Bentley diversifies into more homeware, stick to cars please !

• Full furniture range at prestigious Maison & Objet Fair in Paris
• Bentley aesthetic translated into luxury home and board room environments
• Collaboration with leading Italian interiors company defines luxury lifestyle direction

Bentley Motors presents its range of luxury home and executive furniture at the Maison & Objet fair in Paris, designed and manufactured in collaboration with Luxury Living Group, one of Europe’s leading furniture makers. The collection is inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley models.

Exclusive designs
After the successful launch of a capsule collection last year, which anticipated some of the new features, the range has been expanded and developed by the architect Carlo Colombo with Daniele Ceccomori, Bentley’s Head of Product Design. Appearing at the Fair among the ‘Special Designs’ labels, the suite of furniture and accessories offers exclusive items for home and office, setting a new standard in ultra luxury.

Craft and sensibility
Based in Forlì, Italy, Luxury Living Group specialises in the production and distribution of luxury furniture – combining the highest quality craftsmanship with a rigorous aesthetic sensibility which links Bentley’s inherent qualities of heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the most technical and architectural aspects of furniture design. The collection is an exercise in subtlety, incorporating functional performance with comfort and luxurious, sensuous quality. It captures the style of the Bentley driver through items that mirror the impeccable quality and attention to detail of the Crewe-based marque.

The colour palette is natural, featuring mocha, cognac, taupe, quartz, grey and ice, flanking variations of purple-red, burgundy, brick red or blue. The combinations exalt the use of tactile leather and sensuous textiles. Hints of male attire, pinstripe or houndstooth, are introduced into sophisticated velvets and the lightest of cashmeres, crafted with three-dimensional patterns. Utilised in the upholstery, they are also woven as novel and precious carpets – hand-knotted, made of fine wools, silk or pashmina – as well as refined blankets hemmed in mink. Finely crafted leather upholstery – with its signature quilted diamond pattern or elegant padded texture – further enhances the collection’s pieces.

The Richmond collection develops the theme of the double shell, in burr walnut briar root, used in other of the collection’s models, as well as for the interior of the automobiles from Crewe. Ebony Macassar essence and Calacatta marble make for a precious decorative effect matching with the steel gun-metal finishing of the base. Finely crafted leather upholstery – with its signature quilted diamond pattern or elegant dimpled texture – further enhances the collection’s furniture pieces.

Kevin Rose, board member Sales & Marketing, of Bentley, comments:
“The Home Collection embodies Bentley’s emergence as a modern high luxury brand. It combines sophisticated materials with contemporary design and the ultimate in bespoke craftsmanship. This is an exciting development which captures the shared values of Bentley and Luxury Living, with unrivalled attention to detail and a stunning translation of the timeless style of the brand into home and executive suite interiors.”

Alberto Vignatelli, CEO and chairman of the Luxury Living Group, says: “We accepted with enthusiasm the challenge of interpreting in furnishings the exclusivity and charm of Bentley. In the Bentley Home collection there co‑exists a passion for details, care of materials and a style that anticipates the trends while remaining true to the codes of elegance and tradition. The perfect synthesis of values, the same we find at the wheel of a Bentley. I strongly believe in this collection which is already attracting acclaim internationally.”

Individual pieces

MINSTER SOFA
Harmonious shapes and flowing lines are highlighted through the subtle proportions of the arms with their unique curve. Available in leather or fabric, the body and seat come in distinguished purple-red velvet matched with burgundy velvet piping along the edges.

BUTTERFLY SOFA & ARMCHAIR
Butterfly, the new system made up of sofa and armchair, masterfully interprets Bentley’s style values. The deep, plush seat is encased in a shell quilted with Bentley’s iconic diamond pattern. The geometry of its side neatly reaches outward, providing a contemporary touch that reflects is cosy yet dynamic form. The sofa is in distinguished ivory leather and the armchair in pinstriped fabric, quilted in fine, grey wool.

RICHMOND BED
The Richmond bed exemplifies the supple elements and stylistic principles characteristic of the line. Unrivalled comfort is created by its roomy design in which the masterfully crafted materials play a prime role. The unique and elegant double shell – covered in quilted leather or precious briar root – encompasses the headboard lined with iridescent sand-coloured satin wool. The finish is enhanced by the finely embroidered Bentley logo.

AMBASSADOR SIDEBOARD
The Ambassador sideboard is shaped in line with modern architectural themes in a majestic design highlighting its elegance and originality. The supple expressiveness of its steel gun-metal structure, matches perfectly the fullness of the container module covered with lava-coloured leather, briar root or Ebony Macassar veneering.

