The Motoring World

Saturday, 9 April 2016

UK SALES MARCH - JLR sells a new car every two minutes in March recording record sales as they go.

Jaguar Land Rover achieves best ever UK monthly retail sales of just over 25,000 (25,127) vehicles, up 16% on March 2015
The company enjoys a record first quarter with 35,444 vehicle sales, up 23% year-on-year
Jaguar had its strongest UK performance in over a decade, delivering 5,655 vehicles, up 45% on the previous March. First quarter sales were up by an outstanding 76%
Land Rover retailed 19,472 vehicles in March, up 9% year-on-year

Today Jaguar Land Rover, the UK's leading manufacturer of premium luxury vehicles, reported its best ever UK monthly retail sales of 25,127 vehicles, up 16% on March 2015. One Jaguar Land Rover vehicle was sold in the UK every 2 minutes over the last month. In the first three months of 2016, the company sold 35,444 vehicles, up by nearly a quarter (23%) on the same period last year.

Commenting on the performance, Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “This has been a fantastic March for Jaguar Land Rover, with very strong performance from both brands, cementing our position as Britain’s largest automotive manufacturer.

Yet again, our success has been spearheaded by continued customer demand for the all-conquering Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. In the UK alone, Jaguar sold almost 6,000 vehicles in March and increased sales by 76% in the first quarter, with the XE and the all-new XF appealing to more and more drivers.”

Marking its best monthly sales yet, Land Rover retailed 19,472 vehicles in March, up 9% year-on-year, and sold one vehicle roughly every 2 minutes. Best-sellers for the month were the Evoque (6,048 vehicles) and the Discovery Sport (5,787 vehicles) followed by the Discovery (2,578 vehicles) and the Range Rover Sport (2,596 vehicles). Quarter one UK sales for Land Rover reached 26,756 vehicles, up 13% on the prior year.

Jaguar had its best UK performance in over a decade, delivering 5,655 vehicles, up 45% on the previous March, and sold one vehicle roughly every 8 minutes. This performance has been driven by successive growth of the XE (3,142 vehicles) and the all-new XF (1,719 vehicles). Quarter one UK sales for Jaguar were 8,688, up an outstanding 75% on the previous year’s first quarter.

Jeremy Hicks continued: “Our cars have performed terrifically with customers but we’ve also been recognised by a series of major awards. Most recently, the Jaguar XF was crowned BBC Top Gear's Saloon Car of the Year, having been named Best Executive Car at the Fleet News Awards and Best Director's Car at the SME Company Car Awards in the last month alone. Meanwhile, the Discovery Sport was named BBC Top Gear’s Family Car of the Year and it was praised for its versatility, practicality and deep-rooted capability. The rest of 2016 promises to be equally exciting, with the start of sales of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and the Jaguar F-PACE, along with further all-new and refreshed vehicles from both brands coming to market. For us, a large part of our continued growth will come in fleet and we are already reaching a turning point with a range of affordable and class-leading fuel economy cars appealing to the widest group of customers.”

TMW - It's that time of the month again - March 2016 - The first quarter ends on a high, with more to come.

JAGUAR

MARCH 5659 2016 sales - MARCH 2015 3903 sales +44.99%

Y.T.D. 2016 8680 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 4952 sales +75.28%

LAND ROVER

MARCH 2016 18234 sales - MARCH 2015 15508 sales +17.58%

Y.T.D. 2016 24118 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 20605 sales +17.05%

JAGUAR LAND ROVER CUMULATIVE

MARCH 2016 23893 sales - MARCH 2015 19411 sales +23.10%

Y.T.D. 2016 32798 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 25557 sales +28.33%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

MARCH 2016 32470 sales - MARCH 2015 26925 sales +20.59%

Y.T.D. 2016 46495 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 40024 sales +16.17%

MERCEDES

MARCH 2016 30243 sales - MARCH 2015 26616 sales +13.63%

Y.T.D. 2016 47239 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 40311 sales +17.19%

LEXUS

MARCH 2016 3104 sales - MARCH 2015 2446 sales +26.90%

Y.T.D. 2016 4337 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 3686 sales +17.66%

