CHERY RAISES THE BAR

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Chery, the leading independent motor manufacturer in China, has underlined its No. 1 position as a vehicle exporter by exceeding its target for 2011 in less than nine months. A total of 122 441 units were shipped from China in the first nine months of the year, which was an increase of 80.4% over the performance a year previously and exceeded the company’s annual target of 120 000 units.

The booming sales will ensure Chery of an all-time sales record for 2011 and in so doing it will continue its reign as China’s top-selling independent vehicle maker for an 11^th consecutive year.. The current record of 682 000 units was set last year, when the company also sold its 3 000 000^th vehicle. The year before, in 2009, total sales had exceeded the 500 000 mark for the first time.

Chery says its big growth in exports is attributable to the restructuring of its overseas markets and by offering a wider range of models to these markets. Originally the focus was on exporting only the low priced QQ range, but now other models such as the Tiggo, J3 and J2 are also being exported in volume.

In fact, the Tiggo has already displaced the QQ as the most popular Chery model in overseas markets this year. It is now sold in more than 60 countries and regions. The Tiggo has already become the leading SUV in the Egyptian market, breaking the long-term domination by GM and Hyundai models, while it was honoured as the best SUV in Brazil in 2009 and awarded the SUV “Oscar” for 2011 in Serbia.

Tiggo successfully passed more than 50 regulatory certification tests before its launch into Europe, being exported first to Italy. Since 2009 it has been the only vehicle to have been given the qualification “exemption from export inspection” by the Chinese authorities.

Chery sales growth has been particularly strong in markets such as Russia (up 300% year-on-year), the Ukraine, Iran, Egypt, Chile and Brazil. It is, in fact, the leading Chinese brand in terms of sales in the two South American countries.

The growing demand for Chery vehicles has resulted in the construction of overseas assembly plants, with 15 so far built or under construction.  Overseas production now accounts for more than 50% of Chery’s export volume and this proportion is growing, with ground-breaking for a plant in Brazil recently as well as the start of production in Venezuela.

All these factors are underscoring Chery’s position as the leading Chinese vehicle brand in overseas markets.

STORY COURTESY OF WILKEN COMMUNICATION

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VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN GETS A NEW TOUAREG LOOK

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At last the Volkswagen Tiguan gets some action of its own, as VW SA introduces the facelift version sporting the company’s new front end. Easiest to spot is the front grille with two double chrome louvres, bi-xenon headlights and the LED daytime running lights were applicable.

Two slightly different body styles are being sold. The one has an 18 degree approach angle, while the other is a 28 degree version. The former is the baseline model design to be an urban sprawler, while the other can do some off-roading. Both however, are exactly the same size, except for the length, with the off-road model being 3cm longer. The rest of the dimensions – width, height and wheelbase – are identical.

Three models, Trend & Fun, Sport & Style as well as Track & Field can be purchased. The first two are more on-road, while the Track & Field is geared towards fun outside the tarmac. Among others it features underbody protection and VW’s 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD). This is a new version of 4Motion which can send up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels under extreme conditions.

We can see Touareg on the rear lights which are L-shaped and feature a two-part series look. All the cars have a 25 degree departure angle and a 20cm ground clearance. Tiguan achieved a 5-star EuroNCAP rating at its last evaluation, and this facelift is no different, thanks to things like six airbags, ESP and Isofix fitting points.

There are interior differences too, and depending on the model, customers will get features such as rain sensors, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, Hill Climb Assist, electric windows and a new fabric design for the non-leather seats.

So far as engines are concerned, not much has changed. The 1.4-litre TSI with both turbo and supercharger delivers either 90kW or 118kW, as well as 200Nm and 240Nm respectively. The 2.0-litre TDI gives off either 81kW and 280Nm, or 103kW and 320Nm. Top of the pops is the 155kW 2.0-litre TSI, the same one used by Golf GTI. All these cars are mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.

Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing

1.4 TSI 90kW 4x2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology (R272 600)
2.0 TDI 81kW 4x2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology (R289 100)
1.4 TSI 118kW 4x2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology (R299 500)
1.4 TSI 118kW 4MOTION Trend & Fun (R318 200)
2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Track & Field DSG (R383 400)
2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Sport & Style DSG (R390 400)
2.0 TSI 155kW 4MOTION Sport & Style DSG (R413 800)

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MAZDA TAKERI CONCEPT HEADING TO TOKYO 2011

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Mazda has shown us what the next Mazda6 could look like. This TAKERI Concept car will debut at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show this December. We don’t know exactly when the new Mazda6 is hitting the dealerships, but we know it will be among the first to adopt Mazda’s so-called KODO or Soul of Motion design language.

The car is apparently powered by the new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine with a regenerative braking system and excellent fuel economy, according to Mazda.

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HYUNDAI REVEALS TURBO ACES

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Hyundai is finally going turbo on a proper scale, after watching its major competitors (except Toyota and Honda) go turbo on 4-cylinder engines. The new Gamma 1.6 T-GDI is a petrol turbo of quite excellent performance, while the R-2.0 turbo diesel offers amazing fuel consumption as well.

First up is the Gamma, which is a 1.6-litre,. It cost Hyundai R500 million and about 4 years to develop this engine, which means they 4-cylinder turbo started on it around the year 2007. The little dynamo offers 152kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 265Nm at 1750rpm.

As for the diesel, that displaces 2.0-litres and produces 110kW, as well as 382Nm of torque. Very impressive indeed. Both engines meet stringent Euro emissions standards, with the Gamma meeting Euro 5 and the R meeting Euro 5.

“Due to stricter environmental regulations and policies that vary from nation to nation, competition in the development of powertrains and other core technologies is intensifying,” said Woong-Chul Yang, vice chairman of the Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai Motor will accelerate its efforts to develop future powertrains that feature high-performance and eco-friendly engines and transmissions.”

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ROLLS-ROYCE ESCAPES TO SOUTH AMERICA

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Amazingly Rolls-Royce has never been in the South American market. But not for long, as the company has announced it is going to start selling cars in Brazil and Chile. This is expected to happen within the next five months. RR is in a very good shape at the moment, selling more and more cars by the year.

Leading the charge is of course the Ghost, a smaller car than the Phantom. Ghost is based on the 7 Series but is longer still. These are the two products expected to spearhead RR’s entry into South America.

The Via Italia Group, headed by Francisco Longo, is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ appointed future dealer in Brazil. Williamson Balfour Motors, a member of the Inchcape Group and headed by Peter Aberle, is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ future dealer in Chile. Both are working towards full dealership openings in March 2012.

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BMW COULD BUILD ITS OWN SLS AMG / R8

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M Division wants to develop and sell its own unique car, just as AMG has with the SLS. SLS is not based on any normal Mercedes-Benz. However, BMW M has not had such a car so far, and is a little envious of Merc’s position. Perhaps even Audi’s R8 is in the same position.

According to a recent report from Autocar, Albert Biermann, M Division’s boss, says he’s quite keen to build a standlone M car. He said from an engineering perspective his team certainly has the skills and know-how to pull it off. In fact, apparently it has been discussed several times but there hasn’t been a business case made for it so far. Apologies for our ignorance Herr Biermann, but if the sportiest (at least on perception) premium brand cannot build a supercar and sell it at a profit, then who can?

On another matter, Biermann said a Z4 M, which was declined two years ago, could be a possibility now. Again, as long as there’s a good business case for it, and it complies with current performance, styling and emissions requirements. 

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OUR ANGRY BRIDE IS STAYING WITH US - VW ON SUZUKI

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Over the past few months the relationship between Suzuki and Volkswagen has soured to the point that the Japanese want the Germans to sell them their 20% stake in Suzuki, and they promise to sell their 1.49% stake in VW. Alas VW is not interested in breaking off the marriage at this point in time.

A report from Automobil Produktion claims a VW executive said returning the 20% to Suzuki would be out of the question, and that his company is still very much interested in making the marriage work. VW reckons there are plenty of complementary attributes shared between the two, not least of all the fact that Suzuki practically runs amok in the highly desirable India market where VW has barely made a dent.

