F&I Management & Training

Whitley, UK, Friday 22nd August - Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans for an Invictus Games driving challenge, with 11 nations competing to win the first medals of the Games.

Taking place at the Jaguar Land Rover Design and Engineering Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 9th September, two competition stages will challenge the competitors' driving and navigation skills. Teams, made up of a driver and navigator, will compete over a Land Rover all-terrain stage and a Jaguar tarmac track stage.

Times from both the stages will be amalgamated to give each team a total time. The four quickest pairs will then qualify for the finals, where they will compete for the first gold, silver and bronze medals of the Invictus Games.

In addition to their backing for the Invictus Games, Jaguar Land Rover supports wounded, injured and sick Service personnel through their involvement in the Race2Recovery motorsport team.

Daniel Whittingham was a corporal serving in 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corp when he was blown up by a Taliban IED in January 2009. He eventually had his left leg amputated below the knee. He will compete in cycling and wheelchair rugby at the Invictus Game and said: "After finishing the Dakar rally last year with Race2Recovery, which was an extraordinary feat of endurance against all odds, I was keen to explore further ways to focus my recovery. Having the chance to compete with other Servicemen and women who have been through similar hardships and who have come out on top despite all odds, is a massive personal honour.

"For me and indeed all the competitors, there has been so much effort behind the scenes, not just training for the Games but also in adjusting to daily life with our disabilities. I am proud to represent the British team and look forward to the Invictus Games in September."

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover said: "Jaguar Land Rover is immensely proud to be enabling the Invictus Games and hosting this exciting driving challenge.  We have been inspired by the passion with which Prince Harry has championed this visionary idea, to celebrate the commitment and achievements of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel.  In addition, we're exploring with the Royal Foundation and the Ministry of Defence innovative ways of enhancing their employment prospects and those of other Service personnel when moving into civilian life, to create a lasting legacy from the Games."

The Invictus Games is being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence. It will see more than 400 wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, from 14 nations, competing at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, thanks to the Mayor of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

Tickets for the Invictus Games cost £12.85 per person, per session and are on sale at www.invictusgames.org

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

The charity has provided more than 1,100 minibuses to special schools since its programme started in 1976, and will be donating a new minibus every fortnight during 2014.

The Lord's Taverners' Ford Transit Minibuses are used to transport children - many of whom use wheelchairs - to and from schools and colleges, helping them to participate in sporting activities that would otherwise be off-limits, including wheelchair basketball, boccia and table cricket.

"We provide special educational needs schools with the opportunity to meet their transport needs," said Nicky Pemberton, director of charitable programmes for the Lord's Taverners. "A minibus typically costs between £54,000 and £58,000 by the time it has been converted for wheelchair access and our programme enables a school to own its own vehicle - usually they make a contribution of around 25 per cent and we fund the rest.

"The minibuses operate for anything up to 10 years and, as we give away around 30 of them a year, there are probably between 210 and 250 Lord's Taverners' minibuses on the roads of Britain and Ford Transit is the ideal vehicle for the job!"

Ford also supports a Lord's Taverners' programme called "Wicketz", which takes cricket to under-privileged kids in inner-city areas.

"We go into disadvantaged city areas where facilities are limited and encourage kids who are keen to play," added Nicky, "and we take cricket to them - coaching, equipment and even a pitch if that is what is needed."

The programme culminates in the three-day Wicketz Festival, held in August at Felsted School in Essex. Children receive cricket coaching and enjoy other activities, as well as the chance to compete for team honours.

Ford Regional Account Business Manager, Sally Overington, said: "The Lord's Taverners does great work to help children with special educational needs to get out and about to broaden their experiences and horizons, and it is great that Ford can assist with these efforts."

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

The Barcelona-based brand recently confirmed that its eagerly-awaited compact SUV will arrive in 2016, so the newcomer will be seeking to gain traction for SEAT in the lead-up to its launch.

With four-wheel-drive and extra ground clearance, Leon X-PERIENCE is capable in all road situations and poor weather conditions. Inside and out, it retains all of the ST's style and versatility, including its sizeable 587-litre boot, which rises to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded at the pull of a single lever.

The range-topping estate is immediately recognisable through its all-road looks. Among the accoutrements are protection mouldings on the door sills and wheel arches, to give it a robust look, plus aluminium look touches for the rear bumper and lower front spoiler.

Other elements singling it out as the ultimate Leon ST, are integrated fog lamps and twin chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front.

