New Swift 4x4 comes with VAT free pricing

• Available with 1.2-litre petrol engine and five doors in either SZ3 or SZ4 grades
• Fully automatic and permanent 4WD system
• Just 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD model
• CO2 emissions of 126g/km
• Available with VAT free until September 30th

Suzuki has a strong global heritage for its 4WD models and now, following sales success in Japan as well as several European Countries including Germany and Switzerland, Suzuki is launching the 4x4 Swift in the UK and it goes on sale this month.

Swift 4x4 will be available as a five door 1.2 petrol model with manual transmission and equipped as either an SZ3 or SZ4 grade.

Apart from 4x4 badging and a slightly increased body ride height of 25mm the SZ3 grade appears identical to an equivalent SZ3 five door. The SZ4 model has a more rugged appearance and offers extra protection over rough ground by adding front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch extensions and black side skirts.

This new model has a proven and simple fully automatic and permanent 4-wheel drive system which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling, further enhancing the already highly acclaimed cornering ability of the Swift.

It is also an ideal choice for customers living in rural areas needing additional mobility or for crossing slippery surfaces during winter without owning a larger and more conventional SUV sized vehicle.

Thanks to the use of small and lightweight components Swift 4x4 is just 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD petrol model and emissions are only 10g/km higher at 126g/km.

Included in Suzuki’s recently extended VAT free offers, the 4WD Swift is priced at £11,516 for SZ3 and £13,116 for the higher specified SZ4 model which now includes power folding door mirrors with integral indicators and Daylight Running Lamps as standard equipment.

Peugeot does have something to smile about

• Sales worldwide January – June 2013 - 808 000 units
• Sales of assembled vehicles stable compared to the 1st half of 2012, 12.4 % down in Europe but 21.2 % up outside Europe
• Acceleration of sales outside Europe
• 43 % of sales now outside Europe (+ 8 points), in line with the objective of 50 % by 2015. China, Argentina & Algeria now in the Top 5 (France number 1, United Kingdom, number 3)
• Sales in China rise sharply : + 35% (compared to + 16 % for the market)
• Sales in Argentina up by 25%
• Sales in Algeria up by 63%
• Success for Peugeot in the B (208, 2008) and C (301) segments
• Acceleration in the move up-market: high level model mix on 208, 2008

Against the background of a depressed European market and overseas markets with contrasting results, Automobiles Peugeot recorded 808,000 sales worldwide during the first half of 2013. Sales of assembled vehicles (808,000) are more or less stable compared to the first half of 2012 (812 000).

Peugeot has a number of opportunities to progress in the second half of 2013 and for the success of its strategy in the medium term. These include:

• The Marque’s  performance in the majority of the large growing markets
• The success of recent launches (208, 2008, 301, 308 China)
• Launches due to take place during the second half (in particular the new 308)
• The confirmation of its policy of moving up-market
• Successful launches

The first half of 2013 saw Peugeot continue its product offensive.

The 208 passed 400 000 units of production at its plants in France, Slovakia and Brazil. Barely a year after its launch, the heir to the Peugeot 2-series has won recognition throughout Europe, taking second position in the hotly contested B segment saloon category; at the end of May 2013, it had taken 1st place in the category in France, Holland and Denmark, 2nd in Switzerland, Norway and Portugal and 3rd in Belgium, Luxembourg and Slovenia.  

In early spring, the range was enhanced with two emblematic versions: 208 XY, the chic and exclusive urban car and the stunning 208 GTi.

208 is contributing towards Peugeot’s move up-market: during the first half, 30 % of orders were for the higher trim levels.

The international deployment of the 208 was completed during the first half of the year with the start of production in Brazil and sales in Latin America and Russia.

The 208 sold 179,000 units in the period (20,815 in the UK).

The 2008 Crossover, launched at the start of May 2013 in Europe (18 July in the UK), has been exceptionally well received (29, 000 orders in total); as a result, orders in Europe during June were ahead of plan by 31 % with strong demand for the upper trim levels in the range. This success will lead to an increase in production capacity at the Mulhouse plant and the creation of an additional production shift; from October, 615 2008 vehicles will come off the lines every day at the Alsace site. In the UK, 700 advanced orders have already been received.

During the first half of 2013, the Peugeot 301 continued its sales deployment that started in the final months of 2012. It recorded 37,000 sales (40 % ahead of objective for the period) and during the second half will benefit from increased momentum in the markets where it was first launched – Algeria & Turkey and from additional volume in the regions where it was launched during the 2nd quarter of 2013 – the Middle East & Russia.

Peugeot’s environmental commitment can be seen in the figures for the first half: the offer of three HYbrid4 Diesel Hybrid models, the optimisation of petrol and HDi engines, the extension through the ranges of the new generation of 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre 3-cylinder petrol engines (on 208, 2008 and 301) and the wide application of e-HDi Stop & Start, have allowed Peugeot to reduce the average weighted CO2 emissions of its European range to 116.3 g/km against 121.5 g/km in 2012.

