Bridgend Engine Facility celebrates two significant milestones for Ford.

Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant (BEP) in Wales has built its 19-millionth engine, 35 years after production began in May 1980. Earlier this year the Plant also produced its eight-millionth small capacity petrol “Duratec” engine, since ‘job one’ at Bridgend in May 1998.

These two significant landmarks were celebrated by Ford Bridgend’s 2,200-strong workforce, alongside Ford Glasgow 2014 Athlete Ambassador, Aled Davies, whose father has worked at the plant for 35 years. They were joined by Paralympic athlete Nathan Stephens, whose father, Barrie, is also a BEP employee.

Bridgend Engine Plant manager, Ian Pearson, said: “We have a proud record of high-volume engine production at Bridgend, and we’re delighted to celebrate two significant milestones with the team that builds them.

“The Duratec engine has been produced here for 17 years and is exported across the globe. This is built alongside Ford’s very latest technology – our EcoBoost products – which provide ultra-low emissions, excellent fuel economy, refinement and performance.”

Ford Bridgend supplies petrol engines for Ford vehicles around the world, including the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost, available on the new Ford Focus, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo, and Ford S-MAX models. The existing 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine used to power the multi-award-winning Ford Fiesta ST is also built at the Plant.

More than 700,000 engines were built at Bridgend last year alone, 80 per cent of which were exported. A large number of these engines are exported across the Atlantic; more than 620,000 engines produced at Bridgend have been exported to the United States and Mexico since production began, with more than 75,000 so far this year*.

Last year a wind turbine was installed at Ford Bridgend, supplying energy directly to the plant. The turbine is capable of supplying up to 1,700 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum.

*As of 30 April 2015

Kia c'eed breaks company records with over a million produced in just nine years.

• One millionth Kia cee’d built in Europe since 2006
• The first-ever Kia model designed and manufactured in the region
• cee’d recognised for signalling a qualitative revolution for Kia in Europe
• New GT Line specification and new downsized engines to be introduced later this year

The 1,000,000th Kia cee’d has today been manufactured by Kia Motors in Europe, a major milestone since starting production in 2006. The cee’d has played a significant role in Kia’s sustained growth and success since its introduction to the European market nine years ago.

The 1,000,000th cee’d to roll off Kia’s European production line was a high powered Kia cee’d GT five door hatchback in ‘Fusion White’. 

The car and its 201hp 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine were both produced in Slovakia – the car is destined for a buyer in the Netherlands.

Manufactured exclusively for the European market, at Kia’s state-of-the-art production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, the cee’d accounts for over 21 percent of Kia’s total European sales. 

More than 75,960 were sold in 2014, making the Kia cee’d the brand’s second best-selling model in Europe after the highly-acclaimed Sportage compact SUV, which is also produced in Žilina.

In the UK, Kia sold 13,189 cee’ds in 2014 and is the third best-selling vehicle, behind the ever popular Sportage and Picanto.

Artur Martins, Vice President Marketing of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The cee’d has helped establish Kia in Europe as a maker of high-quality, well-designed cars, and it has been one of the key drivers behind our continued growth and success in the region. 

I’d like to congratulate all my colleagues at Kia Motors Slovakia on this latest milestone, and thank the million customers who have made the cee’d such a popular model.”

Martins added: “Since we began production in 2006, the cee’d range has come a long way, with Sportswagon and pro_cee’d three-door hatchback models expanding the line-up and taking us into new segments of the market. 

Our high-performing GT models, launched in 2013, have once again put us in front of a more emotional buyer, seeking great design and an enjoyable driving experience. 

Our future plans for the cee’d will continue to develop a model that has been the foundation upon which we have built the success of the Kia brand in Europe.”

Later this year, Kia will launch the GT Line model to the range, which blends the style and sportiness of the cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT with the versatility of the conventional cee’d model line-up. 

The new GT Line specification will be available for all three members of the Kia model family (five- and three-door hatchbacks and Sportswagon estate).

In addition, the new cee’d GT Line signifies the arrival of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine and new seven-speed double-clutch transmission in Europe. 

