Monthly Archives: October 2009

Nissan Releases All-New Fairlady Z Roadster

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Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster version ST

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 15, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new Fairlady Z Roadster, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. In addition, the Fairlady Z Coupe receives minor new model enhancements and a new “Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary” model, which marks the first four decades of the popular Nissan sports car, joins the lineup.

Fairlady Z Roadster
Based on the latest generation Fairlady Z Coupe, the all-new Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully , automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value.
Like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Roadster model features significant improvements in performance, style and technology versus the previous Fairlady Z Roadster design. With its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting – even with the top open.
Key highlights of the new Fairlady Z Roadster include:
Optimal balance of sports car performance and open-top convertible exhilaration
Signature Fairlady Z styling with an advanced, fully automatic canvas top
Air conditionined seats for added occupant comfort, even on hot days
Available advanced technology, including HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and premium Bose® audio system
Uncompromised Fairlady Z performance

Fairlady Z Roadster

Based on the latest generation Fairlady Z Coupe, the all-new Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully , automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value.

Like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Roadster model features significant improvements in performance, style and technology versus the previous Fairlady Z Roadster design. With its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting – even with the top open.

Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary Edition

Nissan Fairlady Z 40th anniversary

In addition to the new Roadster, a special Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary version joins the Fairlady Z lineup. Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the birth of the original Fairlady Z in October 1969, the limited edition vehicle will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide for one year following the release date.

Based on the Version ST (6MT/7AT), a highest grade of the Fairlady Z coupe, the 40th Anniversary Edition includes specifically-designed real leather seats, memorial engraving on the seat backs, dedicated aluminum wheels, and a 40th anniversary emblem on the rear body.

Source: Nissan

Not all doom and gloom for the motor vehicle sales industry

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Sales from most vehicle manufacturers have been down in the last year with the recession and its various implications putting huge pressure on the manufacturers and the consumer alike. And for a while things seem to be getting worse rather than better, but recent sales figures from some major vehicle manufacturers are showing a turn for the best.

For the first 6 or so months of the year, sales figures for motor manufacturers have all been significantly less compared to the same stats from 2008. But in recent months there seems to be a consistent resurgence for some of the top motor vehicle brands.

Volkswagen

The ever-popular Volkswagen, which seems to be positively entrenched in the South African car market, had its best month yet for 2009 with regards to sales of its passenger vehicles . And while the sales figures are still down from 2008, it’s definitely a sign of positive things to come.

Mercedes-Benz

Much like VW, the sales figures of Mercedes-Benz in South Africa are also on the rise. But their focus is on the luxury side of the South African market and their share has risen to 30% . Which is even more impressive as the sale of luxury vehicles in such trying times requires more work and dedication from their marketing team.

Hyundai

Lastly the Hyundai motor group has also posted very positive sales, with their year on year sales far exceeding that of 2008. While not as big a player in the South African market, Hyundai seems to have been unaffected by the recession and has posted a massive gain in global sales and are up 61% compared to their 2008 stats .

At a time where many people are predicting a massive crash in the motor sales industry, it seems that these fears are premature and to a degree unwarranted. With some top motor vehicle manufacturers posting impressive sales stats and growth compared to previous months, it seems the worst is behind us.

Hyundai motor reports September global sales

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hyundai logo

- Global sales up 61.3% Y-o-Y to 307,181 units
- Korean sales up 118.0%, overseas sales rise 50.0% Y-o-Y
- Global sales up 61.3% Y-o-Y to 307,181 units
- Korean sales up 118.0%, overseas sales rise 50.0% Y-o-Y

(Seoul, Korea)  Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, posted a 61.3 percent rise in September global sales compared to a year earlier helped by the launch of two new models, Tucson ix and Sonata, as well as strong sales from overseas plants.


The best-selling model in Korea last month was the Sonata, selling 16,299 units. Of this figure, 9,517 units were the all-new Sonata model, which was launched in the domestic market on September 17.


Total overseas sales, including both exports from Korea and sales from overseas plants, rose by 50.0 percent to 238,611 units in September, up from 159,031 units a year earlier, aided by strong sales from Hyundai’s overseas plants in China, India and the Czech Republic.


Exports from Korea increased by 43.9% to 88,331 units for the month compared to a year earlier. In September last year, supplies from domestic plants were insufficient due to national holidays which fell in that month. Sales from overseas plants rose 53.9 percent to 150,280 units.


Hyundai Motor will keep focusing on expanding its market share in the global market by increasing supplies of popular models and continuing marketing activities to suit local markets.


Source: Hyundai

Quality used cars over R500 000?

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As a follow up to the article I wrote last week on Quality used cars for under R30k, I thought it would be only fair to write something on some of the options in a slightly more expensive range. And by ‘slightly’ I mean ‘quite a lot more than slightly’. It is however a far more difficult topic to write about, as there are so many more options of used cars over R500 000 at Cars.co.za to look at. That said I have picked out three which for one reason or another just make you feel good.

