TMW - EUROPEAN SALES - Full brand sales in Europe for 2013

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2013 was a year of varying successes and failures, however overall 2013 was most probably the year that the Europe wide fall in sales finally flat-lined, there were some huge stories that hit the worldwide media over the last twelve months, namely the takeover of Chrysler by FIAT, VW's continued dominance in Europe, followed far far behind by the PSA group, who themselves are in continued talks about mergers, takeovers and financial dire straits.

But the main story, well on this blog, is the brilliant news that Jaguar Land Rover carry on where they left off 2012, and thats higher sales, better profits, more models, and more improvement in reliability. as well as the awards, that just flowed month after month to JLR, The stunning F-Type, new Sport and the big daddy, Range Rover, all said hello, and like a hound after a hare, the sales shot off, at a high rate of knots, the next few years will be a huge one for JLR, with massive investment, the new Engine plant at Wolverhampton UK, comes on stream this year, the new 3-Series competitor will emerge, as well as the new XF, and SUV.

The last year or two have been devoted to getting Range Rover right, this has been done, now it is the turn of Land Rover and Jaguar, with the Freelander name disappearing and being replaced with the Discovery moniker making Discovery a brand in its own right, but this is not all, a brand new plant in India, China, Mexico and Saudi Arabia are all with built, building or in the planning stages, JLR will become a huge company, one that the likes of BMW and Mercedes will do well to keep their eyes on.

SEAT and Skoda saved VAG by adding over 40,000 models to the 2012 sales, but VW, AUDI and Porsche all took hits keeping 13's sales below 12's, however the mighty VAG will not rest on its laurels, they did sell nearly three million cars in the EU last year, and nearly Ten Million worldwide, so a few thousand is really nothing, but I am sure that there will be meetings and conversations high up to fathom out the issues and processes put in place to ensure it does not happen this year.

The French brands fared little better, -8.4% for the PSA company and up 4.4% for Renault Group, however it was the Dacia brand that saved Renault, and a massive first year in the UK where it sold over 17,000 cars in its first year, not bad for an unknown brand, its seems that the UK customer did indeed do the maths (reference to the UK TV advertising "Dacia - You do the maths"), Peugeot and Citroen, for two old brands, with great products 2013 was a let down, but 2014 will be better, Peugeot will have the youngest range of products in its history, Citroen will continue with the DS brand and push it further into China, and with the 308 coming on stream worldwide, along with the 208 and 2008, this year will be a significant year for the French giants.

FIAT Group, well, where to start, what a rubbish year in Europe, every brand in their portfolio fell, even the great Ferrari didn't do exceptionally well in Europe, Alfa needs a Miracle, Lancia needs putting to sleep, FIAT needs billions of euros to turn it around, and Chrysler just has not succeeded in the EU, the real story with FIAT is the takeover of Chrylser and the continued slide of Alfa Romeo, it is surely going to take a vast amount of money and talent to get FIAT Group back on top.

Of the other US brands, both had minor falls, Ford dropped 3.2% and GM by 4.3% with Vauxhall saving GM further embarrassment, by increasing sales by over 11% in the UK, adding 20,000 extra sales, 2014 will be interesting to watch, to see if the announcement of Chevrolet pulling out of Europe will effect sales, I am sure that GM wont be advertising the fact, as any sales are worthwhile, even if they are pulling out.

The so called premium brands, BMW and Mercedes were complete opposites, with BMW+MINI dropping and Mercedes+SMART rising, of the remaining brands in Europe only Kia and Mazda managed to increase sales on the previous year, but with the majority of the drops only small numbers, just saying drop or rise is a little innocuous, overall the Europe market dropped by a rather insignificant 1.7%, but that 1.7% equates to about 200,000 sales, and that's not to be ignored.

2014 will be a year of change, more emphasis on China for a lot of brands will bolster sagging sales elsewhere, most companies have significant new car releases this year, so again sales figures will be buoyant, and with the increased sales, the fight for customers will start again, with various offers, finance packages and deals to tempt, even the most tight fisted buyer, these in turn will start the spiral that eventually ended up with the entire worldwide market crashing back in 2008, have any of the Motor Manufacturers taken note and will they act accordingly, don't be silly, it will just carry on as before, the belts will tighten, and gradually they will slip, and sometime in the future, we will all be back here doing the same thing.

