Showing posts with label estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label estate. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
MEXICO - Jaguar is still considering a plant in Mexico, possibly to produce LR products as well.
Jaguar Land Rover is considering building a plant in Mexico, following other luxury car makers lured by cheap labor and free trade agreements. Mexico is a "very strong option" for Jaguar Land Rover to invest in, possibly more than $500 million, said Joseph ChamaSrour, Jaguar director general for the brand in Mexico.
"Three years from now it could be interesting to have a plant in North America, and Mexico would definitely be a very strong candidate because of the cost of labor, the logistics and the expertise of the whole supply network," he said in an interview in Mexico City.
Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India's Tata Motors Ltd., would tread a well-worn path to Mexico, Latin America's top vehicle producer, which has already wooed Germany's premier luxury brands.
BMW AG last year committed $1 billion to start turning out 150,000 cars in 2019, following Volkswagen AG's Audi and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz in deciding since 2012 to build cars in Mexico.
Earlier this month Toyota Motor Corp., the world's best-selling automaker, said it will spend about $1 billion to begin producing Corollas in 2019 in Mexico, its first car factory in the country as it ends a self-imposed freeze on new plants following the financial crisis.
Hyundai Motor Co. may also build a factory in the country, its managing director in Mexico said earlier this month, joining a roster of other Asian manufacturers including Nissan Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.
Automakers are flocking to Mexico to take advantage of a low-wage yet highly experienced labor base, and export access to the U.S. and other countries through the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport are top sellers in the U.S. and could possibly be produced at a new Mexico factory because it would be tied to the U.S. market, ChamaSrour said.
He didn't rule out producing Jaguars at the plant.
Volvo to consider producing small cars at it's Ghent, Belgium facility, as well as in China !
Volvo will build a new family of compact cars based on a common platform at its Belgian factory, CEO Hakan Samuelsson said. The cars will be developed with parent Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Samuelsson said, and will also likely be built in China, although no decision has been reached on which of its plants will get the work.
"We have decided we will be using Ghent for Europe," Samuelsson said, referring to Volvo's factory in Ghent, Belgium. "In China, we have to look into this." Volvo currently builds the Volvo S60, V40 and XC60 models in Ghent.
Samuelsson said it was a "good guess" that the first Volvo vehicle to be built using the new platform, called the compact modular architecture (CMA), would be a new generation of the Volvo V40 hatchback, since it is the only compact that Volvo markets around the world now.
Samuelsson said Volvo's sales of smaller cars had always been too small to be profitable and the automaker needed a partner that could share the costs of developing and manufacturing a competitive vehicle.
China output
The executive said the automaker has three production options in China with Geely: two existing plants in the southwestern city of Chengdu and the northeast city of Daqing, or a new automobile assembly plant being built in Luqiao, a district of the eastern China city of Taizhou.
Two sources close to Geely said Volvo and its Chinese parent were likely to make cars based on the CMA platform together at the Luqiao plant.
Geely is expected to start producing an SUV based on CMA underpinnings at the Luqiao plant toward the end of 2016.
Volvo is also interested in using a common platform and powertrain technologies with Geely to come up with a small SUV, Samuelsson said.
"SUVs are growing in the world, so that is a good guess that something in that segment will be worth taking a look at," the CEO said.
Zhejiang Geely, which also owns black cab maker London Taxi Company, bought Volvo from Ford Motor Co. in 2010.
Volvo announces pricing and specs for it's two new Cross Country models, the S60 and V60 CC.
The third and fourth Cross Country models to join Volvo’s portfolio are now available to order as Volvo Car UK announces pricing and specification levels of both the S60 Cross Country and the V60 Cross Country.
The Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage with Volvo being the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its estates as far back as 1997 when it introduced the V70 Cross Country.
Reflecting Volvo’s Scandinavian heritage and love of nature and adventure, both the S60 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons, combining dynamic styling and rugged capability.
The V60 Cross Country is available in a number of different engines and trim levels, ranging from £30,195 (on-the-road) for the D3 FWD Cross Country SE, up to £38,025 for the D4 AWD Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav.
The S60 Cross Country is available in two engines and one specification level, the D4 FWD Cross Country Lux Nav (£33,695 OTR) and D4 AWD Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav (36,725 OTR).
Central to the Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle and features design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car.
Both the S60 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country sport an additional 65mm of ground clearance over the models they are based on. Skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and bumper extenders convey an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty side.
