Showing posts with label hatchback. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hatchback. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
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.
Jaguar’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, collects Designer of the Year Award.
- Jaguar’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, collects Designer of the Year Award after topping The Drum’s coveted Designerati list
- Ian Callum top with Maggie Hodgetts, Head of Graphic Design at Waitrose and Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer at Burberry in second and third place respectively
- Ian praised for his dedication to innovation and eye for detail in his car designs including the Jaguar F-TYPE, XE and all-new XF
- Designerati list celebrates elite group of the top 100 most influential individuals in UK design
Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, has won the Designer of the Year Award after taking the number one position in The Drum’s second annual Designerati – a list celebrating the top 100 most influential individuals in UK design.
The expert panel of judges decided Ian is this year’s most influential UK designer finishing top ahead of Maggie Hodgetts, Head of Graphic Design at Waitrose and Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer at Burberry in second and third place respectively.
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Stephen Lepitak, editor of The Drum, said: "Ian Callum is a visionary of British design. From his roots at Ford in the 1970s, to his craftsmanship on Aston Martin, his influence on car design is legendary.
"His beautifully simple designs, including the 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE and the new XF, unveiled last month, have ushered in a new era for Jaguar, breathing life into the classic brand.
"Ian's dedication to innovation, his eye for detail and his strong vision for what Jaguar cars should look like truly represent the best of design in the UK."
Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, said: “It is an honour to reach the number one position in the Designerati list. For an automotive designer to claim this award is very special indeed – especially considering the depth and array of talented UK designers across the disciplines of architecture, fashion and graphic design.
"Being ranked number one and winning The Drum's Designer of the Year Award is testament to the fantastic team at Jaguar I’m privileged to work with every day.”
Individuals on the Designerati list are judged on their overall career successes todate and highlights over the preceding 12 months as well as general involvement in the industry as a whole.
Ian’s career includes time at Ford, where he worked on the Escort Cosworth, and Aston Martin where he was key to the design of the DB7, DB9 and Vanquish. The first examples of Jaguar’s design direction under Callum were the luxury XK grand tourer, the XF saloon and XF Sportbrake, XJ saloon car and the two-seater F-TYPE sportscar. September 2014 saw the launch of an all-new Jaguar model line in the form of the XE, followed closely in March 2015 by the introduction of the second-generation XF.
Since joining Jaguar in 1999, Ian and his team have created striking concept cars such as the R-Coupe, RD-6, C-X17 and the C-X75, recently announced as featuring in the 24th Bond movie, Spectre due out later this year.
This is Ian’s second major honour within six months after he was awarded the Minerva Medal by the Chartered Society of Designers for his outstanding contribution to automotive design.
The all-new Mazda2 has been named Car of the Year by Car Dealer Magazine.
- The all-new Mazda2 has been named Car of the Year by Car Dealer Magazine.
- Motor trade title Car Dealer Magazine recognised the all-new Mazda2 at its annual Car Dealer Power Awards held at Portsmouth’s famous Spinnaker tower.
- Award is decided by votes from UK car dealers.
- 15-strong all-new Mazda2 model line-up priced from £11,995 to 17,395 on-the-road (OTR).
The all-new Mazda2 has been named Car of the Year in the annual Car Dealer Power Awards. The leading motor trade title’s annual awards are decided by votes from UK car dealers, who choose the best manufacturers, models and suppliers they deal with.
“We’ve had dozens of dealers telling us what a star it is,” commented Car Dealer Magazine Editor, Colin Channon. “With lots of standard kit, a spacious interior and impressive performance levels, plus sharp looks inside and out, it’s a wise supermini buy that’s been very well received by dealers and their customers. By quite a clear margin, this year’s Car Dealer Power Car of the Year is the Mazda2.”
The all-new Mazda2 combines Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV technology with its striking KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy, to bring new levels of technical sophistication, active safety and driving pleasure to the supermini sector.
With a choice of 11 petrol and four diesel variants, the 15-strong all-new Mazda2 line-up stands out thanks to its signature wing front grille, predatory headlamp styling and muscular cab-rearward styling. With a longer wheelbase and smaller overhangs to maximise interior space, the all-new Mazda2’s superior ergonomics and premium interior finishes raise the bar in quality and design in the supermini segment.
Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director said: “I’m delighted that Car Dealer Magazine and the UK’s dealers have recognised the all-new Mazda2 with their Car of the Year title. The all-new Mazda2 is another example of how our SKYACTIV technology and KODO design merge to create stylish, efficient and great to drive cars.
Our dealer network has done a great job with the Mazda2 and we’re looking forward to a busy year with more all-new product launches to come and an extensive upgrade of all our dealerships with exciting new interiors and more eye-catching branding.”
Mitsubishi dealer staff raise money for a local charitable Hospice care centre.