In the mean time, enjoy the great new cars that are due this year, and take advantage of any and all offers that are around, and remember, at the end of the day, it is only a car, and not life and death, duh, what a lot of rubbish, we live for cars around here, and any new car is met with a smile and a great deal of interest, that's why we publish all we can. Enjoy them all and here is to the next 11 months of new releases, hopefully better sales and lots of interesting news and gossip from around the world.

Jon Mower

Renault Group increases 2013 sales with Dacia surging on its cheap and cheerful image.

Renault sold 3 percent more cars last year on surging demand for the automaker's no-frills Dacia brand.

Group 2013 deliveries rose to 2.63 million cars and light commercial vehicles from 2.55 million a year earlier, the company said today in a statement. Dacia sales soared 19 percent.

Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn is focusing on boosting deliveries in emerging economies and has predicted "tremendous growth" in the entry-level segment that is Dacia's focus. Markets outside Europe accounted for half of the company's 2013 sales.

Renault is building plants in expanding regions and developing more vehicles with Japanese alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. to reduce costs with common components.

"In 2014, in a more favorable market context, we are confirming our profitable growth strategy by continuing our recovery in Europe and increasing our international sales," Chief Performance Officer Jerome Stoll said in the statement.

Renault's entry-level vehicle sales accounted for 41 percent of group deliveries last year, up from 37 percent in 2012, said Francois Rouget, a company spokesman.

Industrywide European car registrations surged 13 percent in December, the biggest jump in almost four years, with the strongest growth at Renault, Ford Motor Co. and regional sales leader Volkswagen Group, the ACEA trade group said on Jan. 16. Even so, full-year deliveries in Europe declined a sixth consecutive year to a 19-year low.

Renault and larger French competitor PSA/Peugeot-Citroen were together among the top three car discounters in Germany throughout 2013, according to German industry publication Autohaus PulsSchlag.

2014 growth

Renault forecast today that industrywide demand in France and across Europe will increase 1 percent in 2014, with deliveries worldwide advancing 2 percent. VW, Peugeot and Renault, Europe's largest carmakers, are all seeking more customers in China, the world's biggest auto market, to make up for a lack of growth in their home region.

Renault signed a joint-venture agreement in December to build an SUV factory with Wuhan-based Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ghosn said at the time that Nissan, which already works with Dongfeng, will also cooperate in the project to reduce costs.

Demand in China contributed to a 4 percent gain in fourth-quarter global deliveries at PSA, though the company's full-year sales declined 5 percent to 2.82 million vehicles. VW Group delivered more than 9.7 million vehicles worldwide last year, including heavy trucks and buses. It outsold U.S. competitor General Motors Co. in China in 2013 for the first time in nine years.

Ghosn reorganized management last year following the departure of Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares, who is set to become PSA's CEO. The operating chief's position was abolished, with Thierry Bollore taking the newly created position of chief competitive officer and Stoll taking the performance post, also a new role at the company.

REPORT HERE

Ford produces one millionth 1.0 litre EcoBoost Focus

• Ford recently produced the one-millionth current generation Focus in Europe; Ford builds a new Focus every 90 seconds on average in Europe
• The one millionth Focus – a Candy Red five-door equipped with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – rolled off the production line in Saarlouis, Germany.
• Since the first generation Focus was introduced in 1998, Ford has sold 1.63 million of the popular family cars in the UK, 6.9 million in Europe and more than 12 million worldwide.

Ford has recently produced the one-millionth current generation Ford Focus – the popular family-size car that has become the world’s best-selling vehicle – for the European market. The one-millionth Focus, a 1.0-litre EcoBoost hatchback, was manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany.

Ford has sold 1,632,700 Focus models in Britain since the first generation was introduced in 1998. It was the best-selling vehicle in the UK from 1999 to 2008, when it was superseded by the new Ford Fiesta, which has been the best-selling car since, with Focus in second place.

“The Focus is a great-to-drive family car with the versatility to suit the needs of a huge range of customers,” said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer, Ford of Europe. “Last year, we launched the zero-emission Focus Electric to complete a full line-up that includes the 250PS Focus ST.”

Launched in Europe in 2010, the new Ford Focus is the best-selling nameplate globally, based on a Ford analysis of the latest Polk global vehicle registration data for the first half of 2013.