Other design cues such as the gloss black window trim and door mirrors, unique front grille and unique alloy wheels, available up to 19”, complement the rest of the exterior styling.
Production will commence in May for the V60 Cross Country while the S60 Cross Country will start in June. Deliveries in the UK are expected to take place from June.
Volvo’s new class-leading Drive-E four-cylinder diesel engines will be available in both the S60 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country in the form of the D3 and D4 FWD. Both engines come from Volvo’s new powertrain family, utilising a maximum of 2-litres and 4-cylinders. The proven five-cylinder D4 powertrain will provide the power for the All-Wheel Drive variant.
SEAT celebrates World Book Day by filling an X-PERIENCE Leon with books.
- To celebrate World Book Day, SEAT placed a Leon X-PERIENCE inside a library to orchestrate this challenge
- In total, 1,168 books fit in the 1,470 litre boot of a Leon X-PERIENCE with the rear seats folded
To celebrate today’s World Book Day, SEAT wanted to find out exactly how many books fit in the boot of its Leon X-PERIENCE. To make it more interesting, they placed the car inside the municipal library in Sant Pere de Ribes, near Barcelona, in a spectacular operation that required removing large window panes and a special lorry to set the car down in the building.
This initiative was the brainchild of one of the company’s employees, Esther González, in order to encourage reading. Esther works in one of the Martorell workshops and her great passion is literature. With the help of a group of colleagues and surrounded by well-stocked bookshelves, they managed to fill the boot with a total of 1,168 medium-sized books. “The only thing left to do now is to read them,” said Esther with a smile when the challenge was over.
The new Leon X-PERIENCE features a very spacious luggage compartment. Its capacity is 587 litres with the rear seats in place, and extends to 1,470 litres with the rear seatbacks folded.
SEAT to launch new generation Ibiza at the Barcelona Motor Show, it's home Auto Show.
- New efficient engines with three or four cylinders
- SEAT Easy Connect with Full Link (MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) for seamless smartphone integration
- Agile driving with significantly improved comfort
- New Colour Packs with bold colours for greater personalisation
- Range of new equipment and options including DAB, SEAT Sound and SEAT Drive Profile, Tiredness Recognition System and Multi-Collision Brake
- In UK showrooms from Autumn 2015
SEAT has chosen the Barcelona Motor Show to take the covers off of its New Ibiza. Making it one of the best and most multi-faceted offerings in its class, the latest version of the Spanish brand’s iconic model comes with a raft of innovative technologies, new engines and equipment options, plus additional safety systems and, above all, a completely new connectivity and infotainment line-up.
The Ibiza’s emotional and dynamic design continues to be well received by customers and is a central purchasing reason, so the team have focused their attention on new running gear which takes comfort to a whole new level, as well as upgrading the design and quality of the interior.
“The New Ibiza will further expand SEAT’s current success. It is the first example of how we ‘Leonize our Portfolio’, applying the successful formula of Leon into all our model range. Alongside efficiency, quality and safety, we have placed particular emphasis on the issue of connectivity.
The new Ibiza is now part of the connected world,” says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. “The Ibiza is SEAT’s most successful model, with more than five million sold globally over the last 30 years. With an average age of 43, the Ibiza has an exceptionally young customer base, with its share of young female buyers well above average.”
Connectivity is a central factor in today’s world – and a focal point when it comes to developing SEAT models. In the new Ibiza, the Spanish brand is using the second generation of its Easy Connect infotainment systems.
The new MediaSystem plus and satellite navigation system can be enhanced with the MirrorLink function, which provides seamless smartphone integration into the car infotainment system. Thanks to MirrorLink, mobile phone functions and a wide range of apps can be used safely inside the car, while SEAT has also taken the opportunity to develop its own app for MirrorLink, called SEAT DriveApp. SEAT can connect the most frequently smartphone systems.
The Full Link (comprising MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) connection between Easy Connect means that New Ibiza drivers are always connected, whatever smartphone they use and able to retain their full concentration on the road. In line with this connectivity, SEAT has announced a partnership agreement with SAMSUNG to develop technological solutions to provide total connectivity across its model range.
“With the New Ibiza, we are opening up a new chapter of connectivity. Our customers can continue their digital lifestyle, even when on the road. However, the key issue for us is always the safest and most intuitive operation of the functions,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. “With its new engines, it’s considerably more comfortable. Thanks to its dynamic and agile suspension and new assistance systems, the Ibiza is one of the most modern and attractive offerings on the market.”
