Archive → July, 2009
Cruisin’ On
Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue production
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 31, 2009 -
Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue. The Chrysler Group Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant—the exclusive home of Chrysler PT Cruiser—will continue to build the quality-proven, versatility packaged and “too cool to categorize” small car.
“The heritage-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to be a global success story,” said Peter Fong – President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “With more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold in more than 60 countries since 2000, we’re excited to announce we’re re-energizing the iconic and award-winning PT Cruiser.”
The Chrysler Group changed the landscape of the automotive market when it introduced the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser nearly 10 years ago. Its one-of-a-kind exterior styling and Swiss Army knife-like interior flexibility, offered at a compact car price, redefined the small-car segment and became an instant hit with consumers.
High-quality, craftsmanship, performance and functionality continue to give the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines and third-party studies have recommended the PT Cruiser for its consistently high levels of quality and refinement—tying for first place in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey (IQS) this July.
Some of the Awards the vehicle has won are the following:
• 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports “Recommended”
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Guide, “Best Buy – Compact Cars Category”
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports, “Recommended”
• 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Edmunds.com, “Most Significant”
• 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, AutoPacific, “Top Vehicle customer satisfaction”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, North American International Auto Show, “North American Car of the Year”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, “Car of the Year”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Strategic Vision, “Compact Car Segment”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Industrial Design Excellence, “Gold Award”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Automobile Magazine, “Best Small Car”
Since production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser began in February 2000 (as a 2001 model), the PT Cruiser lineup has been a continuous hit. The latest flavor, the 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser 5 marked the 14th customized version of the segment-busting small car. The Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joined the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Automobili Lamborghini maintains profitability and sustains strategic product and technological investments
- Profit before tax reaches 5.4 Million Euros
- First half financial year 2009: worldwide deliveries decrease by 37%
- Italy resists weakness of other key European Markets
- China with growing sales
- Maintenance of long-term strategy and investments
After several consecutive record years, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. reports a decrease in worldwide sales for the first six months of the financial year 2009 (which ends 31/12/2009). In spite of the massive economic downturn in Lamborghini?s major markets the company is still among the few car companies maintaining overall profitability.
In the first six months of 2009, turnover reached 156.9 Million Euros, with a decrease of 43.4% compared to the same period of 2008 (277.4 Million Euros). Pre-tax profit was 5.4 Million Euros in comparison to 35.0 Million Euros in the first six months of 2008.
In terms of sales, the company delivered 825 cars: a reduction of 37% compared to the same period of 2008 with sales of 1.309 cars.
As expected, the markets showing the sharpest decline are those economies worst hit by the deep worldwide recession. Consequently, Lamborghini sales volumes saw the most substantial downturn in the USA, falling by 52% from 431 to 207 units sold.
Some markets’ sales figures however, counteract the trend. In Europe, the second largest market, Italy, accounted for 122 units, nearly on a par with the first six months’ performance of 2008 when 130 Lamborghini cars were sold.
Switzerland maintained stability with 49 units sold, compared with 51 units in 2008. The same holds true for France with 37 units sold (43 in the first half of 2008).
Beyond Europe, there are clear signs of sales stability in the Middle East, which presently is the fourth largest market in the world for Lamborghini (61 units sold against 79 in the first half of 2008) and in China, which has achieved a sales growth of 32% (29 units sold in the first half of 2009 against 22 in the first six months of 2008).
Some major European markets showed decreases: Germany down 52.0%, and the UK down 46.6%.
The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, commented, “As was expected, we are not immune to the global recession. However, I am certain that Lamborghini’s strong global presence and brand appeal, which remains unaffected, will enable us to steer the company through challenging times to achieve new strengths. Our business strategy continues to be driven by two fundamental principles that allow us to react to the present economic situation and preserve the success of our brand. Firstly, we will maintain the profitability of the company, a target confirmed by the results of the first six months of 2009. Secondly we continue our investment into the future with product technology and innovation alongside a firm ecological stance.”
Lamborghini remains with its long-term strategy, with a commitment to announcing at least one new product each year.
The latest examples of this confidence are the launch of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, the Murci?lago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, and the new Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni: the first rear wheel drive Gallardo, celebrating the famous Lamborghini test driver, Valentino Balboni.
