F&I Management & Training

The Volkswagen Group recorded a further rise in deliveries in the period to August, handing over 6.52 (January-August 2013: 6.17; +5.6 percent)* million vehicles to customers. Developments during the month of August were also positive, with the company delivering 740,500 (August 2013: 720,900; +2.7 percent)* units worldwide. “Deliveries by the Volkswagen Group developed well in the first eight months. However, the economic environment in some world markets remains tense”, Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said in Wolfsburg on Friday, and added: “The Volkswagen Group and its brands are in an excellent position to master these challenges.” 

Group brands delivered a total of 2.55 (2.39; +6.9 percent) million vehicles to customers on the overall European market from January to August. In Western Europe (excluding Germany) 1.31 (1.22; +8.2 percent) million customers took possession of a new vehicle, of which 806,500 (757,300; +6.5 percent) were delivered in the home market of Germany. The Group handed over 431,100 (415,000; +3.9 percent) vehicles to customers in Central and Eastern Europe in the period to August, of which 176,700 (199,800; -11.6 percent) were delivered in Russia. 

The company delivered 583,300 (593,700; -1.8 percent) vehicles in the North America region from January to August, of which 394,700 (414,800; -4.8 percent) were handed over to customers in the United States. The Volkswagen Group delivered 471,700 (606,000; -22.2 percent) units to customers in the South America region during the same period, of which 368,300 (447,600; -17.7 percent) were handed over to customers in Brazil.

The Group continued to record very encouraging figures in the Asia-Pacific region, where 2.64 (2.30; +14.9 percent) million vehicles were delivered to customers in the first eight months, of which 2.40 (2.06; +16.5 percent) million units were handed over in China, the Group’s largest single market.  

Outline of developments at Group brands

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 4.03 (3.90; +3.4 percent) million vehicles to customers worldwide from January to August. The brand developed particularly well in China, handing over 1.83 (1.56; +17.1 percent) million vehicles there, and in Western Europe (excluding Germany), where 561,500 (535,400; +4.9 percent) customers took possession of a new Volkswagen.

Audi delivered 1.14 (1.03) million vehicles worldwide in the first eight months, an increase of 10.5 percent. The premium brand from Ingolstadt benefited among other things from appreciable growth in China, where 364,100 (312,700; +16.4 percent) vehicles were handed over to customers. The brand also grew deliveries in the United States compared with the same prior-year period, handing over 116,100 (101,300) automobiles, an increase of 14.5 percent.

The sports car manufacturer Porsche delivered a total of 119,800 (106,800; +12.2 percent) vehicles in the period to August. Demand for models from the Stuttgart-based carmaker was particularly high in the Asia-Pacific region, where 37,500 (32,500; +15.6 percent) vehicles were delivered, and in the North America region, where 35,700 (31,400; +13.8 percent) models were handed over to customers.

The ŠKODA brand delivered 678,500 (598,400; +13.4 percent) vehicles worldwide from January to August. The company handed over 180,800 (159,100; +13.6 percent) units to customers in Central and Eastern Europe. 176,800 (147,500; +19.9 percent) vehicles were delivered in Western Europe (excluding Germany) during the same period.

SEAT delivered 257,800 (234,200; +10.1 percent) vehicles worldwide in the period to August. The company handed over 217,600 (191,700; +13.5 percent) vehicles to customers on the overall European market. Developments in Central and Eastern Europe were particularly pleasing, with 16,600 (10,300) units handed over to customers there, an increase of 60.5 percent.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 287,500 (299,000; -3.9 percent) vehicles in the first eight months. 111,900 (104,200; +7.4 percent) units were handed over to customers in Western Europe (excluding Germany). Vehicle deliveries in the home market of Germany rose to 76,300 (71,600; +6.6 percent) units.

* excluding MAN and Scania

DATED: 19.09.2014

FEED: HA

The breadth of choice is unique in this segment: three economical diesel models with consumption statistics ranging from 56.5 to 78.5 mpg, two efficient petrol engines at between 42.8 and 52.3 mpg and an alternative drive system (B-Class Electric Drive), as well as optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. What is more, with a Cd value of less than 0.25 the sports tourer continues to be the role model for its class. Sales of the new B-Class commence on 12 September with deliveries in November.  Prices start from £22,575.00 OTR for the B 180 manual.

"As the first member of a completely new generation of compact class, for us the B-Class paved the way for great success in this vehicle segment. The pioneer is now in better shape than ever," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. "The B-Class is the perfect (family) car for anyone who attaches importance to practicality, comfort and safety, but at the same time doesn't want to miss out on sportiness or driving dynamics."

More light: LED High Performance headlamps now available

The easiest way to recognise a facelifted B-Class with a petrol or diesel engine is from the front: a new bumper, wide radiator trim with two louvres and now integral daytime running lamps in the headlamps give the vehicle a more organic and dynamic appearance. The rear bumper has also been modified and now features a contoured covering and an additional chrome trim strip. LED High Performance headlamps create a more striking look, both day and night (optional extra, not available for the B-Class Electric Drive). These increase safety at night due to their wide beam pattern and light of a colour similar to daylight. Bicolour tail lamps featuring LED technology provide emphasis and make the vehicle more visible.