The exterior design of the Ibiza five-door, three-door SC (Sport Coupé) and the ST (Sport Tourer) are still absolutely up-to-the-minute and extremely well received by customers, so changes for the new model take in new headlights with LED daytime running lights, new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs and two new paint colours, Moonstone Silver and Chilli Red.
Significantly upgraded interior
The concept behind the broad design appeal of the new interior is that it features fully customisable elements that resonate with everyone by striking a harmonious balance between expressivity, functionality and precision on each of the contours and surfaces that define the interior. Its horizontal proportions and the driver-oriented instrument panel provide enhanced driving pleasure, thanks to the arrangement of all the elements and its soft-touch finish.
Attention to detail is displayed in every feature – on the steering wheel, the air vents, instrument cluster and radio.
The new interface has been designed to highlight the relationship between the driver and technology by creating character lines that add functionality, while the screen design provides the driver with a physical reference.
The resulting interior design is a reflection of a product that has been inspired by and conceived in the surroundings of the beautiful city of Barcelona.
New level of individualisation
The New Ibiza is as diverse and colourful as life itself, with new Colour Packs offering a whole new level of individualisation, which can be adapted to suit any personal style perfectly. The Colour Packs make a bold statement. Bismuth, an elegant shade of brown, is among them, as is Velvet, a rich purple. There is also a powerful red on offer, cool grey, as well as white, black and blue – the right Colour Pack for every personal preference.
Each Colour Pack comes with a wide range of trim elements in the respective colour. On the outside, the rim of the radiator grille and the door mirror housings gleam in Velvet, Atom Grey or one of the other colours. Inside, the air vent bezels and the detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever are part of the colour package, as are the coloured stripes set into the seat backrests. One characteristic element is the two-colour 16- or 17 inch alloy wheels. There are a large number of possible combinations between the Ibiza’s paint colour and the Colour Pack.
And with three bodystyles, several trim levels and a wide range of engines and equipment options, there is the perfect Ibiza to suit every need.
New safety systems
Drowsiness at the wheel is still the cause of many and severe accidents. The new Tiredness Recognition System in the SEAT Ibiza recognises diminishing driver concentration on the basis of steering characteristics, and provides a timely warning. Another new safety system is Multi-Collision Brake. Following a serious impact, it automatically slows down the vehicle to dissipate the remaining kinetic energy. If the airbag is activated by the initial collision, the electronic stability programme applies the brakes and switches on the hazard lights.
Complete new engine generation
The SEAT Ibiza is driven by a completely new generation of petrol and TDI engines. The entry-level petrol engine is a three-cylinder with 1.0-litre displacement, which produces 75 PS in naturally aspirated format and 95 PS or 110 PS as Eco TSI turbocharged engines. With maximum torque of 160 or even 200 Nm, the 1.0 Eco TSI has impressive pulling power. A further highlight is the four cylinder 1.4 Eco TSI with active cylinder management (ACT). Its improved output of 150 PS and torque of 250 Nm guarantee a high level of dynamic driving fun, while its cylinder deactivation under partial load leads to impressive combined fuel consumption of 58.9 mpg.
Maximum efficiency
The three and four-cylinder units, of course, fulfil all the latest EU6 emissions standards and boast excellent fuel consumption and emissions figures. One example is the 1.0 Eco TSI Ecomotive with 95 PS which offers combined fuel economy of 68.9 mpg, which equates to a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometre. Among the new three-cylinder diesel engines, the 1.4 TDI with 75 PS achieves fuel consumption of 83.1 mpg, which equates to an emissions figure of just 88 grams per kilometre. Each of the other TDI powertrains, with 90 PS or 105 PS, achieve 74.3 mpg or more.
The TSI with 110 PS and the TDI with 90 PS are both available with the slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The start/stop system, which switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, is available across all new-generation SEAT Ibizas.
Driving fun with more comfort
The New Ibiza has always received top marks for being dynamic and fun to drive. In its new generation, the Ibiza has been further refined with a speed sensitive electric steering system. Benefitting even more, however, is the ride and handling, with springs, dampers and anti-roll bars being completely re-tuned. The optional SEAT Drive Profile offers adaptive damping with two modes – comfort- or sports-oriented. The Comfort/Sport selector switch also influences the feeling of the power steering.