It's got the substance to match the style too. Featuring all-road suspension with extra ground clearance, Leon X-PERIENCE is as at home on gravel and snow as it is on tarmac.

Underneath its upmarket look is the 4Drive all-wheel-drive system with intelligent EDS dynamic control, which accurately distributes weight between all four wheels, increasing traction to improve handling and stability. There's also an extended electronic differential lock (XDS) for better traction while cornering.

Available to order from 1 September, Leon X-PERIENCE comes in two trim levels, SE and SE Technology. Offering a significantly enhanced standard specification over equivalent Leon STs, the range kicks off at £24,385 for the SE 2.0 TDI 150 manual. The same powered SE Technology version comes in at £26,370, while the 2.0 TDI 184 with DSG transmission tops out at £28,870.

Both versions are brimming with kit. Immediately distinguishable from other Leons, SE features 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, black roof rails and dark tinted rear windows. Rear parking sensors and twin exhaust tailpipes complete the look.

The premium feel continues on the inside, with dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel with orange stitching and X-PERIENCE logo, and cloth upholstered front sports seats with simil leather bolsters. Rounding off its practical nature is Hill Hold Control and a chrome loading sill for added protection when four-legged friends scrabble into the boot.

Upgrading to SE Technology costs £1,985, but brings a wealth of extras, which would cost £3,500 if bought individually. Befitting the name, many of them are high-end, such as SEAT Media System Plus with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, DAB and satellite navigation, plus auto headlights, wipers and dimming rear view mirror.

On the outside, the flagship gains SEAT's unique LED headlights and taillights, electrically folding door mirrors and 18-inch ‘X-PERIENCE' machined alloy wheels. The interior gets even plusher too, with bespoke Alcantara upholstery and simil leather bolsters.

Latest-generation 4Drive system

The permanent all-wheel-drive in the new Leon X-PERIENCE is among the most modern and efficient systems of its kind. SEAT uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control - a fifth-generation Haldex clutch. In real world driving this means that the car is driven through the front wheels, with the 4Drive system continually monitoring real-time driving conditions. If it detects any loss in traction, it reacts within milliseconds to send torque smoothly to the wheels with the most grip.

While 4Drive copes with the terrain, the X-PERIENCE 2.0 TDI 184 DSG version also comes with SEAT Drive Profile, so that the driving experience can be tailored according to Normal, Sport and Eco modes.

Optional LUX pack

Leon X-PERIENCE is already well kitted out from a comfort, practicality and luxury point of view. Nevertheless, those opting for the SE Technology can take things to another level with the £1,250 Lux pack. The comprehensive upgrade combines black leather upholstery with simil leather bolsters, heated front seats, headlight washers and heated washer nozzles, an electrically adjustable driver's seat and chrome roof rails.

Plenty of individual options also abound across the range, such as panoramic sunroof, towbar pre-install, SEAT Sound audio system, and, crucially for adventurous types going off the beaten track, a space saver spare wheel (18-inch).

UK ordering for Leon X-PERIENCE opens on 1 September 2014, ahead of showroom launch in December.

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

New focus brings together global span of products and services to simplify the exchange of vehicles and maximise value for customers

ATLANTA, USA - Demonstrating its industry leadership and goal of transforming the way cars are bought and sold, Cox Enterprises announced today the formation of Cox Automotive.  This move, which brings together more than 20 leading wholesale and retail automotive brands, further strengthens Cox's investment in the automotive industry and provides end-to-end global solutions for customers throughout the vehicle lifecycle.  Among its foremost brands in the UK, Cox Automotive is represented by Manheim, Motors.co.uk. and www.dealer-auction.com.

Globally, Cox Automotive companies have relationships with more than 40,000 dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers. Sandy Schwartz, who until now has held the dual roles of president of Manheim and AutoTrader Group, will serve as president of Cox Automotive.

"Cox is the industry leader in marketing and remarketing vehicles, and this move reinforces our company's confidence in the global automotive industry," said Cox Enterprises' president and CEO John Dyer. "Over the past several years, we have invested in different segments of our auto business, from dealer services to our top-rated consumer brands. Under Sandy's leadership, our wholesale and retail automotive brands have thrived and we are committed to leveraging opportunities to better serve and add value to our customers."

While Cox Automotive will be the banner company for the diverse portfolio of global automotive businesses, each business will retain its individual brand.