Europe: resisting well in terms of market share against a very competitive context

In a European car and light commercial vehicle market down by 6.7 % in the first half of 2013, with a still sustained competitive background, by choosing the most profitable channels of distribution, Peugeot has adopted a sound approach to its sales; the Peugeot marque achieved 473,000 registrations (394, 000 cars and 7, 000 LCVs), a drop of 10.3 %, corresponding to a market share of 6.6 %, against 6.8 % a year ago.

This change reflects an unfavourable market mix, with the persistent weakness of the big markets in Southern Europe, traditionally the most important for Peugeot.

During the 1st half of 2013 Peugeot confirmed its position as the 4th European marque, with a market share for cars and LCVs that is growing slightly in several large countries in the area, particularly in France, Spain, Italy and Holland. Peugeot’s performance in Spain should be noted in particular: with 37,300 registrations (8.7 % of the market), Peugeot has taken 1st place (3rd in the first half of 2012) in a market that is stabilising.

Finally, Peugeot has increased its share of the demand in Europe for LCVs to 10.8% (10.6% in the first half of 2012), so supporting its 4th place in this market.

Acceleration in overseas markets: progress in sales in most of the large growing markets

Peugeot’s offensive in overseas markets accelerated sharply during the first half of 2013, with sales of assembled vehicles (348,000), increasing by 21.2 % compared to the 1st half of 2012. As a result, sales outside Europe represented 43 % of Peugeot’s sales worldwide, against 35 % a year ago.

Peugeot is outperforming in several large growing markets

In China, Peugeot’s second largest market, the marque recorded sales of 139,800 in the 1st half, up by 35 % (+ 16 % for the market). As a result Peugeot achieved a market share of 1.9 %, an increase of 0.3 point. With 43,700 registrations, the saloon version of 308 has been an instant success as has the Chinese version of the 3008, production of which started in China at the beginning of the year, with sales of 24,600 - 40 % above objective.

In Latin America, sales increased by 15 % (86 300) during the 1st half of 2013.

In Argentina, with 52,000 registrations (+ 25 %), Peugeot reached a market share of 10.9 % (+ 1.5 points).

In Brazil (27,500 registrations), Peugeot expects to quickly recover ground in the second half of the year, by making the most of the recent launch of the 208, now produced at the Porto Real plant  in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

In the Russian region, Peugeot invoiced 20,200 vehicles, before the build up of sales of the 208 and the 301, launched during the spring.

In the Mediterranean area, Peugeot is growing overall thanks to its performance in the Algerian market.

In Algeria, the 2nd largest market in Africa, Peugeot continues its strong growth, with the notable contribution from the 301, supporting its 1st place in the market: with 48,600 vehicles registered, up by 63 % (+ 13 % for the market), Peugeot recorded a penetration of 19 %, up 6 points compared to the 1st half of 2012.

Jaguar, Land Rover to attend Royal Festival at Buckingham Palace

• Jaguar Land Rover to showcase its past, present and future at the Coronation Festival
• Jaguar C-X75 Hybrid Supercar Prototype to take centre stage
• Exclusive collection of Royal heritage vehicles on display

Jaguar Land Rover is set to celebrate automotive innovation with a display of vehicles representing the best of British engineering over the last six decades at the Coronation Festival – July 11th to 14th.

As the only automotive manufacturer to hold Royal Warrants from all three Grantors, Jaguar Land Rover will showcase vehicles which highlight the company’s world-class capability in developing pioneering products and technologies with the Jaguar C-X75 Hybrid Supercar Prototype taking centre stage in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

The C-X75 is a state-of-the-art hybrid supercar with the efficiency of a low-emissions city car representing the pinnacle of the company’s engineering and design expertise. The great achievements in the development of C-X75 prototypes - including cutting-edge hybrid technologies, carbon composite materials and advanced design solutions pioneered in association with Williams Advanced Engineering - will be utilised in other areas of research and development, innovative future products and next-generation engineering for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

This is the latest example of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to delivering technical excellence through product and technological innovation. Jaguar Land Rover has more than 7,000 designers and engineers dedicated to delivering the pioneering automotive innovations which have become synonymous with its vehicles throughout the decades. For Land Rover these innovations include the first SUV with Electronic Traction Control, anti-lock brakes and Stop/Start technologies and industry-first applications of adjustable air suspension, Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response®. For Jaguar these innovations include the development of the modern disc brake first seen on the Jaguar C-TYPE and more recently, the first pyrotechnic deployable bonnet safety feature on the Jaguar XK and the first aluminium monocoque body on the XJ.

Two of the latest additions to both the Jaguar and Land Rover ranges - the F-TYPE and the all-new Range Rover, will also be on display at the Festival and offer further examples of the company’s pioneering use of aluminium technology. The F-TYPE showcases the fourth generation of Jaguar's acclaimed lightweight aluminium architecture whilst the Range Rover is the world's first SUV with a revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure and is 39 per cent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model enabling total vehicle weight savings of up to 420kg.