Latest-generation infotainment
The latest-generation infotainment systems with touchscreen operation and integrated satellite navigation system can receive DAB digital radio and play music from an iPod or smartphone via a USB port or Bluetooth device. Voice control is integrated as part of the MediaSystem plus and for smartphone integration Mirror Link can also be selected for perfect connectivity on the move. For a really rich sound, there is the new SEAT Sound System. Six speakers, a ten-litre bass box in the boot, an additional amplifier and individual setting options in the sound menu will satisfy even the most discerning of ears.
Four optional ultrasound sensors front and rear provide proximity monitoring when parking, and deliver warnings both acoustically and via the display. A reversing camera is also available as an option, aiding parking through infotainment screen updates.
Perfect for an active lifestyle
The New Ibiza will be offered in three bodystyles, five-door, SC and ST. The latter offering a particularly high degree of versatility in such a compact package. Even with its sporty looks, the luggage space is very generous, with a volume of 430 up to a maximum of 1,164 litres. For those with an active lifestyle, there is even space for two bicycles, with their front wheels removed.
In the UK, the entry-level ‘S’ version is an enticing prospect, featuring all major items of comfort and safety equipment. Sitting just above it is SE, with air conditioning and colour touch screen as standard. The sporty Ibiza FR makes a particular statement with its accentuated design at the front and rear and unique alloy wheels. More than ever before, the new Ibiza can also be perfectly adapted to personal style and individual preferences, with an extensive array of colours, options and accessories.
Volvo extends it's Drive-E engine range, all with lower emissions and better consumption.
- New four-cylinder Drive-E engines introduced across the range
- High performance with lower emissions and improved fuel consumption
- Equipment and specification changes for MY16
Volvo Car UK has increased the availability of its new Euro VI compliant Drive-E engines by replacing all of its front-wheel-drive models with the new four-cylinder engines.
This roll-out of the Drive-E powertrain family, Volvo’s in-house designed and built engines and gearboxes, marks a further step in its technological independence and also ends Volvo’s reliance on engines sourced from other manufacturers.
The engines are built with a maximum of 2.0-litres and four cylinders, using a mixture of turbocharging, supercharging and electrification to produce varying power outputs.
This configuration allows for lower weight, size and complexity, all resulting in lower emissions and fuel consumption.
New to selected models across the range are petrol powered T2 and T3, and diesel powered D2 and D3 engines. They join the four-cylinder T5/T5AWD and D4 Drive-E engines which were launched in 2014.
Along with the new Drive-E engines, a number of other enhancements have also been introduced across the model range, details are highlighted below.
V40
- All manual diesel V40 and V40 R-Design models (120hp to 190hp) now with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions thanks to the arrival of the new Drive-E engines.
- New 1.5-litre petrol auto option introduced.
- New colours Magic Blue and Onyx Black replace Caspian Blue and Black Sapphire.
V40 Diesel | ||||
Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
D2 | 94 | 78.5 | 120hp | Power increased by 5hp over previous D2. |
D3 | 99 | 74.3 | 150hp | CO2 emissions and fuel consumption both improved (by 15gkm and 8.6mpg respectively) over previous D3. |
V40 Petrol | ||||
Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
T2 Auto | 129 | 51.4 | 122hp | New 1.5-litre T2 Auto (6-speed) engine introduced. |
T3 Auto | 129 | 51.4 | 152hp | New 1.5-litre T3 Auto (6-speed) engine introduced. |
V40 Cross Country
- Two new four-cylinder diesel Drive-E engines introduced on V40 Cross Country with enhanced power, emissions and fuel consumption.
- D2 and D3 manual variants both now with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.
- New colours Magic Blue and Onyx Black replace Caspian Blue and Black Sapphire.
V40 Cross Country | ||||
Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
D2 | 96 | 76.4 | 120hp | Power increased by 5hp over previous D2. Emissions cut by 3g/km to 96g/km. |
D3 | 99 | 74.3 | 150hp | Manual models now with sub 100g/km CO2 emissions - cut by 18gkm with 10.1mpg fuel economy improvement compared to previous D3 |
S60
- New four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines introduced – 2.0-litre T3 manual and 1.5-litre T3 auto.
- Two new diesel engines for D2 and D3, plus increased power for new 190hp D4.