The new engine and transmission are engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input.

cee’d: a major turning point in Kia’s history

The launch of the first-generation cee’d marked a new era for Kia’s growth in Europe, as the very first Kia model to be designed, engineered and manufactured exclusively in Europe. Designed at Kia’s Frankfurt Design Centre, the cee’d surpassed the rising expectations of existing Kia buyers and attracted European consumers who hadn’t yet considered Kia.

The cee’d’s name highlights its European origins, with a model code indicative of Kia’s commitment to the continent. Codenamed ‘ED’ during the development of the first, standing for ‘European Design’. Meanwhile, the ‘CE’ symbolises the car’s conception, development and production in – and for – the Community of Europe.

An instant success, 646,305 units of the first-generation cee’d were manufactured from 2006 to 2012. The second-generation of the car has found 353,695 buyers across Europe since its introduction, offering a high-quality, classy interior, striking exterior design and wide range of fuel-efficient engines. 

Like every Kia car sold in Europe, the cee’d benefits from Kia’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty.

The cee’d model family has grown to a three-strong model line-up, incorporating the five-door cee’d hatchback, cee’d Sportswagon and pro_cee’d three-door hatchback. 

In 2013, Kia developed the range further with the introduction of the high-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT, Kia’s first ever performance models. Both performance models are also manufactured in Žilina.

Last year, Kia produced over 323,000 cars and 493,000 engines in Slovakia, representing a 12-month production record for the company. Kia Motors Slovakia employs over 3,800 staff, working three shifts on the modern production line.

Since volume production began, the popular Kia cee’d model family has accounted for half of overall production, followed by the Sportage and Venga. Kia models from the facility are exported to 76 global markets, with the majority of cars going to buyers across Europe and Russia. 

From 2006, Russia has accounted for over one fifth of all cee’d sales (207,597), while the car has also proven popular in the UK (102,858) and Germany (99,080).

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Skoda wins again in the Estate class.

• ŠKODA Octavia named best Estate car in annual Fleet World Awards
• Back-to-back victories for the multi-award-winning Estate
• ŠKODA’s fifth win in a row in the Estate category
• Octavia Estate praised for its practicality and low running costs

The ŠKODA Octavia Estate has been named Best Estate Car for the second year running by Fleet World. The latest in a growing list of industry accolades for the Octavia was announced at the annual Fleet World Awards in London and means that ŠKODA has won the Estate car category for the past five years.

ŠKODA’s dominance of the Fleet World Estate category further highlights the brand’s commitment to the fleet market, where value, practicality and low running costs are key criteria for both fleet buyers and drivers. 

Launched in 2013, the third-generation Octavia has already proved to be an incredibly attractive option for fleet operators thanks to its 1,740-litre boot, low CO₂ emissions (from just 90g/km) and competitive P11D values (from £16,230).

Commenting on the award, Fleet World Editor Steve Moody said: “The Octavia triumphed once again thanks to its great value and premium quality finish. ŠKODA’s development of fleet-focused trims and low emission engines continue to make it a great choice for fleet users.”

Patrick McGillycuddy, Head of Fleet at ŠKODA UK, added: “For the Octavia to win this fiercely competitive category for the second year running shows what an incredible package the Octavia Estate is. 

We’re passionate about building cars that appeal to fleet buyers and drivers, and that’s why ŠKODA has dominated this award for so long. We’re delighted that the winning streak has continued!”

The latest award from Fleet World adds to an impressive list of industry accolades for the Octavia Estate. 

Since its launch, it has been awarded Best Estate Car 2015 by Diesel Car magazine, Best Estate Car in both the 2014 and 2015 Fleet News Awards, and Best Estate by CarBuyer in 2014 and 2015.  

Built on a state-of-the-art platform, the Octavia Estate features a blend of cutting edge technology and the Simply Clever features for which ŠKODA is renowned, along with low running costs and a great driving experience. 

The extensive range includes a frugal GreenLine model capable of returning up to 88.3mpg, a sporty vRS version with 220PS and 142g/km of CO₂ and a rugged Scout model with four-wheel-drive transmission that emits just 125g/km of CO_2.

