Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Saturday, 1 August 2015

Calais crisis is now starting to hurt the Scottish Export business - This must be dealt with NOW.


The continued chaos in Calais is impacting Scottish exports and the French Government must take action on the migrant situation in the port as a matter of urgency - is the message from the FTA today.  

Responding to the Scottish Government’s call for ‘action’ to help alleviate the delays to exports  - the Freight Transport Association (FTA) reiterated that the situation is not just affecting the south east of England but that it is a much wider issue affecting industry nationwide. 


The combination of industrial action and migrant activity in and around the port of Calais has continued to cause chaos both in the UK and France, including the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent causing delays for some truck drivers for hours  – some up to 20 hours at a time.
Scottish businesses from the fishing and food processing sectors have raised their concerns regarding the impact of delays and potential delays on their businesses.
Margaret Simpson, FTA’s Country Manager - Scotland said: “The situation in Calais is having a huge impact on the Scottish freight industry.  The delays on both sides of the Channel are causing financial and logistical implications for operators and it can’t be allowed to continue.  Every year we are subject to disruptions of some kind at the French ports and the migrant issue this year has simply compounded an ongoing problem.”
FTA has previously highlighted the detrimental effect on the national supply chain because of lengthy delays to cross the Channel, and warned of the cost to the economy as loads are being damaged by the extensive delays and those being rejected by customers because of contamination when migrants break on board of trucks.
Operation Stack is used to park HGVs on the M20 and can affect 35 miles of the motorway.  The system is normally used during cross-Channel disruption, and has been implemented on 26 occasions in the past six weeks causing subsequent chaos in Kent not only for freight operators, but also for residents, tourist traffic and local businesses.

Fiat Chrysler group announces Q2 results, and revises upwards the full year numbers.

FCA closed Q2 with Net profit at €333 million, up 69%. Adjusted EBIT was €1.5 billion, up 58% driven by strong improvement in NAFTA margin to 7.7%. Group net revenues were €29.2 billion, up 25%. Net industrial debt was €8.0 billion, down €0.6 billion from prior quarter. Full-year guidance revised upwards.
  • Worldwide shipments were 1.2 million units, in line with Q2 2014, reflecting strong performance in NAFTA and EMEA, partly offset by continued weak market conditions in LATAM. Jeep's positive performance continued with worldwide shipments up 27%.
  • Net revenues increased 25% to €29.2 billion.
  • Adjusted EBIT1 was €1,525 million, up 58% from €968 million in Q2 2014, with increases in NAFTA and EMEA, partially offset by decreases in LATAM and APAC. NAFTA margin improved to 7.7%.
  • Adjusted net profit2 was €450 million, more than doubling compared to €204 million in Q2 2014.
  • Net industrial debt was €8.0 billion, down €0.6 billion from March 31, 2015. Liquidity remained strong at €25.4 billion.
  • The Group revised upwards its full-year guidance.
_____________________________

1 Adjusted EBIT is calculated as EBIT excluding: gains/(losses) on the disposal of investments, restructuring, impairments, asset write-offs and other unusual income/(expenses) that are considered rare or discrete events that are infrequent in nature.

2 Adjusted net profit is calculated as Net profit excluding post-tax impacts of the same items excluded from Adjusted EBIT: gains/(losses) on the disposal of investments, restructuring, impairments, asset write-offs and other unusual income/(expenses) that are considered rare or discrete events that are infrequent in nature. Adjusted basic EPS is calculated by adjusting Basic EPS for the impact of the same items excluded from Adjusted EBIT. Refer to page 10 for detailed calculation.

3 EBIT plus Depreciation and Amortization.

4 At March 31, 2015.

5 At December 31, 2014. 



Net revenues for Q2 2015 were €29.2 billion, an increase of €5.9 billion, or 25% (+10% at constant exchange rates, or CER) from €23.3 billion for Q2 2014. Higher revenues in NAFTA (+40%; +16% CER), EMEA (+19%; +16% CER) and Components (+23%; +18% CER) were partly offset by decreases in LATAM (-15%; -13% CER) and Maserati (-17%; -29% CER).

Adjusted EBIT was €1,525 million, up €557 million (+58%; +30% CER) from Q2 2014 driven by strong performance in NAFTA and continued improvement in EMEA and Components, partially offset by lower results in LATAM and APAC. The year over year results reflect a positive translation impact from the strengthening U.S. Dollar.

NAFTA more than doubled its performance to €1,327 million (€595 million in Q2 2014) driven by higher volumes, improved net pricing and a positive translation impact, partly offset by increased industrial costs. NAFTA margin continued to improve from 4.9% in Q2 2014 to 7.7% in Q2 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, NAFTA margin improved to 5.8% from 4.1% for the same period last year and is now within the 5.5% - 6.0% target set for the full year. 