A high-grade, functional interior underscores the B-Class's premium quality claim. The facelift gives the vehicle a more exclusive, up-to-date feel and boosts the scope for individualisation. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced a number of high-quality details in the B-Class such as the large, free-standing head unit display, which is now larger, with a diagonal of up to 20.3 cm (8 inches), and the stylish dial layout for the instrument cluster. There is a choice of 12 colours for the ambient lighting, allowing different moods to be created.

KEYLESS-GO is new as an optional extra. This access and drive authorisation system with KEYLESS-GO starting function allows the vehicle to be opened, started and locked simply by carrying the electronic key with you.

Safety: autonomous partial braking if the risk of a collision is detected

When it made its debut, the B-Class redefined the standard of safety in the compact class with a variety of new driving assistance systems, some of them included as standard equipment. These functions have now been enhanced and new assistance systems added to give the driver more support. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS extends the functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. The standard ATTENTION ASSIST feature has also been upgraded: operating within an extended speed range (37 - 124 mph), this now uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver's current attention level.

"Mercedes connect me" links the B-Class to its environment

Next-generation telematics offer more intuitive operation; functions are more accessible due to animated menus and visual representations on a larger display in the head unit.

"Mercedes connect me" links the B-Class to its environment. Basic Mercedes connect me services can be used with the standard communications module.

The available services include, among others, accident recovery, as well as service maintenance and incident management. In an accident, the 
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system automatically connects the occupants with the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Centre and sends the position and condition of the vehicle to the rescue operations centre. A rescue vehicle can then be dispatched immediately. The system works automatically but can also be triggered manually.

The special Remote Online equipment enables customers to connect with their vehicle anywhere and at any time via the URL "connect.mercedes.me" and to query by smartphone the fill level of their fuel tank, for example.

Mercedes connect me services are even more extensive for the B-Class Electric Drive: Via "connect.mercedes.me". The current charging level of the lithium-ion battery and current vehicle range can be queried comfortably from a distance. The range of Mercedes connect me services is rounded off by the ability (depending on the temperature) to preheat or precool the vehicle ready for a specified departure time.

COMAND Online customers are also able to receive real-time traffic information courtesy of Live Traffic Information.

A wide spectrum: petrol and diesel engines, all-wheel drive and alternative drive systems

In terms of efficiency, the new B-Class continues to set benchmarks with the best Cd value in its segment. The choice of efficient engines is extensive - four diesel engines, four petrol engines and two models with alternative drive systems. Also available are the B 180 and B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Editions.

Thanks to the new B 200 CDI 4MATIC, the pleasure of all-wheel drive and safety now start at around 130 g CO2/km instead of over 150 g CO2/km 
(B 220 4MATIC) as previously.

The B-Class Electric Drive uses the B-Class's modular ENERGY SPACE body concept: The underbody houses the lithium-ion battery (B-Class Electric Drive). Due to this intelligent packaging method, the five-seater model has been able to retain the generously proportioned luggage compartment for which it is known.

All diesel models at a glance:

*Figures for model with 7G-DCT in round brackets, ** standard with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, 
***figures for 4MATIC version in square brackets

All petrol models at a glance:

*Standard with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, **figures for model with 7G-DCT in brackets

All models with alternative drive systems at a glance:

*Figures for model with 7G-DCT in brackets, **provisional figures

DATED: 19.09.2014

FEED: HA

The overall value increase between August 2013 and August 2014 was £533 to £3,162, a growth of 20.3%. The month-on-month figure was a more conservative £32 (1%).
 
In line with the recent announcement from the SMMT highlighting the 30th consecutive month of growth in new car registrations, significant volumes of good quality part-ex vehicles have made their way into the market. This month’s plate change is likely to see even more attractive stock becoming available, allowing dealers to be selective in their purchases.
 
Daren Wiseman, valuation services manager at Manheim, comments: “The availability of cheap finance and increasing consumer confidence has led to record performance in the new car sector, which has been echoed in the used market. However, the attractiveness of new car deals has also placed price pressure on some of the lower spec, higher mileage part-ex vehicles.
 
“While September should be another record-breaking month for new car registrations, it is unlikely that these heady heights will be sustainable in the long-term and we expect the markets to realign and stabilise over the coming months. For dealers looking to shift part-ex stock, this means taking a realistic overview of the quality and volume of vehicles in the market to price stock accordingly.”
 
Looking at Manheim’s figures in more detail, in contrast to the expected summer lull, prices increased for seven of the ten segments between July and August, with compact executive and executive models showing the greatest growth (£239 and £415). Both of these segments also saw a month-on-month increase in mileage, of 2,946 and 2,085 respectively.
 