FLEET HONOURS AWARD - Mitsubishi continues to reap the rewards of a stunning PHEV Car.

Mitsubishi Motors UK is celebrating today after the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was awarded the ‘Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle’ at this year’s Fleet World Honours, at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, London.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals that have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The Fleet World Honours are open to all motor manufacturers. The judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant, Natalie Wallis and Dan Gilkes from the Fleet World editorial team. 

Residual value, maintenance and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, LeasePlan and Arval. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass and CAP.

Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said:

"Helped by price parity with the diesel version, the Outlander PHEV’s phenomenal success has transformed Mitsubishi’s presence in fleet. Over 10,000 sold in the UK in its first eight months, overtaking the Nissan LEAF’s four-year total. 

Two thirds of Outlander PHEV sales went to business users. 

With ongoing investment in the dealer network and production being expanded in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors UK reckons it’s only the beginning. But what a start."

Commenting on the overall standard of entries in this year’s awards, Steve added:

“The EV market has had a significant year with a number of strong new entries, and for the first time it looks as though it can gain a firm foothold in the UK car market. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been instrumental in this change."

The combination of the Outlander’s powerful electric motors and petrol engine give it a smooth, quiet, refined ride with the potential of reaching 148mpg^[1]. It only emits 44g/km CO₂^[2], which means no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Most significantly, the entry model Outlander PHEV is available to buy at the same price as its diesel equivalent, starting at £28,249^[3].

What’s more, company car drivers will further benefit - a 40% tax paying customer will pay company car tax on the Outlander PHEV of £665 in the first year. Businesses benefit because they can write-down the vehicle’s full value in the first 12 months.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, said;

“The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is very different to other hybrids in the market and we are delighted that it has won this award at the Fleet World Honours. Having the best-selling EV of any kind in the UK market that boasts such credentials has already generated a lot of interest from fleet operators and leasing companies – it’s a very exciting time for Mitsubishi Motors UK.” 

^[1] Based on official testing and figures

^[2] Based on EU drive cycle figures

^[3] Post P-ICG Grant

FIAT Launches all new Saloon, the first in a new range for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

• Conceived from the outset as a three box sedan, it combines harmony and stylistic balance with a highly efficient use of space.
• Italian style and "made in Fiat" technology for a global vehicle, designed in Italy by the FCA Style Centre, developed together with Tofaş R&D in Turkey, and manufactured in the Tofaş plant in Bursa, one of the most innovative industrial sites in the world as proven by its Gold Medal awarded by World Class Manufacturing.
• Hence the name of the project - Fiat Ægea - pays tribute to Turkey, which has always played a strategic role for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and represents a symbolic bridge between East and West.
• On sale from November in Turkey, it will gradually reach over 40 countries of the EMEA region.

A global model for a global brand: Fiat presents its new Compact Sedan, designed in Italy at the FCA Style Centre, developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D and manufactured in the Bursa plant to be sold in over 40 countries of the EMEA area. 

Hence the name of the project - Fiat Ægea - which pays tribute to Turkey which has always played a strategic role for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and represents a symbolic bridge between East and West.

For its début, the brand has chosen the Istanbul Motor Show, thus reiterating the importance the Turkish market holds within FCA strategies and sealing the equal share joint venture first begun in 1968 between what was then the Fiat Group and Koç Holding.

It stands to reason that FCA should assign a primary role to this model with which it aims to increase its presence in the EMEA region, as well as reinforcing its unrivalled leadership in the Compact Sedan segment in Turkey, thanks to its excellent interior roominess and load capacity, a very complete range and a style that allows no compromises.

The new Fiat model comes into the world as a unique combination of comfort, efficiency and technology. With the added touch of the exclusive Italian design that delivers a quality project with the proportions of a pure and powerful sedan.

The car will be produced in Turkey in the Tofaş plant in Bursa - one of the best industrial automotive sites in the world as proven by the awarding of the Gold Medal according to the assessment of World Class Manufacturing - and sold at first in Turkey, from next November, and then gradually in the other countries of the EMEA region.