Adjusted EBIT for LATAM decreased by €142 million to negative €79 million, reflecting lower volumes due to weak market conditions, costs for the start-up of the Pernambuco plant and costs for the Jeep Renegade commercial launch, partially offset by favorable net pricing. 

Excluding the costs of the Pernambuco start-up and Jeep Renegade launch, the LATAM results would have been break-even for the quarter. Adjusted EBIT for APAC was €47 million, a decrease of €63 million from Q2 2014 as a result of lower volumes and unfavorable net pricing, primarily due to challenging market conditions in China and foreign exchange effects from the Australian Dollar, partially offset by reduced marketing costs. 

EMEA's Adjusted EBIT was €57 million compared to break-even in Q2 2014 resulting from increased volumes and favorable mix, partially offset by the negative foreign currency transaction impact on vehicles imported from NAFTA.

Adjusted EBIT excludes net charges of €177 million for Q2 2015 compared to €7 million for Q2 2014. The net charges for Q2 2015 are primarily composed of an €80 million charge related to the adoption of the Venezuelan government's Marginal Currency System, or SIMADI exchange rate, due to the continuing deterioration of the economic conditions in Venezuela and an €81 million charge resulting from a consent order agreed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Net financial expense totaled €627 million, €121 million higher than in Q2 2014, primarily reflecting a one-off charge of €51 million recognized in connection with the prepayment of the FCA US 2019 secured senior notes, unfavorable currency translation and higher debt levels in Brazil.

Tax expense totaled €388 million, compared to €258 million in Q2 2014, principally due to the increase in profit before taxes.

Net profit for the quarter was €333 million, compared to €197 million for Q2 2014. Profit attributable to owners of the parent was €320 million compared with €175 million for Q2 2014.

Adjusted net profit for the quarter was €450 million, compared with €204 million for Q2 2014.

Net industrial debt at June 30, 2015 was €8.0 billion, down from €8.6 billion at March 31, 2015. The €0.6 billion decrease primarily reflects positive cash flows from operating activities of €3.1 billion, partially offset by capital expenditures of €2.2 billion.

Total available liquidity was €25.4 billion at June 30, 2015, in line with March 31, 2015, with €0.7 billion of negative foreign exchange translation effects partially offsetting the positive cash flow for the period.

2015 Outlook

The Group revised upwards its full-year guidance:

  • Worldwide shipments at ~4.8 million units (from 4.8 to 5.0 million unit range);
  • Net revenues over €110 billion (from ~€108 billion);
  • Adjusted EBIT equal to or in excess of €4.5 billion (from €4.1 to €4.5 billion range);
  • Adjusted net profit in €1.0 to €1.2 billion range, with Adjusted basic EPS in €0.64 to €0.77 range (unchanged);
  • Net industrial debt in €7.5 billion to €8.0 billion range (unchanged).
Figures do not include any impacts for the previously announced capital transactions regarding Ferrari.


Results by Segment

Three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014



Six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014



Shipments were 677 thousand vehicles (+8%) and sales1 totaled 682 thousand vehicles (+5%). Market share was 12.4% in the U.S (up 30 bps from Q2 2014) and 15.0% in  Canada (down 30 bps).

Net revenues were €17.2 billion, up 40% (+16% CER) primarily due to volume growth for the all-new Jeep Renegade and the all-new Chrysler 200, positive net pricing and favorable foreign currency translation effects.

Adjusted EBIT of €1,327 million, which more than doubled compared with €595 million in Q2 2014, reflects higher volumes, positive net pricing, purchasing efficiencies and a positive translation impact, partially offset by higher base material costs for vehicle content enhancements. 

NAFTA margin continued to improve from 4.9% in Q2 2014 to 7.7%. For the six months ended June 2015, NAFTA margin improved to 5.8% from 4.1% for the same period last year and is now within the 5.5% - 6.0% target set for the full year. Adjusted EBIT for Q2 2015 excludes the charge of €81 million related to the consent order agreed with NHTSA.
__________________________
1 For US and Canada, "Sales" represents sales to end customers as reported by the Group's dealer network.


Shipments were 138 thousand vehicles, a decrease of 32% reflecting continued macroeconomic weakness resulting in poor trading conditions in the region's principal markets. Market share in Brazil was 19.0%, down 190 bps, due to strong competition and pricing pressures, however the Group remained the leader in the market for Q2 with a 360 bps lead over the nearest competitor. In Argentina, market share declined from 15.8% in Q2 2014 to 12.2% in Q2 2015 mainly due to continued import restrictions.

Net revenues were €1,851 million, down 15% (-13% CER) primarily due to reduced shipments.

Adjusted EBIT was negative €79 million in Q2 2015, down from €63 million in Q2 2014, reflecting lower volumes, increased start-up costs for the Pernambuco plant and marketing spending for the Jeep Renegade launch, partially offset by positive net pricing. 

