2011 Nissan JUKE Sports Cross Makes Debut at New York International Auto Show

The Nissan Juke Sports cross has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Juke joins the Murano and Rogue crossovers and will be available in the fall of 2010.

The styling influence of the Juke was taken from many areas, including motorcycles and rally cars. The engine is a 1.6 litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbo, with all wheel drive. The aim of the Juke was to create something unique, in that is is part hatch, part SUV while keeping a sportiness and sleek design.



The interior further compliments the sport styling. With motorcycle inspired features and a short-shifter gear lever to add to the sporty feel. There are many optional features, ranging from entertainment options and other luxury additions. Many of the safety features though are standard, including 6 airbags, ABS breaks and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

The most interesting feature is the Integrated Control (I-Con). This feature allows the driver to control the climate settings as well as rotating between the various driving modes. The modes include:

Normal, for every day driving
Sport, for better performance
Eco, for maximum efficiency

The New Nissan Juke is a great all-round car and caters to a market that requires a car with both space, performance and style, without being too big or costing too much.

Pricing for the Juke starts at just under $20 000

Source: Nissan

The New Long-Wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan

BMW adds to its comprehensive model range with the all new 5-Series Long-wheelbase sedan. This 5-Series has been designed exclusively for China and the Chinese driving market. The Long-Wheelbase 5-Series sedan is a combination of style, luxury and a sport design. With added space in the back to add further luxury and comfort to all passengers.

For such a big car, the 5-Series still maintains a sleek look, with chiseled features and slender curves. The wheelbase is up by 14 centimeters to create proper balance and proportion. The day-time headlights are LED with the rear lights being L-shaped further adding to the overall style of the car.



The interior of the 5-Series is once again focused on comfort and luxury. With a driver-oriented cockpit that features a high-tech instrument cluster. At the back there is a cooler box, entertainment system, automatic sun-blinds and a folding table, however some of these features are extras.

The Long-Wheelbase BMW features a sportier engine and increased power from it's varying engines. The different engine ranges generate 150KW/204hp up to 225KW/306hp at the highest range. The top model in the range is the 535Li which comes fully customizable to suit the individual's driving requirements.

The new Long-Wheelbase BMW 5-Series sedan continues BMW's commitment to sustainability, quality and safety. This car is aimed at the luxury business market and should feature well in the competitive Chinese automobile market.

Source: BMW

SUZUKI Debuts 2011 Kizashi Sport at New York International Auto Show

Suzuki has chosen the New York International Motor Show to debut their new 2011 Kizashi Sport. The Kizashi Sport is set to go on sale in America in August with pricing being announced close to the time that the car is available for sale.

There have been a few modifications done to the 2011 Kizashi compared to it's 2010 predecessor. It comes with quite a few changes in its looks, with chrome finishes, sill extensions and a trunk mounted spoiler. Added to this are custom light-weight 18 inch allow wheels.

Inside the 2011 Kizashi Sport is a specially designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip. Following the design of the car, the seats are form-fitting leather sports seats with a driver-centric cockpit. The Kizashi Sport will be available in 4 levels, from entry level to luxury models.

It's still not known if the Suzuki Kizashi Sport will be made available for South Africa, guess we will just have to wait and see.



Source: Suzuki

A new Legend is born as Toyota introduces the Hilux Legend 40

As a sign, written in the stars, the first Hilux Legend 40 rolled of the production line on the same day that Chuck Norris celebrated his birthday.

Ford Reaches Agreement to Sell Volvo Cars and Related Assets to Geely

28, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.

“Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.

Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.

As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.

Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Ford’s intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.

“The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process,” said Lewis Booth, Ford’s chief financial officer. “With Ford’s continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.”

“Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Ford’s stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely,” said Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, “The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford’s sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.

“Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars’ business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.”

Source: Ford

The G2 Motor Group is now displaying their cars on Cars.co.za

Cars.co.za is proud to announce that the G2 Motor Group has signed on and their cars are now available on Cars.co.za. With 33 Dealerships across the country, the G2 group has a massive amount of stock and you are sure to find the car that you want. Unique to the G2 group is their G2 promise which guarantees that their cars will include:

• 114 Point check

• Mileage verification

• 30 Day exchange plan

• Optional 2 years/unlimited kilometers Warranty

• Full service history

• 24 Month free roadside assistance

• Ownership peace of mind

• Variety of financing packages

As always Cars.co.za aims to provide you, the customer, with the largest and most comprehensive stock of used cars on the internet to ensure you find the particular car you are looking for.

