UK - Nissan beats previous sales record with significant increase.

• Nissan sold 118,061 cars in the UK in 2013, up 11.5 per cent on 2012
• Nissan market share in the UK was 5.2 per cent – sixth biggest brand in the UK
• Qashqai sold 50,211 units, up 9.9 per cent, making it UK's sixth best-selling car
• Juke sold 37,488 units, up an incredible 29.9 per cent
• Sunderland production facility output tops 500,000 for a second year

Sales records have been beaten for another year at Nissan, with 118,061 cars sold in 2013, an increase of 11.5 percent on 2012 – itself a record year.  Including LCVs, Nissan sold 128,680 vehicles in the UK, up 11.0 percent from 115,970 in 2012.

Key to these record figures were the performance of two British-built stars: the Juke and Qashqai. Despite the imminent arrival of the second-generation model – which has just arrived in UK showrooms – the Qashqai continued its remarkable success story, notching up 50,211 sales, an incredible 9.9 per cent increase on 2012 and the first time the Qashqai has topped the 50,000 mark. The figures consolidated the Qashqai’s position as the UK’s sixth best-selling car.

The Juke also enjoyed a stellar year, with sales up from 28,862 in 2012 to 37,488 in 2013 – a 29.9 per cent increase. Now in its third year, the British designed and built supermini crossover was boosted by the arrival of a Nismo version that added a sporting edge to the range.

The all-electric LEAF also had a busy year up from 699 sales in 2012 to 1,812 in 2013. As part of Nissan’s growth plan for electric vehicles, European production of a revised LEAF started at Nissan’s Sunderland production facility in April, with the model range growing substantially.

Nissan’s remarkable sales success was set against the backdrop of a record year at Nissan's Sunderland manufacturing facility, which broke the 500,000 unit production barrier for the second year in a row, building an incredible 501,756 vehicles.

NissanLCVs also proved popular with buyers in 2013, with 10,619 light commercial vehicles sold – an increase of 4.7 per cent. The NV200 and Navara were the two biggest sellers, notching up 4,230 and 4,484 sales respectively.

Jim Wright, Managing Director at Nissan GB said: “These figures prove that Nissan is continuing to reap the rewards of hard work and intelligent planning. For the Qashqai to break the 50,000 sales mark in its sixth year of production is testament to its remarkable design and value.

“I’m also immensely proud of our other British success stories, namely the Juke, new Note and LEAF. The Juke’s performance proves that British buyers value bold and innovative design, while the Note and LEAF are welcome additions to the Sunderland stable. To break the 500,000 production barrier for a second year is incredible, especially as the plant has been busy integrating new facilities for new Note and LEAF. With the new Qashqai rolling off the lines, I’m sure that 2014 will be another year to remember.”

Latest Octavia Greenline improves on already impressive figures,

• Powered by 1.6-litre TDI CR 110PS diesel engine
• BiK rating of 13% for business user appeal
• Priced £20,150 on the road

ŠKODA has revealed the latest addition to its critically acclaimed GreenLine fleet of environmentally advanced cars – the Octavia hatch GreenLine.

Powered by an ultra-efficient 1.6-litre TDI CR 110PS diesel engine, the resulting performance figures are impressive. Combined Cycle fuel consumption is as high as 88.3 mpg while CO2 emissions are just 85g/km.

ŠKODA’s GreenLine models are hugely popular with company car drivers and the new Octavia will be no exception. A BiK rating of 13% for 2014 and VED Band A status means running costs will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Like every third-generation Octavia, the GreenLine hatchback comes with classic-yet-contemporary looks and a host of ‘Simply Clever’ solutions. But it’s also packed with eco-technologies, including low rolling resistance tyres fitted to 16-inch ‘Velorum’ alloy wheels, which are unique for the GreenLine model. These are inflated to a higher pressure than normal tyres to reduce friction with the road.

The new car also features the Start-Stop system which is standard across the Octavia range, automatically switching off the engine when the car is paused, for example, at traffic lights. In addition, energy normally lost during braking is recovered and used for battery recharging.

The new model benefits from cornering front fog lights as standard. GreenLine badging on the front grille and rear hatchback mark the car out from the crowd, while inside there is a GreenLine logo on the gearstick.

The ŠKODA Octavia GreenLine is on sale now priced £20,150.

World Premiere Qoros 3 Hatch behind the scenes photoshoot

• World premiere of brand’s second production model: Qoros 3 Hatch
• New body style offers greater lifestyle practicality
• Displays subtly evolved signature Qoros design cues for a more compact, dynamic, sporty look
• Features excellent connectivity, generous interior space and equipment
• Based on the same platform that earned Qoros 3 Sedan the title of Euro NCAP’s ‘safest car of 2013’

A year after the debut of new international car brand Qoros and its first production car, the company will stage the world premiere of its second production model, the Qoros 3 Hatch, at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show on 4 March 2014.

The design and engineering of the compact (C-segment) Qoros 3 Hatch draws heavily on the brand’s first model, the Qoros 3 Sedan. While it is similarly inspired by contemporary European automotive styling themes, it displays a subtle, youthful evolution of the distinctive signature Qoros design cues to inject greater sportiness to the car’s appearance.