A team from Weston-super-Mare Mitsubishi raised nearly double their target for charity when they took part in the Weston Colour Run. Lyndsey Smith, Jayne Burnley and her daughter Shani Hedges raised £180 when they completed the 5km run along with thousands of others in aid of Weston Hospicecare.
The popular event took place on Uphill Beach for the second year, with participants dressed in white and getting showered with coloured powder paint as they went along the route.
Group Marketing Co-ordinator Lyndsey said: ‘It was a great day and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was hard work running into the wind on the sand but we all enjoyed it and got absolutely covered in paint.’
Sales Administrator Jayne signed her colleague Lyndsey up for the event without her knowing and then sprang another surprise with the news that they would be wearing sombreros and stick-on moustaches as the duo, who work at the Aisecome Way showroom, took part under the name ‘The Three Amigals’.
Jayne, who also persuaded her 19-year-old student daughter Shani to take part, said: ‘We’re really pleased to have passed our target of raising £100 and there is still time if anyone wants to donate to this fantastic cause.’
Weston Hospicecare provides specialist free care to the 1 in 100 local people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart or lung failure. The charity relies on the generosity of the community to help raise £3m every year. The money raised from the Colour Run will help the hospice to carry out its work caring for terminally-ill patients in the community.
USA - Ford has issued FOUR separate recalls covering a number of makes and models, tut tut.
Ford Motor Company is issuing four safety recalls in North America. One accident and no injuries are attributed to these conditions. Full details of each model, from Ford and Lincoln are detailed, and the model years and issues are too detailed.
Ford issues safety compliance recall for certain 2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for park lamp issue
Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 22,600 2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America (actual 22,616)the headlamps are on, the park lamps are brighter than regulations allow, and may adversely affect the vision of oncoming drivers.
Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include certain Lincoln MKZ vehicles built Feb. 17, 2014 to March 19, 2015 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant.
There are 21,435 vehicles in the United States, 1,066 in Canada and 115 in Mexico.
Dealers will update the body control module software, which controls the intensity of the park lamps, at no cost to the customer.
Ford issues safety recall for approximately 100 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America for potential underbody heat shield issue
Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 100 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America (actual 91) for a potential issue with certain underbody heat shields that may be improperly installed or missing, increasing the risk of fire.
Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to this condition.
Affected vehicles were built Jan. 30, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2015 at Dearborn Truck Plant. There are 73 vehicles in the United States and 18 in Canada.
Dealers will inspect for missing underbody heat shields and fasteners and install missing components as needed. This will be done at no cost to Ford customers.
Ford issues safety recall for certain 2014 Ford Focus, Edge, Escape and Transit Connect vehicles and 2014-15 Ford Fiesta vehicles in North America for fuel pump issue
Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 50,000 2014 Ford Focus, Edge, Escape and Transit Connect vehicles and 2014-15 Ford Fiesta vehicles in North America (actual 50,157) for an issue with the nickel plating on the fuel pump, which may cause it to seize. If the fuel pump seizes, a vehicle may not start or may stall while driving. An engine stall without warning while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Ford is aware of one allegation of an accident that may be related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include certain Ford Focus vehicles built October 26, 2013 – May 22, 2014 at Michigan Assembly Plant; certain Ford Edge vehicles built April 30, 2014 to May 21, 2014 at Oakville Assembly Plant; certain Ford Escape vehicles built Feb. 14, 2014 to March 7, 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant; certain Ford Transit Connect vehicles built Nov. 11, 2013 to Aug. 29, 2014 at Valencia Assembly Plant; and certain Ford Fiesta vehicles built April 10, 2014 to June 17, 2014 at Cuautitlán Assembly Plant.
There are 45,505 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 4,618 in Canada and 34 in Mexico.
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to the customer.
Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-15 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles in North America for steering gear motor attachment issue
Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 520,000 2013-15 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles and certain 2015 Ford Edge vehicles in corrosion states and provinces in North America (actual 518,313) for steering gear motor attachment bolts that may fracture due to corrosion cracking. If the steering gear motor bolts fracture, the steering system may default to manual steering mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds. This would not result in a loss of steering, but could result in an increased risk of a crash.
Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include certain Ford Fusion vehicles built Feb. 3, 2015 to March 19, 2015 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant; certain Ford Fusion vehicles built Feb. 3, 2015 to March 13, 2015 at Flat Rock Assembly Plant; certain Lincoln MKZ vehicles built Feb. 3, 2015 to March 20, 2015 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant; and certain Ford Edge vehicles built Feb. 26, 2015 to Feb. 28, 2015 at Oakville Assembly Plant.
There are 487,301 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories and 31,012 in Canada.
Vehicles included in this recall were either originally sold in, or are currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Also included are the Canadian corrosion provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Customers located in non-corrosion states or provinces will be covered by extended warranty if they experience similar concerns.
Dealers will replace steering gear motor attachment bolts on customer vehicles with new bolts, seal them, and replace damaged steering gears at no cost to the customer.
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.
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