Ford is set to introduce a new version of the Focus this month, powered by the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. This new Ford Focus model will be the first petrol-powered family car in Europe to offer just 99g/km CO2 emissions.*

The Focus is available with technologies including Active Park Assist that uses ultra-sonic sensors to identify suitable parking spots and automatically steers the vehicle while the driver controls the gears, throttle and clutch; and Active City Stop, which scans the road ahead 50 times per second to help prevent collisions at speeds up to 15km/h, and helps reduce the severity of impacts at speeds at speeds of up to 30km/h.

If the vehicle is involved in an accident, Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance will directly connect the occupants to local emergency services. “Focus customers tell us they really value Ford’s smart technologies and appreciate the car’s safety, sportiness, styling, and comfort,” Samardzich said.

Ford introduced the Focus in 1998, since when the company has in total sold almost 6.9 million cars in Europe and 12 million worldwide.

EURO NCAP releases 2013 best in class winners.

Each year, Euro NCAP identifies the models tested that have achieved the highest scores in their respective class. In 2013, a total of 33 cars were tested in 7 different categories. The top achievers gained the highest overall scores, calculated from the results achieved in adult, child, pedestrian protection and safety assist tests.

The 2013 best in class cars are:

• Renault ZOE - Supermini
• Qoros 3 Sedan - Small Family
• Lexus IS 300h - Large Family
• Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect - Small MPV
• Jeep Cherokee - Small off-road 4X4
• Maserati Ghibli - Executive

The Qoros 3 Sedan becomes the best performer of any car subjected to Euro NCAP's crash tests in 2013 and is the first vehicle developed in China to achieve the highest five star rating under the overall rating scheme. The Supermini electric car Renault ZOE and the Large Family car Lexus IS 300h were the all round performers of the electric/hybrid cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2013. This year, the best in class honour in the Small MPV category is shared by the Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect. Finally, the Jeep Cherokee and the Maserati Ghibli also receive the coveted designation from Euro NCAP in the Small Off-Road 4X4 and Executive categories respectively.

In 2013, Euro NCAP updated its assessment of child occupant protection, giving credit to manufacturers that allow for easy installation of most popular types of child seats and which comply with the most recent revised child safety standards. Furthermore, the organization has started to test voluntary-set intelligent speed assistant systems as part of the rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: 'Euro NCAP is continuously evolving in response to industry innovation and consumer expectation. It is very positive that the number of 4 and 5 stars is still significant despite of the ever increasing requirements. In 2014, another big step forward is taken by adding crash avoidance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning tests to the overall star rating.' Michiel van Ratingen to add: 'The decision to reward collision avoidance technologies on new cars will encourage more widespread fitment and further improve the safety of all road users in Europe. We hope that this, together with very high levels of occupant protection, will allow consumers to choose the very safest vehicles in 2014 and after.'

Honda CR-V Tops Crossover Segment With Over 300,000 Sales in 2013 (USA)

By Karla Sanchez of www.automobilemag.com

It's been a tug-of-war between the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape for the top spot in 2013. And although it was a close race at times, the Japanese CUV clinched the title as the best-selling CUV in 2013, making it the second consecutive year it's been the sales king of the segment. For the first time ever, the CR-V topped 300,000 units, leaving the Escape in the dust with 295,993 units.


The Toyota RAV4 may have been the third best-selling CUV in December, but the Chevrolet Equinox took the overall third spot in year-to-date sales with 238,192 units sold versus 218,249 RAV4s sold. Following the Toyota CUV was the Nissan Rogue with 162,751 units, and in sixth place was the 2014 Motor Trend SUV of the Year, the Subaru Forester, with 123, 592 units sold. That left the GMC in seventh place with 99,525 units, while the Mazda CX-5 was next in line with 79,544 units. The Jeep Patriot finished behind the Mazda with 75,797 CUVs sold, while the XV Crosstrek rounds out the top-10 best-selling CUVs of 2013 with 53,741 Subies sold. The Jeep Patriot's cousin missed the cutoff with 52,993 Compasses sold.
The Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan round out the top 15, and although it's only been on sale a couple months, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee still managed to barely surpass combined Mini Countryman and Paceman sales at 24,587 with 25,786. With so much progress in just a couple months, there's no doubt the Cherokee will make it into the top 10 next year.