New Ford Fiesta offered in both four- and five-door body styles

Internationally acclaimed with more than half a million units sold worldwide, Ford's popular Fiesta compact is set for another debut at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show. The unveiling of the four-door Fiesta in ASEAN follows a whirlwind series of introductions for Ford's global compact that started in Europe one year ago and has progressively moved across the world.

The Fiesta's full arrival in ASEAN also signifies the continued role of Thailand as a global production hub for Ford Motor Company, where both the four- and five-door models will be produced for the ASEAN markets, with exports also planned for markets that include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Available in four- and five-door body styles, the new Fiesta will include a choice of two E20-capable petrol powertrains and a comprehensive list of features for safety, connectivity and technology.

The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Thailand at all Ford showrooms in August.



Fun and fuel efficient

Whether it's the standard 1.4-litre manual or available 1.6-litre equipped with Ford's six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, Fiesta delivers on both spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with PowerShift also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control as standard.

The standard I-4 is more than capable with 69 KW at 5750 rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 87 KW at 6000 rpm. Combined fuel economy ratings, to be announced during the introduction of the new Fiesta, are expected to be among the class leaders when the model goes on sale.

The 1.6-litre engine utilises Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that optimises camshaft phasing for exceptional throttle response, performance and flexibility across the rpm range.

With both the manual and automatic transmissions, gear ratios have been selected to provide spirited acceleration characteristics

Drivers opting for the larger engine also will benefit from the new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic that is preferred in busy urban traffic. Often found in larger, more premium cars, the availability of a six-speed automatic in a small car signals Ford's commitment to offer the latest vehicle technology across a spectrum of passenger cars.

Fiesta is the first Ford small car in the region to be equipped with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed combines the sportiness of a manual transmission and, with six forward gears, allows the engine to run at reduced speeds for better fuel economy and less wear and tear on the engine.

Source: Ford

Mazda Releases 90th Anniversary Special Edition Mazda Axela Sport (Mazda 3)

- Features new parts including alloy wheels and side spoilers for a sportier external appearance; qualifies for 50 percent eco-car tax reductions -

As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched a special edition Axela Sport (known overseas as the Mazda3 hatchback) outfitted with performance accessories. The Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 S Style goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

The 1.5 S Style is based on the 1.5-liter Axela Sport and qualifies for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 50 percent tax reductions under the government’s tax reduction program. New features include 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, side spoilers, LED rear combination lights and dark tinted glass.

The version with 16-inch wheels also boasts attractive features such as discharge headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 4.1-inch multi-information display. The color liquid crystal screen displays information for the audio, climate control, trip computer and other systems.

This 90th anniversary commemorative special edition Axela offers outstanding eco-friendly and safety features as well as Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive dynamic performance.

Source: Mazda

Lexus Announces CT 200h Premium Compact Hybrid For U.S. Market

Lexus announced today that the all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment.

The sporty five-door will be on display March 31 through April 11 at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. The new CT 200h debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in early March and will join the HS 250h as Lexus’ second dedicated hybrid.

“The CT 200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy and deliver low emissions, but the CT 200h isn’t just about being a hybrid, it’s about having fun,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The stylish CT 200h has an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid. It will excite eco-conscious, young consumers and symbolize urban, luxury living.”

To reach this energetic and technology-savvy buyer, Lexus is taking a new approach to marketing the CT 200h. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will release a breakthrough interactive short film that offers a new take on the test drive by providing the viewer a fully immersive way to experience the new Lexus CT 200h.


Hybrid Powertrain

The CT 200h is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology.

The CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive technology features two motor generators. Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and generator. The engine-driven generator can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor as needed. The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the hybrid battery pack or generator and provides motive force for the front wheels. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance.

The electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in one highly compact casing the size of a conventional gearbox, with drive to the front wheels provided by Lexus Hybrid Drive’s quiet and smooth shift-by-wire, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT).

Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction

World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show

The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as 'Magentis' in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

"The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia - and that's exactly what we set out to achieve."

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline - its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.



The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima's intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

"The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

Source: Kia

New Opel Astra Wins red dot Design Award in Europe

A great honor for the new Opel Astra: An international expert jury has recognized the compact car with the internationally known “red dot” award in the product design category.

The Astra can add the red dot to an expanding trophy case that started with the Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel), by Germany’s AutoBild and its European affiliates and has expanded in recent weeks to three important awards in Spain and a viewer’s choice prize in Romania, proving that the Astra is valued throughout Europe not only for its sleek lines but also for its innovative technologies.

For the first time since the 1973 inception of Spain’s most prestigious national prize, the Opel Astra has earned the title Car of the Year by ABC newspaper. The compact has also won Readers Choice 2010 from Prensa Ibérica, La Vanguardia and AutoFácil, and the Car of the Year 2010 in the Canary Islands.