Investments into R&D and into reduction of CO2 emissions will continue as planned, resulting in continuing technology and product innovation. The company has recently announced its intention to complete its program of environmental sustainability in record time by presenting new plans which will enable Lamborghini to:
- achieve a 30% reduction, by the year 2010, in the CO2 emissions produced by its factory
- achieve a 35% reduction, by the year 2015, in the CO2 emissions produced by its vehicles
Lamborghini will commit 35 million Euros over the next five years for this purpose.
For the full year 2009, the company is not giving a definitive business forecast due to continuing market instabilities. However, Lamborghini is confident of also attaining a full year profit, thus remaining one of the few profitable companies in the industry
Popularity: 1% [?]
Audi Group: Operating profit of 823 million euros for first six months
* CFO Axel Strotbek: “We’re keeping to our target of recording a significant operating profit in 2009, even if there are challenges to be faced in the second half.”
* By the fall, the Audi brand will have 50 models on sale with emissions below 140 g/km
In the first six months of the current year the Audi Group succeeded in avoiding the effects of the negative overall market trend, and recorded a significant operating profit of 823 million euros (2008: 1.3 billion euros). The Audi brand is also hitting its sales targets: in the first six months, approximately 466,000 cars were delivered (2008: 516,219), representing a 9.7 percent shortfall compared with the previous year’s record figure.
The Audi Group succeeded in maintaining its earning power in the first half of the year, despite the major challenges encountered on worldwide automobile markets and the difficult overall economic situation. Between January and the end of June, the Group’s sales revenues were 14.5 billion euros (2008: 17.4 billion euros), 16.4 percent below the record figure achieved a year previously. The operating profit in this period was 823 million euros, 36.6 percent below the total achieved in the same period of 2008 (2008: 1.3 billion euros).
“We’re very satisfied with the result for the first half-year, but are keeping our feet on the ground because we expect to face some difficulties in the second half of the year,” says Axel Strotbek, Board Member for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG. “Despite this, we’re maintaining our targets of selling 900,000 vehicles by the end of the year and achieving a significant operating profit.”
Profit before tax for the first half-year was 994 million euros (2008: 1.4 billion euros), a drop of 27.5 percent compared with the previous year’s record figure. Profit after tax was in the region of 697 million euros (2008: 930 million euros), down by 25.0 percent compared with the first six months of 2008.
Net cash flow in the first six months of this year totaled 1.37 billion euros and was therefore at a similar level to the previous year (2008: 1.48 billion euros). This demonstrates the financial strength of the Audi Group, which even in the current crisis is able to undertake all its investments without resorting to outside funds, and even to record a surplus. Axel Strotbek confirms this: “Our sound financial base is evident from a renewed increase in net liquidity, which rose to more than 9.7 billion euros in the first six months of the year (Dec. 31, 2008: 9.3 billion euros). This will help us to emerge stronger than ever from the global economic crisis.”
Despite the crisis, there has been no slackening in the speed of Audi’s product initiative. Strotbek: “Every year we invest around two billion euros in the development of innovative products and efficient driveline technologies.” By 2015 the brand intends to increase its range to 42 models. The market launch of the new A5 Sportback starts in September in Germany, to be followed in 2010 by the A8 full-size sedan and, halfway through the year, by the totally new Audi A1. With this model Audi will be accessing a new target group in the premium segment of the market.
On all its new models, the Audi brand is devoting special attention to high efficiency and environmental compatibility. The efficiency campaign is based on the optimization of conventional technologies, the targeted use of lightweight construction methods as a means of reversing the spiral of increasing weight and the development of electrically powered cars to series-production status. Audi already has 31 models in its range with CO2 emissions below 140 grams per kilometer, and in the fall of this year the figure will rise to 50. By 2012, Audi intends to achieve a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its vehicle fleet, by the systematic adoption of high-efficiency technologies.
Popularity: 1% [?]
SUZUKI REVEALS NEW 2010 KIZASHI SEDAN
* Kizashi concept series culminates with world introduction of all-new Suzuki sport sedan.
* Chic Kizashi production model to deliver Japanese quality and European flair.