“The new Qoros 3 Hatch will appeal to the modern metropolitan always-connected customer who needs a little extra versatility provided by the hatchback body style," says Vice Chairman of Qoros, Volker Steinwascher. “It offers those with active outdoor lifestyles or young families extra practicality, combined with added coolness thanks to its more spirited, sporty look.”

As well as rear lamp clusters and tailgate specific to the hatchback, the Qoros 3 Hatch features subtle visual changes at the front that differentiate it from the Sedan – notably to the front grille, front bumper and front fog lights. These create a bolder ‘face’ and a more compact, dynamic, sporty appearance that will appeal to a new, more lifestyle-oriented group of customers.

Inside, key ergonomic features, refinement, understated quality and equipment are shared with its sedan compatriot, although new upholstery colour combinations and materials will provide a fresh, new ambience.

Each Qoros 3 Hatch will be fitted as standard with the brand’s innovative eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Qoros MMH™ (multimedia hub) – which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs for minimal driver distraction. The hardware, software and graphics were designed and developed in-house by Qoros with the support of world-leading systems specialists.

As part of Qoros’ strategic objective to be creative in meeting the lifestyle needs of the modern metropolitan ‘always-connected’ consumer, the majority of the line-up will feature QorosQloud™, which delivers a comprehensive suite of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation. It brings a new perspective to the way motorists interact with their vehicles, seamlessly integrating with other digital devices through a dedicated website and smartphone apps.

The Qoros 3 Hatch is based on the same innovative modular platform as the Sedan. However, the Hatch features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member to maintain the car’s exceptional torsional rigidity. Built using the same high-strength steels and structural design that resulted in the Qoros 3 Sedan being ranked by Euro NCAP as the ‘safest car’ of 2013, the new Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm.

With a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like silhouette, the 4438mm- long new hatchback will deliver unusually generous interior space for a vehicle in the compact segment.

The Hatch also shares with the Sedan its highly-efficient 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines and six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be manufactured in the brand’s all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable assembly plant in Changshu, China, on the same production line as the Qoros 3 Sedan.

The new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent.

Peugeot's great white hope on sale now, the new 308.

• All-new Compact Family Hatchback has style, quality, efficiency and outstanding dynamics
• Striking and contemporary design inside and out
• On sale from 2nd January 2014
• Shortlisted for European Car of the Year 2014

The wait is over. The critically acclaimed New 308 from Peugeot is officially on sale now.

The stunning new vehicle – already shortlisted for the prestigious European Car of the Year 2014 award – signals the start of a new era for Peugeot. It will see even greater focus on design-led desirable cars, outstanding environmental performance and best-in-class driving dynamics.

Underlying everything is a determination to bring a new level of quality to the Peugeot ownership experience, including exceptional customer service from Dealers.

Tim Zimmerman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, commented: “This is a genuinely exciting time to be leading Peugeot.  Last year was a huge success for our business, and the arrival of the New 308 – plus a number of other great cars – ensures 2014 will build on that solid foundation.”

The New 308 is a Peugeot like no other and at its heart is the innovative Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2). The car is the first new Peugeot to benefit from this advanced architecture, which has incorporated 116 patented technologies.

It has allowed the New 308 to be lighter than ever, up to 140kg compared to the predecessor model. Coupled with eight advanced engines, the result is segment-leading environmental performance. Depending on the model selected, fuel economy can be as high as 91.1mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km. The New 308 is also an exceptional car to drive thanks to its advanced steering and damping technology.

One of the features which makes the New 308 so desirable is its premium ‘i-Cockpit’ interior.  Driver-focused like nothing else in the segment, and with a notably uncluttered dashboard, it offers one of the most technically advanced touch-screen infotainment systems on any new car. With a large 9.7-inch screen size, this intuitive interface allows the user to control everything from the climate control to the audio system.

The car is also exceptionally practical. The 420-litre boot space with the rear seats upright is the largest in the segment, and supplemented by generous-sized cup holders and storage spaces located around the cabin.

Running costs, particularly for corporate customers, are a key consideration when choosing a car. The good news is that the New Peugeot 308 scores just as highly there as it does everywhere else. The fuel-efficient range of engines means less time spent filling up on forecourts, while the CO2 classifications means low VED road tax bandings.

Furthermore, with a residual value from CAP that’s up 9% compared to the outgoing model, the New 308’s predicted resale value is ahead of several key rivals and the segment average.

Peugeot M.D. Tim Zimmerman continued: “The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot. It’s high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price. We’re confident it will be a big hit with UK customers.”

The New 308 is available in four trim levels, Access (from £14,495), Active (from £17,195), Allure (from £18,645) and Feline (from £20,995).

USA - Infiniti Q30 Concept debuts in North America for 2015 launch

The Infiniti Q30 Concept, the next step in Infiniti's strategy to expand into new premium segments, made its North American debut  at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The sleek, seductive Q30 Concept is the design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle with a contemporary, individualized character for a new generation of premium customers. The compact premium segment is forecast for significant growth with the entry of young-minded affluent customers.

"The Infiniti Q30 Concept is highly predictive of a new head-turning premium compact that we will launch in early 2015," said Michael Bartsch, vice-president, Infiniti Americas. "It is the perfect addition to our current portfolio of advanced sports sedans and coupes, luxury performance crossovers and full-size SUVs."

