The Best Euro car but Chinese, Is this the start of the Chinese revolution ?

• Qoros 3 Sedan ranked safest ‘Small Family’ car of 2013 by Euro NCAP
• Highest scorer in 2013 Euro NCAP programme in any class
• One of the best cars tested by Euro NCAP in its history
• First car developed in China to achieve five star rating

After achieving a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests last September, the compact Qoros 3 Sedan has been confirmed by the safety organisation as the best ‘Small Family’ car of 2013.

The Qoros 3 Sedan is the first car developed in China to be awarded five stars by Euro NCAP. The first production car from Qoros, the new international car brand headquartered in China, scored highly in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests and its overall score (88%) was the highest achieved by any vehicle tested during 2013 – placing it amongst the very safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.

Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said: “The Euro NCAP result demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we have achieved with the Qoros 3 Sedan. Reaching these very challenging world-class standards – not just in safety, but in every attribute of the car – was an objective from the very beginning and it is very satisfying to gain recognition for our endeavours.”

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, commented: “The Qoros 3 Sedan has received the official 2013 best-in-class honour and is the best performer of all the Small Family cars subjected to Euro NCAP’s crash tests in 2013. We congratulate Qoros for having achieved the highest safety record with the Qoros 3 Sedan, which becomes the first car developed in China to achieve the highest five stars at Euro NCAP’s tough crash test programme.”

The Qoros 3 Sedan scored the best result for Adult Occupant protection (95%) in Euro NCAP’s 2013 programme. The passenger safety cell proved to be extremely robust in front-end, side impact and pole impact collisions – minimising exposure of passengers to collision forces by diverting impact loads along predefined paths to dissipate their effect.

Equipped in the rear with ISOFIX child seat anchorages with top tether hooks, and a front passenger airbag disconnect switch, the Qoros 3 Sedan also scored maximum points for Child Occupant protection (87%) in the front and side crash tests, while proving compatible with all the Euro NCAP approved child seats.

It also achieved an impressive result in Pedestrian protection (77%) thanks to a development programme that included meticulous work with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). Qoros’ expert safety team developed one of the best pedestrian protection systems ever assessed by Euro NCAP.

The comprehensive suite of standard ‘passive’ safety equipment (designed to keep occupants safe during an accident) fitted to the Qoros 3 Sedan includes front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, three-point automatic seat belts on all seats and dual belt tensioners for front passengers. The front seat head restraints are designed to reduce whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.

The latest Euro NCAP test criteria includes an assessment of a vehicle’s ‘active’ Safety Assistance Systems (those designed to help prevent accidents) and here, the Qoros 3 Sedan also recorded an excellent result (81%). Standard equipment includes: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BA (Brake Assist) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), plus seat belt reminders for all occupants and a driver-set speed limiting device.

Euro NCAP is an independent consortium with eleven members made up of government representatives, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations.  The transport ministries of Sweden, France, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Catalonia and Germany are involved, alongside the FIA, the German Automobile Club (ADAC), International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) organisation, and the Thatcham Research Centre run by British motor insurers. It continually adapts its assessment protocols, challenging manufacturers to deliver ever safer vehicles. The 2013 assessment was the most challenging so far, with the Pedestrian protection procedures being even more comprehensive than 2012, along with tougher scoring criteria in the Safety Assistance Systems assessments.

The four Euro NCAP test criteria are given different weighting when calculating the vehicle’s overall score. Adult Occupant protection has a 50 per cent weighting, Child Occupant and Pedestrian protection categories each have a 20 per cent weighting, and Safety Assistance Systems has a 10 per cent weighting.

refreshed Peugeot 5008 gets new corporate look, enhanced spec and small increase in price.

• Seven-seater PEUGEOT 5008 benefits from contemporary new look and additional equipment
• Versatile family vehicle with adjustable seating that folds, slides or can be hidden in the boot floor
• Higher-specification combines high-driving position with high comfort levels for all occupants  

The versatile PEUGEOT 5008 Compact MPV is the latest model in the brand’s extensive line-up of passenger cars to benefit from a comprehensive makeover, bringing it into line with the rest of the range of recent models that includes the 208, 2008, New 308 and 3008 Crossover.

The mid-life, re-styled update features significant external changes to enhance the visual appeal of the practical seven-seater. It includes external and internal upgrades, a higher specification, new equipment and revised pricing.