Crossover	Year-to-date	December 2013	December 2012
Honda CR-V	303,904	28,759	25,733
Ford Escape	295,993	24,462	20,131
Chevrolet Equinox	238,192	17,212	19,551
Toyota RAV4	218,249	20,970	14,351
Nissan Rogue	162,751	14,676	11,488
Subaru Forester	123,592	13,229	8764
GMC Terrain	99,525	7998	11,516
Mazda CX-5	79,544	6720	5956
Jeep Patriot	75,797	6158	4566
Subaru XV Crosstrek	53,741	5525	3409
Jeep Compass	52,993	3534	3131
Hyundai Tucson	41,906	3714	3745
Nissan Juke	38,157	3076	2739
Kia Sportage	32,965	2527	1696
Volkswagen Tiguan	30,002	2464	3310
Jeep Cherokee	25,786	15,038	N/A
Mini Countryman/Paceman	24,587	2705	2224

Source;

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1401-honda-cr-v-tops-300000-takes-cuv-sales-crown-in-2013/

USA - December 2013 Sales: Automakers Shatter Records

The end of the year usually brings strong sales figures, and while a good number of automakers saw negative sales numbers for the month, they still managed to break yearly sales records. Some automakers even managed to set new sales records, like Audi who had its best U.S. sales year to date.Looking at the month of December, Honda had its best December sales, while Volkswagen managed to have its second best December since 1972. Other automakers boasted strong months, including Mitsubishi that had its best December in seven years.

We can't look at the month of December and not take a peek at overall sales records. Ford claimed its best year of sales since 2006, Kia had its second best full year of sales in the U.S., and Mazda managed to have its best year of retail-only sales since 1994.Even the luxury automakers outdid themselves. Mercedes-Benz achieved its highest year of sales in the U.S. with 312,534 units sold in 2013. BMW managed to break its U.S. all-time sales record, while both the BMW and Mini brands set new sales records.Take a look at the chart below to see how each automaker finished out 2013.

REPORT HERE

USA - Ford announces sales for year end and December, Still the #1 brand

• Ford brand 2013 retail sales up 14 percent, with cars up 12 percent, utilities up 13 percent, trucks up 17 percent; Ford is best-selling brand for fourth consecutive year
• Ford Motor Company total December sales up 2 percent, with retail sales up 3 percent for best December since 2005
• Ford Fusion sales up 27 percent for a record December; both Ford Fusion and Ford Fiesta hit annual sales records in 2013
•  Ford Escape sales up 22 percent, helping the vehicle to an annual sales record in 2013
•  Ford F-Series tops 70,000 sales following eight straight months of sales above 60,000 vehicles; F-Series now best-selling truck for 37 years and best-selling vehicle for 32 years

Ford reigns as America’s best-selling vehicle brand in 2013 for a fourth consecutive year, with annual sales records set for Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Escape, and F-Series continuing as the country’s best-selling truck and vehicle for another straight year.

Ford Motor Company 2013 U.S. sales totaled 2,493,918 vehicles. For December, total sales are 218,058 vehicles up 2 percent – with retail up 3 percent.

Ford brand U.S. retail sales are up 14 percent for the year. Overall, the Ford brand closes out 2013 with 2,412,224 vehicles sold. Ford produced double-digit annual retail gains across its lineup – cars up 12, utilities up 13 percent, and trucks are up 17 percent – with higher average transaction prices. Retail sales gains for the Ford brand are strongest in the West, where sales are up 21 percent, and the Southeast, with sales up 17 percent for the year.

“December was a strong close to an even better year for Ford Motor Company,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We saw strong growth across the entire Ford lineup and made significant gains in the import-dominated coastal markets.

“Strong demand for our new cars, utilities, hybrids and trucks provided Ford with the largest share point gain of any full-line automaker in 2013,” Felice continued.

Ford Fusion December performance is up 27 percent with 24,408 sales, setting a record for the month. Fusion sales of 295,280 vehicles in 2013 represent a 22 percent increase, setting an annual record.

Fusion continues to be a significant driver to the company’s growth in the U.S. western and southeastern regions, where retail sales are up 61 percent and 29 percent, respectively in 2013.