"The Q30 Concept has a compact footprint geared to the global trend of younger customers entering the premium sector in search of a product that suits their urban lifestyle," added Bartsch. "The concept's vision is to be the alternative to the practicality and conformity in the compact car segment."

The Q30 Concept shares key Infiniti design cues with the new 2014 Infiniti Q50, while charting even more adventurous design language and sculpting. It also incorporates dramatic design cues from visionary Infiniti concept vehicles - Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e.

The shape of the Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges convention – fusing the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatchback and the higher stance and visual presence of a crossover. Infiniti designers were given the freedom to explore seductive alternatives to traditional premium automobile brands.

The result is a very modern design with a sleek silhouette, dynamic character and artistically sculpted, individualistic interior design. It features a dramatic exterior shape, particularly the body sides, which include bold sections, deep undercuts and intersecting lines.

"Research among the new generation of buyers - with Gen X and Gen Y soon to represent 80 percent of the market - shows an increasing rejection of traditional notions toward premium cars," said Bartsch. "These buyers are less willing to connect size, presence and high-output power as key ingredients of the premium product. Rather, they're looking more for balance, great design and outstanding execution."

The bespoke feel of the Q30 Concept's interior design envisions Infiniti's ambition of interior design and quality leading the premium segment. With its warm, inviting and emotionally engaging experience, the Q30 Concept eschews the more clinical approach found in other premium brands.

The designers achieved this through pursuing highly sculptural shapes, featuring a unique execution of Infiniti's "dual wave" effect and pursuing the notion of dissymmetry. Dissymmetry, an unconventional approach, orients design features - from air vents and armrests to the instrument clusters - for more sculpted visual appeal.

The overall effect is enhanced by the harmonious contrast of materials in the cabin. The initial impression is a black-and-white theme, but closer examination reveals a richer feel characterized by cream leathers and a slight bronze effect adding warmth to blacks, creating sumptuous warmth.

Just as younger premium customers have embraced furniture design, fashion and clothing, Q30 Concept's interior conveys an understated expression of personality for its target customer. The careful choices of colors, materials, contrasts and accents express thoughtful coordination.

Reflecting the value these buyers place on connectivity, the Q30 Concept also offers a level of technologies and features, such as Infiniti InTouch, not typically found in compact cars.

"Younger and younger-minded premium customers inspired the Q30 Concept design team. They feel their lives are no longer aligned to one straight line in terms of career or lifestyle," said Bartsch. "Today is more about fluidity than rigidity, and that offers the freedom not to follow the norms important to a previous generation. The Infiniti Q30 Concept's vision is to be the ideal car for them."

USA - Chevy announces new models added to the Sonic range.

Chevrolet has announced two new sedan options to the Sonic lineup in 2014 – the performance-inspired RS and the stylish Dusk – further demonstrating the brand’s commitment to the subcompact segment and to offering younger buyers expressive options at affordable prices.

The suggested retail price for the 2014 Sonic RS sedan starts at $20,530 including $825 destination. Sonic Dusk starts at $20,945 including destination. Title and license fees are extra.

“Keeping the Sonic lineup fresh and offering consumers more choice is a priority for Chevrolet,” said Cristi Landy, marketing director for Chevrolet small cars.  “The Sonic RS and Dusk sedans offer all of the great attributes that have made the Sonic a popular choice in the subcompact segment and they add performance and design cues.”

Sonic RS sedan
The performance-inspired Sonic RS sedan joins the RS hatchback in the lineup and is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm). Unique transmission gearing in the six-speed manual, or a 3.53 final drive ratio for automatic-equipped models, along with a sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride height, enhances the car’s performance feel.

One of the most dramatic Sonic RS cues is its front fascia, which has a deep air dam design that enhances the car’s road-hugging stance. Vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia reinforce a wide, low proportion and house the fog lamps.  Interior refinements include:

• Aluminum sport pedals
• A sport three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting stitching, and a racing-inspired flat-bottom design
• Leather-appointed front bucket seats with red RS accents to the sportier appearance.
• EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are the same as the Sonic RS hatchback – 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission.

The Sonic RS sedan will initially be available in three color combinations: Black Granite Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic or Summit White, all with Jet Black leather-appointed interiors.

Sonic Dusk
The Sonic Dusk sedan, first shown as a concept at the 2011 SEMA Show, brings sophistication and style to the subcompact market. Unique exterior appointments include a ground effects package, rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with a Midnight Silver matte finish and four-wheel disc brakes – unique to Dusk and RS.

The Sonic Dusk comes exclusively in Ashen Grey Metallic, with a distinctive matte appearance on the upper and lower grilles, door handle inserts and rear license plate trim. Stainless steel lower window moldings add an upscale accent to the body. Inside are Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with sueded microfiber accents and Mojave tan inserts.

Sonic Dusk is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and matched with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the manual transmission.

Also new in 2014, Chevrolet is introducing performance parts that enhance Sonic’s handling, braking and performance. The Chevrolet Performance parts include

• 1.4L Turbo Stage Kit with high-flow exhaust boosting the car up 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque
• Cold-air induction
• Suspension kit with lowered ride height
• Brake package with Wilwood front calipers
• 18-inch wheel-and-tire package. 
• These parts join appearance accessories announced in 2013.