* North American Car of the Year contender to serve as halo vehicle for maturing Suzuki lineup.
* Kizashi’s exhilarating performance and driving experience reflect Suzuki’s exuberant brand spirit, backed by the confidence of America’s #1 Warranty.
BREA, Calif. (July 30, 2009) — American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) takes a bold step forward today. Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles and high-performance motorcycles, today marks the global debut of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”), the company’s first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Benchmarked against some of the leading cars in the world, the all-new 2010 Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. With the launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes with premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter, the Kizashi will serve as the company’s flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its current product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.
“In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word ‘Kizashi,’ which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate for the vehicle,” said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. “Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle — while also simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future.”
The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.
Powertrain
Built at Suzuki’s brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed — and economical — cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today’s consumers demand, while not compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers.
In addition to this excellent new powertrain, and to even further enhance the Kizashi’s strong efficiency story, Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future.
Braking and Handling
In order to successfully enter a field already saturated with countless nondescript transportation appliances, Suzuki breaks away from traditional values normally associated with the mainstream, standing firm on Suzuki’s belief in delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nurburgring.
An exceptionally rigid steel unibody — with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum — allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed advanced all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of heartfelt driving enthusiasm and safety. Kizashi’s sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.
Design
Kizashi’s thoughtfully crafted exterior design is best described as the seamless melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship. Tailored for the driving enthusiast, Kizashi’s bold and aggressive stance is complemented by available 18-inch alloy wheels; contemporary styling — with its lean proportion and minimal front overhang — injects the sophistication appropriate to a performance-oriented sport sedan. As with the Concept Kizashi series, the front end of the production Kizashi expresses both strength and style, while the vehicle’s impeccably engineered body reflects Kizashi’s underlying strength and distinctive combination of capability and refinement.
At Kizashi’s rear, the architecture accentuates the ‘sport’ aspect of Suzuki’s sport sedan. The visual dynamic is enhanced with the addition of an integrated dual sport exhaust, communicating — both visually and aurally — the Kizashi’s performance-imbued spirit.
Interior
Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute larger — yet still tidy — proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel — such as standard sport seats — in line with the vehicle’s on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi’s sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle’s available leather seating, featuring high-density foam and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors.
The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki’s attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam.
For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi’s interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®2. For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®3 provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power.
Traction and Safety
The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Also included as equipment on the Kizashi is Suzuki’s developed synergetic vehicle dynamic control. This system assists drivers control and a fun-to-drive experience with minimal intrusiveness.
Kizashi is offered with Suzuki’s next generation i-AWD system, a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the “AWD” switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.
1 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
2 Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
3 Rockford Fosgate is a registered trademark of Rockford Fosgate.
4 ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Mazda Releases ’20th Anniversary’ Special Edition Roadster in Japan
- Special edition model features exclusive sport seats and badges -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—To commemorate 20 years of Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) sales, Mazda Motor Corporation has released a special edition version of its lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car for the Japanese market. The Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.
Special edition Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary (RHT model with a six-speed automatic transmission)
Special edition Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary
(RHT model with a six-speed automatic transmission)
Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the Mazda Roadster has attracted a wide range of customers since its launch in 1989, and is currently sold in approximately 60 countries. The Roadster was certified as the world’s most produced two-seat, open-top sports cars by Guinness World Records when production reached 800,000 units. Total production of the Mazda Roadster now stands in excess of 860,000 units.
The Roadster 20th Anniversary is based on the Roadster RS soft-top model with a six-speed manual transmission, and the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) hard-top model with a six-speed automatic transmission. Special equipment includes unique red and black RECARO bucket sport seats, exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges, and clear front fog lights.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including sales tax) is 2,860,000 yen for the soft-top version and 3,110,000 yen for the RHT model.
Main features of the special edition Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary
Base models
Mazda Roadster RS with manually-operated soft-top and six-speed manual transmission, and Mazda Roadster VS RHT with Mazda’s groundbreaking power retractable roof system and six-speed automatic transmission.