In Romania, 30.000 people voted Astra as "Car No. 1" in a competition organized by an automotive TV show. That award was presented March 14.



Honored for the evolution of Opel’s bespoke design language

The Astra, developed at Opel’s European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, continues the natural evolution of Opel’s design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ first introduced on the Insignia and bringing it newly interpreted for the compact class.

“It is a very special honor to receive this endorsement from an international jury of non-automotive designers. It confirms once again that Opel is on the right track by offering the highest quality components and materials matching the upscale execution,” says Mark Adams, vice president of Opel/Vauxhall Design.

This prize is added to the impressive list of awards already attributed to the new Astra since it went on sale in December 2009. So far, the elegant compact has received 16 awards, including the 2010 Golden Steering Wheel award. The Astra was also named 2010 Car of the year in several countries like Spain.

Source: Opel

Happy Birthday Alfa Romeo! New Alfa Spider and 2uettottanta

To mark its own 80th anniversary and to celebrate Alfa Romeo's 100th birthday, Pininfarina has released at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show its proposal for a new Alfa Romeo Spider, one of the models that has defined Alfa Romeo for more than half its history and in which Pininfarina has had a strong guiding hand.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is designed to be exciting and a delight to drive, for drivers looking for a mixture of extrovert entertainment, and the pleasure of life in the open air. The name, 2uettottanta, evokes the legendary Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto but also a very Italian product, which has become an export brand, representing the inexhaustible talent that the world associates with Italy. The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept reflects Pininfarina's determination to look to the future with optimism following tradition, restating its excellence in design and its acknowledged capacity for aesthetic and technological innovation. It is a concept that represents an innovative approach, projected into the third millennium, to a topic that is firmly rooted in Pininfarina history, the 2-seater spider. And like the best Alfa Romeo sports cars to come from Pininfarina's pencil, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept exalts the driving experience and concentrates on the excitement of being at the wheel of an open car with a great aesthetic personality.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is also a tribute to Alfa Romeo, which celebrates its centenary in 2010: the alliance between Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina is one of the most significant and durable in the history of the car, one of men and of passion, of design and cutting-edge technical solutions, which has generated an inestimable number of good-looking, innovative cars with plenty of temperament but with a predilection for sports cars and convertibles. The aim is to replicate all this with the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept.

For this project, the Pininfarina creative team were given carte blanche to express the values inherent in the Alfa spider "by Pininfarina", the values that are deemed to have made the Giulietta Spider or the Duetto all-time classics. To achieve this result, the car was given a particular set-up, with a low centre of gravity and a passenger compartment that is very exposed so as not to isolate the occupants from the surrounding environment. The result is to bring the road "nearer" to the eyes of the driver and to increase the sense of dynamism even at low speed.

Source: Alfa Romeo

All-new Ford Police Interceptor purpose-built to lead market

Ford reveals its all-new, purpose-built Police Interceptor sedan today, showcasing a car for law enforcement officials that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the industry's leading police car – the Ford Crown Victoria – while also confirming production of a Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, specifically designed and engineered an all-new Police Interceptor to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety and technology innovations.

Ford will also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice of the best vehicle to suit their needs. More details will be released in the third quarter of this year.



"Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that's as dynamic as it is durable," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

"Their feedback mattered to us," said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. "Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours."

Source: Ford

The new BMW 5 Series Touring. Efficiency meets driving pleasure, elegance meets versatility.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance. The 4th generation of the Business Touring convinces through powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.

Versatility: Intelligent solutions for modern functionality.

Thanks to a multi-functional interior and intelligent detail solutions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.



The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel. The BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW/184 bhp four-cylinder turbo diesel power unit featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection. It is equipped with Auto Start Stop function as a standard feature, and with an average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100km (54.3 mpg) and a CO2 emission level of 137 g/km in an EU test cycle, it achieves the best efficiency in its segment.

The straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet of the BMW 535i Touring, with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, develops a power output of 225 kW/306 bhp. Maximum power output of the straight-six engine featured in the BMW 523i Touring in lean operation is 150 kW/204 bhp. The BMW 530d Touring features a straight six-cylinder diesel with a 180 kW/245 bhp output. Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology it fulfils the EU6 emission standard. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring fully comply with the EU5 requirement.

Source: BMW

Drive to the Green. The BMW Golfsport Collection.