Ford Fiesta sales of 71,073 vehicles for the year mark a record, as well – and up 25 percent over 2012.

Ford Escape sales are up 22 percent for the month, with 24,462 vehicles sold. For the year, Escape sales of 295,993 vehicles represent a 13 percent gain, setting an annual record.

December sales of 74,592 Ford F-Series vehicles extend the truck’s string of selling more than 60,000 units a month to eight. Sales of 763,402 F-Series vehicles in 2013 represent the truck’s highest level since 2006. F-Series remains America’s best-selling truck for 37 straight years and the country’s best-selling vehicle for 32 consecutive years.

Lincoln MKZ December sales increase 73 percent, with 2,823 cars sold, providing the Lincoln brand with an overall increase of 8 percent.

The Detroit Motor Show, what to expect !

A handy round up of all that you can expect to see at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show

The 2014 Detroit Motor Show is the first major motor show in the 2014 automotive calendar. Officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), it opens its doors to the world's press on January 13 2014 before inviting the public in on January 18.

The biggest car manufacturers in the world will be showcasing a whole host of new metal at Detroit, from crazy concept cars to production models that we'll be seeing on the road very soon. And, of course, Auto Express will be there bringing you all the stories live as they happen.

Bookmark this page to stay up to date with the latest from the Detroit Motor Show 2014. We’ll be updating it regularly with all that we know on the biggest stories coming out of this year's show.

Click the links below for the hottest Detroit news stories of the moment and scroll down the page for our full manufacturer-by-manufacturer round-up…

Detroit Motor Show 2014: the key cars

Mercedes C-Class - the all-new Mercedes C-Class compact exec will make its world debut at Detroit with BMW's 3 Series in its sights.

Ford Mustang - the new Ford Mustang takes a bow in production form at Detroit and this one will be sold in the UK.

BMW M3 saloon and M4 coupe - the latest instalment in BMW's M3 dynasty is here but now the coupe version's called M4.   

Audi Q1 concept - Audi is gunning for the Nissan Juke with a new baby SUV concept car.

Lexus RC-F coupe - Lexus hopes to eclipse the BMW M3 with this coupe concept car rumoured to be packing a V8.

Volvo XC Concept - the XC concept car from Volvo should tell us a lot about the design of the new XC90 SUV.

Detroit Motor Show 2014: full round-up 

Audi

Audi has just announced 11 all-new models will be added to the range, and as far as we know the baby Q1 concept will be the first of those to make an appearance, with a debut at Detroit rumoured. It’s aimed at Nissan Juke buyers who crave something a little more premium. BMW and Mercedes are also working on entry-level SUVs

Audi has confirmed a three-door Crossover concept will be on display at Detroit, which is likely to be giving us an insight into the future design direction for the brands next-gen road cars.

BMW

BMW will be one of the busiest manufacturers at the Detroit Motor Show next month with five new or facelifted models making their debuts. Taking centre stage will be the new M3 saloon and M4 coupe, both powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine developing 424bhp. The new high-performance models are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than the outgoing M3.

Sharing the limelight will be the new BMW 2 Series. It’s a replacement for the outgoing 1 Series Coupe which goes on sale in March, priced from £25,040. Facelifted versions of the BMW X1 SUV and Z4 will also be making an appearance at Detroit, both featuring subtle visually tweaks inside and out.

Chevrolet

GM has announced Chevrolet will be pulled out of European markets by 2015 but iconic models such as the Camaro and the Corvette will still be available. The new Z06 will debut at Detroit, so far we’ve only seen a teaser image and rumours suggest the muscle car could use a tweaked version of the 7.0-litre V8 tuned to produce around 600bhp.

Ford

Ford has already showcased the new Mustang at several glamorous locations around the world but Detroit will be its motor show debut. For the first time in its 50 years of production, the Mustang will be made available in right-hand drive in the UK. There’s no official word on pricing but the EcoBoost model should start from around £30,000, with the V8 model demanding a further £5,000.

Infiniti

A potential rival for the BMW M3, the Infiniti Eau Rogue concept will be unveiled at Detroit. We only have a few details about the high-performance saloon and we expect a twin-turbocharged 3.7-litre V6 to fitted under the bonnet, producing around 500bhp. The concept is named after one of the most famous corners in the F1 calendar, a sweeping uphill bend at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Kia

Kia has revealed teaser shots of the GT4 Stinger concept car that will be on display at Detroit. We now know it will be  powered by a 311bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving the rear wheels. The teaser images show the concept to have a long bonnet, bulging wheels arches and a short tailgate, giving it the classic sports car look. Kia says the new concept is aimed at "delivering head-turning looks".

