Jaguar XF outsells Audi A6 (UK)

Jaguar’s XF saloon is continuing to steal sales from rivals, despite the weak new car market.

Figures obtained show that the XF is outselling all of its saloon rivals in the UK and the margin is growing. It took 60% of the UK’s executive saloon market in July; earlier this year it was closer to 50%.

“We’ve been working on residuals and keen pricing and equipment levels and that’s continuing to work for us,” says Jaguar. The company reckons it operates in about 30% of the executive market, because it doesn’t offer an estate or four-cylinder diesel model. To the end of July, the XF is third overall favourite executive car despite being available only as a 4 door.

It produced 5,653 registrations, ahead of the Audi A6 with 5,000 (includes estate variants). The BMW 5-Series with 7,900 sales lead the way. The Mercedes E-Class sold 5,700, putting it in second place.

Launch of Mini Crossman delayed

BMW has confirmed it will not be showing a production version of its Mini Crossover until 2010 at the earliest. At the Frankfurt motorshow this month, it will be showing two new concepts; the Mini Coupe concept and the Mini Roadster concept.

The baby crossover, rumoured to be called the Crossman, was first seen as a concept car at the Paris motorshow last year. It will be the fourth production model in Mini’s line-up.

A BMW Mini spokesman told media in the U.S: “The Crossover launch has been pushed back as we wish to first explore differentiation within future Mini smaller models and get feedback.”

The production launch is likely to take place at the Geneva motorshow in Spring 2010.

Hyundai i20 production shifts from India (EU)

Hyundai plans to shift more than a third of its i20 production to Europe from India by the middle of 2010, according to the firm’s Indian managing director.

H.S. Lheem said production of around 70,000 cars would move to Europe in order to get tax benefits. Hyundai currently has the capacity to make around 200,000 units per year in India.

Lheem refused to confirm which plant in Europe the i20 would be built, although it is likely to be at the firm’s Turkish plant. As India is a right-hand drive market, the move won’t affect any cars destined for the UK, so production will carry on as normal.

He said Hyundai’s sales in India were expected to increase to 580,000 in 2009, up from 490,000 sold last year.

Dacia launch possible in 2010 (UK)

Renault’s managing director has refused to rule out a UK launch for its budget brand Dacia. Roland Bouchara said in an exclusive interview that the company has only put off the launch of the brand in the UK due to the Pound’s weakness against the Euro and he said the situation would be looked at again in 2010.

“The weakness of the Pound meant we had to cancel the planned launch of Dacia,” said Bouchara. “There was no way it could be sold at a profit.”

The Pound has been recovering rapidly since its drop last year and earlier this year, and Bouchara expects that recovery to continue into 2010. If a Dacia launch were to happen, it would include a range of cars rather than single models such as the Sandero.

“Dacia will soon have a full range of cars, which would spread the cost of a launch,” said Bouchara. “We will take another look at it in 2010.”

Dacia's UK launch has been put off since 2008 due to the very delicate state of the British economy, which is now stabilising.

2011 Bentley Continental to be more "evolution than revolution"

The next Bentley Continental will be more evolution than revolution, senior company bosses have reported.

"Customers don’t want us to change it; they see it as Bentley’s Porsche 911," said Bentley boss Franz-Josef Pfaegen, hinting that the new car, expected in 2011, would be a refinement of the current Continental family, the best-selling car in the company’s history.

Pfaegen also admitted that the next-generation Conti would continue to draw on Volkswagen Group technologies.

"We want to build the best possible Bentley and all the important bits we can do in-house, but we will continue to use VAG components," he said.

Bentley engineering boss Ulrich Eichhorn said that the company is looking to save weight for the next Continental.

"There will be a sensible weight reduction, but it won’t turn into an Elise," he said. Eichhorn also pointed out that weight has been saved during the life of the current car, with the Speed version and the forthcoming Continental Supersports, due out later this year.

Power for the next-gen car is widely tipped to come from a modified version of the existing W12 engine. Eichhorn admitted that there was no legislative reason why the 12-cylinder petrol engine would have to be retired, adding that there was still scope to produce more power and torque from it, with lower CO2 and improved economy.

It's also likely to be mated to a traditional torque converter automatic gearbox at launch, rather than a VW Group dual-clutch auto-box.

"If there was a dual-clutch gear-box available in the group then we would use it," he said, "but their biggest advantage is with smaller engines. With the torque in a Bentley the benefit is less, and auto gearbox technology is catching up fast."

