ŠKODA’s growth continues in the first six months: Between Jan & June, deliveries worldwide increased 4.6% to 569,400 Units

• Best first half-year ever: 569,400 deliveries (up 4.6%)
• Best June of all time: 98,800 deliveries (up 4.4%)
• International success: ŠKODA grows in China, Europe and Russia
• Success models: FABIA, SUPERB and YETI double-digit sales increase

ŠKODA’s growth continues in the first half of 2016: Between January and June, deliveries to customers worldwide increased 4.6% to 569,400 vehicles (first half of 2015: 544,300). This is a new ŠKODA sales record for the first half of a year. 

The Czech carmaker delivered 98,800 vehicles in June (up 4.4% compared to June 2015). 

The positive development in the core markets of China and Europe and the recovery of sales in Russia have contributed as much to the record results as the significant gains of the model series ŠKODA FABIA, SUPERB and YETI.

“ŠKODA did very well in the first half of the year, and the company’s stable growth continues,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing Werner Eichhorn. 

“The sales record is the result of an attractive model range and our team’s great performance. The strong sales figures in the first six months give us confidence for the second half of the year.”

In Western Europe, ŠKODA grew in June and the first half of the year. Compared to the same month last year, deliveries increased by 5.3% to 45,000 units (June 2015: 42,700 vehicles).

From January to June, the brand’s sales improved by 7.5% to 242,500 vehicles. In Germany, sales increased in this period by 6.9% to 86,500 units. 

The Czech car manufacturer recorded double-digit growth in June in the Netherlands (1600 vehicles; up 37.3%), France (2600 vehicles; up 21.2%), Great Britain (8500 vehicles; 17.8%), Italy (2000 vehicles; up 27.2%) and Spain where sales increased 31% to 2400 vehicles.

ŠKODA also recorded a significant sales increase in Central Europe. Sales in June increased 13% to 17,200 vehicles (June 2015: 15,300 vehicles). In the first half, ŠKODA sold 96,300 units and achieved an increase of 8.3%. 

In their home market – the Czech Republic – sales increased 7% to 8200 vehicles in June, and 7.9% to 46,200 units in the first half of the year. In Croatia (500 vehicles; up 18.4%), Poland (5200 vehicles; 21.7%) and Hungary (1000 vehicles, up 30.7%), deliveries increased in double digits.

In Eastern Europe, excluding Russia ŠKODA surpassed the previous June by 12.8% with 3300 vehicles (June 2015: 2900 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the Czech manufacturer even grew in the tight markets (17,000 vehicles; up 6.5%) and the brand’s market share increased by 14.6% to 8.5%. 

In Russia, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 8.9% (4800 vehicles) compared to the same month last year (June 2015: 4400 vehicles). Between January and June, ŠKODA sold 26,900 vehicles (first half of 2015: 28,000), and the company’s market share increased significantly – by 12.8% to 4.3%. 

Sales figures also increased in the Baltic countries (500 vehicles; up 3.7%), Bosnia (100 vehicles; up 96.9%), Bulgaria (300 vehicles; up 3.3%), Romania (1000 vehicles; up 32.8%) and Ukraine (300 vehicles, up 202.7%).

ŠKODA also surpassed last year’s sales figures in China – the company’s strongest market worldwide: In June, sales climbed by 11.8% (22,400 vehicles). 

The six-month balance also closed positively with an increase of 5.4% (145,800 vehicles). In addition, ŠKODA recorded growth in New Zealand (100 vehicles; up 12.8%) and Taiwan (400 vehicles; up 46.2%).

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in June 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to June 2015):

ŠKODA CITIGO (sold only in Europe: 4000; -8.7 %)

ŠKODA FABIA (19,600; +3.0 %)

ŠKODA RAPID (17,700; +6.2 %)

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (36,000; -5.4 %)

ŠKODA SUPERB (12,600; +108.2 %)

ŠKODA YETI (8900; -0.4 %)

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in the first half of 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to the first half of 2015):

ŠKODA CITIGO (sold only in Europe: 20,000; -3.2 %)

ŠKODA FABIA (104,700; +14.0 %)

ŠKODA RAPID (102,600; -5.1 %)

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (219,500; -1.9 %)

ŠKODA SUPERB (70,100; +81.1 %)

SKODA YETI (52,400; +11.7 %)

eBay and Silverstone Classic manage to rebuild the Range Rover Classic in just three days, now thats good going.

• Fergus Walkinshaw led a team of expert restorers at eBay RESTORATION LIVE

Festival goers at this weekend’s Silverstone Classic (29-31 July) experienced a once-in-lifetime chance to see a 1983 Range Rover brought back to life over the course of just three days.

eBay, the festival’s official parts and accessories partner, challenged racing driver and car restorer Fergus Walkinshaw to revive the vehicle in front of a live audience at eBay’s RESTORATION LIVE.