Wiseman comments: “While the relative low cost of borrowing money has allowed consumers to drive newer, more expensive vehicles than perhaps they would have looked at pre-recession, the looming interest rate rise and scrutiny of finance deals is likely to prompt realignment in the market over the coming months. We expect to continue to outperform 2013, but with prices falling more in line with expected seasonal norms.” 

DATED: 19.09.2014

FEED: HA

Executive class honours for Lexus's sports saloon

The IS 220d, part of the second-generation line-up of Lexus's sports saloon, earned a five-star rating from the judges as the best proposition in a highly competitive market for prestige saloons. Although not in production since the new IS's introduction last year, the IS 220d remains a stylish competitor that benefits from the core Lexus qualities of lasting luxury, reliability and contemporary design.

Jim Holder, What Car? editor, said: "The IS 220d is a very good car that delivers high standards across the board. It won because it is super-reliable, which is a very important consideration for user car buyers, and because its price makes it's a very competitive buy compared to some of its German rivals."

What Car's used car expert James Ruppert added: "Lexus owners report how well their cars run, with few problems, and also praise the service they receive from dealers."

Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director, said: "The success of the IS 220d in What Car's Used Car of the Year Awards reflects the lasting quality Lexus builds into all its models. While the second-generation IS presents as a superb proposition in the pre-owned market, our new IS has raised the bar even further in terms of quality, reliability and driver rewards."

DATED: 19.09.2014

FEED: HA

Sales growth of 2.7% in August compared to the same month last year marked a twelfth straight month of continuous growth in the European new car market, according to the latest analysis from JATO Dynamics, the world's leading provider of automotive intelligence.

JATO's headline market analysis:

The Spanish new car market continued to benefit from government incentive schemes, resulting in an increase of 23.0% on sales compared to August of last year. This was the best performance among the ‘big 5' markets, although Great Britain also increased sales by an impressive 9.4%. France 
(-2.6%) and Germany (-0.4%) were down and sales in Italy remained flat. All five markets have grown year-to-date, with Spain again the leader with growth of 18.0%.

Many of the smaller markets saw positive growth and Greece (+33.6%), Ireland (31.8%) and Portugal (+35.7%) continued to show significant improvements. A number of Eastern European markets also performed strongly in August including Czech Republic (+20.2%), Slovakia (+21.2%), Latvia (+22.5%) and Lithuania (+16.4%). Of the 29 countries studied, 24 have increased their year-to-date sales.

Volkswagen and Ford both enjoyed growth of over 14% to take first and second place respectively in units sold in August. Skoda remained in the top 10 brands for the second month in a row after recording an increase of 21.5%, making it the only other brand in the top 10 to reach double-digit growth for the month. Toyota remains just outside of the top 10 due to a fall in sales of 5.8% for the month. All bar one of the 20 top-selling brands have posted increases in year-to-date sales.

Strong sales of Mitsubishi's new Plug-In Hybrid version of the Outlander in Great Britain and the Netherlands helped the brand improve its sales by 61.0% in August, for a year-to-date gain of 26.4%. Jeep's new Cherokee helped the brand increase sales by 46.6% in August, while Porsche's new Macan led to growth of 42.9%. Chevrolet's sales have decreased by 93.2% year-on-year as the brand's withdrawal from the European market draws near.

August was a good month for medium-volume brands. Mazda continued its year of positive growth with 15.8% year-on-year growth in August and a year-to-date increase in sales of 20.9%. Volvo also boosted sales in August by 14.6% to take its year-to-date growth to 10.4%.

Top 10 Brands

Increased sales of the Volkswagen Polo (up 14.0%), as a result of the new ‘facelift' models reaching the showrooms, made it a Volkswagen ‘one-two' at the top of the make and models top 10. August was another good month for the Golf, with Europe's best-selling car recording growth of 20.1% year-on-year. Sales of the Passat were up by 21.2% compared to August 2013, giving Volkswagen a third model in the top 10.

Ford's Fiesta (+10.7%) and Focus (+25.3%) were also among the best performers in the top 10 during August. The Skoda Octavia's sales grew by 22.7% year-on-year to help the brand maintain its progress since the turn of the year. The Renault Clio remained in third place despite a drop in sales of 2.5% due to tough market conditions in France and the Netherlands. Audi's A3 saw the largest fall in monthly sales of the top 10 models, down 6.8%.

The strength of Europe's recovery was illustrated by the rate at which some ‘facelift' models increased sales over their predecessors from a year ago. These included the Nissan Note, the BMW X5 and the Mazda3. Small crossover models, led by the Renault Captur (10.0%), the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka (+44.5%) and the Peugeot 2008 (+67.7%), also continued to perform well.

Top 10 Models

Brian Walters, Vice President of Data at JATO Dynamics, commented: "We are delighted to reveal that we have now seen 12 consecutive months of growth in new car sales in Europe. Although August is traditionally a slower month, this did not prevent brands like Volkswagen, Ford and Skoda from continuing to grow their sales and market share. With many of the recently-introduced models performing well and a significant number of product announcements in the pipeline for the autumn, the market looks set to end the year in similarly good health."

DATED: 19.09.2014

FEED: HA