AUDI

MARCH 2016 30483 sales - MARCH 2015 29153 sales +4.56%

Y.T.D. 2016 47380 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 44919 sales +5.48%

INFINITI

MARCH 2016 392 sales - MARCH 2015 153 sales +156.21%

Y.T.D. 2016 524 sales - Y.T.D. 2015 232 sales +125.86%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (Y.T.D. CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +94.51%

ALFA ROMEO +11.82%

ASTON MARTIN +3.79%

BENTLEY +12.53%

DS AUTOMOBILES +0.00% *

FIAT +3.41%

HONDA +14.83%

HYUNDAI +2.02%

JEEP +37.62%

KIA +8.52%

MAZDA +16.71%

MG +15.48%

MINI +8.13%

PORSCHE +21.83%

RENAULT +16.35%

SKODA +9.03%

SMART +116.56%

SSANGYONG +122.35%

SUBARU +3.68%

SUZUKI +13.30%
TOYOTA +1.91%

VOLVO +8.66%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YTD CUMULATIVE)

CITROEN -15.46% *

DACIA -1.01%

FORD -0.96%

LOTUS -1.14%
MASERATI -12.80%

MITSUBISHI -17.38%

NISSAN -5.20%
PEUGEOT -5.84%

SEAT -5.42%

VAUXHALL -0.19%

VOLKSWAGEN -4.88%

*Citroen and DS Automobiles split sales in May 2015 - Combine both to get an accurate figure when comparing to 2015 sales figures.
Figures all supplied by SMMT.

Well, we conclude the first quarter with yet more record sales, March is, one of the two sales boosting months with the number plate change, so, not only do we get to see a new number on the plates, we see, this time, nearly 520,000 cars sold, and thats a significant increase on last March, So, who are the winners and who are the losers this year.

Smart, Ssangyong and Abarth are up there with double or more sales against a year ago, Smart has nothing new, so it looks like people are now getting used to the brace of cars and are happy to part with their hard earned for one of these quirky cars, Ssangyong, well, they have the Tivoli, which is doing some really good business, along with new engines and a 4x4 version, and a LWB version coming soon, then we have Abarth, they have nothing new, just the same warmed over Fiat 500's in various tunes and trim levels, but we will have the 124 Spider to add to the fray not long after the main model is launched.

Jaguar and Land Rover both continue their upward journey with some really big increases, especially Jaguar, and about time too, the F-Pace will help keep the sales flying high, and the XE will keep the volume end afloat, but the XF seems to have stagnated, and the XJ is pegged at around 20,000 units a year worldwide, those numbers are not very fiscally viable, so expect the next generation to have a more parts bin look to it, especially under the skin, all to save a few pennies.

The Key players in the UK, Ford and Vauxhall are both showing declines in Q1, however in the month Vauxhall are up +6.6% and Ford are down -4.91%, both have new or refreshed products, and both remain Britains favourite brands.

The Four French brands are also having a decent time, except for Peugeot, Citroen shows a negative figure, but you have to factor in DS as they are now split, together they are growing, and they too have a number of new or refreshed models, it does have to be said, that although the three DS models, 3-4 & 5, have been refreshed they remain very old in car terms these days, and the DS3 must be replaced sooner than the other two, as it is the biggest seller in the DS portfolio.

Volkswagen and one of it's subsidiaries, SEAT, both dropped sales, not sure why SEAT has, they have some brilliant models, the LEON and Ibiza, but Volkswagen, well, with them conning the worlds motoring buyers with the Diesel Scandal, it goes to show that the buyers will hit you hard, and where it hurts, and thats in VW's wallet, it is not only the UK thats dropped, the USA has also dropped significantly too.

Aston and Bentley are taking in the orders nicely for their portfolio of stunning products, Lotus however, remains an odd set of numbers, before March they were well above target, yet in the first of the two big months of the year, Lotus dropped sales, MINI has turned a corner with a nice set of positive figures, again, the same cant be said for MINI USA, Subaru continues to grow and grow the world over, and with them entering a factory backed team in the British Touring Car Championships (BTCC), with the newly launched Levorg, it will no doubt have some influence on the buying public, as long, of course, they do some decent racing, and get some podiums and wins, but they have three years to get it right, as thats the length of the contract to run the team, but with Jason Plato and Colin Turkington in the team, expect wins this year.