Starting at 7.00am on Friday morning, Fergus and his team of skilled mechanics guided the crowd through every step of the project as they renovated the iconic first-generation Range Rover using only parts bought from online marketplace eBay.

The crew worked around the clock to get the Range Rover ready for its unveiling on stage at the Mike Brewer Car Clinic on Sunday.

The project included replacing the suspension and the exhaust system, as well as a host of other jobs. The Range Rover was returned to its original condition, even sourcing rare parts such as a section of carpet covering the spare wheel and the front bumper trim.

On Sunday afternoon, the off-roader was driven onto the eBay stage for Mike Brewer’s Car Clinic in front of a crowd of festival-goers.

Mike described the breakneck restoration as “a miracle”. “If you had seen this car three days ago, you would not have believed it could have looked like this,” he said on stage, before Fergus took the crowd through the process of sourcing hundreds of parts from eBay and overhauling the car in just under three days.

RESTORATION LIVE also hosted David Newell's gloriously restored Triumph GT6 Mk3. David was one of three amateur restorers selected to take part in the first ever eBay Car Challenge. David and the owners of a Volkswagen Beetle and Riley Kestrel 1300 secured a £4,000 restoration budget from eBay and set about restoring their classics in painstaking detail in just three months.

David poured “blood, sweat and tears – literally” into his "poor man's E-Type", replacing both rear wings among hundreds of new parts. The Triumph was proudly displayed next to the Ranger Rover pit over the course of Silverstone Classic and took part in the official Triumph parade lap on Saturday afternoon.

Murray Lambell, eBay’s director of retail car parts & accessories, said, “Watching Fergus and the team bring two tons of Range Rover back to life was an amazing spectacle. As soon as they fired up the engine for the first time on the last morning, the RESTORATION LIVE crowd burst into a round of applause, which was amazing."

When Fergus handed back the keys to the proud owner live on the eBay stage, he presented him with the original sales brochure from 1983 too. Fergus was able to find every part he needed from eBay, using 80 business sellers from the online marketplace ensuring that he had everything Fergus and his team needed.  

Murray added, “It was also fantastic to have David and his glorious Triumph GT6 Mk3 with us for the festival. Having seen pictures of the Triumph before the eBay Car Challenge, he’s done a superb job to have it ready for Silverstone Classic and we’re really glad to have helped him get back on the road.”

Best-in-class Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) costs for All-New Mégane from independent valuation experts, cap hpi

• Best-in-class Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) costs for All-New Mégane from independent valuation experts, cap hpi
• All-New Mégane receives the largest ever residual value uplift awarded by cap hpi to a new generation C-segment vehicle – an increase of eight percentage points compared to Mégane III
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) costs improve substantially over 36 months / 60,000 miles
• Available to order now, with first customer deliveries expected later this month
• All-New Mégane priced from £16,600 OTR

The All-New Renault Mégane has received best-in-class Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) figures at launch according to data provided by independent valuation experts, cap hpi.  The fourth generation of Renault’s popular family car also sees the largest ever RV uplift awarded by CAP to a C-segment vehicle and substantial reductions in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) costs.

Whether in diesel or petrol, the All-New Mégane has been judged by cap hpi to have the lowest servicing, tyres, brakes and other maintenance costs compared to its main rivals.  The Mégane Dynamique Nav dCi 110 – the predicted best-seller – has an SMR cost of £1,291 over 36 months / 60,000 miles according to the cap hpi Derwent SMR Cost Analysis May 2016.  This is an eight per cent improvement over the previous generation Mégane and 3.4 per cent better than its nearest competitor.  In Dynamique Nav TCe 130 guise, the All-New Mégane has a best-in-class SMR cost of £1,354. 

The All-New Renault Mégane also benefits from a dramatic improvement in terms of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to the third generation model it replaces, rising five places in its competitive category, from seventh to second in class.  A significant reduction of £1,975 (10.5 per cent) over 36 months / 60,000 miles has resulted in a TCO figure of £18,755 for the dCi 110 Dynamique Nav version.  The Dynamique Nav TCe 130 also sees a substantial reduction in its TCO figure with a £2,404 reduction (11.6 per cent) to £20,656 over 36 months / 60,000 miles.  TCO takes into account depreciation, fuel and SMR costs. 

The All-New Mégane, in the most popular Dynamique Nav dCi 110 trim, sees a Residual Value uplift of eight percentage points over the outgoing generation – the largest RV uplift ever awarded by cap hpi to a replacement model in the family car segment.

Mark Dickens, Head of Fleet Sales Operations & Vehicle Remarketing, Renault UK, commented: “The All-New Mégane is clearly a compelling business proposition to both corporate and user chooser customers. Following on from All-New Kadjar, it’s the next exciting chapter in our C-segment rejuvenation, backed up by our professional Pro+ dealer network and the industry leading Renault Business Quality Commitment”.