Both models go on sale in spring 2014 and will be manufactured at Orion Assembly in Michigan. Sonic is the only subcompact assembled in America.

The Chevrolet Sonic and Spark are the first vehicles to offer Siri Eyes Free integration. Through the cars' available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, customers with a compatible iPhone* running iOS6 or iOS7 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

Also, the available BringGo navigation app, the most affordable navigation system in its class, offers easy-to-use features that included 3-D maps with lane suggestions, live traffic data, and more.

Citroen launches DS World Paris, a flagship showcase of the DS range.

• DS World Paris to open on 27 November
• DS World is a showroom, an events venue & an exhibition of DS heritage
• Citroën unveils ultra-limited edition DS3 DS World Paris to celebrate the opening of its new flagship venue

To celebrate the iconic DS line, Citroën is opening a brand new flagship showcase - DS World Paris - on Wednesday 27 November 2013.

Located in the heart of the Parisian Golden Triangle on Rue François, just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées, DS World Paris is a showroom, event space and exhibition of the DS line’s rich history, as Citroën aims to completely immerse visitors in the DS universe.

Unique in Europe, and following on from the opening of DS World Shanghai in March this year, DS World Paris is a true flagship venue for the brand. Celebrating models past and present, it showcases the line’s heritage, which dates back to 1955, with some of the finest DS examples on show, including - for the opening - a 1956 Citroën DS19.

Just as the DS line is inspired by French-style luxury, so too is DS World Paris; fronted by a listed Art Deco façade, the 600m2 interior bears the signature colours of the DS - Black, Champagne and Carmine - with an emphasis on elegance, charm and purity.

The centrepiece to this impressive space is an astonishing tailor-made chandelier, comprising 900 blown glass beads. This, along with a unique DS scent and musical signature, ensures that DS World awakens all the senses.

DS World Paris is a true jewel in the crown for the brand, offering customers exclusive and personalised services, as well as being home to the DS World boutique, where the first in the DS Lifestyle luggage range will be launched.

To celebrate the opening of DS World Paris, Citroën has produced an ultra-limited edition of the popular DS3 for the most dedicated DS fans - DS3 DS World Paris. A jewel of Parisian elegance, this exclusive model is inspired by Art Deco architecture, inside and out, with the numbered DS World badge inlaid on the dashboard insert making each of the 15 models truly unique.

The creation of DS World Paris demonstrates the success story of the DS line. With 400,000 models sold since its launch in 2010, the DS line has enjoyed worldwide commercial success. With its DS models, Citroën dared to be different and this decision has paid off.

Julien Faux, Director of DS World Paris, explained the belief behind the venue: “DS World Paris focuses on the very essence of DS, a distinctive take on luxury à la française. Every detail and every space was fully thought through and designed as you would a haute couture fashion collection.

“In our approach to personalisation, we want the DS World Paris to be on the cutting edge of the avant-garde, in tune with creative communities and breakthrough artistic experiences. We will choose and create events that echo our world and will surprise visitors with our blend of daring and know-how.”

Throughout 2014, DS World Paris will host a range of artistic and cultural events, ranging from fashion and gastronomy to art and design.

New Ford KA five door concept could be sold in Europe !

Ford Motor may sell in Europe the five-door Ka minicar unveiled by company executives in Brazil.

A Ford of Europe spokesman said the automaker has no made a decision on whether to offer the vehicle in Europe but "it's on the shelf for Ford of Europe to draw down if it decides to."

Top Ford executives, including Chairman Bill Ford, were at the company's Camacari plant in Brazil on Wednesday to showcase a concept version of the global Ka five-door hatchback, which will be introduced in Brazil next year.

Eventually, Ford will bring the global Ka to other emerging markets, including China, where more families are amassing the wealth needed to buy their first vehicle.

Speaking to reporters last week in Detroit, Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of the Americas, said the Ka Concept is "one of the most important product programs in the company in the last few years."

In Europe Ford currently sells the second-generation Ka three-door, launched in 2008. The Ka is based on the Fiat 500 and is built in the Italian automaker's factory in Tychy, Poland, alongside the 500. Ten-month sales of the Ka in Europe fell 18 percent to 40,000, according to market researchers JATO Dynamics.

Last year Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell told Automotive New Europe there was no rush to replace the three-door Ka. "Our contract with Fiat goes well into the second half of this decade, so we are not in a hurry," he said.

Premium look

Designed and built in Brazil, the Ka five-door concept is smaller and less expensive than a Ford Fiesta subcompact. The Ka carries Ford's new global design language, which Ford officials believe give their vehicles a premium look. "It makes it look like a much more expensive vehicle for much less," Ford designer Ehab Kavod said. "It's the smallest car we do, but when you look at it, it exudes premium."

Ford said the concept is a "strong precursor" to the production car, offering class-leading fuel economy and a host of useful technologies, including a a docking station to accommodate a smart phone, allowing the driver to view navigation and other features.

Ford expects global sales of small, low-cost cars to grow 35 percent between 2012 and 2017, outpacing the expected 12 percent rise for the industry as a whole. Ford said 44 percent of the market for "sub-B" cars will be in South Asia and South America.