Highlighting Jaguar and Land Rover’s rich lineage will be a specially selected collection of heritage vehicles. This bespoke line up represents Jaguar Land Rover’s 60 years of service to the Royal Family, with each car telling its own unique story. Amongst them are the 1953 Land Rover Royal ceremonial vehicle known as State IV which was part of a fleet which accompanied Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on a six month Commonwealth tour soon after the coronation, and a 1955 Jaguar Mark VIIM saloon used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for her private motoring from 1955 until 1973.

These cars along with a 1949 Land Rover series I Troop review, a 1966 Land Rover series II Military Escort, two Royal review Range Rovers from 1974 and 2002, a 1961 Jaguar E-TYPE Series I and a 2002 Daimler X308 Super V8 Saloon were yesterday transported back along The Queen’s 1953 Coronation route as they took part in a celebratory cavalcade through the iconic streets of London from Horse Guards Parade to Admiralty Arch and Westminster Abbey.

The Coronation Festival which takes place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace from 11th July to 14th July is a celebration of innovation, excellence and industry through trade and craft.Uniquely it will be the first time that more than 200 companies who hold Royal Warrants of Appointment have been brought together in this way to showcase their goods, services and skills.

Record sales for Skoda UK

• Record first six months from January to June
• More than 32,000 registrations year to date
• Strong June performance with 6,361 cars sold

ŠKODA UK has enjoyed the most successful six months in its history with more than 32,000 registrations. ŠKODA’s best-selling model in the UK continues to be the Fabia, with total registrations for the first six months of 11,657. The Fabia is followed by multi-award-winning Yeti, which notched up 4,877 sales in the same period.

The impressive six-month total was boosted by a strong June sales performance. Fabia registrations hit 1,783, while the Octavia recorded 1,343 sales. Yeti also enjoyed a great month with 1,025 registrations.

Commenting on the record figures, Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK said: “These figures show how strong the ŠKODA brand has become in the UK. We’re delighted that so many drivers are choosing to buy ŠKODA. Our range is now broader than ever, while our retailer network is continuing to flourish. We have some very exciting new products in the pipeline that we can’t wait to get into showrooms later this year.”

TOYOTA RECALL - Power Steering Module

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 74 Model Year 2012 Toyota Yaris vehicles.

In the involved vehicles, a relay in the Power Steering Control Module of the electronic power steering system could experience a short circuit due to insufficient distances between terminals in the relay and moisture contamination of relay coil windings.  This could cause a loss of power steering assist, resulting in increased steering effort at low speeds.

If this condition should occur, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver that the system is not operating as designed.

Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will receive a notification by first class mail. The remedy will involve replacement of the Power Steering Control Module.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recalland at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

CHRYSLER RECALL #4 - Airbag Control Module

Chrysler Group LLC will recall 226 model-year 2013 minivans in North America – most of which are in dealer hands – to replace their airbag-control modules.

The modules were inadvertently programmed with software that may compromise airbag deployment.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries, accidents, customer complaints or dealer reports.

Shoulder restraints and other safety systems are unaffected.

The campaign, which is limited to the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country models, involves 184 vehicles in the U.S.; 40 in Canada and two in Mexico.

Approximately 180 of the vehicles are in dealer hands. Chrysler Group will notify affected customers and replace the modules at no cost.

Customer questions or concerns can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

CHRYSLER RECALL #3 - Track Bar fastener

Chrysler Group LLC will recall approximately 1,060 commercial trucks in North America – more than half of which are in dealer hands – to inspect and replace, if necessary, a track-bar fastener.

A track bar secures the axle during suspension travel. Fastened improperly, it may compromise vehicle steering.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related accidents or injuries.

Affected customers will be notified directly and their trucks will be inspected. If equipped with an incorrect bolt, the appropriate fastener will be installed at no cost.

The campaign is restricted to trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. Affected are 747 model-year 2013 Ram 4500/5500 trucks in the U.S., and 311 in Canada. Approximately 600 are in dealer hands.

Customer questions or concerns can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

CHRYSLER RECALL #2 - Electronic Stability Control

Chrysler Group LLC will recall approximately 69,000 4x4 pickup trucks worldwide to update their electronic stability control (ESC) software.

Chrysler Group received a small number of reports from dealers who noted ESC warning-lamp activation on 2013 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A warning lamp indicates ESC is disabled.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

An ensuing investigation discovered the condition may inadvertently occur when the transfer case position is changed immediately before the ignition is turned off. Software was modified to prevent ESC deactivation under such circumstances.

The total number of affected vehicles comprises approximately 45,900 in the U.S.; 21,000 in Canada; 1,400 in Mexico and 770 outside the NAFTA region.

Chrysler Group will notify affected customers. Questions or concerns can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

CHRYSLER RECALL #1 - Active head restraint function

Chrysler Group LLC will recall approximately 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

Active head restraints are designed to mitigate neck injuries by automatically moving forward during certain rear-impact collisions. Potentially faulty microcontrollers in some vehicles may prevent the systems from functioning properly.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Airbags and shoulder-restraint systems are not affected.