Key to the 5008’s appeal will be the latest PEUGEOT family ‘face’ with the striking ‘floating’ front grille that’s already proved such a hit with buyers choosing the recently-launched Peugeot 208 and 2008. It’s flanked by redesigned headlamps with a bold new LED signature built into the lower portion. On each side of the lower air intake, chromed trim emphasises the fog lamps with its C-shape design.

Nine colours are available among which are the new Rich Oak and Artense Grey, enhanced with extra chrome trim around the windows. Alloy wheels are available from 16” to 18” with a new 17” diamond Anthra Grey alloy wheel design.

Enhanced specification is now available at every level and though there is a small increase to price, £200 on Access, £300 on Active and £350 on Allure, the value of the new specification, when combined with the re-styled exterior, easily outweighs the cost.

Starting from £18,800 with the ACCESS 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp petrol, the entry level diesel model is the 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp at £20,495, with the e-HDi FAP EGC (Electronic Gearbox Control) version having the lowest CO2 emissions of 113g/km and priced at £21,345.

Reversing camera

To go a step further, the front and rear parking assistance can be supplemented by a reversing camera. Installed on the tailgate, its image is reproduced on the dashboard screen and indicates the outline of the vehicle in its surroundings using coloured markings. Reversing becomes easier, as does looking for a parking space! The available space measurement system informs the driver when the size of a parking space is suitable.

Head up display

Without taking your eyes off the road, a single glance at this equipment is all it takes to know the speed of the vehicle and the distance from the vehicle in front, thanks to the Distance Alert. The angle and brightness of the polycarbonate strip are controlled by means of switches arranged within easy reach on the centre console. Close-by, on the dashboard, the screen for the audio-navigation and the trip computer is retractable. Now covered with an attractive laser etching effect, the centre console groups together all of the controls.

Engines

CO2 emissions start from 113g/km and the range consists of six engines/transmission combinations, two petrol and four diesels, with manual, automatic or ETG gearboxes:

Diesel range:

• 1.6-litre e-HDi FAP 115bhp, ETG6 (Efficient Tronic Gearbox), 65.7mpg and CO2 at 113g/km
• 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 56.4mpg and CO2 at 128g/km
• 2.0-litre HDi FAP 150bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 53.3mpg and CO2 at 138g/km
• 2.0-litre HDi FAP 163bhp, 6-speed automatic gearbox, 44.8mpg and CO2 at 164g/km

Petrol range:

• 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp, 5-speed manual gearbox, 40.9mpg and CO2 159g/km
• 1.6-litre THP 156bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 40.4mpg and CO2 163g/km

Within a compact size, the 5008 is one of the UK’s most practical and comfortable family cars. With an elevated seating position, the driver has a clear view in every direction. Behind, the interior takes versatility to a new level. Five individually retractable seats – three in the second row and another two behind – fold to create a flat floor. It means the modular cabin can be adapted to take any load shape, and the folding front passenger seat means longer cargo isn’t an issue.

The PEUGEOT 5008 has won numerous awards notably in the UK it was DieselCar ‘Best MPV’ and Overall ‘Car of the Year’, What Car? ‘Best MPV’ and ‘Green Car’ and Scottish Motoring Writers ‘Best MPV’.

IRELAND - AUDI remains #1 premium brand for 5th year.

Audi is Ireland's most popular premium brand for the fifth consecutive year

Audi Ireland today announced total sales figures for 2013 of 3,687 units ensuring a record Irish market share of 5%. An increase in both sales volume and market share year-on-year cement Audi as Ireland’s number one premium car brand for the fifth year running.

Despite the total car market being down 7% in 2013, Audi’s unrivalled product development and continued investment in its dealer network has ensured sustained growth of 1%.

Christian Gussen, Managing Director of Audi Ireland commented; “2013 was another successful year at Audi Ireland and we are delighted that Audi remains the number one premium car brand of choice for Irish motorists for the fifth year in a row and we sold over one third of all premium cars in Ireland last year.

“Our continued success can be attributed to the strength of our product portfolio. For example look at the strong performance of the sleeker, sportier and more fuel efficient Audi A3, the new saloon and sportback models playing a significant role in our success this year with an increase in sales of over 60% for this model. Great product is supported by unrivalled customer service and flexible finance solutions.

“2014 will be another challenging year for the Irish motor industry but our early signs are positive and we look forward to starting the new 141 registration period with increased momentum behind us.”

MEXICO - Chrysler Group announces December sales across all brands.