The automaker now feeds this market with its current-generation Ka and Figo, which are built on older, locally tailored vehicle platforms that Ford is increasingly avoiding.

The Ka Concept unveiled in Brazil is part of Ford CEO Alan Mulally's One Ford strategy of building global models that can be sold in countries around the world. Ford is working to commonize its vehicles around the world on a series of core platforms. In doing so, the carmaker hopes to save money on engineering, purchasing commodities and manufacturing.

The Ka Concept follows the Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV that was developed in Brazil for global markets. As well as Brazil, the EcoSport also goes into production in India from next year with sales in Europe starting in the summer.

Ford's first global vehicle under Mulally was the Fiesta in 2008, but developing a global car as small and cheap as the Ka has been a challenge. Ford studied Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai and Kia and their approach to the global market for small cars, Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks said.

Bradford Wernle, Reuters and Bloomberg contributed to this report

REPORT HERE

Skoda smashes 2012 full year sales with two months to go !

• 2013 year-to-date sales up 19% compared to the UK market, which has increased 10%
• Success means 2012’s total already passed
• 5,641 new ŠKODA registrations during October – up 18.5% on October last year

ŠKODA UK and its retailers are celebrating a record 2013. With 5,641 vehicle registrations during October, it takes the year-to-date (YTD) total to 55,217 – and passes last year’s benchmark of 53,200.

ŠKODA UK’s growth is also outperforming the UK automotive market. Bouncing back after the recession of 2008, the market has expanded by 10% YTD, but the Czech company is up 19%.

Furthermore, ŠKODA UK’s market share is up in October at 3.6% – and 2.8% YTD. The brand’s previous best, in 2012, was 2.6% YTD.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, was thrilled with the news and commented: “With our fresh new design language and expanded model line-up, ŠKODA cars are delivering exactly what our customers want – high quality and reliable motoring at value-for-money prices.”

October’s new car registrations figure of 5,641 is almost 900 units higher than the same month last year. Fleet customers choosing desirable models such as the ŠKODA Superb, new Octavia and Rapid played their part, with corporate registrations up from 1,716 last October to 2,400 this October.

USA - Hyundai has best October in History of US sales.

• ***PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED CY/2013 SALES NUMBERS FOR ELANTRA***
• Core vehicles lead the charge with Sonata up 18 percent, Santa Fe up 36 percent
• Auto show season brings more product news and a big announcement in L.A.

Hyundai Motor America has announced sales for the month of October of 53,555 units, up seven percent versus the same period in 2012, representing the best October in company history.

“October was a bit of a roller coaster ride for the entire automotive sector so we feel pretty good about exceeding prior year sales results and posting our best-ever October performance,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of national sales. “We expect continued economic and political stabilization throughout the final two months of 2013, which should ease uncertainty, boost consumer confidence and restore a robust growth curve for new vehicle sales.”

The core vehicles in the Hyundai line-up all saw sales gains during the month of October. Accent, Sonata, Elantra and Santa Fe sales were up 7, 18, 3 and 36 percent, respectively, with Sonata and Santa Fe aided by the arrival of freshened 2014 models with high-demand features like blind spot detection. The new 2014 Equus continues its roll, with sales up 14 percent. Azera, Tucson, Genesis and Veloster 2014 models are just now arriving at Hyundai dealerships.

“Consumers sidelined during the government shutdown took to showroom floors later in the month, with Hyundai sales pacing well over prior year levels in the last two weeks,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO. “While we continue to rebuild dealer inventories on core models like Sonata and Santa Fe, we’re also looking forward to the Los Angeles Auto International Auto Show in a few weeks, where we’ll be introducing a refreshed 2014 Elantra line-up and our take on the next generation of electric vehicles.”

Fleet sales represented 18 percent of total sales in October.

Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales for the month were 6,405 a gain of 106 percent.

USA - VW surprises with a very poor October and year to date, both down on previous year.

• October sales total 28,129 units
• Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 7,258 for the month 
• Jetta Sedan delivered 10,161 units for the month
• Tiguan delivered 2,153 units
• High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October and 22 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record
• Passat TDI sales reach 33.3 percent of mix with 2,416 units, the best October results ever

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 28,129 units delivered in October and 342,962 units year-to-date, down 18 percent for the month.  Adjusted for models in run-out, Volkswagen’s year-to-date pace would be on par with the prior year-to-date pace.

“After more than doubling our sales over the past three years, it is a significant recognition of the strength of our products that we are on course to close out a second consecutive year with over 400,000 vehicles delivered for the first time in 40 years,“ said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Now operating at a new plateau, Volkswagen is seeing a consistent stream of accolades, not only for products, but for interaction with customers -- through compelling advertising and effective website management.  Beyond sales figures, awards like these are a further proof point that the brand has gained a significant foothold in the US market.