The potentially faulty microcontrollers were installed in a supplied component. They entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage.

Chrysler Group will replace the component or upgrade system software as needed, at no cost to its customers.
Affected are the 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

The campaign involves approximately 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 25,000 in Canada; 10,000 in Mexico; and 12,000 outside the NAFTA region.

Chrysler Group will notify affected customers. Questions or concerns can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

Queen Elizabeth II Unique Bentley takes pride of place.

• Unique opportunity to view Royal Bentley in Buckingham Palace Gardens
• Craftsmen and designers show world-class skills at ‘open air’ workshop
• Mulsanne flagship takes centre stage in Bentley exhibition

Visitors to the Coronation Festival (11-14 July) will be able to enjoy the rare opportunity to see one of the most recognisable and elegant cars in the world, Her Majesty The Queen’s State Limousine.

This unique Bentley, presented to The Queen in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne, will be the centrepiece of a collection of Bentleys on display in Buckingham Palace Gardens throughout the celebrations.

“Whilst the State Limousine is known to millions of people across the world, the Coronation Festival will offer a superb opportunity for visitors to take their time to walk around the car and get closer than usually possible. Her Majesty and The Royal Household have kindly made the car available for the occasion,” comments Richard Charlesworth, Bentley’s Director of Royal and VIP Relations.

Bentley’s craftsmen, designers and engineers (in partnership with several leading British automotive specialists) started work on ‘Project Diamond’ in 2000 with the clear objective of creating a truly elegant car suitable for every type of Royal occasion.

The State Limousine is designed to ensure as many well-wishers as possible have the opportunity to see The Queen and Bentley created a ‘panoramic glasshouse’ as well as making the vehicle far higher than any other car. Additionally, the rear seat position was determined using a model of the same height as The Queen and the doors are hinged at the rear and open through 90 degrees to enable Her Majesty to almost walk out of the car.

As well as presenting the State Limousine, Bentley’s craftsmen and designers will be offering live displays of some of the skills that provide every car that leaves the Crewe factory with a hand-built, bespoke feel.

The ‘open air workshop’ will show guests the mix of hand-to-eye coordination, skill and attention to detail needed to create Bentley’s luxury car models. For example, the team will be demonstrating how to contrast stitch a steering wheel or apply a crossband design to a wood veneer.

A final highlight from Bentley will be the presence of the company’s flagship model; the Mulsanne. Blending refinement and performance with luxury features and technology, the Mulsanne offers the greatest of grand touring experiences. The car takes nearly 400 hours to create (with 200 hours dedicated to crafting the luxurious interior) and nearly 120 exterior colours are available as standard as well as 24 leather colours. The steering wheel alone requires ten feet of thread and 620 stitches to complete.

Porsche half year sales fly

Between January and June 2013, Porsche shipped over 81,500 new cars globally for the first time ever by the midway point in the year – an increase of 18 per cent compared to the first half of 2012. In June alone the Stuttgart-based business sold 14,300 vehicles around the world, up 13 per cent on the same month last year.

“We’ve had a good first half to the year and go into the second six months highly motivated,” said Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, at a dealer presentation in Faro, Portugal. “Our attractive range of models is proving a hit with customers all over the world. Even before the new Panamera models are launched at the end of July, we already have a large number of orders. Our model strategy is, in particular, borne out by the demand for the first plug-in hybrid in the luxury segment.”

In the first half of 2013, all sales regions achieved figures above those for the same period last year: during the first six months in the Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East regions 30,400 new cars were handed over to customers (+25.2%). With 18,300 vehicles sold, Porsche achieved an increase in China compared to the first half of 2012 of 20 per cent. In the USA deliveries to customers rose between January and June 2013 by 30 per cent to a total of 21,300 units.

In its ‘50 Years of Porsche 911’ anniversary year, the iconic sports car has already provided a significant boost to sales worldwide: 15,834 sports cars were supplied to customers during the first six months of 2013, representing a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. With sales figures of 12,886 units, the mid-engine Boxster and Cayman models also recorded an almost threefold increase compared to January to June 2012. As expected, however, the most successful range in the first six months of this trading year was the Cayenne: 42,354 vehicles sold represent a year-on-year increase of 22 per cent.

Happy half Million - Porsche Cayenne reaches milestone

When the first Porsche Cayenne rolled off the assembly line at the Leipzig plant in 2002, nobody could foresee how very successful the sports-car SUV would be. “We started with around 70 units a day. Today we produce five times as much owing to the high market demand. In the past year alone, over 83,000 Cayenne vehicles for customers in more than 125 countries have rolled off the assembly line. A genuine success story of the Porsche plant in Saxony,” explains Dr. Oliver Blume, Member of the Executive Board Production and Logistics of Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Today, the 500,000th unit of the Porsche bestseller produced here in Leipzig will be handed over to its owner.