Italian style

Designed in Italy at the FCA Style Centre and developed together with Tofaş R&D, one of FCA's largest research and development centres, the Fiat Ægea project was conceived from the outset as a completely new three volume sedan, created by a team of over 2000 people, who worked on the project during its three year development period.

Often Sedan vehicles are a spin off of the hatchback with a third volume added, which can lead to overall shapes that are not always coherent. The new Fiat car, on the other hand, was "Born to be a Sedan" and therefore features a design project that integrates the various sections by means of natural flowing lines which create a real, uncompromised, vigorous compact sedan.

Seen from the side, a distinctive line runs from the headlights to the rear light clusters and the glazing creates a dynamic appearance conferring an idea of airiness and ample access spaces for driver and passengers. Exclusive Italian style is finely expressed in the rear where the harmoniously proportioned third box hosts bright light cluster surrounds. 

The front end is characterised by a captivatingly shapely bonnet with central ribbing stretching up to the roof to create a continuous line. Similarly, the grille is a single element with the light clusters. Intercalated chrome-effect accents which form an original, unmistakable graphic pattern on which the Fiat logo is proudly sported.

Top in class liveability and load capacity

A perfect marriage of beauty and function, the new Fiat Ægea project knowingly brings together great load capacity and compact dimensions of a sedan 4 and half metres long, 178 centimetres wide and 148 cm high with a wheelbase of 264 cm that heightens its excellent interior space. 

All this is confirmed by the very appreciable size of the passenger compartment, large enough to seat 5 well built passengers comfortably with a load capacity of over 510 litres.

Reliable and fuel-efficient engines

The new Fiat car offers a wide range of power units, all reliable, high performing and economical in terms of fuel consumption and emissions - two Multijet II turbodiesel engines and two petrol ones, with manual or automatic transmission - with power ratings of between 95 and 120 HP.

It is also worth noting that the diesel engines are particularly fuel-efficient: less than 4 litres of diesel fuel for 100 km, comparable to that of a city car like Fiat Panda.

Uconnect ^TM: state-of-the-art technology

In the true Fiat style, the new sedan is provided with a number of ingenious solutions that improve the life of both the driver and the passengers. The proof of this lies in the many standard features and the availability of the Uconnect ^TM system equipped with a 5" colour touch screen, a hands-free Bluetooth system, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX and USB ports with iPod integration, steering wheel controls and, on request, a rear parking camera and TomTom sat nav.

Tofaş, a world famous manufacturing centre

The new Fiat Compact Sedan will see the light at the Bursa site where for the past half century Fiat has been building its cars and commercial Fiat Professional vehicles. 

Stretching over a surface area of 934,000 square metres and with an annual production capacity of 400,000 units, the plant currently produces vehicles for the Turkish market and large volume Fiat models for export: these include the Linea, the Qubo, the New Doblò, the Fiorino and the Doblò Cargo.

The Tofaş company employs as many as 6,500 staff, has about 2,000 supplier companies and a distribution network that boasts about 120 sales outlets and 140 service centres in Turkey. 

A paragon of excellence therefore, that is currently the sixth largest company in the country and one of the first three companies in Turkey in terms of its investments in research and development, besides being one of the market leaders with an 11.6% share of the car and commercial vehicle market.

European new car sales grew 6.4% in April, 8.5% year-to-date, and no sign of it dipping anytime soon.

• European new car sales grew 6.4% in April, 8.5% year-to-date
• All Big 5 EU markets recorded increased registrations in April
• Volkswagen Golf, Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta were the best-selling cars for the month

New car sales in Europe were 6.4% higher in April 2015 than in the same month of 2014, according to the latest new car sales analysis from JATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence. Year-to-date sales were 8.5% higher than a year earlier.

JATO’s headline market analysis:

• Volkswagen’s Golf maintained its lead, with sales up 4.2% year-to-date, ahead of Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta
• Spain recorded a 3.9% increase over an already strong April last year
• All of the top ten brands increased their sales for April and the year-to-date over 2014

Continuing the trend of recent months, all of the Big five markets (France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain) recorded greater registration volumes than a year ago. 

After an increase of over 40% in March, Spain recorded only a 3.9% increase in April, but sales in April 2014 were unseasonably high, and the country joins the Czech Republic, Ireland and Portugal in achieving year-to-date growth above 20%.