Lexus

The first image of the new flagship Lexus RC F coupe has leaked online. It’s set to debut at Detroit where the wraps will also be taken off the car's BMW M4 rival. Under the bonnet, a 5.0-litre V8 has been rumoured, with power somewhere in the region of 455bhp.

MINI

The range-topping model in the new MINI range, the John Cooper Works, will be unveiled in concept form at Detroit. It features an aggressive looking body kit and exclusive paint job as well as being powered by a tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the outgoing Cooper S. It should arrive in the UK in summer, priced at around £23,000.

Mercedes

After months of leaked images and spy shots the Mercedes C-Class was finally unveiled in December. The baby exec will draw in the crowds at Detroit with an Estate variant sharing the stage. A whole host of petrol and diesel engines will be availble, with a new 1.6-litre diesel engine adopted from Nissan being the entry-level motor.

Mercedes will again be showcasing the S-Class coupe at Detroit after the concept first debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. We’ll have to wait until March at the Geneva Motor Show before we get to see the production model, however.  

Porsche

Porsche will unveil the 991-generation Targa at Detroit, with leaked images online suggesting the car will revert back the original Targa style body that was first seen in 1966.

Toyota

There has been a lot of speculation about a replacement for the Toyota Supra and the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed there will be ‘some form of performance concept at Detroit’. Rumours started circulating about a successor to the Supra back in 2007, when the Toyota FT-HS concept first appeared at the Detroit Motor Show.

Volvo

Volvo will be showcasing the Concept XC Coupe at Detroit, which gives us a glimpse into the future styling of the manufacturers SUVs. It will also influence the design of the XC90, scheduled to arrive in the UK in the middle of 2014.

MORE HERE

Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is first-of-its-kind sun-powered vehicle.

• Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is first-of-its-kind sun-powered vehicle with the potential to deliver the best of a plug-in hybrid without depending on the electric grid for fuel
• C-MAX Solar Energi Concept with a solar panel roof draws power from a special solar concentrator lens similar to a magnifying glass
• By using renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions a typical owner would produce by four metric tons
• C-MAX Solar Energi Concept, which will be on display at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, Jan. 7-10, debuts as Ford’s strong electrified vehicle lineup is expected to post a record 85,000-plus sales for 2013 

Ford Motor Company announced today the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept, a first-of-its-kind sun-powered vehicle with the potential to deliver the best of what a plug-in hybrid offers – without depending on the electric grid for fuel.

Instead of powering its battery from an electrical outlet, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept harnesses the power of the sun by using a special concentrator that acts like a magnifying glass, directing intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof.

The result is a concept vehicle that takes a day’s worth of sunlight to deliver the same performance as the conventional C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which draws its power from the electric grid. Ford C-MAX Energi gets a combined best miles per gallon equivalent in its class, with EPA-estimated 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway, for a combined 100 MPGe. By using renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions a typical owner would produce by four metric tons.

“Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure. “As an innovation leader, we want to further the public dialog about the art of the possible in moving the world toward a cleaner future.”

C-MAX Solar Energi Concept, which will be shown at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, is a collaborative project of Ford, San Jose, Calif.-based SunPower Corp. and Atlanta-based Georgia Institute of Technology.

Strong electrified vehicle sales

The C-MAX Solar Energi Concept debuts as Ford caps a record year of electrified vehicle sales.

Ford expects to sell 85,000 hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles for 2013 – the first full year its six new electrified vehicles were available in dealer showrooms.

C-MAX Energi is Ford’s plug-in sales leader, with sales of more than 6,300 through November. Ford sold more plug-in vehicles in October and November than both Toyota and Tesla, and it outsold Toyota through the first 11 months of 2013. Plug-in hybrids continue to grow in sales as more customers discover the benefits of using electricity to extend their driving range.