Picking up their new vehicle in person, every year around 2,500 Porsche customers from all over the world use this opportunity and experience a Porsche to its very limits when driving on the plant's proprietary, FIA-certified circuit and the off-the-road track. And so did the proud customer of the 500,000th Cayenne, who travelled from Austria to the Saxon metropolis to accept in a little ceremony the key to his white S Diesel with a 382 hp V8 engine, top speed 261 km/h.

Historic 24 hours at Vauxhall plants

• Quarter of a million Astra Sports Tourers built at Ellesmere Port…
• 900,000 Vivaro-type vans made at Vauxhall’s plant in Luton, Bedfordshire
• Landmark Vivaro handed over to AA patrol of the year Tony Rich
• Vauxhall is UK’s number one estate car maker and van manufacturer

In a monumental 24 hours, Vauxhall’s two UK manufacturing plants both reached production milestones with the 250,000th Astra Sports Tourer rolling off the production line at Ellesmere Port and the Luton facility building its 900,000th Vivaro-type van.

Ecstasy at Ellesmere

Yesterday workers at Ellesmere Port, Britain’s number one manufacturer of estate cars, held a celebration at the end of the production line as the quarter of a millionth Astra Sports Tourer, the UK’s best-selling estate car, was driven off the production line. The Astra is consistently one of the UK’s best-selling cars with over 2.8 million sold since it went on sale in 1980 and 30,000 sold alone this year.

Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence in the UK, the Sports Tourer is assembled solely at Ellesmere Port for export across Europe, while its upper-body structure was 100 per cent engineered by Vauxhall engineers based at Millbrook, Bedfordshire with key dynamic elements tuned for UK roads by the same team. Production of the current model started in 2010.

Vauxhall call the AA

Then, less than 24 hours later, the Luton plant’s 900,000th Vivaro was handed over to the AA, one of Vauxhall’s biggest customers.  AA patrol of the year Tony Rich, who will have the honour of driving the milestone van, received the keys on behalf of the AA.

Vauxhall is the UK’s number one commercial vehicle maker, a position the manufacturer has held for eleven years since Vivaro production started. The lynchpin of Vauxhall’s top-selling van range, over 150,000 Vivaros have been sold in the UK including 9,000 so far this year.

“We are very proud to celebrate these milestones at our UK production facilities in our 110th anniversary year,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “Our hardworking and dedicated workforce at Luton and Ellesmere Port produce vehicles of exceptional quality so it is no surprise these UK-built models are so successful in the marketplace.”

“We are honoured that this landmark Vivaro is going in to service with the AA,” said Edmund King, AA President.  “Tony is very much looking forward to driving his new van and I’m sure his visit to the plant is one call-out he’ll never forget!”

Both Vauxhall plants have been allocated new products securing production into the next decade. Ellesmere Port was awarded the accolade of lead European manufacturing plant for the next generation Astra, securing jobs and investment well into the next decade.

The Luton van facility will build the next generation Vivaro with production starting next year. Facility changes have begun with important upgrades already installed in the body shop. Significant investment has been made in the project including €95 million in the specific plant changes, €112 million in vendor tooling of which €34 million is in the UK and €12 million on facilities.  The plant will source 40 per cent of its content locally for the new vehicle.

Vauxhall Monza Concept shows it's self, what a stunner

New Vauxhall Monza Concept hints at BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 rival

Vauxhall's push upmarket shows no signs of letting up with this Vauxhall Monza Concept - a BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 rival - which will debut at the Frankfurt motor show 2013 in September.

It has been 16 years since the death of Vauxhall’s last big coupe, the Calibra, yet this concept will wear a name more usually associated with the company’s sister brand Opel – Monza.

Reports from our sister title Auto Bild in Germany suggest the concept will be a rear-wheel drive GT like the Monza from the 1970s and 1908s, which rules out using any GM Europe platforms. Instead, it could be based on the Cadillac ATS, which also hints at engines ranging from 2.0-litre four cylinder units up to 3.6-litre V6. Diesels would undoubtedly feature in Europe, but the concept will feature an advanced eco-friendly powertrain.

With any production car likely to be badged as a Buick in crucial Chinese and US markets, that points to a similar plug-in hybrid system to the Buick Riviera concept shown at this year’s Shanghai motor show. That car featured a W-PHEV plug-in hybrid powertrain, the W standing for wireless - the battery pack can be charged via a plug-in chord, or by parking it over an induction panel.

The Monza will also showcase the use of lightweight materials to highlight the car’s sporting credentials, while the interior will also boost Vauxhall’s hi-tech credentials, moving the game on from the likes of Apple’s Siri Eyes Free connectivity, which is already beginning to feature in the latest Vauxhalls.

The Monza also features an evolution of Vauxhall’s current design themes with a low, athletic stance, slim headlights with oversized air intakes underneath and a large grille featuring a large Vauxhall badge on a chrome bar with upturned winglets at either edge.

Although the Monza will initially be a concept, the global business case for a large coupe is strong, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a production car launched by 2016

CREDITS AUTO EXPRESS
CREDITS AUTO BILD

Original report here

SEAT records best ever half year sales.