The newly formed Cox Automotive businesses will be organised around five core areas providing both domestic and global presence. Each area will continue to focus on its respective products and services expertise, while working to identify ways that its collective offerings can better serve customers.  

Through these companies, Cox Automotive is able to leverage its extensive data assets, knowledge and industry-wide insights to help customers make better decisions for their businesses.

Cox's industry-leading AutoTrader.com and KBB.com web sites attract more than 32 million unique monthly visitors, with 67 percent of all car buyers relying on these sites when shopping for a car. And, as the leading global provider of remarketing services, Manheim registers nearly seven million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $46 billion in value.  

"Over the past few years, I've been excited to be a part of an industry that is taking a leading role in driving economic growth, innovation and greater efficiencies," said Schwartz.  "We formed Cox Automotive because we know that the automotive space is not one where any of us can go it alone.  Our goal is to pave the way for our customers by offering them unique perspectives, industry insights and end-to-end solutions that deliver greater business value."

Ends.

About Cox Enterprises:

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $16 billion and approximately 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms); and Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions). The company's major national brands include AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive is the world's leader in vehicle remarketing services and digital marketing and software solutions for automotive dealers and consumers.  Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, includes Manheim, AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, NextGear Capital, and a host of global businesses and brands serving customers such as auto dealers, manufacturers and financial institutions.  Headquartered in Atlanta, Cox Automotive employs nearly 24,000 employees in over 150 locations worldwide. We partner with more than 40,000 dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, and touch over 67 percent of all car buyers in the U.S. with the most recognized brands in the industry. We unite over 20 brands in this space, providing an end-to-end solution to transform the way people buy and sell cars every day.

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

Lexus is reshaping SUV design with styling for its new NX that owes more to sportscars than slab-sided 4x4s. The model that marks the company's entry into the mid-size luxury SUV market makes a big visual statement with muscular curves and agile angles, representing the latest development of Lexus's L-finesse contemporary design language.

The high-impact exterior presents a low, sloping roofline, a cab-forward silhouette, powerfully flared wheel arches and defining bodywork lines that flow directly from the signature Lexus spindle grille.

Making a vehicle appear as though it's forged from a single piece of metal is a familiar design concept, but Lexus took it to heart by actually pouring molten metal over the die used to make the grille and studying the natural shape the flow created. The result inspired the NX's angular shape - a look that's distinct from any other model in its class.

The NX has the most distinctive "face" in the current Lexus line-up, its prominent spindle grille flanked by new LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

It's not a case of style over substance, though. For example the C-pillar has a wide angle to maximise internal storage width. The crouched look is linked to the NX's good ramp-over angle performance, and the fact the high point of the roof is set rearward ensures good headroom for rear passengers.

The exterior also achieves an ideal balance between distinctive design and aerodynamic efficiency, a major challenge for the design team given the car's overall compact dimensions. A rear spoiler was essential to create a smooth flow of air away from the back of the vehicle, and extensive wind tunnel testing revealed that the best results came from giving the leading edge of the fin an upturned lip - a detail that stands out as a design accent while also helping secure the NX a low (0.33) coefficient of drag.

Similarly, the door mirrors and handles have air-cheating design, the latter being particularly eye-catching thanks to a concealed key barrel and integrated single-LED illumination.

The detailed work continues out of sight, beneath the car, where undercovers and spats designed specifically for the NX, ensure a clean airflow.

Where the interior is concerned, chief designer Tetsuo Miki wanted to capture the kind of style impact associated with high-end urban sports gear with a combination of structural good looks and luxurious but functional materials and textures.

His mission has delivered a driver's cockpit that reaps the full benefit of Lexus's advances in HMI technology, combined with elements that reflect the NX's SUV status, such as soft leather kneepads either side of the prominent centre console.

The cabin provides ample space for everyone on board, with best-in-segment space in critical areas. The front-to-rear couple distance is a class-leading 962mm and the high roof design provides exceptional head clearance. The rear knee room is even greater than in some larger SUV models.

Luggage space is generous and practical. Maximum loadspace width is 1,347mm, enough for four golf bags to be stowed sideways, rather than across the diagonal. More storage space is available under the luggage board, taking total luggage capacity to 555 litres in hybrid versions and 580 litres in the turbo petrol (with a tyre repair kit carried).