And thats it for March and Q1, April brings with it some new models, and further announcements of brands and models appearing at the inaugural London Motor Show, so, see you in one month.

The Special Limited Run Isuzu Centurion marks 100 years of the brand, happy Birthday & here's to the next 100.

Limited-run D-Max ‘Centurion’ marks 100 years of Isuzu
Centurion limited to 100 vehicles
Lavish spec to include £11,000-worth of extras
On sale across the UK from 9 April at £30,999 CVOTR

Isuzu continues to celebrate its centenary in style with a new Centurion special edition of the award-winning D-Max, released to mark 100 years since the company set up operations in Tokyo, Japan. Fittingly, for the centenary-themed pick-up, only 100 of the Centurion models will be produced and it goes on sale on 9 April - the 100^th day of the year.

Making a bold impression as the ultimate pick-up, the Centurion boasts striking exterior enhancements and all-new in-car entertainment features. Ranking as the best-equipped D-Max ever to be available on sale in the UK, the automatic transmission, double-cab Centurion is finished in a sophisticated, cool Fjord Blue colour.

In addition to the comprehensive spec list included within the £30,999 (CVOTR) price tag, every Centurion features a unique plaque numbered 1-100. As a memento, a branded presentation box will be awarded to every customer picking up their new D-Max Centurion, within which a unique items list and personalised collection certificate will be included.

All in, the Centurion includes more than £11,000-worth of additional bespoke features. The exterior is proudly adorned with all-new tailor-made 19-inch black and silver Hurricane alloys fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres. Bold front and rear spoiler fitments create the impression of a more planted stance, without compromising ride-height or ground clearance.

Robust stainless steel side bars and sidesteps along with black and silver roof bars add further practicality and convenience as well as enhancing the pick-up’s visual appeal.

The overall profile of the Centurion is also unique, thanks to the load bed’s eye-catching Alpha Sports tonneau cover – with remote tailgate locking – which adds eye-catching rear buttresses to the trailing edge of the passenger cabin. The unique exterior features go onto include a pair of combination LEDs incorporating daytime running lamps and fog lamps which are neatly integrated into the front bumper.

Inside, the commanding centenary special D-Max is further refined with a Centurion leather trim upgrade, making for sleek leather upholstery on the seats, front centre arm rest and steering wheel. The front and rear door entry guards display an illuminated Isuzu logo, with each model containing a Centurion-branded Bed Rug dedicated to the brand’s centenary.

Keeping up with the latest technology, the Centurion is kitted out with an all-new Alpine in-car entertainment system accessed through an eight-inch touch-screen display, while audio output is delivered through six Alpine speakers (complete with an active subwoofer). Rear passengers are entertained by a drop-down, ceiling-mounted 10.2-inch Alpine monitor, with two wireless headphone sets so they can enjoy DVDs without disturbing the driver. A rear camera aids parking and manoeuvring with the image cleverly displayed within the rear view mirror when reversing.

The powerful beating heart of the Centurion remains the highly efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Isuzu’s robust diesel returns a highly impressive fuel economy of 38.7 mpg (NEDC combined). Like the rest of the D-Max range, the new Centurion also benefits from a heavyweight towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.

William Brown, Operations Director at Isuzu UK, said: “This year with the celebration of the company’s centenary, and the release of the Centurion is one of the major highlights. We felt it appropriate to offer customers the pinnacle in robust, dependable and yet highly refined pick-ups, and this new limited run model demonstrates just how versatile our award-winning Isuzu D-Max is.”

Like all new Isuzu pick-ups sold in the UK, the D-Max Centurion comes with the company’s five-year / 125,000 mile warranty.