HARLOW ARMCHAIR
Harlow is the reinterpretation of the iconic film director’s chair, with a sophisticated and firm structure. The linear steel gun-metal base upholds the seating, made of cognac-coloured leather with a tufted manufacturing process in the internal part. The metal buckles with leather bands applied on the armrests references typical masculine style points.

EUROPE - Beautiful new limited run Bentley Mulsanne.

• New Limited Edition Mulsanne exclusively for Europe
• Inspired by gentleman, visionary and Bentley Boy, Tim Birkin
• Three exquisite colour specifications with unique styling details
• Mulliner Driving Specification, Entertainment Specification, and fitted luggage set epitomise the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley Motors today unveils a new Limited Edition model exclusively for European customers, the Birkin Mulsanne.

Taking inspiration from Sir Henry ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin – the legendary Bentley Boy who travelled and raced extensively around Europe in the 1920s and 1930s – this new model features numerous unique styling details and represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring in its most discerning form.

The Limited Edition of just 22 cars is available in three colour specifications: a fresh and contemporary Ghost White, Damson for a more vibrant touch, and a sophisticated contrast of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire, offering a modern interpretation of the classic two-tone Bentley paint design.

Numbered door sill plaques, a unique 21" wheel design inspired by those on the original Mulsanne concept car, and a striking 3D ‘Flying B’ logo stitched into the vehicle headrests and inlaid into the wood of the front fascia and rear picnic tables, identify the Birkin models.  In addition, all three specifications feature a stunning tailored luggage set – each one hand-crafted, individually numbered and matched with the interior of each car.

Items have been selected for the Birkin Limited Edition from the Mulsanne’s extensive options list for the well-travelled connoisseur and the Mulliner Driving Specification delivers an engaging motoring experience thanks to a unique ‘Sport’ setting on the Drive Dynamics Control system.  An intricate diamond quilting pattern to the seats and door panels, complemented by an indented leather headlining and ‘knurling’ details to the interior metalwork, create a contemporary and tactile finish to the cabin.

For those travelling in the rear of the Birkin Mulsanne’s spacious cabin, the Entertainment Specification offers a luxurious and comfortable space to work or relax while on the move.  Each car features exquisitely-packaged twin 8" LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.

A tribute to Tim Birkin
The muse for this Limited Edition Mulsanne, Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin, was celebrated as both racing legend and unassuming style icon in his time, epitomising the idea of the British gentleman racer.

The Birkin Mulsanne specifications are born from the idea of how Birkin would commission a Bentley today.  With its effortless performance and luxurious hand-crafted cabin, the Bentley Mulsanne embodies the essence of Birkin’s beliefs as motoring connoisseur.  Now, with its unique styling details and exquisite specification, the Limited Edition Birkin Mulsanne is an automotive homage to one of Bentley’s most influential visionaries.

Birkin’s first Bentley was bought simply out of a love of fine motoring, but over time he became increasingly involved with Bentley’s efforts on the road and race track, culminating with his key role in the development of the ‘Blower’ Bentley in 1928.  Birkin saw that to retain its competitive racing edge, the company needed to increase the power of the 130 bhp Bentley 4 ½ litre, and so pushed to fit the car with a supercharger, which increased power to an impressive 242 bhp.

Birkin convinced company owner Woolf Barnato and financial-backer Dorothy Paget to support a production run of 50 cars in order to qualify for Le Mans.  It was for this car – and his fearless style of driving it – that Birkin is perhaps best known.

Nine decades of Bentleys to race at Donnington in June

On Saturday, June 7^th 2014, Donington Park will reverberate to the unmistakable sound of Bentley engines spanning nine decades, as Bentleys of all ages come together in a unique one-marque race.

This spectacular sight of the iconic British marque at the legendary British circuit celebrates the 90^thanniversary of Bentley’s first win at Le Mans and is being staged by the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) at the AMOC Donington race meeting.

Already a tradition at the BDC annual race meeting at Silverstone, models spanning the decades will be out on track together for a 20-minute scratch race at Donington Park, a favourite circuit of racing legends and spectators alike.  The sight and sound of Bentleys just a few months old hurtling towards Redgate or weaving their way round the Craner Curvers side by side with Bentleys old enough to be their grandparents - or even great-grandparents - is sure to be one race that fans will never forget.

Showcasing the racing heritage and diversity of the marque, this is a fabulous opportunity to witness some simultaneous open- and closed-wheel racing, with speed differentials equivalent to that at Le Mans between the prototypes and GT touring cars, as 3-litres, 3/4½s, 3/8’s, 4½s, Derbys, Mark VI Specials, the explosive 24-litre Bentley Napier and the Worthington brothers’ Mulsanne Turbo and technicolour Continental GT demonstrate their paces.

