Guide Car: MPV

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Monday, August 24, 2015

USA SALES APRIL - HONDA/ACURA - Honda dips in April with Acura showing minor increase.

Honda light trucks set a new April record of 52,635 vehicles sold, gaining 2.0 percent year-over-year; Honda CR-V also has best-ever April, rising 3.4 percent on sales of 29,452 vehicles
Honda Fit sales jumped 55.6 percent to lead American Honda April performers
Acura division sales leapt 5.3 percent in April, fueled by a steep 29.4 percent rise in sedan sales led by TLX with sales of 4,093 vehicles
Honda Pilot posts a substantial 28 percent gain even as an all-new Pilot and HR-V prepare to do battle in a hot truck market

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported April 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 130,068 units, with Acura cars rising 29.4 percent on sales of 5,932 vehicles and Honda trucks gaining 2.0 percent on sales of 52,635 units for a new April record.

Overall American Honda sales decreased 1.8 percent versus a strong April 2014 sales total, with the Honda Division posting sales of 115,194 vehicles in April, a decrease of 2.7 percent for the month, and the Acura Division gaining 5.3 percent on sales of 14,874 vehicles in the same period.

Honda

Honda light trucks continue to resonate with consumers shopping in mainstream market segments, witnessed by yet another robust month for the outgoing 2015 Pilot—even as it makes room for the 2016 model—plus another strong month for the best-selling CR-V as it set a new April record, nearly reaching 30,000 sales; both vehicles contributed to a new April Honda light truck sales record.

Bucking recent trends toward trucks, the Fit blazed another 55+ percent monthly increase while Civic also gained solid ground, up more than 2.8 percent over April 2014.

Honda light trucks set a new April record, rising 2.0 percent on sales of 52,635 units.
The best-selling CR-V also had record April sales, gaining 3.4 percent on sales of 29,452 vehicles.
The outgoing 2015 Pilot posted sales of 11,222 vehicles—a stout increase of 28 percent in April.
In the midst of a shrinking sedan market, Civic sales were up 2.8 percent for the month on sales of 28,380 and the amazing Fit posted sales of 6,529 units to leap 55.6 percent in April, while Accord posted strong sales of 27,251 units.

"With the CR-V and current Pilot selling so well, and the HR-V and all-new Pilot soon entering the market, our truck lineup is set to drive a very strong 2015 for the Honda brand," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager.

"Though the scales are definitely tipped toward trucks at the moment, we're really pleased at how Fit, Civic and Accord continue to outperform their rivals in the retail marketplace."

Acura

Even as Acura SUVs continue to perform well, Acura sedans showed renewed strength as the superbly balanced TLX set the bar for the brand in April, with sales of 4,093 units putting the TLX firmly in the top sales tier of its segment and pushing total Acura sales up 5.3 percent for the month.

Acura's pace-setting luxury SUVs—RDX and MDX—also continued with brisk sales in April.

Total Acura brand sales gained 5.3 percent in April, with total sales reaching 14,874.
TLX drove the April increase on sales of 4,093 units for the month; sedan sales are up 29.4 percent since the beginning of the year.
Combined MDX and RDX sales continue to be a formidable force in the luxury SUV game—despite a changeover from 2015 to 2016 model production—with RDX sales reaching 3,972 and MDX finding 4,970 buyers in April for a total of almost 9,000 units for the month.

"The Acura TLX has renewed momentum that will continue to grow in the months ahead as it makes major inroads in the tough luxury sedan market," said Mike Accavitti, Acura Division senior vice president and general manager.

"Despite tight supply during the transition from outgoing 2015 models to newly refreshed 2016 models, the RDX and MDX continued to perform exceptionally well in April."

All-new Ford Galaxy MPV debuts Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and road-holding
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive continuously measures traction at all four wheels and instantaneously calculates where to deliver engine torque
Ford expands the number of vehicles with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – including Kuga, all-new Mondeo, S-MAX and Edge
Galaxy available to order in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X series, priced from £26,445
Seven-seater people mover provides luxurious and safe travel with practical innovations, class-leading refinement and advanced driver assistance technologies

Ford Motor Company today announced that the all-new Galaxy will be available with all-wheel drive. Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system delivers enhanced traction and road-holding with a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing, especially in slippery conditions.