Either way, the next Continental is certain to have the option of being powered by biofuel, as the company is committed to offering a flex-fuel option on all of its cars by 2012. This negates the need to offer a diesel Bentley in the future, according to Eichhorn.

2010 Alfa Romeo 159 pricing announced (UK)

The 2010 MY 159 that was presented at the Geneva autoshow in March, benefiting from the introduction of two brand new Euro 5-compliant turbocharged engines, the 1750 TBi petrol and 2.0 JTDM diesel, as well as a revised range structure for the UK market.

The new 159 1750 TBi gets a 1.75-litre direct injection turbocharged engine that makes 200bhp along with 320 Nm of torque, launching the saloon from rest to 62mph in 7.7 seconds before topping out at 147mph. The sedan returns a combined fuel consumption of 34.9 mpg. Alfa's new 2.0 JTDM diesel powerplant produces an output of 170bhp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 360Nm available between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm. With this engine, the 159 covers 0–62 mph in 8.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 136mph, while returning a combined fuel economy of 52.3mpg.

For the 2010MY 159, Alfa has introduced a new range structure which now features five trim levels: Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.

The new Turismo Sport trim features 17" alloy wheels, Blue&Me, cloth sports seat, sports leather steering wheel with audio controls and gear knob and sports dials.

The new Elegante trim also adds features from the Turismo, including rear parking sensors, visibility pack (auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rain and dusk sensor) and specific seat and door panel upholstery.

Pricing for both the 159 1750 TBI and 2.0 JTDM Saloon start from £21,800, topping out at £28,900. The sedan and Sports Wagon are on sale now.

New Car: 2010 Chevrolet Agile (Latin America)

GM has released the first official images of the new Chevrolet Agile.

Destined for South American markets, the Agile looks nothing like the attractive teaser images that were previously revealed. The font end, with its corporate Chevrolet grille, looks decent enough but the overall design leaves something to be desired. Despite this, GM says the hatchback offers "an innovative design" with the "internal space of a crossover."

As the first model fully developed at GM's Mercosur Center for Development, the Agile represents the company's commitment to vehicles designed and produced in South America.

The Agile will launch in October with a range of 4 cylinder engines.

Press Release:

General Motors revealed the first images of the new Chevrolet Agile

General Motors confirmed for next October launch vehicle waited in the Mercosur region: the Chevrolet Agile, an entirely new model is distinguished by its design, comfort and versatility.

Jaime Ardila, president of GM Mercosur, notes that "The Chevrolet Agile, a leading Chevrolet launches and market in 2009, demonstrates our confidence in the public's preference and the potential of our region." For his part, Edgar Lourencon, president of GM Agile Argentina said that "not only demonstrates the capacity for Chevrolet vehicles with modern design and world class, but confirms the strength and integration of our company to provide the best products our customers.

Amazing design:

Revealing some details of the line of Agile, Carlos Barba, General Director of GM Design Mercosur, notes: "It is a vehicle that goes beyond a traditional hatchback. Our task was to design a vehicle for customers in the region, which are demanding consumers. An innovative design is essential, as the internal space and a crossover, or a vehicle that 'breathes' and versatility that is attracting different customer profiles, from the urban to the surfer or customer that to enjoy the countryside. "

"I am convinced that the design of Agile will surprise since it is a car full of young people," Barba ends. The model comes to complement the Chevrolet line, which is most of the market and currently consists of models Spark, Corsa Classic Corsa, Aveo, Astra, Vectra GT (hatchback), Vectra sedan, the Meriva and Zafira people carriers, Captiva SUVs and the Blazer, the S10 pickup and the Corvette.

Investment in progress:

The Chevrolet Agile - first model of the family live - was fully developed at the Center for Development of Mercosur GM vehicles, located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is the result of an investment of U.S $400 million, which includes the development and production phases of the model in the region, with its production complex in the Automotive business in Rosario, province of Santa Fe The Agile aims to emerging markets as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. In Argentina, advancing the implementation of the investment to start production of Chevrolet Agile. This investment has meant, among other actions, the construction of a new building of 5,000 square meters of weld, new dies for the stamping of parts and components; 59 robots incorporating the latest technology to focus its work primarily on welds considered anti ergonomic, and in those parts of the body that are critical to passenger safety as well as conducting over 6,500 hours of training to operators of the new production line of Chevrolet Motor Complex in Argentina.