For avid golfers, there is no wrong time of the year – maybe just the wrong latitude. But no matter where in the world BMW enthusiasts tee off, their favorite brand always comes along as a trusty companion. With the BMW Golfsport Collection, you’ll have the proper gear for any course. After all, most of the products in this line were developed and produced in collaboration with golf specialist OGIO. The result: uncompromisingly good quality and a design that offers the best of both style and function.

Carrying Clubs with Ease and Style: The Golf Bag.

A true globetrotter was created in collaboration with OGIO as part of the BMW golf equipment: the golf bag. Made of black nylon with white and silver accent colors, the nine-inch bag provides ample storage space with many compartments for golf balls and scorecards. It also features a weatherproof, well-lined compartment for valuables. The bag’s main compartment has a soft rubberized edge to protect the clubs.

Golfers will also appreciate the beverage compartment, the three-ball dispenser, as well as the anti-twist cart strap for securing the bag to the cart or buggy. Whatever the destination, the bag always flies first class if encased in the golf travel cover made of black nylon, with an inner strap for securing bags, PVC floor, inline skate wheels, and a padded shoulder strap. And for your head: the golf cap in white or black, with pre-curved sandwich peak, adjustable strap in the back, and BMW pin.

A Gentleman’s Best Friend: Golf Umbrellas.

St. Andrews, Scotland. The Old Course is considered the birthplace of golf, and everyone should play here at least once in his or her life. But it’s only the legendary course that should give you goose bumps, not the proverbial Scottish weather. Luckily, the BMW Golfsport Collection also includes umbrellas. Very fashionable (white with green contrasting stripes) and gentlemanly elegant (black with contrasting stripes in silver and white), these classy umbrellas brave any Highland shower.

The black umbrella featuring Teflon-coated polyester also comes in handy under beautiful sunny skies: With a UV protection of 50+, it provides a shady spot on the green when used as a sunshade. The umbrella is light and extremely robust thanks to the original birdiepal Windflex frame with fiberglass struts. In fact, engineers at the technical inspection authority TÜV Rheinland were unable to damage it in a wind tunnel test. It has a pin-spring system for convenient opening, a reinforced shaft, and a patented safety tip.
Both umbrellas include a protective sleeve and provide a generous coverage area thanks to a diameter of approx. 120 cm and a height of 98 cm.



Source: BMW

Car sales figures for Feb 2010 showing impressive increases

As noted in previous articles, the car industry is making an impressive recover from last year’s recession. Sales figures for almost all of the major brands are on the rise since late last year and things don’t seem to be slowing down.

Consumers are having an easier time spending and there is far less fear regarding the economy and the automobile market. This is great news for car dealerships who really had a hard time in 2009 with really low sales figures and little consumer interest.

February’s sales figures continue the upward trend though, and many of the big manufacturers are noting impressive continued increases. The new and used car market seems to have made a complete recovery and the future looks bright, especially for these 3 major brands.

BMW Group increases sales by 14.0 percent in February




The BMW Group once again improved sales volumes substantially in February of this year. A total of 91,758 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 80,474) – representing an increase of 14.0%. The figure for the year to the end of February was 173,911 units – 15.3% higher than the previous year (150,893).

Source: BMW

Audi Maintains Strong Sales Growth in February


Mar 8, 2010 - AUDI AG reports worldwide sales of around 75.900 automobiles in February. The sales tally for the month is thus 19.9 percent up on February 2009. For the first two months of the year combined, unit sales by the Ingolstadt-based brand showed a rise of 28.7 percent on the prior-year period.

Source: Audi

Mercedes-Benz Continues Success of Past Months – Sales Up 13 Percent in February


In February, Mercedes-Benz was once again able to continue its momentum of the past months, with sales increasing by 13 percent to 72,100 vehicles (February 2009: 63,600). As a result, the total number of deliveries has risen by 18 percent since the beginning of the year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The fact remains that these brands are so big it really takes something huge for their sales to drop. This did happen during 2009 but they have rebounded with force and are once again thriving in the new and used car market. Along with Volkswagen, these 4 German car makers are hugely popular in South Africa and as usual you can find a comprehensive list of their cars at Cars.co.za

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: Four seasons, four passengers

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Cabriolet is the latest addition

to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, deliveries of which start from 27 March, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition – with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

In keeping with the motto "four seasons, four passengers", all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads of Western Europe in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/breadth/height: 4698/1786/1402 mm) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.