Pricing (CVOTR)

Isuzu D-Max Centurion 2.5TD Double Cab 4x4 Auto

£30,999 + VAT

Isuzu D-Max Centurion specification

Standard equipment is as follows:

Exterior

Integrated fuel filler cap

19-inch Hurricane alloy wheels

LED DRL fog lamps

Black/Silver roof bars

Black rear bumper

Body-colour front bumper

Stainless steel side bar/steps

Cosmic Black door handles

Chrome tailgate handle

Chrome front grille

Spoiler kit (front and rear)

Tinted windows

Folding heated chrome door mirrors with side-indicator repeaters

Safety and security

ABS + ESC + TCS

Door-open warning light

Front, side and curtain airbags

Height-adjustable front seatbelts

Security etched glass

Insurance approved immobiliser

Three-point rear seatbelts

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Factory Fitted Alarm

Alpha Sports tonneau cover with remote tailgate locking

Interior

Driver and passenger sun visors

Tailgate damper

Driver and passenger reading lights

Leather steering wheel upgrade

Management information display

Front seatback map pockets

Heated rear screen

Height-adjustable drivers seat

Carpet floor trim

Centurion branded carpet mats

Height adjustable steering wheel

Height adjustable drivers seat

Leather seat upgrade

Leather centre rear armrest

Rear heating ducts

Automatic air conditioning

Heated front seats

Rear electric windows

Reclining front seats

Front electric windows

Low fuel warning light rev counter

Accessory power point

Air-recirculating system

Cigarette lighter socket

Front door cup holders

Height-adjustable rear headrests

Centurion branded Bed Rug

Centurion plaque, numbered 1-100

Steering wheel audio & cruise controls

Height-adjustable front headrests

Seat and leather trim upgrade (centre armrest and steering wheel)

Entertainment

In car entertainment system:

Alpine audio/nav 8" screen

Alpine rear view camera

Alpine 6 x speaker upgrade

Alpine active subwoofer

Alpine 10.2-inch roof monitor system

Alpine 2 x wireless headphone

RDS radio/single CD with iPod-USB-Bluetooth

Isuzu D-Max Centurion technical specification

Body and chassis

Four-door, five-seater, double cab pick-up, with all-steel body mounted on steel ladder-frame chassis. Longitudinally-mounted diesel engine driving rear (or front and rear) wheels via ‘on demand’ part-time four-wheel-drive system and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Engine	2.5-litre / 163 PS (120 kW) diesel
Type	DOHC, in-line four
Capacity	2.5-litres, 2,499 cc
Bore and stroke	95.4 x 87.4 mm
Compression ratio	17:1
Max power	163 PS @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque	400 Nm @ 1,400-2,000 rpm
Valves	16 (four-per-cylinder)
Fuel system	CRDi, common-rail, high-pressure, direct-injection two-stage turbo
Construction	Cast iron cylinder block and aluminium head
Emissions class	Euro Stage5

Drivetrain

Switchable rear-wheel-drive / all-wheel-drive, selectable electronically

Steering
Type	Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
Turning circle	12.2 metres

Wheels and tyres
Standard	19-inch Hurricane alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres (255/55/R19)
Spare	Tyre repair and inflation kit

Automatic transmission gear ratios

4x4 Double Cab 5AT

1 – 3.52; 2 – 2.042; 3 – 1.400; 4 – 1.000; 5 – 0.716; Reverse – 3.224

Final Drive – 3.727

Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length	5,295	Overall width*	1,860
Overall height	1,785**	Wheelbase	3,095
Front overhang	905	Rear overhang	1,295
Ground clearance	235
Approach angle	30.0 deg	Departure angle	23.0 deg
Ramp angle	22.0 deg

*excluding door mirrors, **excluding roof rails

Capacities and weights
Fuel tank	69 litres
Load bay (LWH)	1,552 x 1,530 x 465 mm
Kerb weight	1,983 kg A/T
Towing (max)	3,500 kg (braked trailer), 750 kg (unbraked)
Payload (max)	1,058 kg A/T

Fuel economy / performance
Isuzu D-Max Centurion 4x4 Double Cab 5 A/T
Urban cycle	26.9 mpg (10.5 l/100 km)
Extra urban cycle	39.2 mpg (7.2 l/100 km)
Combined cycle	33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100 km)
CO₂ emissions	220 g/km
Top speed	112 mph