Special equipment
- RECARO bucket sport seats (Black Alcantara®*1 and red leather)
- Exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges (on each side fender)
- Clear front fog lights and bezels*2
- 205/45R17 84W tires and 17-inch aluminum wheels*3
- Front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type)*3
- Fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only)
- Heated seats with five temperature settings*4
- Soft padding (synthetic leather door armrests and center console lid)*4
*1 Alcantara® is a registered trademark owned by Alcantara S.p.A.
*2 Fog lamp bezels are black on the soft-top model and silver on the RHT model.
*3 Special equipment on the RHT model only (standard equipment on the soft-top base model).
*4 Special equipment on the soft-top model only (standard equipment on the RHT base model).
Body colors
All 20th Anniversary models come in Crystal White Pearl Mica, used for the first time on the Mazda Roadster.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary
(*price of the model in the attached photo)
| Model | Roof | Drive | Engine | Transmission | Price (yen) | |
| With tax | Without tax | |||||
| 20th Anniversary special edition Roadster |
Soft top | RWD | 2.0L DOHC |
6MT | 2,860,000 | 2,723,810 |
| RHT | 6AT | 3,110,000* | 2,961,905 | |||
| - | A separate recycling fee of 10,910 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above. |
Popularity: 1% [?]
NISSAN NET LOSS AT 16.5 BILLION YEN IN FY09 FIRST QUARTER
NISSAN NET LOSS AT 16.5 BILLION YEN IN FY09 FIRST QUARTER
Company delivers positive operating profit of 11.6 billion yen
TOKYO (July 29, 2009)—Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a net loss after tax of 16.5 billion yen (US $170 million, euro 120 million) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, ending March 31, 2010, compared to net income of 52.8 billion yen (US $540 million, euro 400 million) from the same period a year ago.
Net revenue fell 35.5% to 1.5148 trillion yen (US $15.55 billion, euro 11.42 billion). Nissan’s operating profit totaled 11.6 billion yen (US $120 million, euro 90 million), down 85.5%, while the ordinary loss amounted to 26.1 billion yen (US $270 million, euro 200 million).
“2009 continues to be a tough year, but we are beginning to see positive results from the measures taken under our Recovery Plan,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We are on track towards positive free cash flow for FY2009 and will remain cautious in our outlook for the rest of the year.”
Globally, Nissan sold a total of 723,000 vehicles in the April-to-June period, down 22.8% compared to same period in 2008. In North America, sales were 225,000 units, down 31.6%. Sales in the United States were 173,000 units, down 31.5% in a market that continues to decline. In Japan, sales were 116,000 units, down by 21.6%. European sales were 118,000 units, down 24.6%. China continues to demonstrate growth with sales up by 9.3% at 145,000 units. Sales in other regions were down 29.8% to 119,000 units.
The first quarter saw the launch of three products – Pixo in Europe, NV200 in Japan and G37 convertible in the United States. In fiscal 2009, Nissan will launch a total of eight all-new products globally.
“Despite the global financial and economic crisis, Nissan is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation,” added Ghosn. “In August, we will move to our new Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama after more than 40 years, celebrating our company’s return to its birthplace. In addition, we will reveal the all-electric vehicle that will spearhead our vision for mass-market zero-emission mobility.”
Nissan’s forecast remains unchanged for the full fiscal year with operating loss of 100 billion yen (US $1.05 billion, euro 800 million*) and net loss of 170 billion yen (US $1.79 billion, euro 1.36 billion*).
Note 1: Amounts in dollars and euros are translated for the convenience of the reader at the foreign-exchange rates of 97.4 yen/dollar and 132.7 yen/euro, the average rates for the fiscal year to date.
*Note 2: Based on asssumption of foreign-exhange rates at 95 yen/dollar and 125 yen/euro, as filed in the full-year forecast on May 12, 2009, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The BMW Group at the IAA 2009
* 30.07.2009
Frankfurt. On September 15, 2009, IAA Frankfurt Motor Show opens its gates to the press. A first for BMW Group: This year, all three brands are presented under one roof – in Hall 11 which today was officially opened by Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Petra Roth. Europe’s most state-of-the-art exhibition hall can be reached directly from the new main entrance of the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. The highlight of BMW’s 2009 motor show presentation is a circuit of several hundred meters length that encloses the entire exhibition space and on which the BMW EfficientDynamics fleet and the world premieres will be presented.