Excluding the start-up costs for the Pernambuco plant and the commercial launch of the Jeep Renegade, LATAM results would have been at break-even for the quarter. Adjusted EBIT for Q2 2015 excludes the €80 million charge primarily resulting from the adoption of the SIMADI exchange rate due to the continuing deterioration of the economic conditions in Venezuela.


Shipments (excluding JVs) totaled 46 thousand vehicles, down 15%, primarily due to heightened competition in China. Group retail sales (including JVs) were 14 thousand vehicles lower than Q2 2014 at 55 thousand vehicles.

Net revenues were €1,523 million, consistent with Q2 2014, but 12% lower at CER, primarily as a result of a decrease in volumes.

Adjusted EBIT was €47 million, a decrease of €63 million driven by lower volumes, unfavorable net pricing, due to an increase in incentive levels in China and unfavorable foreign exchange transaction effects for vehicle sales in Australia partially offset by a reduction in marketing costs.


Passenger car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) shipments totaled 322 thousand units, up 13% over Q2 2014. Passenger car shipments were up 13% to 258 thousand units and LCVs were up 12% to 64 thousand units. 

European passenger car market share (EU28+EFTA) was up 30 bps to 6.4% (up 70 bps to 28.6% in Italy). For LCVs, European market share2 (EU28+EFTA) was flat at 13.0% (up 60 bps to 45.1% in Italy).

Net revenues were €5,470 million (+19%; +16% CER) resulting from higher volumes and favorable
product mix driven by the all-new Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade.


Adjusted EBIT for Q2 2015 was €57 million, compared with break-even results for the same quarter in 2014. The improvement was primarily attributable to increased shipments and more favorable product mix, reflecting the continued success of the Fiat 500 family and Jeep brand, specifically from the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade and cost efficiencies, which were partially offset by higher costs for U.S. imported vehicles due to a weaker Euro and increased marketing costs.
_____________________________

2 Due to unavailability of market data for Italy, the figures reported are an extrapolation and discrepancies with actual data could exist.



Net revenues were €766 million, reflecting an increase of €37 million (+5%) from Q2 2014, mainly driven by higher volumes and favorable product mix, partially offset by lower sales of engines to Maserati.

Adjusted EBIT of €124 million, compared with €105 million in Q2 2014, primarily reflects an increase in volumes, improved product mix and favorable foreign currency transaction effects.


Net revenues totaled €610 million, down 17% (-29% CER) from Q2 2014, primarily due to decreased volumes resulting from weaker demand in China and unfavorable product mix.

Adjusted EBIT decreased to €43 million from €61 million in Q2 2014 primarily due to lower volumes, unfavorable mix and net pricing, partially offset by a reduction in selling, general and administrative costs.


Magneti Marelli

Net revenues were €1,868 million, a 17% increase over Q2 2014, reflecting positive performance in the lighting, electronic systems and powertrain businesses.

Adjusted EBIT was €76 million, an increase of €21 million (+38%) from Q2 2014 primarily related to higher volumes and the benefit of cost containment actions and efficiencies, partially offset by start-up costs related to the Pernambuco plant.

Comau

Net revenues were €532 million, a 58% increase from Q2 2014, primarily due to body assembly (previously body welding) and robotics businesses.

Adjusted EBIT increased by €9 million from Q2 2014 to €20 million primarily due to increased volumes and favorable mix.

Teksid

Net revenues were €172 million, a 4% increase over Q2 2014, primarily attributable to an 18% increase in aluminum business volumes, offset by a 7% decrease in cast iron business volumes.

Adjusted EBIT was break-even, compared with negative €1 million in Q2 2014 primarily from increased volumes from the aluminum business and favorable foreign exchange rate effects.

Brand activity in the quarter

Giulia, the eagerly anticipated all-new model of Alfa Romeo with the legendary Quadrifoglio logo, was unveiled to the international press at the newly renovated Alfa Romeo Historic Museum ("La Macchina del Tempo") on June 24, the 105th anniversary date of the founding of Alfa Romeo in Milan, marking the start of a new chapter in the history of this legendary brand.

The new Fiat Aegea compact sedan with its significantly refined design combining comfort, spaciousness, efficiency and technology, was debuted at the 2015 Istanbul Motor Show on May 21. Sales are scheduled to commence in November 2015 in Turkey and continue in over forty countries across the EMEA region.

At the opening of Expo Milano 2015 on May 1, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, as Official Global Partner with a fleet of 105 vehicles, together with its brands, welcomed all the visitors to the event with an outdoor campaign based on the universal language of flags composed of high impact maxi-boards, posters and video installations at the main entrances of the exhibition. 