Jeff Knight, Forecasting Editor, cap hpi, commented: “Renault with the All-New Mégane have not only created a convincing fleet offering in terms of Total Cost of Ownership, they have underpinned this with a striking design and equipment levels that will surely attract the future used buyer”.

The fourth generation Mégane is available in 25 different versions across six trim levels, including the All-New Mégane GT, featuring 4Control all-wheel steering – unique in the C-segment.  Bringing innovations from the executive car category into the family car class for the first time,  All-New Mégane is also available with a unique-in-class 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen as well as Multi-Sense technology which allows drivers to personalise their driving experience by modifying the accelerator pedal and engine response, engine sound, steering weight, interior lighting ambience, and, where fitted, the shift speed of the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission.

British Motor Heritage (BMH) is delighted to announce the addition of Anglo Parts to it's list of Approved Specialists

British Motor Heritage (BMH) is delighted to announce the addition of the multinational Anglo Parts concern to its already impressive list of Approved Specialists.

Founded in Belgium in 1982 by MG enthusiasts Chris and Bruno Van Gestel, Anglo Parts is now a significant force across Europe, with branches in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Luxembourg and the Czech and Slovak Republics. 

As the name suggests, the company supplies ‘Quality Parts for Classic British Cars’; in particular for models of Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Mini, Land Rover Defender and the ubiquitous Morris Minor. 

In addition to its enormous stock of car spares, the company can also supply a large selection of accessories and automobilia, from engine tuning parts to flying helmets and tools to enamel signs. 

It prides itself on the speed, price and condition of its parcel deliveries, and most items ordered in the morning are delivered the following day.

Commenting on this latest appointment, BMH’s Managing Director John Yea said: 

“This union of two well established automotive companies will be mutually beneficial combining, as it does, Anglo Parts’ impressive product knowledge, market reach and extensive distribution options with BMH’s unique range of original parts and manufacturing skills. 

I am delighted at the arrangement, which greatly strengthens the European level of our global coverage.”

Details of BMH’s product range and a full list of the company’s UK and 

USa - Select models of the third-generation of INFINITI’s iconic sports coupe set to arrive in early September at INFINITI retailers nationwide.

• Select models of the third-generation of INFINITI’s iconic sports coupe set to arrive in early September at INFINITI retailers nationwide
• Pricing begins at $38,950 for Q60 2.0t rear-wheel drive model
• Special INFINITI Q60 Reservation Program now available online at InfinitiUSA.com
• Curated gifts for Reservation Program participants include GoPro® Hero4 Silver camera, Bose® SoundTouch® 20 Series III Wireless Music System, Rosewood Hotel one-night accommodation, Tumi Tegra-Lite® carry-on luggage and specially curated culinary experience

INFINITI today announced pricing for select models of the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sports coupe, which will begin arriving at INFINITI retailers nationwide in early September. The Q60 is offered in a range of grade levels, including all-new advanced turbocharged engines and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

For buyers desiring to be among the first in line for the completely redesigned third-generation INFINITI sports coupe, a special Q60 Reservation Program is available at InfinitiUSA.com.

Those who sign up for the program will not only be rewarded with their new Q60, but will receive their choice from a selection of gifts – including a GoPro® camera, Bose® music system and Tumi luggage.

"Like the new Q60 sports coupe, we've selected Reservation Program rewards that fit INFINITI owners' lifestyles," said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. 

"The real reward, of course, is the new Q60 with its next generation ride and handling technologies and the very latest INFINITI infotainment and driver assist systems."

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2017 INFINITI Q60 are:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
Q60 2.0t	2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD	$38,950 USD
Q60 2.0t AWD	2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD	$40,950 USD
Q60 2.0t Premium	2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD	$41,300 USD
Q60 2.0t Premium AWD	2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD	$43,300 USD
Q60 3.0t Premium	3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / RWD	$44,300 USD
Q60 3.0t Premium AWD	3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / AWD	$46,300 USD

Destination and Handling $905 USD

Pricing for the 2017 Q60 Red Sport 400 will be announced at a later date.

About the 2017 INFINITI Q60

The all-new INFINITI Q60, a style leader since its original inception, offers a compelling combination of daring design and exhilarating performance and dynamics. 

The third-generation of INFINITI's renowned sports coupe is offered in a range of two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and powerplants – including the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo that it shares with the popular INFINITI Q50 sports sedan.

The INFINITI Q60 2.0t is powered by an advanced 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Positioned as a key entry model to the premium sports coupe segment, the 2.0t provides rich feature content and undeniable style. 

Notable standard features include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, Flexible Stop Position doors, 8-way powered high backed bolstered sport seats, contrast stitched dashboard and door panels, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with streaming audio, and RearView Monitor. 

