preferred stock