Thomas Muderlak, responsible for BMW Group’s presentation at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show: “Participation in motor shows is an important feature in our communication activities directed at customers, the media and trade visitors. We are delighted that the 2009 IAA gives us the opportunity to build on our tradition of innovative motor show presences and this time to present all three brands under one roof – a first. A highlight for our visitors will be to experience our vehicles in motion: For the BMW brand, our presentation will implement the brand’s motto of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ quite literally.”
In 2003, 2005 and 2007, the BMW brand presented itself in a Cubist building on the so-called Agora while MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars were located in different halls. Presenting the three brands so close to each other this year will allow BMW Group to stage various corporate initiatives. As the organizer of the Junior Campus and the host of the ZEIT Conference, BMW Group will seize the opportunity to set the stage for important social issues such as sustainability. Between September 15 and 27, 2009, children between 3 and 13 years can discover the fascination of sustainability and mobility at the Junior Campus. A workshop explains children aged 7 to 13 through play how to handle resources in a responsible manner. A children’s Road Safety School with a driving course located in the outdoor area of the Junior Campus helps children from age 3 to 6 behave responsibly in road traffic. Taking a stand in the socio-political debate on mobility and sustainability, BMW Group’s future summit – the ZEIT Conference – provides a platform for a panel discussion with high-ranking representatives from the worlds of politics, business, architecture and environmental protection. Also, the 2009/2010 Sustainable Value Report will be presented at the BMW Group press conference on September 15. Sustainability is the central theme of the BMW Group’s exhibition stand concept as well: The company applies a reusable exhibition system to motor shows and exhibitions. The concept is based on modular, reusable structural elements which reduce the amount of demolition material and waste.
The BMW Motor Show Presentation: “Experiencing Joy.”
The basic concept behind the BMW brand’s presence at the 2009 IAA focuses on sheer driving pleasure. For the first time, IAA visitors can experience the cars’ design and appeal in motion – thanks to the dynamic presentation of the vehicles on a circuit. The BMW EfficientDynamics fleet presented on the circuit will be an impressive demonstration of the fusion of driving pleasure and low consumption. Thanks to EfficientDynamics, BMW is able to prove uncompromisingly that these are not antipodes: With its two most recent model generations, BMW Group has reduced the fleet’s consumption in Europe by more than 25 percent while improving driving pleasure. By the time the IAA opens, BMW will have delivered about 1.4 million vehicles equipped with the award-winning technology package. Besides the presentation of the EfficientDynamics fleet, the focus at the BMW stand will be on the world premieres of the hybrid vehicles BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6 as well as on the world premieres of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW X1. Visitors can expect further additional product surprises.
The MINI Stand: “What a Birthday. It’s MINI.”
On August 26, MINI will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Honoring this special occasion, the MINI motor show presence is all about MINI’s 50-year success story. This agenda is also translated into the stand’s architecture: Visitors are received at the stand by the large-scale claim “What a Birthday. It’s MINI.”, stretching diagonally across the entire open space of the stand with a length of 35, a height of six and a depth of four meters. The MINI world premieres include the birthday editions MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair as well as further surprising product innovations. Another focus at the MINI stand at the 2009 IAA is the MINIMALISM concept – a package of measures developed to optimize fuel consumption and to reduce emissions, which is presented in a futuristic area that offers great experiences.
The Rolls-Royce Motor Show Presence
The highlight of the Rolls-Royce motor show presence is the world premiere of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The stand itself has been designed as an open building with a daylight roof in which Rolls-Royce presents not only the Ghost, but also the Phantom product range with the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the Drophead Coup? and the Phantom Coup?.
Popularity: 2% [?]
SKODA AUTO ENDS THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2009 WITH POSITIVE RESULTS
Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, the Czech Republic’s biggest car manufacturer, Skoda Auto, has achieved positive results in the first half of 2009. The Company’s operating result is CZK 4.2 billion which, however, is less than a half of the amount achieved over the same period of last year.
Converted to EUR, the Skoda Auto Group has contributed ? 135 million to the Volkswagen Group’s operating result for the first six months of 2009.