Are currently in the final testing of the new model for which the company is implementing global processes of validation, which are identical to those used in developing the overall architecture of Chevrolet. They take place in laboratories and in field. Are 150 units of Chevrolet Agile are rolling over 1 million miles of testing, including vehicle and partially assembled, in order to validate components, vehicle safety, durability, bodywork, brakes, noise and vibration. Finally, it is important to note that 9,000 pieces were subjected to more than 3,000 tests for global certification criteria, and safety, 20 vehicles passed through various laboratory impact tests, including testing now underway.

"Cash for clunkers" scheme ends on Monday (U.S)

The U.S scrappage scheme, dubbed “cash for clunkers”, will end Monday 24th August, having run for just a month.

The scheme has been a huge success but has been halted so that payments do not exceed the $3bn (£1.8bn) allocated by Congress.

The scheme offered car buyers discounts of up to $4,500 (£2,700) towards new cars when they traded in old vehicles.

The deadline of 24th August will give dealers and buyers enough time to complete purchases and submit applications for rebates, said the Transportation Department.

“This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump-starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

The Transportation Department said it has handled 167,000 (37%) of the 457,476 dealer requests for payback submitted as of today. It is understood around $145m (£88m) has been paid out so far.

Giant Fiat 500C goes on tour (UK)

A giant Fiat 500C is set to invade the UK. The promotional model is being used to promote the launch of the new 500C and is five times bigger than the normal convertible, making it a scale model of 5:1. The huge model will be displayed at a special venue in Oxford Street between 28th August and 2nd September alongside the full 500 model range.

New Car: 2010 Volkswagen Caravelle/Transporter/T5 facelift

Volkswagen has revealed its updated Caravelle MPV, which has new engines and smarter looks.

On the outside, the Caravelle now looks classier, thanks to a face-lift that incorporates the latest VW family look. The changes include: new rear light clusters, chrome side trims, reshaped door mirrors, restyled front end with new panels, headlights, front grille and bumper. Interior upgrades include a more high-quality interior, three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned instrument display, gear-shift indicator, optional USB connectivity and the latest VW stereos with touch-screen-based hard-drive navigation systems.

The four new 2.0-litre common rail diesel (CRD) engines boost fuel economy, cut CO2 emissions by 10% - down to 190g/km and improve refinement. The engines have outputs of 83bhp, 102bhp, 140bhp and 178bhp, and some will be available with VW's latest seven-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission.

Safety equipment has also been upgraded in the Caravelle. An updated stability control system, hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function have been added, while VW's Side Assist lane-change system, which warns drivers of hazards in the car's blindspot, is now an option, along with a new tyre-pressure monitoring system.

UK prices and specifications for the new Caravelle have yet to be confirmed, but will be released closer near to its launch in January 2010. Mainland European sales will start in October 2009.

Press Release:

New generation of the Transporter, Multivan, Caravelle and California:

New versions of the best-selling series begin in Autumn 2009

New Common Rail TDI drops fuel consumption by up to 1.9 litres

New front design in keeping with the stylistically refined Volkswagen Design DNA

New infotainment and driver assist systems for optimum comfort and safety

New generation of ESP including the hill-start assistant comes as standard in all vehicles.

The Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California - these are the four basic versions of an internationally best-selling vehicle so popular that is has sold in the millions. For its huge fan base, people like service providers, trades people, families, business people and globe trotters, these multi-talented vehicles are an automotive way-of-life, a symbol for endless mobility and variety. A few weeks after the Multivan and California are premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2009, a new generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle's successful models will hit the roads. The new perfected version gives out even fewer emissions as well as being more efficient, economical, comfortable, elegant, intelligent and safer than ever before. Advance sales for all four basic versions will start at the IAA.

Refinement and high-tech features fit for a best-seller:

The best-seller's body design is now in line with Volkswagen's new Design DNA. The new front design shows off the series in an even more elegant light. The series, which is known as the T5 by Volkswagen employees, has also been given a huge technical boost. Take the engines for example: the new Turbo diesel engines (TDI) are more efficient, exceptionally quiet and now fitted with a Common Rail Injection system. Thanks to the new TDI, fuel consumption levels have decreased by up to 1.9 litres and CO2 emissions have dropped by 52 g/km, so that all engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standards. What's more, the new versions come with an optional 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG) - an international first for this class of vehicle! As another optional extra, you can have the new four-wheel drive function (4Motion with 4th generation Haldex coupling), which allows you to drive off-road. Another revolutionary highlight from the new models is that, from the start of the year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be offering a 4Motion version in conjunction with DSG. Safety features have been further improved thanks to the standard hill-start assistant, refined ESP, a new hazard warning light for the brake lights (emergency brake lights) and new optional driver assist systems. In addition, the interior is fitted with new instruments, steering wheels, radio/navigation systems and textures on top of ergonomic perfection.