True to its status as a practical SUV, the NX comes with a wide variety of storage points around the cabin, including glove and console boxes, a console tray, utility box, sunglasses hold, cup holders and door pocket holders for half-litre bottles. Throughout there is a typically Lexus attention to detail, as in the high-friction material used to line the inside of the cup holder that lets the driver open a twist-cap bottle one-handed.

The new full hybrid NX 300h is available to order now with customer deliveries from October. Next year the range will grow to include the NX 200t, the first model to adopt Lexus's new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Model line-up, prices, specifications and more information are available here.

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

But the bad news for some manufacturers is that victory will be determined by the badges on the van, rather than technical excellence or even reliability.

That's the view of experts at CAP Automotive, the independent car and van information experts for motorists and businesses.

This year has seen more new vans brought to market than since 2006 as manufacturers vie with one another to take advantage of the UK's economic recovery.

So far in 2014 the giants of the van world - Ford, Iveco, Renault, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot and Mercedes - have all launched new products into the light commercial vehicle market.

Now the lines are drawn for a battle of the badges as each manufacturer claims class-leading status for its new vehicles.

Although sales are the ultimate measure of success, the most important factor early in the life of a new van is the expectation of its value in the future second hand van market.

Ken Brown, of CAP, argues that although every new van launched this year is better built, safer, boasts superior economy and driving experience than any of its predecessors the badge still remains the single most important factor determining what buyers will pay in the future used market.

Expected future used values are the ultimate key to success for all new vehicles. This is because large fleets - who are responsible for the bulk of new sales - always want to limit their exposure to depreciation. Lower expected depreciation means they can set more competitive leasing rates.

Ken Brown explained: "Unfortunately for manufacturers it is never as simple as just building the best van - you have to have the best brand image to win the residual values war.

"We often see new vehicles from one manufacturer that are every bit as well built as those from a rival - or even superior to the competition - which eventually slip behind on values when they reach the used market.

"The proof that badge brand image is the most important factor influencing what people will pay for a used vehicle is found among what the industry calls ‘badge-engineered' LCVs.

"These are effectively the same vehicle with identical features and where the only tangible difference is the badge.

"For example Fiat's Fiorino light van is also badged by Citroen as the Nemo and by Peugeot as the Bipper.  Although prices paid day to day for used examples vary, the long term trend for average trade prices clearly shows that buyers are willing to pay around 7.5% more for a Citroen Nemo than a Peugeot Bipper and 9.5% more than a Fiat Fiorino.

"Whilst there are many similar examples throughout each LCV sector the perhaps the most extreme has to be the Renault's Kangoo which also carries the highly regarded Mercedes Benz badge on the Citan. With a considerable gap between the two badges in the desirability pecking order and whilst there are some subtle differences in design and specification between the two vans, you can expect to pay around 20% more to buy a used Citan than the nearest equivalent Kangoo.

"The holy grail for vehicle manufacturers is reaching a higher position in that perception pecking order of desirability.

"As this latest round of new LCVs enters the market, it would seem fair that the manufacturers who have paid the greatest attention to design and innovation will reap the greatest rewards.

"But unfortunately the law of karma doesn't apply to LCVs.  In reality it's the manufacturers who have built the strongest brands over an extended period of time that almost always come out on top."

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

This has been highlighted recently, and tragically, around the other side of the world. 
 

Following a fatal accident in Sydney, Australia, some 2,800 waste removal vehicles have had to be taken off the road for safety inspections. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in rubbish being piled up in the streets across huge swathes of the country.
 

The regulation of commercial vehicles is something of a contentious issue in Australia, where each year over the past 10 years there have been more than 200 CV-related deaths.
 

The safety regime is very different from the UK; it is more risk assessment-based with transport law compliance being a shared responsibility. All parties in the supply chain - consignor, packer, loader, scheduler, consignee, manager, as well as the driver and operator - must take all reasonable steps to prevent breaches of the law in areas such as mass, dimension, safe loading, speed compliance and work hours.
 

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA

CV production still subdued but stability anticipated

"UK commercial vehicle production fell by a quarter over last July, continuing the trend seen over the last year," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "With the effects of the 2013 restructuring still evident, as well as the spike in truck registrations towards the end of last year, this was to be expected. The coming months should provide more optimism, however, with European demand showing sustained improvement."

CV output rolling year total         

                         

CV output, year-to-date, 2012-2014

About SMMT and the UK automotive industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than£64 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 160,000people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of 770,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK export of goodsand invests £1.9 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.

DATED: 22.08.2014

FEED: HA