Volkswagen’s award-winning commercials have found themselves atop another list.  Ace Metrics named Volkswagen’s “Choose Wisely,” ad at the top of its list for “Funniest Ads of 2013.”  “Top Down Day,” a Volkswagen ad promoting the new Beetle convertible, also made the top ten list, ranking number seven. Volkswagen was the only automaker in the top ten. Volkswagen has also proven successful in reaching consumers on their mobile devices, JD Power and Associates ranked the newly redesigned mobile.vw.com 6th overall among 33 automakers. The 2013 Automotive Mobile Site Study examines the features and content of automotive manufacturer mobile websites and their usefulness in the vehicle-shopping process.

The Chattanooga-built Passat continues as a core model with 7,258 units delivered. In October the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment delivered 2,416 clean diesels, representing 33.3 percent of its sales mix.

Total Jetta deliveries (including SportWagen) for October accounted for 10,161 units. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid continues to attract consumer interest with 666 deliveries in October.,

Total Beetle deliveries for October were 2,555 units, a 4.8 percent increase versus the prior year. The Tiguan sold 2,153 units. Total sales of the Golf (including Golf R and GTI) were 2,249.  The Touareg sold 549 units.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October, and 22 percent year-to-date, the best year-to-date on record.

SEAT upgrades range for even more value for money.

• Spacious Toledo now offers even more equipment for less money
• Range now starts at just £10,000 for the five-seat, big-booted hatchback
• Over £1,000 worth of extra kit now included with SE models
• SEAT revises the majority of its range for added freshness and value
• Leon FR TDI 184 PS now available with DSG automatic

The SEAT Toledo was already a car with unquestionable value for money on its side – but it’s just got even better. That’s because SEAT has added a load of extra equipment to the spacious five-door hatchback for no extra cost.

In fact it costs less, thanks to the decision to chop £2,500 off the price of every Toledo until at least the end of 2013. That means the starting point of the Toledo range is now just £10,000, for a Toledo E 1.2 12V, while a top-of-the-range Toledo SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive costs just £15,340.

The specification upgrades apply to S and SE models, with the former gaining a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows, rear parking sensors and a centre-rear headrest. This is in addition to the already standard Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo with USB port, air conditioning, and electric heated door mirrors.

SE cars gain SEAT Media System 2.2, formerly a £700 option, which is a colour touch-screen system including satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. And as well as the rear parking sensors and centre rear headrest offered with S, the SE also gains dark tinted rear windows. In addition, SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and automatic climate control.

All told, the added equipment value for S cars is £430, and for SE £1,080.

The SEAT Toledo remains one of the most practical-per-pound cars on the market, with a huge 550-litre boot accessed via a large hatchback tailgate, and seating for five adults. Across the range it’s extremely economical too, with the Ecomotive S version returning 104 g/km CO2 and 72.4 mpg combined, while even the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol model is rated at 56.5 mpg.

SEAT model year 2014 improvements

As part of the process of constantly refining the product and increasing value for the customer, SEAT has implemented a number of improvements across its model line-up for the 2014 model year.

Mii

SEAT’s city car will, from the beginning of 2014, sport the new SEAT logo first worn on the new Leon, and will for the first time be available with DAB digital radio and a SEAT Sound premium audio system, which includes a boot-mounted subwoofer. Those options are for the Ecomotive trim level and above. A new colour, Night Blue, comes to the range, while there are various trim and wheel changes to refresh the line-up. Please ask the SEAT Press & PR office for details.

Ibiza

As per the Mii, the Ibiza range will also wear the new SEAT badge from the turn of 2014, and will be available with a DAB digital radio for the first time. The SEAT Portable System Live is improved across the range, with the standard unit now including ‘SEAT Call’, for faster communication with emergency services in the event of an accident. In addition, Cupra models will have a ‘Performance Display’ application added to the system, which shows attributes including turbo boost pressure and G-force.

Leon

A DSG transmission option has been added to the range-topping Leon FR TDI 184 PS, which brings the convenience of an automatic transmission but with no loss of performance. Equipped with DSG, the Leon FR TDI 184 PS retains the manual’s 7.5-second 0-62 mph time, while its CO2 rating is raised only slightly, to 119 g/km for SC and five-door versions and 122 g/km for the ST.

SEAT has introduced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist as a Leon option, available with SE and FR versions, and a new ‘Dynamic Multi’ alloy wheel design is available. Tow bar pre-installation is now available across the range.

SEAT sales success

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year

SEAT has some great Q4 consumer offers and Motability terms.

• Mii Toca only £79 per month, while Ibiza SC Toca stays under £10,000
• New Leon from as little as £165 per month, with huge specification
• Free Leon Technology Pack offer extended for a further three months
• £2,500 off the price of every new Toledo, meaning the range starts at £10,000
• 46 SEAT models available with zero advance payment for Motability customers

With SEAT UK posting its best monthly sales ever in September, the company is looking to keep the momentum going with a round of fantastic Q4 offers that truly put the customer first.

Starting with the Mii, it remains possible to get into a brand new SEAT city car for less than the price of a fancy gym membership: just £79 per month for a Mii Toca on a PCP, which comes with satellite navigation and rear parking sensors. The small print is below, but there are no surprises.

Next up is the Ibiza SC, which is available in Toca specification for just £9,995. So for less than ten grand, a customer can drive away with a stunning supermini including satellite navigation, Bluetooth, 16-inch alloy wheels and dark tinted windows. That’s a £2,700 saving on the RRP. Across the rest of the range, all Ibiza FR models have £2,000 off, as does the very rapid, range-topping Ibiza Cupra – now just £16,765.

