Kiyora concept car

Mazda is set to unveil their new Kiyora concept car at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show which starts on the 24th October 2009.

As well as showing off their new concept car Mazda will also unveil eco-friendly and powerful new “SKY-G” (direct injection petrol) and “SKY-D” (clean diesel) engines plus a new Sky-Drive Automatic transmission.

The Tokyo Motor Show will be held at Makuhari Messe on Chiba Prefecture and Mazda’s theme for the show is “The Mazda SKY concept- Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all customers!”. Mazda has a long term goal of reducing average fuel economy by 30% before 2015, compared to 2008 levels.

Berlingo Crew Van

Citroen has won the Institute of Transport Management’s LCV of the year award with their Berlingo Crew Van. The judges were impressed by the flexibility of this light commercial van, with its innovative sliding/folding rear seat and bulkhead. This allows the van to be either used as a five seater (1,320mm long and 2.4cu.m) or a two-seater with an 1,805mm long, 3.35cu.m load compartment. Add to this the low CO2 emissions of this van and the package represents excellent value for money. 

Crew seats

The van also comes with Trafficmaster Smartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking system which is unique in the LCV sector. Robert Handyside, commercial vehicle operations manager for Citroen said,”We are delighted that the Institute of Transport Management has recognised Citroen’s considerable environmental strengths and the merits of the brilliantly versatile Citroen Berlingo Crew Van with this prestigious award”.

All-new Astra

Vauxhall has released the full vehicle specification of their all-new Astra and is poised to raise the bar on compact cars sold in the UK.

The all-new Astra is on sale now and will be in UK showrooms from December 2009. The range starts at the 1.4-litre, 87PS Exclusiv model at a list price of £15,675 up to the luxurious 2.0CDTi 160PS Elite automatic.

The all-new Astra comes in a wide range of engines and has five trim levels but will only be initially available in five-door hatchback only.

Andy Gibson,Vauxhall’s Marketing Director said, “As with the Insignia, the Astra is an all-new car, continuing the transformation of the Vauxhall product range which started five years ago with the launch of the MK5 model”. Contract hire prices on the all-new Astra should be loaded shortly.

Vauxhall Astra- Technical data overview 

Vauxhall Astra hatchback – Performance Data

Infiniti

Infiniti, the luxury Japanese car manufacturer has confirmed the name of its second Partner for the UK with new Infiniti Centres due to open in Glasgow and Birmingham. This follows a previous announcement of a new Centre in Reading.

Its second partner has been named as Mana Premiere Automobiles UK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Mana International Holding. Mana Premiere Automobiles UK will operate nationwide sites across the UK and have already identified addresses in South London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds and Stockport. Five more locations will be announced in due course.

The full range of Infiniti cars at launch will be the G37 Saloon, G37 Coupe, G37 Convertible, EX37 coupe crossover and the FX line of crossovers. A diesel V6 model and a larger saloon will also be launched later next year.

Contract hire prices will be available shortly.

Continental wins award

They won Tyre Manufacturer of the Year for a number of reasons;

- Innovative products such as ContiSeal, the puncture resistant tyre and CSEasy, a solid industrial tyre that can be fitted without a mounting press.

- High performances in leading independent test. For example, Continental and Uniroyal car tyres products have 11 Best Buys accolades from Which? magazine.

- Continental also has a high service ethos both to its customers and its retailers.

David Smith, Managing Director of Continental said, “We are delighted that our work and efforts have been recognised by the industry. I am particularly proud of the team who work hard to push standards forward and make us the leading brand in the industry”.

Lord Mandelson has announced an extension to the scrappage scheme, as funds were running out earlier than expected due to the success of the scheme.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) said,” Lord Mandelson’s announcement of an extension of the scrappage scheme is an extremely important decision that will inspire consumer and business confidence. It will help stimulate demand, giving more consumers access to it, and create a bridge when economic growth is strengthened and more sustainable”.

The automotive sector in the UK has a turnover of £51billion, employs 800,000 people and 27 car and CV manufacturers operating and is therefore extremely important to the UK economy. More information on the industry can be found at www.motorindustryfacts.com.

Mr Everitt went onto say,”The additional 100,000 vehicles should help to counter the likely negative impacts of a return to the higher rate of VAT and the introduction of first year VED rates”. The current scrappage scheme rules still apply.

Whether you are buying or leasing a car the increase in VAT and the higher first year VED rate will have also an impact on the cost of your monthly rentals. So if you are thinking of leasing for a three year period it would make financial sense to take out your contract before the 31st December 2009.

The Freight Transport association (FTA) has welcomed the Council of Minister’s adoption of new rules which will bring safer roads and spell bad news for rogue commercial vehicle operators.

Road Haulier

The EU Road Transport Package, launched on the 24th September, will tighten up road operating licencing across Europe and will introduce new rules around cabotage (the movement of freight in one country by a vehicle registered in another). The latter point is set to become law as early as Spring 2010. 

The new rules will ensure commercial vehicle transportation companies across Europe will have to operate to the same standards of vehicle roadworthiness and driver compliance.

Fiat 500 C

Vertu Motors, one of the largest motor retailers in Britain, has been awarded the Fiat car franchise for the first time. Vertu has 54 dealerships throughout the country and will open new Fiat sites at former Brooklyn Motors sites, which it recently acquired in Cheltenham and Worcester.

Vertu already represents Fiat commercial vehicles with the Iveco brand and Fiat Professional via their Bristol Street Motors brand. Tim Head, dealer development director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK said, “We are delighted to welcome Vertu Motors into our growing dealer network”.

Car crashing

The Vehicle Manufacturer Body Repair Council, the group consisting of vehicle manufacturer repair specialists within the motor industry, has disbanded and been amalgamated into the SMMT (Society of Motor Manfacturers and Traders).

Andy Lawlor, chair of the new VMBRG (the SMMT Vehicle Manufacturer Body Repair Group) said,”This new initiative is a real step change within the accident repair sector and now that it is led by the Society, the vehicle manufacturer repairer community has a structured framework to operate within as well as the ability to positively influence at government level, a particular strength of the SMMT”.

New silencer

Prodrive, the British motoring specialist, has developed a new exhaust silencer which should help keep speedway racing alive. Noise complaints from speedway tracks have threatened this sport in recent years so this is welcome news.

Prodrive thinks the basis of this new silencer design (Prodrive 115) could be transferred to many other sports like grass track racing and motocross. Prodrive is also known for its work with rally cars, including the Subaru Impreza WRC, Honda and Ford Touring Cars.