Hummer H2 S.U.T

Hummer H2

Mileage: 27 098km
Year: 2008
Cost: R899 000
As for any kind of used car at or around this price, you will expect it to be at least fairly new. There will be some exceptions that will be from the 90’s but its going to be rare. As for the Hummer, it’s probably the coolest of the 4×4 range. There is obvious competition from the likes of Land Rover and Jeep etc, but those vehicles actually have a use and a purpose. Hummer vehicles on the other hand are made simply as … I’m not even sure, but that’s the appeal.
The Hummer slogan is ‘Like nothing else’ and I think that about sums it up, the sheer audacity and ridiculousness of the Hummer is what makes it a worthwhile buy. If you happen to have R899 000 lying around and are going to be attending movie premiers with your fishing rods in the back and a canoe on the roof, then this is the car for you.

Mileage: 27 098km

Year: 2008

Cost: R899 000

As for any kind of used car at or around this price, you will expect it to be at least fairly new. There will be some exceptions that will be from the 90’s but its going to be rare. As for the Hummer, it’s probably the coolest of the 4×4 range. There is obvious competition from the likes of Land Rover and Jeep etc, but those vehicles actually have a use and a purpose. Hummer vehicles on the other hand are made simply as … I’m not even sure, but that’s the appeal.

The Hummer slogan is ‘Like nothing else’ and I think that about sums it up, the sheer audacity and ridiculousness of the Hummer is what makes it a worthwhile buy. If you happen to have R899 000 lying around and are going to be attending movie premiers with your fishing rods in the back and a canoe on the roof, then this is the car for you.

BMW Z4 2.5 si Roadster

BMW Z4 2.5si Roadster

Mileage: 3563km

Year: 2009

Cost: R529 000

The BMW has the prestigious honour of being the cheapest car on this list, at just over half a million, ‘cheap’ is a relative term. When looking at used cars valued at over R500 000 you would probably expect to find a list of supercars, but the BMW Z4 hardtop holds a special place in my heart. I’m not sure what it is, but I just really like it, which is strange because I don’t like the convertible soft top at all. I can’t actually imagine why anyone would buy the convertible version over the hardtop, my imagination apparently stops before the ‘wanting to drive with the top down’ part.

At a paltry 3563km this car is practically new but you will be saving around R70k on a brand new version which definitely seems worth it. You won’t be able to fit your canoe on the roof, like the Hummer, but you will have a lot more speed and with almost no seating at all, you will at least never be asked to pick up kids from school.

Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo

Mileage: 20 201km

Year: 2006

Cost: R2 500 000

I think it’s only fair that in an article of this nature I include at least one car that for all intents and purposes has no intents and purposes and exists purely as a sick joke. You could never logically justify purchasing this car and assuming you can afford to buy one; you won’t need to ever justify it. By simply owning this car you automatically win every argument, become the sexiest person on earth and are the best friend ever to anyone you take for a drive in it. That right there is probably justification for the price, in fact when you look at it like that, it’s actually quite cheap.

Volvo Cars tests new, unique safety technology in Copenhagen – in a disguised S60 prototype

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Volvo s60 safety

Recently, sharp-eyed citizens in Copenhagen have had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty Volvo S60 – which won’t be introduced to the world until next year.
A disguised prototype of the new sedan model has been rolling through the streets of the Danish capital in order to test a groundbreaking new safety technology that can detect a pedestrian in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver doesn’t react in time, to avoid an accident.
The new technology – Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection – will be introduced together with the all-new Volvo S60 in 2010. Volvo Cars’ safety experts have been working with Pedestrian Detection technology for ten years and test cars have been rolling all over the world – most recently in the busy streets of Copenhagen.
“Factors like traffic behaviour, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system. All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometres of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

Recently, sharp-eyed citizens in Copenhagen have had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty Volvo S60 – which won’t be introduced to the world until next year.

A disguised prototype of the new sedan model has been rolling through the streets of the Danish capital in order to test a groundbreaking new safety technology that can detect a pedestrian in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver doesn’t react in time, to avoid an accident.

The new technology – Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection – will be introduced together with the all-new Volvo S60 in 2010. Volvo Cars’ safety experts have been working with Pedestrian Detection technology for ten years and test cars have been rolling all over the world – most recently in the busy streets of Copenhagen.

“Factors like traffic behaviour, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system. All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometres of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

Volvo Safety tech


First a warning, then automatic braking
Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety consists of a new dual-mode radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera behind the inside rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The radar and camera continuously monitor the road in front of the car. The radar’s task is to detect objects and measure the distance to them. The camera determines what type of objects they are.


In an emergency situation, the driver is first alerted by an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the car’s brakes are applied with full braking power.


“Active brake deployment requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, it is now possible to engage full braking power,” explains Thomas Broberg.


Source: Volvo

Progress Through Efficiency : The New Way Forward

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Audi logo

First in the premium segment in SA: Audi of South Africa introduces start/stop models at no extra cost.