Measuring how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds – 20 times quicker than it takes to blink – the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, and make required adjustments in just 100 milliseconds.

By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel economy and CO₂ emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

“Families across Europe have grown up with the Galaxy. Customers are reassured by its ability to carry seven in first-class comfort and safety, and to constantly surprise with its unmatched versatility,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

“The all-new Galaxy now delivers even more assurance with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, actively optimising traction for even smoother and more refined journeys.”

Ford is expanding the number of vehicles available with AWD. First available on Kuga, it is also available on the all-new Mondeo and S-MAX and will be offered on the Edge SUV later this year.

More grip on demand

The all-new Galaxy’s Intelligent AWD is always on. The primary goal of Intelligent AWD at low speeds is to improve traction. If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is not, the all-wheel-drive system can send all the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear, putting power where the driver needs it.

At speeds above 18mph Intelligent AWD is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses using information from body control, braking, gearbox and the Electronic Power Assisted Steering.

By sending torque to the rear wheels when cornering at speed, the system can help reduce understeer – those situations when a vehicle’s momentum causes it to continue straight instead of following the driver’s intended path.

“Intelligent AWD activates when it is needed, so it can help Galaxy drivers find grip in wintery conditions and enhance the signature car-like driving dynamics with minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and without affecting refinement.

With Intelligent AWD, Galaxy drivers also can tow up to 2,000kg,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.

The all-new Galaxy offers Intelligent AWD with the 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, and with the 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi engine and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

Galaxy can also be equipped with a 120PS version of the 2.0-litre TDCi engine, and Ford’s new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi bi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhanced responsiveness and 450Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Petrol engine options include Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and the entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO₂emissions from 129 g/km* supported by Smart Regenerative Charging, Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter technologies.

First-class travel

Ford also today announced prices for the all-new Galaxy. Available to order now in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X series, it will start from £26,445.

Featuring the company’s latest global design language with a sophisticated grille and slim-line headlamps, the all-new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, with practical innovations, class-leading refinement, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Families can easily switch between seating and load space with a segment-first feature that raises third-row seats at the push of a button. Comfort is enhanced for front seat passengers with massaging Ford Multi-Contour Seats; and for rear seat passengers with integral link rear suspension that offers a smoother, quieter ride and more space.

Second- and third-row passengers benefit from up to 10mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third-row seats offer up to 40mm more headroom than key competitors.

The all-new Galaxy also supports drivers in town and on the highway with advanced technologies including:

Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether
Glare-Free Highbeam technology within the adaptive LED headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas
Front Split View Camera, which enhances the driver’s field of vision when pulling out of a parking space or junction with a 180 degree camera system installed at the front of the Galaxy, and displays the image on the 8in high-resolution touchscreen in the centre console

Galaxy takes the nameplate’s signature car-like driving dynamics to a new level with Ford Adaptive Steering technology, which adjusts steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision.

The technologically advanced Galaxy seven-seat people mover was revealed for the first time in April earlier this year – on the back of a moving trailer – through a stunt performed with the help of illusionist Darcy Oake.

Superb, Yeti and Roomster each win their individual classes in 2015 Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey
Over 60,000 people responded to annual survey
Second success in a row for Superb, and four victories for Yeti

ŠKODA customers have once again confirmed that the Czech brand makes some of the most satisfying cars to own, with three class wins in the annual Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.

The 2015 Auto Express Driver Power survey attracted 61,113 respondents who were asked to judge their car in a number of key areas, from ride quality to practicality.

The ŠKODA Yeti stormed to the top of the Best Off-road/SUV category, making it four class wins in a row. The ŠKODA Roomster took victory in the Best MPV category, and customers voted the ŠKODA Superb the Best Family Car.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express said: “Skoda has been a consistent winner in our Driver Power surveys, and 2015 is no different. SUV buyers are a demanding lot, but the Yeti is clearly loved by owners.

And despite their age, the Roomster and Superb winning their categories shows that owners don’t fall out of love with their Skodas.”

Commenting on the 2015 Driver Power results, Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK said: “This is another great result for ŠKODA. We’re delighted that our customers are so passionate about their cars.