• SEAT registers 22,752 cars during the first half of 2013 – a new company record
• Record-breaking figure is 18.6% higher than SEAT’s previous UK half-year best, in 2012, and beats market growth
• SEAT second quarter sales (April – June) are up by 35% compared to 2012
• Company on course for a fifth consecutive annual sales rise
• SEAT has now exceeded 600,000 UK registrations since entering the market in 1985
• SEAT is celebrating an astonishing first half of 2013, with half-year UK sales figures that put the company well on course to smash its yearly sales record.

The 22,752 SEAT cars registered between January and June 2013, according to SMMT figures just published, are a half-year company record. The number eclipses SEAT’s previous half-year record, set in 2012, by 18.6%.

In addition, the 4,428 SEAT cars registered in June is a 29% sales jump compared to the company’s previous record June, also in 2012.

According to SMMT figures the UK market is buoyant, with June sales up 13.3% and half year sales up 10.2% compared to 2012 – yet SEAT’s figures trump both of those.

The sales spike can be attributed in part to the model offensive that SEAT has undertaken since the start of 2012, comprising the introduction of three brand new models – Mii, Toledo and Leon – and significant revisions to the Ibiza, including a new flagship Ibiza Cupra.

SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson said: “Within the last few days we’ve picked up the coveted Auto Express Car of the Year award for the Leon five-door, launched the stunning Leon SC in the UK, and broken our half-year sales record… we’ve had worse weeks.

“Between the Mii city car, the staggeringly spacious Toledo, and the all-new Leon family, SEAT now has a model range that’s broader and higher quality than ever. That fact, along with an ever-strengthening dealer network, is starting to show in our sales figures.

“And with further expansion of the Leon family due before the year is out, SEAT UK is on course for the best year in its history.”

SEAT’s 2013 sales to date are spearheaded by the Ibiza family, with 10,198 sold. The new Leon follows it in the sales charts, with 5,096 five-door models sold so far. The remainder of 2013 will see Leon sales augmented with the addition of the three-door SC; once the Leon family is complete, SEAT expects the SC to account for 17% of overall annual Leon sales.

Since 2008, SEAT UK has achieved consistent sales and market share increases, culminating in enjoying its best ever tallies in 2012: 38,978 and 1.9% respectively. In 2012 the company sold around 10,000 more cars than it did in 2008.

TMW - Its that time of the month - June UK sales figures

JAGUAR

JUNE 2012 1156 sales - JUNE 2013 1341 sales +16.00%
YTD 2012 7107 sales - YTD 2013 8658 sales +21.82%

LAND ROVER

JUNE 2012 3772 sales - JUNE 2013 4046 sales +7.26%
YTD 2012 26075 sales - YTD 2013 30120 sales +15.51%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

JUNE 2012 14302 sales - JUNE 2013 14290 sales -0.08%
YTD 2012 64514 sales - YTD 2013 65214 sales +1.09%

MERCEDES

JUNE 2012 8211 sales - JUNE 2013 9613 sales +17.07%
YTD 2012 47790 sales - YTD 2013 54637 sales +14.33%

LEXUS

JUNE 2012 813 sales - JUNE 2013 738 sales -9.23%
YTD 2012 4751 sales - YTD 2013 4114 sales -13.41%

AUDI

JUNE 2012 10936 sales - JUNE 2013 12417 sales +13.54%
YTD 2012 66005 sales - YTD 2013 73767 sales +11.76%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +17.13%

ASTON MARTIN +9.96%

CITROEN +14.61%
DACIA +100.00%

FIAT +15.45%

FORD +8.66%

HONDA +9.87%
HYUNDAI +11.28%
KIA +11.05%

LOTUS +18.29%
MASERATI +1.75%
MAZDA +4.04%

MINI +2.87% 

MITSUBISHI +41.84%

NISSAN +14.24%

PEUGEOT +7.19%

RENAULT +2.35%

SEAT +18.59%
SKODA +15.34% 

SMART +8.97% 
SUZUKI +34.09%
TOYOTA +4.55%
VAUXHALL +14.41%

VOLKSWAGEN +5.75%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ALFA ROMEO -32.97%

BENTLEY -10.11%

CHEVROLET -23.23%

CHRYSLER -14.13%

INFINITI -19.59%

JEEP -18.88%

MG -75.66%

PERODUA -37.96%

PORSCHE -0.96%

PROTON -90.32%

SAAB -98.30%

SSANGYONG -30.71%

SUBARU -10.86%

VOLVO -2.99%

June has been yet another bumper month for supposed cash strapped Britain, with record sales for numerous manufacturers, and a few have even turned around losses from the first few months to increases from June, Renault is one such company, with a 34+% increase in June alone, Suzuki also sees high 30's % increase, Lotus get back on track with a 466% increase in the month, yes nearly 500% but that equates to just 17 cars against 3 last June.

MG has a better June 13, against 2012, they sold 22 cars against 19, but with the MG3 about to come on stream this number will surely increase, and the MG3 is a great little car, read the Motoring Words visual review (HERE) It is increasing looking dire for Perodua and Proton, with only a few sales for each manufacturer for the entire year.