Duncan Wiltshire, Race Co-Ordinator for AMOC Racing, said “AMOC Racing are delighted that the Bentley Drivers Club will be racing at the AMOC Donington race meeting. Given the warm relations between the Aston Martin Owners Club and the Bentley Drivers Club over many decades, the Bentley race is a most fitting and welcome addition to our programme, which includes races for the AMOC Intermarque Championship, 50s Sports Cars and ‘Equipe’ GTs.”

Bentley Drivers Club Competitions Captain Sebastian Welch added, “The BDC is a comparatively small club, and organising a one-marque race at another race meeting is a significant achievement. We are thrilled to be celebrating the 90^th anniversary of the first Bentley Le Mans win in this way with an extra race, and would like to thank AMOC Racing for inviting us to stage the race at AMOC Donington. We are sure it will prove hugely enjoyable for competitors and spectators.”

VW group posts impressive sales figures for 2013

• Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler: “Renewed increase in deliveries is very good achievement by all brands. Market developments in 2014 expected to be similar to 2013.”

The Volkswagen Group reported yet another strong increase in worldwide deliveries for the full year 2013, topping the record set in 2012. “In total, our Group delivered over 9.7 million vehicles to customers last year, ranging from small city cars to heavy trucks – more than ever before,” Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said, commenting on the overall delivery figures which also include estimates for the MAN and Scania brands. Klingler continued: “Across the board, all brands contributed to these very positive results which are a very good achievement in light of the difficult conditions on markets all over the world. As far as the current year is concerned, we expect market developments on a level similar to 2013. Even though the situation in Europe would appear to be stabilising, economic uncertainty will continue and the challenges we will be facing on markets will remain virtually unchanged.”

Excluding the heavy truck brands of MAN and Scania, the Volkswagen Group delivered 9.5 (2012: 9.1; +4.8 per cent)* million vehicles in twelve months. The Group finished the month of December with a 6.3 per cent increase, delivering 833,200 (December 2012: 784,100)* units.

Developments in the various regions and world markets were mixed. Group brands delivered 3.65 (3.67; -0.5 per cent) million vehicles on the overall European market from January to December, of which 1.85 (1.85; +0.1 per cent) million units were handed over in Western Europe (excluding Germany). 1.16 (1.18; -1.4 per cent) million customers chose a new model from the Volkswagen Group in the home market of Germany. Europe’s largest automaker delivered 639,500 (644,300; -0.7 per cent) vehicles in the Central and Eastern Europe region. 303,200 (317,700; -4.6 per cent) vehicles were handed over to customers in the Russian market during the same period.

Deliveries in the North America region from January to December grew 5.6 per cent to 888,800 (841,500) units, of which 611,700 (596,100; +2.6 per cent) were delivered in the United States. In the South America region, the Volkswagen Group handed over 908,000 (1,010,100; -10.1 per cent) million vehicles to customers during the same period, of which 682,200 (780,200; -12.6 per cent) were delivered in Brazil.

The Group recorded very encouraging figures in the Asia-Pacific region, where 3.64 (3.17; +14.7 per cent) million vehicles were delivered to customers in the period to December, of which 3.27 (2.81; +16.2 per cent) million were handed over to customers in China (incl. Hong Kong), the Group’s largest single market. In contrast, deliveries in India declined to 92,600 (114,100; -18.9 per cent) units.

Outline of developments at Group brands

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 5.93 (5.74; +3.4 per cent) million vehicles to customers worldwide during the full year. The brand developed well in the Asia-Pacific region, handing over 2.73 (2.37; +15.0 per cent) million vehicles there. Volkswagen Passenger Cars delivered 1.64 (1.70; -3.7 per cent) million vehicles to customers on the overall European market, where conditions remained difficult, of which 560,100 (586,100; -4.4 per cent) units were handed over in the home market of Germany.

Audi delivered 1.58 (1.46; +8.3 per cent) million vehicles worldwide in 2013. The premium brand from Ingolstadt developed particularly well in the Asia-Pacific region, where customers took possession of 579,100 (478,900; +20.9 per cent) new vehicles. Audi delivered 190,300 (168,800) models in the North America region during the same period, an increase of 12.7 per cent.

The sports car manufacturer Porsche, which became a Volkswagen Group brand on August 1, 2012, recorded full-year deliveries totaling 162,100 vehicles. Demand for vehicles built by the Stuttgart-based carmaker was particularly high in the Asia-Pacific region, where 49,700 units were delivered, and in the North America region, where 46,700 vehicles were handed over to customers.

ŠKODA delivered a total of 920,800 (939,200; -2.0 per cent) vehicles in 2013. The Czech automaker grew deliveries for the full year in Western Europe (excluding Germany), handing over 233,200 (225,900; +3.2 per cent) units. The company delivered 251,800 (261,100; -3.5 per cent) vehicles to customers in the Central and Eastern Europe region.