- Ventilation system upgraded to Air Quality System and Rain Sensor now standard. Rebel Blue, Black Sapphire and Caspian Blue are removed and replaced with Onyx Black, Magic Blue and Osmium Grey.
- Two new wheel designs: 18” Skadi and 19” Portia
S60 diesel | ||||
Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
D2 | 99 | 74.3 | 120 | New four-cylinder 2.0-litre Drive-E engine introduced |
D3 | 102 | 72.4 | 150 | New four-cylinder 2.0-litre Drive-E engine introduced |
D4 | 102 | 72.8 | 190 | Power increased from 181 to 190hp for MY2016 |
| S60 petrol | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| T3 manual | 131 | 50.4 | 152hp | New 2.0-litre Drive-E petrol engine for T3 manual |
| T3 auto | 135 | 48.7 | 152hp | New 1.5-litre Drive-E petrol engine for T3 auto |
V60
- Two new diesel engines for D2 and D3, plus increased power for new 190hp D4.
- More powerful V60 Hybrid is renamed D6 Twin Engine, in-line with the naming of the hybrid XC90.
- The previously fitted Pollen Filter is upgraded to Air Quality System and Rain Sensor is added as standard. Onyx Black, Magic Blue and Osmium Grey replace Rebel Blue, Black Sapphire and Caspian Blue.
- Two new wheel designs: 18” Skadi and 19” Portia
| V60 diesel | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| D2 | 101 | 74.3 | 120 | New four-cylinder 2.0-litre Drive-E engine introduced |
| D3 | 105 | 70.6 | 150 | New four-cylinder 2.0-litre Drive-E engine introduced |
| D4 | 104 | 70.6 | 190 | Power increased from 181 to 190hp for 2016 |
| V60 D6 Twin Engine | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| D6 Twin Engine | 48 | 155.2 | 220+70 | Power increased by 5hp to 220. Renamed V60 D6 Twin Engine |
| V60 petrol | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| T3 manual | 135 | 48.7 | 152hp | New 2.0-litre Drive-E petrol engine for T3 manual |
| T3 auto | 138 | 47.9 | 152hp | New 1.5-litre Drive-E petrol engine for T3 auto |
XC60
- Power increase for front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Drive-E D4 diesel model - now 190hp.
- All-wheel-drive D4 and D5 variants retain five-cylinder engines but with power output increased to 190hp and significant CO2 emissions reductions.
- Rain Sensor and Air Quality System become standard on all specifications levels. Magic Blue, Osmium Grey and Onyx Black paint options are added.
- Two new wheel designs: 18” Leda and 19” Lesath
| XC60 diesel | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km (auto) | MPG (auto) | Power | Notes |
| D4 FWD | 117 (124) | 62.8 (60.1) | 190 | 9hp power increase to 190hp |
| D4 AWD (5-cyl) | 137 (149) | 54.3 (49.6) | 190 | 9hp power increase to 190hp. 20g/km CO2reduction for auto model – now 149g/km |
| D5 AWD (5-cyl) | 137 (149) | 54.3 (49.6) | 220 | 5hp power increase to 220hp. 20g/km CO2reduction for auto model – now 149g/km |
V70
- Increased power for new V70 D3 with lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.
- Air Quality System and Rain Sensor become standard and Onyx Black and Magic Blue are new colours added to the option list.
- Two new wheel designs: 18” Skadi and 19” Portia
| V70 diesel | ||||
| Engine | CO2 g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| D3 | 108* | 68.9 | 150 | New D3 engine with 14hp power increase over previous engine. Fuel economy and emissions both improved. |
*108g/km for Business Edition model.
XC70
- Emissions reduction and improved fuel economy for D4 AWD
- Increased power for D5 AWD with improved emissions and fuel economy
- Magic Blue, Rich Java and Onyx Black are now available to choose and the Pollen Filter is upgraded to Air Quality System.
- New wheel design: 18” Leda
| XC70 diesel | ||||
| Engine | CO2g/km | MPG | Power | Notes |
| D4 AWD (5-cyl) Geartronic | 153 | 48.7 | 181hp | 16g/km improvement on CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption up by 4.6mpg |
| D5 AWD (5-cyl) Geartronic | 153 | 48.7 | 220hp | Power increased by 5hp to 220hp. Emissions reduced by 16g/km with improved fuel consumption |
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