We’ve already introduced some great new products this year, in the shape of the Fabia Hatch and Estate, and with the new Superb arriving in the UK this summer we’ve got more great vehicles to delight customers.”

The award-winning Yeti and Superb are available in ŠKODA retailers now, while the all-new ŠKODA Superb goes on sale in the UK this summer, priced from £18,640 OTR.

Renault rises eight places to finish seventh overall
Second consecutive year Renault has improved in owner survey
ZOE dubbed “Best EV” after 5^th place overall debut

Renault has continued to rise up the ranks in the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey rising eight places to seventh overall out of 32 brands, ahead of many premium manufacturers, and building on last year’s six place rise.

Renault’s score of 87.08 per cent was attributed in the survey to finishing fourth overall for running costs, seventh for in-car technology and eighth for ride quality. Customer satisfaction with reliability and build quality has also improved.

The 100% electric Renault ZOE supermini finished an impressive fifth overall out of 200 vehicles and rated as the best electric vehicle to own. ZOE was also rated the number one vehicle in this year’s survey for low running costs as well as second overall for ease of driving.

Auto Express said in summary of Renault’s performance: “Last year it scored 15^th overall with 85.88 per cent, helped by the new Captur. Now, though, it’s jumped a further eight places and catapulted itself into the top 10. It really is quite an impressive performance in such a competitive field.”

Commenting on Renault’s performance in the survey, Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “We’re delighted that our commitment and focus on quality has been recognised again in this year’s survey with the Renault brand’s eight place improvement to seventh rank overall, particularly following a six place jump last year – improving a total of fourteen places in just two years.

"Product and Service Quality are fundamental parts of our GO5+ mid-term plan objectives and it is therefore highly encouraging to see that real customer feedback place both our brands, Renault and Dacia, amongst the Top10 in the industry,” added Ramirez.

The Auto Express Driver Power survey had its largest response ever in 2015 with 61,113 car owners, up 20 per cent on 2014, completing the comprehensive survey about their vehicle ownership experience.

Renault UK car sales in the first quarter of 2015 were up 16.6 per cent on 2014 with 20,593 cars registered. 2014 full-year sales stood at 66,334, up 43.7 per cent.

Six new SsangYong sales & service dealerships appointed in Chichester, Guernsey, Jersey, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston and Rainham

A further six new dealers have joined the SsangYong franchise ahead of the arrival of the brand’s all new Tivoli B-segment SUV this summer.

The new appointments are:

Barkers SsangYong - Preston, Lancashire
Formula One, Newcastle - Newcastle upon Tyne
Hidsons - Rainham, Kent
Lewis SsangYong - Chichester, West Sussex
Motor Mall - Guernsey - Forest, Guernsey
Motor Mall - Jersey - St Helier, Jersey

“The addition of a fifth, and already highly acclaimed model to our comprehensive range, has really accelerated interest in the franchise,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“Confidence in the SsangYong brand was already growing throughout last year as our sales performance shows, but the pending arrival of the Tivoli crossover into the highly competitive B-segment has really fired-up enquiries from potential dealers. We’re also now hearing from businesses representing premium brands looking for another string to their bow.

“We warmly welcome these new additions to the SsangYong franchise, and look forward to watching them grow with us over the coming months and years,” added Mr Williams.

SsangYong is actively looking for the right quality of dealers to represent the brand in a number of locations, and current open points include:

Aberdeen, Ayr,
Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bradford,
Cambridge, Chester,
Derby, Doncaster, Dover,
Folkestone,
Greater Manchester,
Hull, Inverness, Isle of Man,
Kings Lynn,
Leicester, Liverpool, London & South East,
Mid & North Wales,
Newbury, Nottingham,
Orkneys, Perth, Portsmouth,
Reading,
Salisbury, Shetlands, Southampton,
Teesside,
Watford,
York.

Guide Car

Monday, August 24, 2015

USA SALES APRIL - HONDA/ACURA - Honda dips in April with Acura showing minor increase.

Ford Motor Company launches the All_New Galaxy MPV - the ultimate in Passenger transport ?

DRIVER POWER - Skoda celebrates with a triple win in the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power Survey.

Renault climbs into the TOP TEN for the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power Awards.

Ssangyong adds a further six dealers, and with new models and an active expansion program, its looking good.