Brian Walters, Vice President of Data at JATO Dynamics, commented, “Consumer confidence remains high in many European markets, leading to improved sales for the car industry across the continent. 

While some may view the lower growth in Spain this month as a sign of a softening market, taken in context with the monthly figures from previous years it is a return of the normal seasonality, but at a much higher level than before.”

Volkswagen maintained its dominant position at the top of the sales table, increasing sales by 5.5% in April and 9.4% year-to-date. Ford, Renault, Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot complete the top five for the month, while Ford is ahead of Renault in 2^nd place for the year-to-date.

All of the top ten brands recorded increased volumes compared to April 2014. Renault achieved the strongest growth, up 15.2% in April and 13.4% year-to-date, thanks to continued strong sales of the Clio and Captur, and impressive sales of the new Twingo city car.

Top Ten Brands

Make	Apr_15	Apr_14	% change Apr	Apr Ytd_15	Apr Ytd_14	% change Ytd
VOLKSWAGEN	154,058	146,026	+5.5%	589,352	538,720	+9.4%
FORD	87,839	86,077	+2.0%	359,708	339,234	+6.0%
RENAULT	86,963	75,478	+15.2%	329,963	291,068	+13.4%
OPEL/VAUXHALL	76,670	73,202	+4.7%	318,071	299,318	+6.3%
PEUGEOT	73,522	69,862	+5.2%	295,962	277,477	+6.7%
AUDI	70,031	67,584	+3.6%	261,991	252,169	+3.9%
BMW	60,586	56,275	+7.7%	242,714	225,166	+7.8%
FIAT	58,949	54,370	+8.4%	229,276	211,957	+8.2%
MERCEDES	58,711	57,617	+1.9%	239,503	215,421	+11.2%
SKODA	55,536	51,150	+8.6%	206,604	194,378	+6.3%

Outside the top ten brands Jeep’s new Renegade and Cherokee models continue to sell well contributing to a 170% increase in the brand’s April sales. Infiniti saw sales increase across the brand by 105% as more British customers bought their cars, and Tesla recorded an 87.2% increase as its Model S electric executive car continues to win customers in many markets.

The Volkswagen Golf retained its lead of the market but saw total sales for the month decline by 0.7%, losing market share in Germany, Spain and France. In contrast, its sibling, the new generation Passat achieved a 46.5% increase, the greatest growth in the top ten.

Renault’s Clio claimed 2^nd place for the month, and posted a 14.2% increase in sales over April 2014 due to strong performances in Italy and Spain.

Outside the top ten, Peugeot’s new 308 continues to sell over 40% ahead of its predecessor’s performance last year, and the addition of 5-door versions to the latest generation of the MINI hatchback has driven a 92.2% increase in the model’s volumes in April, and a doubling year-to-date sales.

Top Ten Models

Make & Model	Apr_15	Apr_14	% change Apr	Apr Ytd_15	Apr Ytd_14	% change Ytd
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF	49,330	49,663	-0.7%	186,758	179,256	+4.2%
RENAULT CLIO	29,973	26,244	+14.2%	110,144	100,679	+9.4%
FORD FIESTA	26,717	28,428	-6.0%	114,665	114,018	+0.6%
VOLKSWAGEN POLO	25,180	23,383	+7.7%	103,887	96,757	+7.4%
OPEL/VAUXHALL CORSA	22,893	20,402	+12.2%	101,715	85,289	+19.3%
FORD FOCUS	21,057	20,158	+4.5%	82,038	81,274	+0.9%
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT	20,188	13,777	+46.5%	71,906	50,490	+42.4%
AUDI A3/S3/RS3	19,861	18,884	+5.2%	74,259	68,848	+7.9%
PEUGEOT 208	19,404	19,464	-0.3%	80,252	81,882	-2.0%
NISSAN QASHQAI	18,728	19,526	-4.1%	84,070	73,317	+14.7%

“Although total sales volumes of some popular models slipped in April, the market remains buoyant overall, as demonstrated by the results of the ten biggest-selling brands,” concluded Brian Walters.