The Skoda Auto Group has delivered altogether 329,641 vehicles to its customers over January – June 2009, 10.1 % less in terms of the year-on-year comparison. However, the global automotive market has slumped by 17.7 % over the same period. The Company has gradually slowed down the dynamics of the decrease in its sales that amounted to 17.5 % in the first quarter (while the year-on-year slump of the global market in the first quarter totalled 20.7 %). One of the key positive effects was that of car scrap schemes established in a number of European countries with the objective of supporting the automotive industry. In this connection, the Skoda Fabia line is now in great demand. In reaction to the current market needs and also to make the life of its warehouses easier, Skoda has significantly reduced its production volume. The group has produced 247,064 vehicles in all of its plants over the first six months, 30.2 % less as compared with the same period of last year. As a consequence of the said measure, the Group’s sales (to importers and dealers) have decreased to 262,356 (-25.8 %).
“The first six months of 2009 have been extremely difficult, because the global economic crisis has affected the Skoda Auto really significantly. We have taken a number of measures to cope with the current situation as efficiently as possible and maintain our financial strength and stability. Thanks to our advanced and environmentally-friendly products, we continue increasing our shares in our strategic markets, such as Germany and China. The sales of the Superb line are very good, too – launched last year, the sales of this model have more than doubled, despite the difficult situation. Considering all those positive signals we are now getting from the market, we believe that the Skoda Yeti, our brand new model line, will also support our sales figures“, said Skoda Auto BOD Chairman Reinhard Jung.
The current situation is also reflected in the Group’s financial indicators – the revenues have plunged by 19.7 % to CZK 89.7 billion (year-on-year), the pre-tax profit has slumped to CZK 3.2 billion (-66.6 %).
“We knew very well that 2009 would be a very difficult year for the entire automotive industry. The results achieved over the first six months have surpassed our expectations, although the exchange rates against some currencies continued getting dramatically worse. Yet we have managed to achieve fairly positive results, the main factors being consistent reduction of all cost items, successful launches of new models and, obviously, car scrap schemes established in some of Skoda’s major markets. The German market has been a great boost for us. Nonetheless, this positive impulse will not last forever, and so the prospects are still uncertain and we still face a number of threats“, says BOD Member for Finance Holger Kintscher, warning against unrestrained optimism. Commenting upon the current situation, he continues: “Yet I believe that our financial result improvement programme called “Scout” will help us achieve an adequate profit in this period of crisis.”
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Porsche Head of PR Anton Hunger retires
Stuttgart. Anton Hunger (60), long-time Head of Public Relations at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and since 2007 of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, this friday retires from his position after 17 successful years with the producer of sporty luxury cars. By request from the new Porsche CEO Michael Macht he will make himself available in a consulting role to the company.
Dr. Albrecht Bamler (51), company spokesman, and Frank Gaube (48), Head of Financial Press and Investor Relations, will jointly take responsibility for Public Relations at Porsche SE. Christian Dau (47) will remain in charge of Public Relations at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.
Hunger, born 1948 in Cham/Bavaria, initially completed an apprenticeship as typesetter and a trainee program at publishing house S?dwest-Presse, before studying economics, political science and sociology at the universities of T?bingen and Regensburg respectively. Following this he worked 16 years as an economic journalist for the daily „Stuttgarter Zeitung“ and later for the Munich based monthly „Industriemagazin“. 1992 he took over responsibility as Head of Public Relations of the Stuttgart based sportscar manufacturer. Alongside Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche’s long-time CEO who resigned recently, Hunger was significantly involved in making Porsche the company with the best image in Germany.
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Domenicali: “I understood from Michael’s eyes how strong is the bond with this team”
“When Chairman Luca di Montezemolo asked Michael if he wanted to give us a hand at the moment, I understood from looking in his eyes, even before he replied, how strong are the links between Michael and the Scuderia.
I didn’t have the slightest doubt about his availability and his enthusiasm in our discussions and it would be a further stimulus for everyone to do well.
It’s a piece of positive news, which can be added to all the other positive updates coming from Budapest regarding Felipe’s improvement.
Michael’s availability is a further confirmation of how strong are the human ties, even more than the professional ones, that exist between all of us at Ferrari.”
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