C-MAX Hybrid over the last year has been a key driver in helping Ford sell more hybrids than any other automaker in the United States, second only to Toyota. C-MAX Hybrid continues to bring new customers to the Ford brand, with a conquest rate of 64 percent and drawing nearly half of its sales from import brands. Conquest rates are even higher in key hybrid growth markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Breakthrough clean technology

SunPower, which has been Ford’s solar technology partner since 2011, is providing high-efficiency solar cells for the roof of Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept. Because of the extended time it takes to absorb enough energy to fully charge the vehicle, Ford turned to Georgia Institute of Technology for a way to amplify the sunlight in order to make a solar-powered hybrid feasible for daily use.

Researchers developed an off-vehicle solar concentrator that uses a special Fresnel lens to direct sunlight to the solar cells while boosting the impact of the sunlight by a factor of eight. Fresnel is a compact lens originally developed for use in lighthouses. Similar in concept to a magnifying glass, the patent-pending system tracks the sun as it moves from east to west, drawing enough power from the sun through the concentrator each day to equal a four-hour battery charge (8 kilowatts).

With a full charge, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to have the same total range as a conventional C-MAX Energi of up to 620 miles, including up to 21 electric-only miles. Additionally, the vehicle still has a charge port, and can be charged by connecting to a charging station via cord and plug so that drivers retain the option to power up via the grid, if desired.

After C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is shown at CES, Ford and Georgia Tech will begin testing the vehicle in numerous real-world scenarios. The outcome of those tests will help to determine if the concept is feasible as a production car.

Off-the-grid car 

By tapping renewable solar energy with a rooftop solar panel system, C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is not dependent on the traditional electric grid for its battery power. Internal Ford data suggest the sun could power up to 75 percent of all trips made by an average driver in a solar hybrid vehicle. This could be especially important in places where the electric grid is underdeveloped, unreliable or expensive to use.

The vehicle also reinforces MyEnergi Lifestyle, a concept revealed by Ford and several partners at 2013 CES. MyEnergi Lifestyle uses math, science and computer modeling to help homeowners understand how they can take advantage of energy-efficient home appliances, solar power systems and plug-in hybrid vehicles to significantly reduce monthly expenses while also reducing their overall carbon footprint.

The positive environmental impact from Ford C-MAX Solar Energi could be significant. It would reduce yearly CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions from the average U.S. car owner by as much as four metric tons – the equivalent of what a U.S. house produces in four months.

If all light-duty vehicles in the United States were to adopt Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept technology, annual greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by approximately 1 billion metric tons.

Carbuyer reveals its car of the year - The new Hyundai i10 (plus all other winners)

• £8,345 Hyundai i10 wins overall Car of the Year prize
• BMW takes three awards, including Best Electric Car for i3
• Kia wins Buyer’s Award for its seven-year warranty
• No Brit-built cars among the winners

Britain’s best new car buys for 2014 have today been revealed by CarBuyer, the UK’s fastest-growing car buying advice website.

Hyundai’s new i10 has been named overall Car of the Year and Best City Car, with judges praising its quality, refinement, style and value – this slick city runabout costs from only £8,345. Hyundai’s Santa Fe beat more established brands like Land Rover to be named Best Large SUV.

There was further success for Korean car makers, with Kia winning the CarBuyer Buyer’s Award for its seven-year warranty, which celebrates its seventh birthday this month.

BMW claimed three wins, including Best Electric/Hybrid Car for its new i3 supermini. The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series also won in the two executive car categories.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of CarBuyer said: “The new Hyundai i10 is a brilliant car, offering a real grown-up feel and plenty of space at an incredibly low price. It’s fun to drive and cheap to own, too – the perfect car for cost-conscious car buyers.”

CarBuyer.co.uk was launched just three years ago yet is already established as one of the UK’s most respected sources of car buying advice. Its blend of real-world reviews, expert advice, owner comments and entertaining video has proved to be a big hit with British car buyers. It’s also the only motoring website to be accredited by the Plain English Campaign.