New features include:

AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop: always on board and easily controllable at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants

Modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system

Acoustic soft top fitted as standard

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area; this cover must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

Source: Mercedes Benz

599XX conquers international media - The new Ferrari 599XX

Maranello, 4 March – Just a couple of days before her official debut – on the Homestead circuit (Miami) on 13 and 14 March – the 599XX is already the international media’s darling. This extreme non-homologated supercar, planned for exclusive use on the track, is a proper high-tech lab car Ferrari fitted with a series of extremely innovative solutions. Journalists from all over the world agree that the 599XX is the true implementation of the Ferrari philosophy of technology transfer from F1 to cars with wheel cases, with the highest expression of sportiness on the race track. Thanks to the 599XX’s sophisticated content, the Quattroruote specialist magazine writes, it is a car “made and thought to reach just one objective: going faster.”

The German Sport Auto points out that it allows “even non-professional drivers to exploit the car’s potential for the pleasure of one’s senses,” underlining the capacity of the technicians from Maranello to build a car with extreme potential, guaranteeing extraordinary driving emotions and driving pleasure at the same time, while Autocar, the British weekly with its numerous international editions, writes in its typical British style, that the 599XX and the experience one makes with it, are absolutely priceless.

Source: Ferrari

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro – pure fascination

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Mar 4, 2010 - Fascination taken to a new level of intensity: The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro

New Opel Corsa: More power, greater comfort, less fuel

Rüsselsheim. The new Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers

The Ferrari California with Stop & Start and the HY-KERS Hybrid vettura laboratorio

Ferrari at Geneva: a stand dedicated to innovation and the environment

Unveiled the Ferrari California with Stop & Start and the HY-KERS Hybrid vettura laboratorio

Geneva, 2 March – After the huge success enjoyed by the 458 Italia, a car that combines performance and sportiness with maximum efficiency to the extent that it boasts class-leading emissions and specific power output – 307 g/km of CO2 and 127hp/litre respectively - Ferrari is showcasing two major additions to its green credentials at the Geneva Motor Show. The first of these is the Stop & Start system sported by the Ferrari California, an industry first on a high-performance sports car, while the second is the HY-KERS, a “vettura laboratorio” (experimental vehicle) which reveals to the public for the first time the hybrid solutions being developed by Maranello’s engineers.

Introduced with effect from March for the Ferrari California, the Stop & Start System cuts both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 6 per cent in the ECE + EUDC combined cycle, emitting around just 280 g/km, an excellent value for a high performance naturally-aspirated sports car. The Stop & Start cuts in virtually instantaneously - just 230 milliseconds, a time so fast that the driver barely notices the engine restarting.

This solution is a further step in Ferrari’s on-going strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by working 360 degrees on all aspects of the cars. For example the Ferrari California’s direct-injection V8 boasts very low levels of friction. Purge valves in the crankcase counteract the differences in pressure below the pistons which normally increase losses. Other solutions also reduce friction, such as the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment of the valve followers and the highly polished cam lobes, an innovation that has now been adopted across the range.



Source: Ferrari

Porsche Presents 918 Spyder High-Performance Concept Sports Car in Geneva

Stuttgart. Presenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company’s competence in hybrid technology.

The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.

This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW).

The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.

Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungs-getriebe also feeding the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.

The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.

A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.

The 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.

Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.

Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents an essential milestone in Porsche’s strategy on the way to genuine electro-mobility.

Source: Porsche

MINI at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010 – The new MINI Countryman

Celebrating the world debut of the brand’s fourth model, MINI is setting one of the outstanding highlights at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010.

The MINI Countryman carries over the driving pleasure so typical of the brand into a new dimension. This is the first MINI with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a variable interior offering space for up to four occupants. At the same time the MINI Countryman is the brand’s first model measuring more than four metres (157”) in length and available as an option with ALL4 all-wheel drive.

Given all these qualities, the world’s one and only premium car of its kind exceeds the limits to urban mobility, adding new features to that feeling so characteristic of MINI and winning over additional target groups.

The new MINI One Convertible is another of the new models being presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show from 4 – 14 March 2010. With its 72 kW/98 hp four-cylinder power unit, this new version of the Convertible offers a particularly economical opportunity to enjoy the thrilling openness and fascinating agility on the road again so characteristic of the open-air MINI.

Like all other petrol engines available for the MINI, the MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, the power unit of this new model has also been optimised in the spirit of MINIMALISM for superior performance and efficiency all in one. All of the brand’s petrol engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standard and offer a – in some cases significantly – improved balance of performance and fuel economy on the road.

The MINI One MINIMALIST also making its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show is a particularly outstanding example of sustainable driving pleasure the owner will enjoy for a long time. The new entry-level model is available with either 55 kW/75 hp or 72 kW/98 hp and in both cases offers an outstandingly low CO2 rating of just 119 grams per kilometre quite exceptional on a petrol engine car.

Source: Mini