Moving up the SEAT range, all Toledo models have £2,500 off the retail price, meaning the Toledo begins at just £10,000. Meanwhile, the free Technology Pack offer for the Leon continues, meaning all SE and FR cars can have satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and full-LED headlights for nothing, as opposed to the pack’s £1,075 retail price.

SEAT is also offering a £1,000 deposit contribution across the Leon range when purchased on a PCP, and 4.9% APR – which means the monthly payment on a new Leon SC SE 1.2 TSI, including Technology Pack, is just £165.

For the Altea and Altea XL ranges there’s a £2,500 deposit contribution across the range, with a PCP, and every model is available with five years 0% on hire purchase, with a 35% deposit. And it’s exactly the same story with the multi-award winning Alhambra line-up.

Motability drivers will be able to enjoy a SEAT Leon with no advance payment on certain models, while there’s also no advance payment on certain Mii, Ibiza and Toledo variants; in total, SEAT is offering 46 vehicles with £0 advance payment, including the very highly equipped and fuel-efficient Leon 1.6 TDI SE.

SEAT is looking to achieve a record-breaking year in 2013, and started in the best possible way. Having put the all-new Leon on sale in March, the company posted its best ever half-year sales at the end of June, with 22,752 cars registered. Following that, the third quarter of the year was the company’s best ever, with 12,716 cars registered, and September was its best ever single month.

The (not so) small print…

The Mii Toca offer is a 36-month PCP with 4.9% APR, and requires a £2,719 deposit, while the £165 per month Leon offer requires a £4,771 customer deposit, £1,000 of which is paid by SEAT.

MG offers for Q4 will do nothing to tempt buyers

• Q4 offers feature free upgrades on model specification.
• Offers available on selected MG6 GT and Magnette Diesel models
• Up to £3,000 savings available
• Offers available 01 October - 31 December 2013

MG is pleased to reveal Q4 offers for 2013, specifically a free upgrade in specification on selected MG6 Diesel models until 31 December.

The Longbridge based manufacturer is offering a free upgrade on specification allowing customers to buy an MG6 GT SE Diesel for the same price as an S, saving £1,200, and a TSE for the same price as an SE, saving £2,000.

Magnette customers also benefit from Q4 offers, as a Magnette DTi-TECH TSE available for the same price as an MG6 GT SE, a saving of £3,000.

The free upgrade in specification sees the addition of satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control and leather steering wheel to the S variant to become the SE. Building on the SE trim, the TSE features front parking sensors, 18” alloy wheels, rear parking camera, leather trim, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers and electric heated seats.

MG Head of Sales; Sam Burton said: “These offers give our customers the opportunity for excellent money-off deals together with competitive finance packages and exceptionally high levels of equipment as standard.”

These offers follow the announcement of £99 per month or zero deposit PCP finance deals on the marque’s latest offering, the MG3.

Congratulations to dacia UK for hitting 10,000 sales.

Exactly ten months since it took the country by storm, Dacia’s already celebrating another impressive milestone, its 10,000 new customer. That’s going some. Even by Dacia’s usual growth spurt standards.

It’s even more of a coup for such a fledgling brand in the UK, which has arguably the most cut-throat new and used car market in Europe. Oh, and the fact that it almost exclusively focuses on retail business, which just happens to make up only around half of all car sales here in Blighty.

The owner of the landmark car, Elma Marshall, an NHS worker at Motherwell Hospital, recently collected her gleaming Duster Ambiance 4x4, in sparkling Granite Grey metallic, on Scotland’s east coast. Fittingly, the car was bought and handed over at Ness Motors, Perth, already one of the best-performing retailers in the country, by General Manager, John Aitken.

Elma commented, “I’d read a lot of things about Dacia on the internet before I went to Ness in Perth, and the fact that Duster was the Scottish Car of the Year also hadn’t escaped my notice. As soon as I sat in it, I loved it. It was comfy and the chunky styling really reassured me that I'd be safe in the snowiest weather. I knew that by investing in even the top specification 4x4, I’d be saving thousands compared to anything else like it. One minute I was trading in a front-wheel-drive petrol Mazda 6, the next I was driving my diesel Dacia Duster 4x4 home. I’ve already had some lovely comments on the car from both colleagues in the NHS and family and friends in the farming community. I've even been approached by strangers at the garage!”

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK & Ireland, added, “I’m over the moon that Elma, as well as over 10,000 other Dacia owners, have recognised the ‘shockingly affordable’ value-for-money of Duster and Sandero in terms of space, practicality and equipment, so far this year. Our Dacia line-up has now been completed with the arrival of Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV, making us the first choice ‘smart buy’ car brand.”

With ‘value’ shopping continuing to sweep the nation, it seems car buyers aren’t immune to getting the most they can for their hard-earnt cash either. With Dacia’s candle burning brighter than most. As of today, the “shockingly affordable” brand’s charms have already pulled in over 11,500 new owners since January 1st. Sales which plenty of older and more established car manufacturers can only dream of.

And worryingly for others, that’s with only two of its current range having been on sale since launch at the turn of the year. Now, its got the added impetus of two more “UK’s most affordable” models in its arsenal, the Logan MCV and Sandero Stepway to build on.