Car of the Year: Hyundai i10

Best City Car: Hyundai i10
Best Small Car: Ford Fiesta
Best Hybrid / Electric Car: BMW i3
Best Small SUV: Dacia Duster
Best Large SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
Best Family Car: SEAT Leon
Best Large Family Car: Mazda 6
Best Estate Car: Skoda Octavia Estate
Best MPV: SEAT Alhambra
Best Coupe: Toyota GT-86
Best Executive Car: BMW 3 Series
Best Large Executive Car: BMW 5 Series
Best Hot Hatch: Ford Fiesta ST
Best Convertible: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
Best Luxury Car: Mercedes S-Class
Buyer’s Award: Kia seven-year warranty

50 years in development, the new Worldwide Mustang takes a bow

• All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability
• Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine
• Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort

The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins today as the all-new Ford Mustang – loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance – is simultaneously revealed around the globe in six cities on four continents.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

“We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln.

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

• A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
• The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
• Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

The Mustang experience
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.

Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

Most nimble pony ever
When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality.

“We already set a very high standard for Mustang’s dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car,” said Pericak.

Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smarter than your average pony
The all-new Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The advanced new Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang’s dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

When it’s time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

50 years of Mustang
April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words “Mustang – Since 1964.” Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” said Pericak. “We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century.”

USA - Sales for November by brand and with best seller.

Another month has come and gone, and automakers have announced November sales figures. Just like last month, all but six automakers managed to have positive numbers. The majority of automakers show double digit percentage increases over the same month last year, showing the industry as a whole is continuing to grow.

This month’s sales leader was once again Jaguar, with an increase of 103 percent. Not as high as last month, but the automaker continues to outpace the rest of the industry. High sales of the new XF have boosted Jaguar to the top, and with new models coming out in the months ahead, we can expect the numbers to continue to climb.

Volkswagen continues to struggle with sales, and although the numbers weren’t as low as last month, it seems like the automaker needs to do something to get back in the positive. Volvo has also struggled this month, showing a decrease of over 30 percent when compared to November 2012. Hopefully with the holidays coming, sales will increase for the automakers.

Check out the numbers below to see what automakers managed to stay on top.

REPORT HERE

Automobilemag.com: 2015 Ford F150 Spied in the wild with Interior Spyshots

by Jake Holmes of www.automobilemag.com

Our spy photographer has finally managed to look inside the 2015 Ford F-150, giving us our first look at the cabin of the new pickup that is expected to debut next year. Although elements like chrome trim and toggle switches are missing, several design cues on this F-150 prototype are drawn from the Ford Atlas concept shown earlier this year at the 2013 Detroit auto show.

Like the Atlas concept, this 2015 Ford F-150 prototype has vertical air vents flanking the infotainment system, an angular instrument cluster shroud, and a wide center console with a chunky shifter. Our photographers caught versions of the 2015 Ford F-150 both with a standard Sync-equipped radio and with the MyFord Touch touchscreen interface. The former version has a large grid of plastic buttons at either side of a small display screen, while trucks with MyFord Touch have a large color touchscreen, as well as a smattering of physical preset, volume, and tuning knobs.

Further down the center stack, the 2015 Ford F-150 has large physical knobs for a dual-zone climate-control system. The steering wheel has sprouted no fewer than ten buttons and two five-button pads for controlling the infotainment system and cruise control.

Our previous spy shots reveal that the outside of the 2015 Ford F-150 will also draw heavily from the Atlas concept. The truck’s headlights have a cutout and an angular corner, while the front grille will use a trio of chrome bars anchored by one vertical bar and an enormous Ford Blue Oval badge.Farther back, the new pickup truck will have a boxy design with a slightly angled cab roof and mostly flat body panels. On SuperCab and SuperCrew trucks, the beltline appears to angle upward on the rear door, a styling trend employed on many modern vehicles to create a more dramatic greenhouse shape. Prototypes of the 2015 Ford F-150 also have a plastic air dam hanging below the front bumper, which likely helps reduce the truck’s drag coefficient and boost its fuel-economy ratings.

Ford previously said that the next-generation F-150 could drop as much as 700 pounds by switching out steel for high-strength steel and materials like aluminum and magnesium. Under the hood, expect the next F-150 to continue to offer its current range of V-6, twin-turbo EcoBoostV-6, and V-8 mills, albeit with mild changes for improved power and efficiency. It’s possible the truck will ditch its current six-speed automatic in favor of a ten-speed transmission co-developed with General Motors.

The 2015 Ford F-150 is expected to make its public debut in early 2014 at a major auto show.

Check out this link for a ton more pictures!;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2015-ford-f-150-interior-spied-257833.html#axzz2mc58Cpv6