SEAT delivered 355,000 (321,000) vehicles worldwide in 2013, an increase of 10.6 per cent. The Spanish brand benefited in particular from a tailwind in Germany, where deliveries grew 20.3 per cent to 76,600 (63,700) units, as well as in the UK, where the company delivered 45,700 (39,000; +17.0 per cent) units.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 551,900 (550,200; +0.3 per cent) vehicles to customers last year, of which 159,400 (161,200; -1.1 per cent) units were handed over in Western Europe (excluding Germany). In contrast, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles grew deliveries in the South America region by 8.3 per cent, handing over 160,400 (148,100) vehicles to customer there.

*) including deliveries by the Porsche brand from August 1, 2012; excluding MAN and Scania

Bentley finished 2013 flying high

• 10,120 cars delivered in 2013
• Results confirm Bentley’s position as world’s most sought after luxury car brand
• Flying start for Flying Spur
• Dealer expansion continues, now includes 54 territories

Bentley Motors has firmly reinforced its position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world after announcing a 19% increase in global deliveries in 2013. 10,120 cars were delivered, the highest figure in Bentley’s 95-year history, against 8,510 in 2012.

The Americas region continued its impressive performance and number one market position, while Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe, particularly Germany and the UK, posted substantial gains over the previous year. The global sales network also increased by 11%, to 193 showrooms.

Commenting on the results, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, said:

“2013 marks our fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, establishing ourselves as the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. We continue to win new customers and we are confident that 2014 will be another successful year for Bentley. People all over the world love the unique combination of luxury and performance of our cars.”

New models were critical to this success. In 2013 Bentley launched the new Flying Spur, the fastest and most powerful Bentley four-door model ever. In the final four months of 2013, with full availability of the new model, Bentley delivered 2,005 Flying Spurs to customers - a phenomenal reception, considering the average yearly sales of 2,700 cars of its predecessor, the Continental Flying Spur, during its seven year tenure.

Deliveries also commenced for Bentley’s open-top performance flagship, the Continental GT Speed Convertible. The Continental family now has four distinct models, with the recently unveiled GT V8 S added to the range. This gives V8 customers a choice for the first time.

According to the latest figures, Bentley’s full year market share performance in the luxury segment rose by three percentage points, taking it to 25%, a market leading position in a segment that decreased by 6%.  

Bentley’s number one market throughout 2013 was the Americas region, finishing the year delivering 28% (3,140 cars) more cars than 2012 (2,457 cars), and 31% of the total deliveries. China remained the second biggest market, with 2,191 cars delivered in total over the year, against the previous year (2,253 cars).

In Europe, deliveries were up by 11%, with 1,480 cars delivered to customers. Bentley’s home market, the UK, also saw impressive gains, delivering 1,381 cars, a 25% increase on 2012 (1,104 cars). Overall, this means that 86% of Bentley’s cars were shipped abroad.

Bentley’s growing presence in the Middle East and Asia Pacific resulted in deliveries hitting a record high in both markets.

Performance was strengthened in the Middle East by Bentley’s flagship model, the Mulsanne, with model sales up by 38%, and total deliveries increasing by 45% (1,185 cars) on 2012 (815 cars).

In Asia Pacific, deliveries rose by 26% (452 cars) on the previous year (358 cars), driven by success of the two-door Continental GT model line. Finally, Japan saw growth of 53%, delivering 291 cars against a total of 190 cars in 2012.

Bentley’s success was driven by increases across all model lines.

TMW - Its that time of the month - UK December and FULL YEAR sales figures

JAGUAR

DECEMBER 2012 1054 sales - DECEMBER 2013 993 sales -5.79%

YTD 2012 14109 sales - YTD 2013 16210 sales +14.89%

LAND ROVER

DECEMBER 2012 2532 sales - DECEMBER 2013 3012 sales +18.96%
YTD 2012 48626 sales - YTD 2013 54699 sales +12.49%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

DECEMBER 2012 10175 sales - DECEMBER 2013 11470 sales +12.73%
YTD 2012 127560 sales - YTD 2013 135583 sales +6.31%

MERCEDES

DECEMBER 2012 5261 sales - DECEMBER 2013 6619 sales +25.81%
YTD 2012 91855 sales - YTD 2013 109456 sales +19.16%

LEXUS

DECEMBER 2012 390 sales - DECEMBER 2013 629 sales +61.28%
YTD 2012 8404 sales - YTD 2013 9014 sales +7.26%

AUDI

DECEMBER 2012 4786 sales - DECEMBER 2013 7442 sales +55.50%
YTD 2012 123622 sales - YTD 2013 142040 sales +13.26%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +4.64%