Audi is synonymous with being the leader in progressive technology and pioneering new innovations. The 21st century brings in a new era of challenges, predominantly the challenge to become more environmentally conscious and reduce CO2 emissions. One of our most important tasks in the future is to increase efficiency even further.

Energy management also offers huge potential for efficiency – for the air conditioning system, for example, energy recovery and termo management. The intelligent assistance systems such as the on-board computer with efficiency program also offer valuable support to the driver.
Last but not least, the new Start/Stop system which switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationery is now being introduced locally by Audi in a number of its models – a first for the South African premium segment.
2009 also saw Audi South Africa making significant strides by further enhancing the efficiency of the Audi models. This is clearly highlighted by the transition to Euro 4 & 5 emission levels of all cars in May.
THE START/STOP SYSTEM
The Start/stop system helps to save fuel and and reduce CO2 emissions, and realises its efficiency potential in urban traffic especially.

Energy management also offers huge potential for efficiency – for the air conditioning system, for example, energy recovery and termo management. The intelligent assistance systems such as the on-board computer with efficiency program also offer valuable support to the driver.

Last but not least, the new Start/Stop system which switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationery is now being introduced locally by Audi in a number of its models – a first for the South African premium segment.

2009 also saw Audi South Africa making significant strides by further enhancing the efficiency of the Audi models. This is clearly highlighted by the transition to Euro 4 & 5 emission levels of all cars in May.

The Start/Stop system

The Start/stop system helps to save fuel and and reduce CO2 emissions, and realises its efficiency potential in urban traffic especially.

Simply put, the engine switches off automatically when you stop the car at, for example, a traffic light …and starts up again automatically when you are ready to drive off.

When the vehicle stops, the engine is switched off. The vehicle’s electrical system is supplied with electricity from rapid power storage devices called supercaps. As soon as the driver presses down the clutch, the engine is started. By the time the clutch pedal is released, the engine has reached idling speed.

An intelligent engine management system ensures short engine starting times and eliminates all negative effects of switching off and starting the engine with regards to exhaust emissions.

Source: Audi

Mercedes-Benz South Africa enjoys good third-quarter results

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Mercedes Benz South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz Cars division of MBSA reported sales of 2 047 units for the month of September 2009, giving a market share of over 10%. This figure contributes to a year-to-date total sales of 15 967 units giving a market share of 9,5%, an increase of almost 1% compared to the 2008 year-to-date figures.
This equates to a market share of over 30% in the luxury segment, where the Mercedes-Benz model range competes.
“Despite the very challenging market conditions, we are pleased that we have been able to enjoy relatively good sales,” says Eckart Mayer, divisional manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We believe that our focussed approach and our strong partnership with our dealers, are key contributing factors. Once again our loyal customers have supported us well and also an increasing number of non-traditional Mercedes-Benz customers, who are coming over to our brand,” adds Mayer.

The Mercedes-Benz Cars division of MBSA reported sales of 2 047 units for the month of September 2009, giving a market share of over 10%. This figure contributes to a year-to-date total sales of 15 967 units giving a market share of 9,5%, an increase of almost 1% compared to the 2008 year-to-date figures.

This equates to a market share of over 30% in the luxury segment, where the Mercedes-Benz model range competes.

“Despite the very challenging market conditions, we are pleased that we have been able to enjoy relatively good sales,” says Eckart Mayer, divisional manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We believe that our focussed approach and our strong partnership with our dealers, are key contributing factors. Once again our loyal customers have supported us well and also an increasing number of non-traditional Mercedes-Benz customers, who are coming over to our brand,” adds Mayer.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been a major contributor to overall sales, with units of 1 520 units in September, giving a market share of close to half of the medium-luxury segment.

“The success of the C-Class can be attributed to the high level of standard features that this model offers, which is apparent by the positive feedback received by customers.”

“The recently introduced E-Class sedan and coupe models have enjoyed significant sales, and we will be introducing three new model variants to the range towards the end of the month. The diesel engines offering will include the E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which, together with the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY 4-cylinder petrol model, will further enhance the exciting E-Class offering,” adds Mayer

Source: Mercedes-Benz

FORD’S new Fiesta to debut at L.A. Auto Show

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2011 New Ford Fiesta

The car consumers can’t stop talking about, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December
Since its kickoff in May, the Fiesta Movement has resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a FordFiesta Movement agents embark on entertainment-themed adventures in October for their final month of missions

* The car consumers can’t stop talking about, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December

* Since its kickoff in May, the Fiesta Movement has resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a FordFiesta Movement agents embark on entertainment-themed adventures in October for their final month of missions

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2009 – Ford’s rollout of its next generation of small cars will hit an important milestone when the new Fiesta is revealed in December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal of the North American-based Ford Fiesta will also mark the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement.

Fiesta sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe’s No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe’s top-selling vehicle, helping Ford’s share in Europe’s main 19 markets increase for the eighth consecutive month.

Nearly 340,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August. Fiesta was the best-selling foreign vehicle in August in both Italy and France.

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta will bring its three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers in 2010.

Source: Ford