• FIAT brand sales, driven by Fiat 500, up 111 percent during December 2013, marking this its best sales year since its launch
• Ram Crew Cab increased its sales volume 29 percent during December 2013
• Jeep® brand sales grew 5 percent, led by Jeep Patriot and Jeep Grand Cherokee; Jeep Cherokee has arrived in dealerships, well accepted
• Dodge brand sales propelled by Dodge Journey, which registered sales of 1,579 units — its best sales month in the last two years; Dodge Challenger registered sales of 96 units, best sales month ever and Dodge Durango sold 196 units, marking this its best sales month in five years

Chrysler de Mexico announced sales of 10,473 units for the month of December 2013, setting a sales record for the year.

“As the year ends, we feel very proud of what we accomplished. We closed 2013 with our best month of sales for the year. This month our sales were driven by Dodge Journey, Jeep Patriot, Ram Crew Cab and Fiat 500," said Bruno Cattori, President & CEO of Chrysler de Mexico. "Our new product launches, such as Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee and Ram ProMaster, pushed our growth sales for the year. During 2013, we opened the Saltillo Van Assembly Plant and added a production line in the Saltillo North Engine Plant, creating new jobs and demonstrating the confidence the Company has in the products assembled in Mexico. We will continue providing new and revamped products in order to satisfy our customers’ needs.”

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand continues to perform well with 520 units sold during December 2013. Chrysler Town & Country sales rose 2 percent. Chrysler 200 sold 112 units during December 2013.

Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales grew 5 percent. Jeep Patriot led brand sales with 984 units sold, best sales month of the year. Jeep Grand Cherokee posted sales of 632 units, representing an increase of 15 percent. Jeep Wrangler sales improved 27 percent, all versus December 2012. Jeep Cherokee has had very good acceptance among Mexican customers in its second sales month.

Dodge Brand
Dodge brand continues its streak of successful numbers, posting sales this month of 3,894 units. The Dodge Challenger sold 96 units, best sales month ever, while the Dodge Durango registered a sales increase of 32 percent — its best sales month in 5 years. Dodge Journey sales surged 7 percent versus December 2012, with 1,579 units, marking this its best sales month in two years. Dodge Avenger sales grew 16 percent.

Ram Truck Brand
Ram brand showed sales of 1,371. Ram Crew Cab reported a sales increase of 29 percent, with 503 units sold during December 2013. Ram ProMaster, proudly assembled in Mexico, registered sales of 151 units.

FIAT and Alfa Romeo Brand
FIAT and Alfa Romeo achieved sales of 108 percent, with 1,013 units sold. Fiat 500 reached excellent results with 432 units sold during December 2013. Fiat Ducato sales surged 45 percent. This month, Alfa Romeo Giulietta sales improved 60 percent, marking this its best sales month since its launch.

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.

USA - AUDI reveals sales for December and Year end, all good here !

• With December 2013 coming in as 36th consecutive record sales month, Audi concluded its fourth record year in a row
• December 2013 sales of 17,013 stand as the first time Audi sold more than 15,000 vehicles in any month
• Audi Q5 finishes as the best selling model for Audi in the US in 2013; strong demand seen throughout product lineup in 2013

Audi achieved its fourth-consecutive year of record U.S. demand by recording full-year sales of 158,061, a 13.5% increase over the previous annual record set a year earlier.

In addition, Audi set an all-time monthly sales record in December 2013 with sales of 17,013 new models, a 14.6% improvement over the previous monthly sales record set in December 2012. The most recent month also stands as the first time Audi monthly sales have ever topped 15,000 vehicles. December 2013 was also established the 36th consecutive monthly sales record for Audi in the U.S. market.

“After 36 consecutive record sales months, 2013 was another year to thank America for embracing Audi,” said Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “These record results show the payoff from our longstanding strategy to build the Audi brand through exciting products, committed dealer partners and a sustainable business model.”

December results were bolstered by sales of Audi luxury SUVs, with a record month for the Audi Q5 crossover posting a 32.2% gain in December with 4,794 units delivered for the month. Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 52.6% to 2,279 vehicles sold for the month. Year-to-date sales for the Audi Q5 increased 40.8% to a total of 40,355 vehicles sold for the year, while YTD sales for the Audi Q7 increased 45.1% to a total of 15,978 vehicles.

Through December, sales of the Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7 made up one of every three models the brand sold. That compares to a 19% mix for the most exclusive models just four years ago.

Luxury sedan sales remain strong as the Audi A6 increased 43.3% to 2,686 vehicles sold for the month, while YTD sales increased 18.1% to 22,428 vehicles sold.

There has been high demand for the updated 2014 Audi R8 models, including the Audi R8 V8, Audi R8 V10 and Audi R8 V10 plus. Customers have responded well to the changes in the vehicle’s transmission showing an increase of sales to 37.3% MTD.