The five-seat supermini estate, Logan MCV (Maximum Capacity Vehicle), boasts a city car-shaming price tag and Volvo V70-aping load-lugging ability. While its chunky and striking sibling, Sandero Stepway, a supermini crossover, has tapped into the current vogue for higher-riding small cars.

In terms of sales, Duster is still out in front, with just shy of 5,600 having found homes, The Sandero range not too far behind either, with in excess of 5,400 sold to date. The fastest gainer currently is Stepway. It’s not hard to see why. In the fast-growing supermini crossover class, it arguably has no direct rival for the money.  But, what is surprising, even to the Dacia UK team, is that it’s already smashing internal forecasts, taking a healthy one quarter of overall Sandero sales. And rising.

Dacia – value for the long term

Even more remarkable is the fact that virtually all of Dacia’s sales are to purely retail customers. Once car companies dip their toes into commercial sales, there’s always the risk of its models losing chunks of their value in the longer term. Proving that you can have your cake and eat it though, top residual value provider, CAP, say that Sanderos are typically worth over up to 38% after three years/60,000 miles. That’s more than a whole host of other superminis, including perennial best-sellers such the Skoda Fabia and Vauxhall Corsa.

Just to ram home its longer term value message, Duster flies high in the SUV class too, with a residual value of over 35% during the same period.

Dacia buyers – “value” sweeps across the nation

So, just where are the buyers coming from? In short, far and wide. However, an interesting regional picture’s starting to emerge, including something of a North-South divide. Among Dacia’s top retailers, Scottish and Welsh sites feature prominently, with three of the former and two of the latter, in the top ten. Some well-known Northern cities are well in the mix too, including Bradford and Newcastle. From the south, three towns score highly, Basingstoke, Enfield and Poole.

And don’t think for a second that it’s solely lower-income households plumping for Dacias. In recent months, its UK Retailers have reported stories of trade-ins as varied as Land Rover Discoverys and Honda CR-Vs

Happy 20th Birthday, Ford Mondeo

• Ford Mondeo celebrates 20 years, with more than 4.5 million sold across Europe, 1,400,000 in the UK
• Ford releases new internet video celebrating two decades of Mondeo with voiceover by acclaimed actor Ray Winstone
• Technologies advanced by Mondeo include airbags, traction control, intelligent protection, Adaptive Cruise Control and EcoBoost engines

It helped pioneer standard airbags. James Bond took it for a spin. It came to define a whole voting class in Britain.

The Ford Mondeo is celebrating its 20th anniversary and more than 4.5 million sales in Europe, including 1,400,000 in the UK.

“Mondeo has a rich history and a bright future,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Across two decades, Mondeo has stood for great driving dynamics, surprising technologies, excellent safety and outstanding fuel efficiency.”

To celebrate two decades of Mondeo, Ford released a new internet video with voiceover by Hollywood actor Ray Winstone, star of such movies as “The Sweeney,” “Snow White and the Huntsman”, “The Departed” and “Great Expectations”.

The Mondeo was introduced in 1993 following a five-year,£3 billion development programme and was named Car of the Year in 1994.  Since then it has continued to set standards in its class for two decades, gaining awards from across Europe.

Mondeo has made advanced features available and affordable for UK customers. The first generation provided a standard driver’s airbag, an optional passenger airbag and offered traction control, adaptive damping, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and power steering.

In 1996, a revised, restyled and lighter weight Mondeo delivered optional side airbags, which were standardised two years later together with four-channel ABS.

In 2000, Ford launched the second generation Mondeo with Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, which used a network of sensors to calculate the most effective safety features to deploy in an accident. This Mondeo made heated rear seats, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers available for the first time.

It was so popular it even became part of the English language, when Tony Blair coined the phrase “Mondeo Man” to define a new voting class in the early part of the last decade.

The dashing third generation Mondeo arrived in 2007 following a silver screen cameo as a Bond car in the movie “Casino Royale” in 2006.

The new model debuted advanced technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Interactive Vehicle Dynamic Control and Ford Easy Fuel system to prevent misfuelling.

Mondeo was again updated in 2010, adding Ford EcoBoost petrol engine technology and safety and convenience features such as Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam.

Class-leading driving dynamics have always been a cornerstone of the Mondeo experience, demonstrated by past performance models including the V6-powered ST24, ST200 and ST220 and current four-cylinder 200PS 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol versions.

Recent powertrain enhancements to the Mondeo result in CO2 emissions from just 119g/km* and fuel consumption of 62.8mpg from the best-selling 2.0-litre 163PS Duratorq diesel engine – Mondeo now offers more power than its key sub-120g/km CO2 rivals.  This Mondeo has Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford EcoMode driver information system and the Active Grille Shutter system, which reduces aerodynamic drag.

The all-new Mondeo will arrive in the UK in late 2014.  Engines will include Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost which is expected to deliver leading fuel economy, and a petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrain.  It will have segment-first adaptive full LED headlamps and debut Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers.

“Mondeo’s future is very bright and at Ford Motor Company we're looking forward to delivering another 20 years of innovation for drivers across Europe,” added Samardzich.