Four new Common Rail TDI and dual clutch gearboxes:

With the new four-cylinder diesel engines with Common Rail Injection, the best-selling series in both Germany and Europe sets new benchmarks for both its economy and its kindness to the environment. The TDI (1,968 cm³) comes as either 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS or 132 kW /180 PS. The 140 PS engine is boosted by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has fitted a two-stage charger with bi-turbocharger in the top of the range 180 PS. This form of downsizing means that, for the first time in the Volkswagen Group, a compression ignition engine is being used in a vehicle of this performance range.

The greatest feature is the fuel-saving capacity. It is the first time in the world that a transporter, van or touring vehicle has been equipped with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which allows fuel consumption in the 180 PS version to drop by up to 1.9 litres when compared with the previous 6-gear automatic. In the meantime, the 85 kW/115 PS petrol engine will be carried over and now complies with EU5 emission standards. Compared to previous generations, Volkswagen were able to decrease CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels by an average of 10 percent across the whole range. In vehicles with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels* range from 7.2 litres/19og/km CO2 (84 PS and 102 PS) to 7.5 litres/190 g/km CO2 (180 PS): that's up to 0.9 litres less than ever before.

All four diesel engines respond extremely quickly and almost as soon as you have left idling speed as well! Even the smallest TDI engine with 84 PS has a maximum torque of 220 Newton metres from just 1,250 rpm. The 102 PS version goes to 250 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm, the 140 PS TDI hits a high of 340 Newton metres from 1,750 rpm while the 180 PS TDI propels into the crankshaft with an impressive 400 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm. And of course all versions are fitted with a particle filter.

The Multivan and Co. on track with the new Volkswagen Design DNA:

Alongside other new design features, the new generations really stand out with a completely modified front end. Clear, horizontal lines give the series a timeless, elegant appearance. The ribs on the radiator grille are all black. In the Transporter (panel van, kombi, drop-side), Caravelle Trendline and California Beach the ribs are in matt black. Whereas the Caravelle Comfortline, Multivan (recreational and business van) and the California Comfortline (touring van) all feature black, high gloss ribs, each highlighted with a chrome stripe. The top stripe is visibly extended so that it stretches into the newly designed headlights. Also, for the first time, the newly designed fog lights in the rear bumper will act as static cornering lights as well. The rears of the Caravelle, Multivan and California have changed since the previous versions as they now have new rear lights which are in keeping the current Design DNA.

New driver assist systems and additional standard equipment:

Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, the new models are decked out with new 17" and 18" alloy wheels as well as new exterior mirrors, refined for improved aerodynamics. And for the first time, the exterior mirrors house the entire antenna system. As another ground-breaking feature in this class, the best-selling vehicles are now available with the Side Assist lane change assistant. As seen in the Touareg, this system uses LEDs in the exterior mirrors to warn the driver of any vehicles in the blind spot. What else is new: the tyre monitor display (TMD). The TMD constantly analyses how quickly the tyres are rotating. By comparing the different speeds, the system detects when the tyre pressure has dropped.

More new features: the Multivan Comfortline now comes with 16" alloy wheels. The Multivan Highline is now equipped with new 17" alloy wheels as well as chrome trims on the sides and rear.

The interior which crosses the bridge to passenger vehicles:

The models' interiors have been completely re-worked. Take the instruments for example: With a new design, they are lit in white from behind and highlighted by a chrome frame. Each of the new generation's models will come with a gear shift recommendation display. The entire collection of radio and navigation systems has also been updated. The new top of the range device is the RNS 510 with touch screen and hard-drive navigation. The optional Dynaudio sound system delivers magnificent concert-hall acoustics. The USB interface, Media-IN, allows you to connect any devices, such as MP3 players, quickly and easily. New features on board are the controls for the semi- and fully-automatic air conditioning systems and the three-spoke steering wheels. Many of the versions have had some additions to their standard equipment. The Multivan Startline has seen some great improvements: for example, compared to the previous model, the new basic model now has a full trim interior and side and curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger. The finished bumper, which comes as standard, highlights the fact that the Startline is a member of the Multivan family.

Last but not least, the Transporter can be ordered with a new double front passenger seat bench which includes an integrated folding stowage compartment. And all this is coming soon: the new generations will be launched in the middle of October.

* = Fuel consumption and emissions levels taken from a closed Transporter with short wheelbase and normal roof