The Q60 2.0t Premium grade adds power sliding/tilting moonroof, Bose® Performance Series Audio plus seven speakers (13 total) and more.

The INFINITI Q60 3.0t Premium features the standard content of the Q60 2.0t Premium but is powered by the all-new VR-series 3.0 liter V6 twin-turbo engine. Positioned as the core volume trim, the 3.0t offers superior V6 performance to comparably priced 4-cylinder competitors.

The new, exclusive VR-series 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is available in two states of tune – 300 horsepower in the Q60 3.0t Premium and 400 horsepower in the upcoming Q60 Red Sport 400 – and is a more than worthy successor to the renowned, highly awarded "VQ-series" V6 that has been a mainstay of INFINITI performance models for many years. 

Both of the new VR-series engines have been developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance. Around 85 percent of the parts utilized in the VR-series V6 are different from those used in the previous VQ-series V6.

USA - Acura will celebrate its 30th Anniversary and showcase the brand's Precision Crafted Performance brand heritage.

Acura Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Performance Heritage and “Precision Crafted Performance” DNA Throughout 2016 Monterey Automotive Week

• 2017 NSX supercar featured throughout the week
• Acura Precision Concept and NSX GT3 Racecar Make West Coast Debuts
• Acura will showcase brand's role as premier automotive sponsor of The Quail

Acura will celebrate its 30th Anniversary and showcase the brand's Precision Crafted Performance brand heritage with its extensive presence at the 2016 Monterey Automotive Week.  

Bringing the brand's luxury and performance DNA to life will be West Coast debuts of the stunning Acura Precision Concept, showcasing the future design direction of Acura, and the 2017 Acura NSX GT3, which is being prepared for competition in North America.

"There's no better place on earth to showcase and celebrate our brand heritage and future direction in this 30th anniversary year than at Monterey Automotive Week," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager for the Acura Division. 

"We're acutely focused on our Precision Crafted Performance DNA, which is exemplified in products like the NSX and Acura Precision Concept."

Central to Acura's presence at Monterey Automotive Week are three pinnacle representations of Acura's performance-oriented, premium automotive brand values, including the all-new 2017 NSX supercar.  

Launched this spring, the NSX challenges supercar norms with its bespoke 75-degree twin-turbo V-6 engine mated to a 9-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, the Acura NSX is the only supercar manufactured in the U.S¹. 

Focused on custom craftsmanship, the dedicated manufacturing center uses new and innovative approaches to body construction, vehicle painting, final assembly and quality assurance to deliver a truly world-class new NSX to customers around the world.

The Acura Precision Concept, with its supercar-like stance, more performance-minded proportions and alluring design details, points toward a bolder, more distinctive future for Acura vehicle design.  

The refreshed 2017 MDX, now on-sale, is the first inspired by this striking vision.  The Acura Precision Concept was developed by the Acura Design Studio in California.

Joining these vehicles at various events throughout the week will be the Acura NSX GT3, which is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall and will campaign in North America in 2017.  

The NSX GT3 will be powered by the same 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine that powers the production 2017 Acura NSX, including the block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system.  Its aluminum-intensive, multi-material space frame is constructed at the Performance Manufacturing Center. 

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

Acura will once again be the premier automotive sponsor for The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,on Friday, August 19. 

As a Sapphire-level sponsor for one of the week's most esteemed events, the Acura display will celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary and performance heritage. The 2017 Acura NSX supercar will be joined by the Acura Precision Concept and the NSX GT3 racecar. 

Additionally, guests will have an opportunity to experience the refreshed 2017 Acura MDX via a ride and drive event at The Quail Lodge & Golf Club.

Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue

Acura will kick-off the week's activities as the premier automotive sponsor of the Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue on Tuesday, August 16. In its fourth year of participation in the event, Acura will showcase its complete lineup of performance luxury vehicles in Carmel's historic Devendorf Park.

¹Assembled in the U.S. with domestic and globally sourced parts.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

This year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will showcase Acura's racing heritage with the West Coast debut of the 2017 Acura NSX GT3 racecar, which will be displayed alongside the 1991 RealTime Acura NSX, campaigned by Peter Cunningham (1991 to 2002) and driven by Cunningham to the Speed World Challenge GT championship in 1998.  

Both will be on display at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion in the Acura garage August 20-21.  

Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival

Acura will again have a presence at Gordon McCall's prestigious Motorworks Revival, displaying the groundbreaking NSX supercar next to its corporate sibling, HondaJet – the world's most advanced light jet. 

Gordon McCall's prestigious Motorworks Revival takes place on Wednesday, August 17 at the Revival in the Monterey Jet Center.

The 2016 Monterey Automotive Week will be held August 16-21. Visit 

www.montereycarweek.com 

for more information.