CITROEN +6.38%

DACIA +100.00%

FIAT +20.62%

FORD +10.27%

HONDA +2.68%
HYUNDAI +3.54%
KIA +8.20%

LOTUS +86.86%
MAZDA +19.27%

MASERATI +3.24%
MIA +100.00%
MINI +1.19% 

MITSUBISHI +38.10%

NISSAN +11.46%

PEUGEOT +5.98%

PORSCHE +3.28%
RENAULT +13.28%

SEAT +16.79%
SKODA +23.28% 

SUBARU +12.26%
SUZUKI +32.92%
TOYOTA +4.83%
VAUXHALL +11.71%

VOLKSWAGEN +6.00%

VOLVO +2.76%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ALFA ROMEO -21.59%

ASTON MARTIN -0.64%

BENTLEY -2.84%

CHEVROLET -13.36%

CHRYSLER -24.54%

INFINITI -27.17%

JEEP -3.34%

MG -35.55%

PERODUA -50.48%

PROTON -90.38%

SAAB -98.71%

SMART -5.38%

SSANGYONG -24.34%

• 2,264,737 cars registered in 2013, up 10.8% on 2012 and exceeding SMMT’s 2.25 million forecast for the year.

• 2013 hits highest annual registration total since 2007 as December achieves 22nd consecutive monthly rise.

• On average, an additional 600 extra cars registered per day in 2013 than in the previous year.

• UK firmly secured as Europe’s second largest car market and only one to grow consistently throughout 2013.

• 2014 market expected to stabilise with sustainable growth of around 1% over the year.

Well, another year has finished, and it does not seem that long ago i was writing the exact same thing, where the hell does all this time go, It does not seem nearly 30 years ago i left school, with all my hopes and dreams, some that have been achieved, some that have not, and lots of new ones that have made the last 30 years both great and crap.

But anyway, I digress, where shall I start, lets start with the UK lame duck, MG, considering all their protestations about 100's of sales for the brand new and not that good MG3, they still only manage 120 registrations, considering the car went on sale in September last year, and a three month delivery (apart from the 700 already in the UK) they still are far far away from decent sales, they have nothing new for this year, considering it is the 90th anniversary of Cecil Kimbers brand new marque, I bet he is spinning at 3000 rpm in his grave when he sees what has become of his once beloved brand.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), both brands have had yet another great year, with huge increases in sales and lots of new metal for sale, the new F-Type Convertible, RR Sport and his daddy the Range Rover, this year will see the hard top F-Type, concept Jaguar XS (X-Type replacement) more SUV news and possibly towards the year end or early 2015, maybe at Detroit, the XF replacement, the last few years have been predominantly getting Land Rover back on track, this year is Jaguar's turn.

The Americans are not fairing too well in the UK, it seems that US cars are not flavour of the month, and with Chevy pulling out of Europe and Chryslers being Lancia's in disguise, it shows that the UK buyer is not as stupid as they think we are. But wait, Ford, the big daddy of them all, is yet again the UK #1 brand and #1 and #2 for sales with the Fiesta and Focus (Vauxhall's Corsa not far behind), the blue oval is considered an honorary Brit, and so we buy from them in droves, just a shame that they are failing to bring the new Mondeo out, whereas it has been out in the world for ages.

Why anyone would buy the hideous BMW 1-Series is beyond me, there are far better looking cars, it must be that blue roundel and ancient but false assumption of reliability, it seems that the German brands are far from reliable, just check out independent reports about those, SAAB will not be on the chart next year, which will be sad, but hopefully it will return under its new owner (NEVS), and Proton, Perodua, Ssangyong and other weird and wonderful brands will continue and flounder, until they come up with something truly amazing, I, for one, wont be holding my breath.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, and I wish that 2014 brings you all that you wish for and with the motoring world, a whole host of great new metal for the coming twelve short months.

JON MOWER

TMW - What to look forward to in 2014

2013 was a great year for The Motoring World, Our first year, The return of Datsun and SAAB, brand new niche cars from Rolls Royce, Bentley and its return to motorsport and the Bentley Boys, the ever increasing sight of SUV's on the roads of the world, and a world that is slowly but surely creeping out of its financial situation that started nearly 5 years ago.

So what do we have to look forward to next year, an huge amount, some truly stunning supercars, more SUV's in varying sizes and engines, some famous hatchbacks, small and fun mini cars and a whole host of sports cars, below are just a small sample of some the cars that we expect to see the light of day either to buy or launched to conceptual stage.

Family cars

Audi A3 E-tron (summer 2014)
Hybrid model of our 2013 Car of the Year blends hot hatch pace with CO2 emissions of 35g/km.

Hyundai i10 (early 2014)
City car gets the latest family look and greater refinement.

Kia Soul (early 2014)
Promises improvements to refinement and driving dynamics.