December 2013 was also the top sales result for Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles sales with an increase of 21.1% for the month, to a total of 4,022 vehicles. For the full year, Audi CPO sales increased 10.2% to a total of 40,190 vehicles, also an all-time record for Audi of America.

Highlights:

• • Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, and Audi Q7) increased 19.2% YTD, representing 33.7% of total Audi sales year-to-date and 46% of the Audi year-to-date sales gain.
• • Sales mix for Audi S performance variants finished the month at 16.1% for the S4 sedan; 39.7% for the S5/ RS 5; 4.6% for the S6; 26.1% for the S7 and RS 7; 10.2% for the S8; 27% for the TTS / TT RS and TTS Roadster, and 8.6% for the SQ5 crossover. 
• • Sales of Audi A6 increased 43.3% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 18.1% compared to previous period.
• • Sales of the Audi Q5 increased 32.2% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 40.8% compared to previous period. 
• • Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 52.6% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 45.1% compared to previous period.
• • Audi R8 sales up 37.3% compared to December 2012.
• • Sales mix for Audi A6 TDI finished the month at 12.5%, for the Audi A7 TDI at 11%, for the A8 TDI to 12.8%, the Audi Q5 TDI at 16%, and for the Audi Q7 TDI at 28.7%.
• • Audi Certified pre-owned sales increased 21.1% to 4,022 vehicles in December; YTD increased 10.2% to 40,190 vehicles sold. 
• • The Audi A3 is being phased out in advance of the all-new A3 sedan arriving in the U.S. market next spring.

USA - 2.8 million sold in the US for General Motors Co.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 2.8 million vehicles in the United States in 2013. Retail sales increased 11 percent and total sales were up 7 percent compared with 2012.

Dealers delivered 230,157 vehicles in December, down 6 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were down 6 percent and fleet sales were down 9 percent.

“2013 was the year that GM and the auto industry put the last traces of the recession in the rearview mirror, so now we can devote our full attention to the things that matter most to customers: compelling design, world-class quality and delivering the best ownership experience in the business,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “GM has laid a strong foundation to pursue all of these goals. We have announced more than $10 billion in capital investments in the United States since 2009 and plowed billions more into R&D to refresh our product portfolio at twice the rate of the last few years.”

Major upcoming launches include all-new large SUVs for Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet, the award-winning Cadillac ELR and all-new heavy-duty and mid-size pickups for Chevrolet and GMC.

In addition, GM will begin the industry’s largest deployment of high-speed mobile broadband later this year. Additional details will be released at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week.

2013 Highlights (versus 2012)

• GM became the first American auto company in history to top the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, with eight individual model awards, including five for Chevrolet.
• Chevrolet redesigned iconic products, including the Silverado 1500, Corvette and Impala, all of which won numerous awards for product excellence.
• Cadillac finished the year as the industry’s fastest-growing full-line luxury brand.
• Buick had its best sales year since 2006 as the brand expanded into new segments with the Verano sedan and the Encore small crossover.
• The all-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 helped the company increase its full-size pickup sales by 14 percent. 
• GMC sales were the strongest since 2007, and the Sierra now has the highest average transaction prices of any full-size pickup truck line in the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.
• Overall, GM’s share of the $40,000 and up light-duty pickup segment, which is about one-third of the market, has increased 7 percentage points to 36 percent.
• Combined sales of GM’s mini, small and compact cars increased by 10 percent, bolstered by best-ever sales of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze, and a remarkable year for the new Chevrolet Spark, which saw more than 34,000 deliveries. 
• Crossover deliveries were strong all year long, increasing by 14 percent. New products like the Buick Encore drove the growth along with stalwarts like the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, which had their best sales years ever.  The GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave also had their best years ever.

December Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)

• Sales in the fourth quarter increased 6 percent and December’s volume was the highest since August. 
• The Chevrolet Corvette had its best December sales since 2006.
• The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu and the all-new Impala were up 33 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
• Crossover and SUV sales were strong, with the Chevrolet Traverse and Tahoe, and the GMC Acadia and Yukon XL all posting higher sales. The Acadia was up 53 percent, for its best-ever December.
• Small business customers took delivery of 26,231 vehicles in December up 20 percent. For the year, small business deliveries were up 35 percent. 

“December started a little slow but sales were stronger later in the month, especially in the week between Christmas and New Year’s,” McNeil said.  “We didn’t make any big changes to our ‘go-to-market’ strategy during the month, which is to offer competitive incentives and market aggressively, and we are carrying good momentum heading into January.”