The Company opened the FCA Store inside the Expo Pavilions and held a round table on the topic of "The Environment: driving change and innovation" on the occasion of the World Environment Day.

The all-new Chrysler 200 was named "Car of the Year" in April by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press association while the all-new Chrysler 300C Platinum made Ward's prestigious "10 Best Interiors List" for 2015.

The all-new Jeep Renegade and the Fiat 500 were selected by Kelley Blue Book for its annual list of the "10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" in May.

Comau unveiled its powerful powertrain solutions, machine technology and first-class industrial robots at the 14th China International Machine Tool Show in April.

EBIT to Adjusted EBIT reconciliation  


Calculation of Adjusted Net profit


Calculation of Adjusted Basic EPS

*********

Ford's Fiesta continues to dominate the European market, holding the #1 sales position for three years.

  • The Ford Fiesta continues to reaffirm its European leadership among compact cars, winning relating to the first six months of 2015 1st place in the ranking of sales of 'small car' *
  • The results obtained from the compact Blue Oval in the first half of 2015 carry on the extraordinary success of the current generation Fiesta, which has dominated the European charts sales for 3 consecutive years, in 2012, in 2013 and 2014
  • Ford Fiesta sold in Europe 174 thousand in the first half of 2015, an increase of 3.5% over the same period of 2014. Of these, over 22 thousand were sold in Italy, expressing a growth of 13.3%
The Ford Fiesta continues to reaffirm its European leadership among compact cars, winning relating to the first six months of 2015 1st place in the ranking of sales of 'small car'.The Fiesta, at the same time, is also the 2nd best selling model ever in Europe.


The results obtained from the compact Blue Oval in the first half of 2015 carry on the extraordinary success of the current generation Fiesta, which has dominated the European charts sales for 3 consecutive years, in 2012, in 2013 and 2014.

Ford Fiesta sold in Europe 174 thousand in the first half of 2015, expressing a growth of 3.5% over the same period of 2014. Of these, over 22 thousand were sold in Italy, an increase of 13.3% compared to the first six months of 2015. In Italy, also, the Ford Fiesta is also the best-selling between the LPG-powered cars in the first six months of 2015. **

"Customers Europeans have a real passion for the compact, but also have extremely high expectations. We are proud to continue to see the Fiesta at the top of the charts, "said Roelant de Waard, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. 

"The Fiesta now offers the widest variety of range of all time, with ultra-efficient engines as the ECOnetic model, and the most high level of customization, with new colors as the elegant Silver Beige".

Å KODA continues it's path of success. They increased its deliveries, turnover & profit in the first half of 2015.

  • Delivery record: 544,300 vehicles; + 4.2%
  • Sales increase by 7.5% to 6,400 million euros at end-June
  • Operating profit: 522 million euros; + 22.8%
Å KODA continues on the path of success. The manufacturer increased its deliveries, turnover and operating profit in the first half of 2015. Deliveries rose 4.2% to a new record of 544,300 units between January and June. 

The turnover had increased by 7.5% to 6.421 million euros, surpassing for the first time the figure of six billion euros in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, operating profit grew by 22.8% compared with the same period last year, reaching 522 million euros.


"Å KODA has grown profitably during the first half of the year," explains Chairman of the Board of Å KODA, Winfried Vahland. "Our full range of modern and stylish vehicles has been very well received by customers. 

The excellent sales results in Central and Eastern Europe have compensated for the demanding market conditions in Russia, Ukraine and in the last two months, also in China."

Å KODA's turnover grew 7.5% during the first half of 2015 and amounted to 6.421 million euros (first half 2014: 5.974 million). The corresponding operating profit for the same period stood at 522 million euros (first half 2014: 425 million), representing an increase of 22.8%. 

The operating margin rose to 8.1%, after 7.1% in the first half of 2014. The improvement in revenue was mainly due to lower cost of materials. Net liquidity amounted to 2.696 million euros, while capital expenditures totaled EUR 146 million (January-June 2014: 149 million).

"Amid a partially difficult environment, Å KODA has once again demonstrated its financial strength and profitability in the first half of the year," says Å KODA CFO Winfried Krause. 

"The increase in net income and high liquidity are a good indicator of the financial health of the company. Given the volatility of the environment and the difficult conditions in some markets, strict cost discipline remains an essential role in the entire organization. "

 Å KODA AUTO Group - Key figures in the first half of 2015/2014:

Units20152014Change%
Deliveries to customersvehicles544300522,500+4.2
Excluding deliveries to Chinavehicles406,000391800+3.6
Productionvehicles398,700397,400+0.3
Salesvehicles421300425,500-1.0
BillingMillion €6,4215,974+7.5
operating profitMillion €522425+22.8
Operating profit on turnover%+8.1+7.1-
Investments (excluding capitalized development costs)Million €146149-20
Net liquidityMillion €2,6961,855+45.3