Mazda 3 (January 2014)
Will be lighter than today’s 3, thanks to Skyactiv technology.

MINI (early 2014)
New model gets revised dashboard and engines and bodywork.

Peugeot 308 (January 2014)
Lighter than current car, with a much classier cabin.

Renault Megane (early 2014)
Face-lifted range gets Renault family look and new petrol engine.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback (January 2014)
Shorter version of Rapid, but has more boot space than a VW Golf.

Smart Forfour (autumn 2014)
Next-generation city car will be available with either conventional engines or electric powertrains.

Vauxhall Corsa (autumn 2014)
Revamp of current car will introduce three-cylinder engines.

Volkswagen e-Golf (summer 2014)
Golf gets a 113bhp electric motor with 118-mile zero-emission range.

Volkswagen e-Up (early 2014)
Electric Up is the quickest model in the range; 100-mile range on one charge.

Estate cars

Honda Civic Tourer (early 2014)
Swish-looking estate gets a bigger boot than rivals from Ford, Skoda and Volkswagen.

Peugeot 308 SW (autumn 2014)
Estate will get the same three-cylinder engines that are due in the hatch next year.

Seat Leon ST (January 2014)
New model will beat Astra and Focus Estates on boot space.

Executives

Audi S3 Saloon (early 2014)
Hot version of Audi’s new 3 Series rival gets 296bhp, four-wheel drive and does 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Infiniti Q50 (January 2014)
G Series replacement gets new name and engines, including a V6 petrol-electric hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (spring 2014)
All-new executive car will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.

Luxury

Audi A8 (January 2014)
Updated model gets styling tweaks and changes to engine line-up.

Bentley Continental GT V8 S (early 2014)
More powerful versions of the GT have re-tuned suspension and steering.

Tesla Model S (early 2014)
Luxury electric car will go up to 300 miles on one charge.

MPVs

Citroën Grand C4 Picasso (January 2014)
Seven-seat MPV gets more practicality and efficiency.

Small SUVs

Audi RS Q3 (January 2014)
Evoque rival gets 306bhp engine and four-wheel drive.

Ford Ecosport (spring 2014)
Fiesta-based SUV will get a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

Jeep Cherokee (early 2014)
Freelander rival will borrow Fiat diesel engine to boost UK sales.

MG CS  (Late 2014 Concept)
Based on MG5 underpinnings too little, too late.

Mercedes GLA (December 2013)
A new rival for the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque.

Porsche Macan (spring 2014)
Cayenne’s baby brother will share underpinnings with the Audi Q5.

Skoda Yeti (January 2014)
Family favourite gets a face-lift, plus more standard equipment.

Ssangyong Korando (early 2014)
Bigger than the current model, but likely to get same engine line-up and two- or four-wheel drive.

Large SUVs

BMW X4 (spring 2014)
Expect ‘son of X6’ to cost around £3k more than equivalent X3s.

Land Rover Discovery (November 2013)
Face-lifted model gets better fuel economy and more equipment.

Nissan X-Trail (July 2014)
More stylish than current car; available as five- or seven-seater with two- or four-wheel drive.

Ssangyong Rexton W (December 2013)
Budget seven-seat off-roader gets 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser (December 2013)
Seven-seat SUV gets a face-lift and revised dashboard design.

Coupes

Peugeot RCZ R (early 2014)
The company’s most powerful production car ever gets 270bhp.

Open-tops

Audi A3 Cabriolet (winter 2013)
Longer, lower and lighter than the current car. S3 version will follow.

BMW 4 Series Convertible (early 2014)
New 4 Series loses its roof; keeps same range of engines.

Hot hatches

Seat Leon Cupra (autumn 2014)
Promises understated looks, but more power than the VW Golf GTI.

Volkswagen Golf R (spring 2014)
Choice of three- or five-door 296bhp hatch; 0-62mph in 4.9secs

Sports cars

BMW M4 (autumn 2014)
New range-topping coupé follows M4 Concept revealed in Frankfurt.

So, there you go, a taster of what is to come next year, from the small and cheap to the outlandish and uber expensive, and everything in between, but one thing for sure is that the automotive world will be a force again next year, and not just from the usual suspects, expect the Chinese to pick up momentum and make small inroads into the world auto market, but rest assured they are coming, like the Japanese in the 60's and the Koreans in the 80's with big brands behind the Chinese names and extremely healthy bank balances they can compete and will get better and will be, before long, names that trip of our tongues like Ford, Rolls Royce and Mercedes do now.

Have a great 2014.