Jaguar and Land Rover continue to shine, with new and revised products in both brands the sales are flowing in, and with the F-Type on stream now, Jaguars sales will fly for at least another 12 months, by which time, we will be more fully aware of the new X-Type and SUV model, along with the new XK, revised XJ and hopefully by the year end 2014 the new XF, Jaguar are not holding back, and neither is Land Rover, with the new Rangie out, new Sport, and reasonably young Evoque, the Range Rover brand is steady, but the Freelander and Defender are both due replacements along with enlarged versions of the Freelander, possibly to remove the need for a Disco 5 (LR5).

Dacia is the darling of the car world this year, there are currently 44 recognised brands under the SMMT sales list, and Dacia outsold 21 of them with 1829 sold in June and 6994 for the year to date it is making other brands stand up and take note, and they need to, FIAT UK are having a good time in the UK, but elsewhere in Europe it is being hit very hard, the same with Citroen and Peugeot who both show significant gains, The US brands are also not doing well, all have decent products to sell, and some of them very new, but very few want to invest their hard earned in American cars, personally I dont blame them, they are too over priced compared to the same product in the US.

Ford again hold the top two spots for June and year to date, with the Fiesta and Focus, with the Corsa in third, surprisingly BMW take two spots in June with the 3 series and the truly ugly 1 Series, and a welcome return to the chart for Peugeot with the 208 just popping in at number ten, Vauxhall continues its resurgence up 14.41% for the year, and with teh New Mokka, Cascada and ADAM, revised and reduced Insignia, and new Corsa in the pipeline, the future is looking good for the Luton based brand.

Ford celebrates increased market share and sales for June

Ford’s UK market leadership was boosted further in June as total vehicle sales and share increased, compared with June 2012.  Ford car sales in June beat the market and outpaced its rivals by a significant margin - up 31.9 per cent versus June 2012.

According to the official sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

• Ford extends market lead with increased total vehicle sales and share
• Ford Fiesta and Focus top the sales charts in June and for first half of 2013
• Ford total vehicle retail sales and share up in June and for first half of 2013
• Ford Fiesta leads retail sales, outselling nearest rival by more than two to one
• Ford CV sales and share up in June and for first half of 2013

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "June vehicle sales continued the positive UK market trend with Ford sales beating overall market growth and private customers driving up our share of more profitable retail sales.  There are sales and share increases across most of Ford’s best ever model range with the new Ford Kuga, for example, more than doubling its sales in June, compared with June 2012."

The official figures released by the SMMT yesterday show that total car sales in June were up 13.4 per cent to 214,957, compared with June 2012. Ford car sales of 31,197 were up 31.9 per cent from 23,654 in June 2012.  For the first half of 2013 total UK car sales were 1,163,623 up 10.0 per cent compared with 2012, while Ford car sales for this period were 163,396, up from 150,378 in the first half of 2012.

Ford’s share of car sales increased by 2.0 percentage points to 14.5 per cent in June, compared with June 2012, and its retail car sales share for the month was up 1.4 percentage points at 13.1 per cent.

With a total of 11,332 registrations, the Ford Fiesta was the UK best-seller in June and the Ford Focus secured the number two slot with 9,128 sales.  Sales success across the Ford model range saw the Ford Ka, Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX and Kuga all increase sales and share in June and for the first half of 2013, compared with the same periods in 2012.

UK CV sales in June were up 1.2 per cent, compared with June 2012, and CV sales for the year to date were up 5.2 per cent.  Total sales of Ford CVs in June were up from 6,362 to 6,450 and for the first half of 2013 were up from 34,168 to 36,478, compared with the same periods last year.

Ford medium commercial sales for June and for the first half of 2013, headed by the industry-leading Ford Transit, were up from 5,258 to 5,521 and from 28,249 to 30,934, respectively.  Ford’s share of MCV sales for the month was 32.7 per cent up from 30.6 per cent, compared with June 2012, and up from 31.2 to 31.8 per cent for the first half of 2013.

Ford Transit leads the One Tonne, Two Tonne and 3.5-6.0 tonne CV segments, its share of the one tonne segment boosted by the introduction of the Transit Custom and the Tourneo Custom.  Ford Fiesta van also leads its segment by a clear margin, taking a 58.9 per cent share for the first half of 2013.  Ford Ranger sales for the first half of 2013 have more than doubled, from 988 to 2,236, compared with the same period in 2012.

Jaguar Land Rover announce significant increases in sales for the month of June

• Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 10 percent for June 2013: best combined June sales since 2007
• Jaguar U.S.  boasts sales increase of 59 percent for the month of June
• Full month of Jaguar F-TYPE sales adds 417 units; best Jaguar June sales performance since 2006
• Land Rover U.S. sales increase 9 percent YTD
• Land Rover's Range Rover up 23 percent; best sales month for Range Rover since June 2011

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported June 2013 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,637 units, 59 percent up from 1,030 units in June 2012; Land Rover sales were 3,468 units, 4 percent down from 3,602 units in June 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America June U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,105 units, a 10 percent increase from 4,632 in June 2012.

Year to date through June, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 12 percent, with Jaguar up 20 percent and Land Rover up 9 percent.

"June has proven to be a remarkable month for the Jaguar brand and its new product lineup featuring the F-TYPE," said Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America.  "Both brands are in an ideal position for growth as the all-new Range Rover Sport is arriving in showrooms this fall and Jaguar will continue to expand its product offering with the XJR and XKRS-GT."

U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

Land Rover

For the month of June, the volume leader was the all-new Range Rover with 902 sales, an increase of 23 percent from 734 sales in June 2012. Range Rover Evoque continues to grow, with an increase of 19 percent to 790 units from 663 units in June, 2012.  Range Rover Sport is down 28 percent for the month of June. The all new Range Rover Sport goes on sale this fall.

For Land Rover, 2013 YTD sales of 22,984 are the highest first six months in the history of the brand in the United States.

Land Rover's 2013 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the 375-hp 5.0 liter V8; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the Naturally-aspirated 375-hp V8 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. For MY14 both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will come equipped with a choice of supercharged 340-hp 3.0 liter V6 or 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains.

Jaguar

For the month of June, the Jaguar XF continues to be the volume and growth leader with 634 units sold, up 30 percent from 489 sales in June 2012. Year to date, Jaguar sales are 7,798, up 20 percent from 6,506 sales, with the XF sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and All Wheel Drive.

After its first full month of retail, the new Jaguar F-TYPE two seat convertible sports car adds sales of 417 units.

At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Jaguar debuted two new models, the 550-hp Jaguar XJR and Jaguar XKR-S GT, expanding its R performance lineup to six models.

For MY13 the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup includes:

• Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ - Available on both the XF and XJ
• Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ
• Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF
• Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models
• Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models

Jaguar's 2013 model year line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by either the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8; the Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by the 240-hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder,  supercharged 340-hp 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, the naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or, in the XFR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains; and the XK coupe and convertible sports cars powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, or for the XKR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2013 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrain.  The 2014 MY Jaguar F-TYPE convertible comes in three variants, 340-hp F-TYPE, 380-hp F-TYPE S and 495-hp F-TYPE V8 S.

Volvo announces poor year to date and June sales.

Volvo Car Group reports global retail sales of 40,939 cars for the month of June. China grew by no less than 74 per cent to 5,798 cars - a new sales record - and by 34.3 per cent for the first six months. Also, the Volvo XC60 model had its best sales month ever with 10,961 sold cars. For the first half of 2013, global sales amounted to 209,118 cars, down 5.5 per cent versus last year.

The United States became Volvo Cars' number one market in June with 6,678 retail sold cars, where the Volvo S60 and XC60 models represented the majority of sales. For the first half year, Volvo sales in the US were down by 5.9 per cent. In Sweden, Volvo outperformed the market and grew by 6.3 per cent in June to retail sales of 4,607 cars. The Volvo V70 was the best-selling model in Sweden.

A new all-time sales record was recorded in China with 5,798 sold cars, up 74 per cent versus the same month last year. Sales were driven by the '60-series models with the Volvo S60 being the top seller with 2,288 sold cars - another record for a single month. So far this year, sales in China are up 34.3 per cent.

Both France and Spain gained sales in June while Europe as a whole is still down versus 2012. Japan is a growth market for Volvo with a 16.3 per cent increase in June driven by demand for the V-line cars with the Volvo V40 being the most sold model. Japan is up 11.3 per cent for the first half of 2013.

Nissan continues commitment to the UK for the addition of the Note

Nissan's ongoing commitment to European design, engineering and production takes another bold step forward with the launch of the new Note.

The innovative B-segment challenger - which goes on sale throughout Europe from the autumn - starts yet another chapter in Nissan's European success story.

Like Nissan's best-selling Juke and Qashqai models, the European Note was engineered at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, UK. Many aspects of the new model were developed with European buyers in mind, with the engineering team conducting extensive testing on European roads.

Building on the new Note's European credentials, the new model will be built at the award-winning Nissan Manufacturing UK (NMUK) plant in Sunderland, UK.

A significant €147.5m investment has been made at the plant to further extend capacity and integrate Note assembly alongside the Juke production line. In addition to final assembly, NMUK is also producing axles, cylinder heads, camshafts and petrol engines for the new car. The introduction of Note production to Europe has created around 2,000 new jobs at Nissan and throughout its UK supplier network.

The integration of Note production into what is one of the world's most productive and efficient car plants further highlights Nissan's engineering skills. To incorporate production and assembly of the Note's new features, numerous changes have been made to the plant layout. Among these are a new sunroof glazing facility and a new Around View Monitor testing facility that allows production engineers to fully calibrate the Note's innovative rear view camera.

The success story for Nissan's European production base doesn't end with the Note. Along with ongoing production of the Qashqai at NMUK, a new premium compact model under the Infiniti brand has also been confirmed.