Info courtesy of CAR MAGAZINE

Jon Mower

TMW - Its that time of the month again - UK November sales

JAGUAR

NOVEMBER 2012 1071 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 1017 sales -5.04%

YTD 2012 13055 sales - YTD 2013 15217 sales +16.56%

LAND ROVER

NOVEMBER 2012 3782 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 3806 sales +0.63%
YTD 2012 46094 sales - YTD 2013 51687 sales +8.87%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

NOVEMBER 2012 9704 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 10307 sales +6.21%
YTD 2012 117355 sales - YTD 2013 124113 sales +5.76%

MERCEDES

NOVEMBER 2012 6671 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 7867 sales +17.93%
YTD 2012 86594 sales - YTD 2013 102837 sales +18.76%

LEXUS

NOVEMBER 2012 443 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 616 sales +39.05%
YTD 2012 8014 sales - YTD 2013 8385 sales +4.63%

AUDI

NOVEMBER 2012 8214 sales - NOVEMBER 2013 9617 sales +17.08%
YTD 2012 118836 sales - YTD 2013 134598 sales +13.26%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +10.75%

CITROEN +6.83%

DACIA +100.00%

FIAT +18.16%

FORD +9.43%

HONDA +2.78%
HYUNDAI +4.99%
KIA +8.87%

LOTUS +56.91%
MAZDA +16.24%

MASERATI +2.71%
MIA +100.00%
MINI +2.34% 

MITSUBISHI +42.43%

NISSAN +11.60%

PEUGEOT +4.72%

PORSCHE +3.40%
RENAULT +10.19%

SEAT +15.85%
SKODA +20.62% 

SUBARU +6.73%
SUZUKI +32.10%
TOYOTA +3.97%
VAUXHALL +10.26%

VOLKSWAGEN +3.99%

VOLVO +1.27%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ALFA ROMEO -22.82%

ASTON MARTIN -2.30%

BENTLEY -2.36%

CHEVROLET -13.49%

CHRYSLER -22.89%

INFINITI -25.20%

JEEP -6.72%

MG -44.27%

PERODUA -47.97%

PROTON -90.34%

SAAB -98.71%

SMART -1.80%

SSANGYONG -22.47%

Another great month with a near 10,000 increase on the month and 191,000 so far for the year, and with less than a month to go before we get the full year sales, it is already looking like being a great one, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Vauxhall and Dacia are definitely the ones that have had a great year, and with Skoda and SEAT already surpassing 2012 sales, both of which were records then, it seems the UK's love of nice new metal on the drive is not going to change any time soon.

As you can clearly see, the top five sales successes in November are also the same as for the year to date, Vauxhall is really turning a corner in the UK after years of losses and sales declines, the amazing offers and lifetime warranty combined with 0% finance is really tempting buyers, will the announcement that Chevrolet, its US sister brand, will pull out of Eastern Europe from 2015, see a change to these offers, I cant see that happening as it is working so well, the ageing Corsa, which is due for imminent replacement is still outselling far newer and cheaper cars.

Chevy have so far sold just over 11,000 cars in the UK this year, a figure they will not repeat, as buyers will leave the brand to go elsewhere, which is where Vauxhall could wring their hands with glee, MG on the other hand, what is happening there, a supposed new car with major advertising across TV, Press and online media, and they sell 75, really, why bother, the MG fan-boys get quite agitated when anything negative is said, but when the truth is told it is bound to hurt.

Jaguar is having an off month with sales slightly lower in November but YTD sales are still way above last year, and in the US a sales figure in excess of 100% increase on the same month last year, with no new products due (F-Type Coupe has been launched but not as yet available), Jaguar will hope to carry on good sales until teh new XS, XF and XJ along with the Q-Type from 2015, and teh new four cylinder engines from Wolverhampton from late 2014/early 2015, Land Rover continues to improve, and like Jaguar have little imminant, 2015 will be another big year for the LR brand with a significant amount of new products being launched.

Bentley débuts new Flying Spur in Milan

• Flying Spur luxury sedan makes Italian debut
• New model unveiled in style at exclusive event in Milan
• More powerful 625 PS W12 engine and luxurious, hand-crafted cabin
• ‘Bentley Home’ collection inspired by interiors of Bentley models

Bentley today celebrated the market debut of the new Flying Spur luxury sedan and the ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection with Italian customers, at an exclusive event held at Bentley Milan.

The Flying Spur, with its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, is expected to build on the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor.

Luca Marzio Garavaglia, General Manager, Bentley Milan, comments on the debut: “The new Flying Spur is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, while also featuring enhanced cabin technology and even higher levels of comfort and refinement.  The car was highly-praised by the world’s media, and we anticipate it being a great success in Italy.”

The Flying Spur is the fastest road-going luxury sedan in the world, powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine.  It develops 625 PS, sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

A touch-screen infotainment system with mobile connectivity, including Wi-Fi, allows the driver and passengers alike to interface with the car and the outside world.  A Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote give rear-cabin occupants control over an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat.

Bentley Milan also presented the new ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection, which is inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley models.

Designed to furnish luxury homes and offices, the collection combines Bentley’s inherent qualities of craftsmanship, heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the exacting design of one of Europe’s leading furniture makers.

Italian customers interested in finding out more about the new Bentley Flying Spur should visit Bentley Milano, Via Ettore Ponti 8, Milan or www.bentley-milano.com

TMW - Its that time of the month again, October UK car sales

JAGUAR

SEPTEMBER 2012 845 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 944 sales +11.72%
YTD 2012 11984 sales - YTD 2013 14200 sales +18.49%

LAND ROVER

SEPTEMBER 2012 3465 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 3965 sales +14.43%
YTD 2012 42312 sales - YTD 2013 47881 sales +13.16%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

SEPTEMBER 2012 9959 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 8493 sales -14.72%
YTD 2012 107651 sales - YTD 2013 113806 sales +5.72%

MERCEDES

SEPTEMBER 2012 6522 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 8346 sales +27.97%
YTD 2012 79923 sales - YTD 2013 94970 sales +18.83%

LEXUS

SEPTEMBER 2012 504 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 719 sales +42.66%
YTD 2012 7571 sales - YTD 2013 7769 sales +2.62%

AUDI

SEPTEMBER 2012 9232 sales - SEPTEMBER 2013 10720 sales +16.12%
YTD 2012 110622 sales - YTD 2013 124981 sales +12.98%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +14.85%

CITROEN +7.31%

DACIA +100.00%

FIAT +18.16%

FORD +10.29%

HONDA +3.45%
HYUNDAI +5.94%
KIA +9.83%

LOTUS +38.52%
MAZDA +16.24%

MIA +100.00%
MINI +4.17% 

MITSUBISHI +44.66%

NISSAN +12.18%

PEUGEOT +5.50%

PORSCHE +2.15%
RENAULT +7.26%

SEAT +15.25%
SKODA +19.31% 

SMART +2.90% 
SUBARU +0.76%
SUZUKI +30.40%
TOYOTA +6.38%
VAUXHALL +10.50%

VOLKSWAGEN +4.33%

VOLVO +1.18%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ALFA ROMEO -26.05%

ASTON MARTIN -3.30%

BENTLEY -1.77%

CHEVROLET -12.87%

CHRYSLER -23.13%

INFINITI -20.32%

JEEP -10.49%

MASERATI -0.73%

MG -53.74%

PERODUA -44.66%

PROTON -90.10%

SAAB -98.70%

SSANGYONG -24.90%

Again 2013 is looking to beat all expectations, with another month where the full year totals have been revised upwards, the trend is also looking to continue into next year and 2015, with a number of significant new cars due over that period, and offers that continue to attract buyers, I cant see this changing anytime soon.

The same brands as last month, again, shows negatives, with the US manufacturers baring the brunt of the drops in sales over last year, MG with the new MG3 surprisingly sold LESS cars in October than last year, go figure that one out, especially as Motorpoint had another batch of cars registered, next month however will tell if the MG3 is actually selling well or not, and to quantify that, Lotus sold only a few cars less than MG, but that was 1,300% up on last year, with only 2 sold then and 28 now.

A new brand has entered the Frey, >MIA< a French company devoted to producing all electric cars, has registered 5 cars in the UK, mini van like with sliding doors and a central driving position, with some decent stats like, 3 hour charge times, numerous colour options, 100kph top speed, 125km range, and a boast of 10,000kms for the cost of two normal fuel fill ups, it deserves to be looked into, but not in white, it does no favours to the little car in white, however in black with alloy wheels and full leather interior, it does look a little special.

Our favourite two brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, have yet again, posted impressive results, with both brands showing double digit percentage increases for the year to date, and October, BMW had a very poor October, strange considering that they have reasonable new products to sell, Both Jaguar and Land Rover have new metal recently released, and with a significant amount of new products coming on stream in the next few years, JLR's sales can and will only go one way, and that's up, this with new facilities in India and China, new engine plant in the UK near to completion and major expansions either on going or in the planning for its other UK plants, JLR is ready to meet that challenge.

Again the usual half dozen are in the top spots, but the Focus in October took a rather large hit, and was beaten by the ageing Corsa, even the not so fresh Astra and Qashqai still are big hitters, and the less than capable Insignia agains draws some big numbers, the new Golf remains a popular buy whilst the visually challenged Juke, Fiat's cute 500 and BMW's 3-Series round out the top ten, the main surprise is that the Diesel market is increasing, in a market where petrol powered cars are now on a par with diesels in a number of models, this along with cheaper fuel and cheaper cars, makes the diesel option less of a draw, yet they are still out selling petrol power.

Jon Mower

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