In January 2009 VW AG bought a 19.9% stake in Suzuki Motor, while Suzuki itself purchased 1.49% of VW. A few months ago Suzuki angered VW by signing an engine supply agreement with rival Fiat, while Suzuki said the agreement was perfectly within the bounds of the relationship. VW had also ticked off the Japanese by claiming it could “significantly influence financial and operating policy decisions” at Suzuki.

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OPEL SEEKING AN EXTENDED RUSSIAN AFFAIR

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Opel seeks to fire up its Russian love affair with an increase in market share within the next 3 years. Having sold about 50 000 cars in Russia so far this year, the German brand is looking at a rapid expansion, sponsored by the likes of the new Meriva, Zafiraand performance models.

On the other hand, Chevrolet has become Russia’s second-best-selling brand after the domestic Lada. The golden bowtie sold 126 899 cars in the first 9 months of 2011, putting it on course to reach about 170 000 units by the end of the year.

In South Africa, General Motors is keen to increase its entire production load beyond 50 000 annual units in order to gain privileges promised by the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).

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NEW RECESSION? WHAT NEW RECESSION? - PORSCHE

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While some industry experts are increasingly whispering the words “double dip recession”, Porsche seems to be accelerating towards delivering even more cars this year. Company CEO Matthias Mueller says his order books are full, spurred on by demand for its best-seller, the Cayenne.

Next year production of the new Boxster will begin, the new 911 will spread across the world, new Cayenne will turn two years old, Panamerawill be up for a facelift and the Cajunwill be finalised. All this is expected to push up Porsche sales to over 140 000 annual units in 2012.

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BMW M4 TO REPLACE M3?

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Several claims have emanatedfrom the UK publication Autocar, regarding the BMW 4 Series. Oh yes, it appears 3 is not enough, so we’ll be graduating to 4 as early as 2014. Rumours of a 4 Series have long been spreading, but this is the first true indication that they are real. Basically the premise of it all is that 3 Series Coupés and Convertibleswill drop 3 and take up 4.

So instead of a 335i Coupé we’ll get a 435i Coupé for example, and in place of an M3 Coupéwe’ll get an M4. There will still be an M3 of course, but it will only come as a four-door sedan. BMW is also said to be considering a direct Audi A5 Sportback competitor called the 3 Series GranCoupe. It is similar in vein to the 4-door 6 Series GranCoupe, a Mercedes-Benz CLS/ Audi A7 Sportback rival that’s expected to land in Mzansi in 2012.

We wonder if the next 1 Series Coupe will also adopt an even number badging system and become a 2 Series Coupe that spawns models like a 228i, 235i, X2 and performance M2…

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SMALL PORSCHE CAJUN COMING IN 2013

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Porsche is expanding its Leipzig, Germany plant, in anticipation of increased manufacturing capacity. The plant produces the Cayenne and Panamera, and was the production site for the limited-edition Carrera GT V10 supercar when it was still in production. By 2013 it will start churning out what is expected to be baskets of Cajun SUVs.

The Cajun, which is smaller than the Cayenne, shares the same platform as the Audi Q5 and will certainly share engines with it as well. But we think Cajun will live up to its spicier name by offering some really powerful turbo engines that run over the 300kW marker. Rivals include the BMW X3 (upcoming X4) and the Range Rover Evoque.

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VOLKSWAGEN, BMW DOMINATE EUROPE

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BMW and Volkswagenappear to be the winners in a soft market, as their European deliveries increased over competitors’. VW sold 12.5% more cars last month (294 309), while BMW gained 6.8% more sales to 110 198units. In comparison, Mercedes-Benz sold just 65 099 cars.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroën, Europe’s second-largest automaker, did not have a great month as it only sold 133 469cars. Models that kept it going include the new Citroën C4, DS3 and DS4, as well as the Peugeot 508 family sedan.

Keeping BMW ahead is the 5 Series and the X3, while Volkswagen’s new Passat, Jetta, as well as Audi’s A6 and Q5 are sales leaders.

There is however, a growing concern among the manufacturers that there is a global double dip recession on the way. Should this happen, we could see car sales return to 2008 - 2009 levels, or even worse.

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MINI GOES TO INDIA

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BMW announced that it will introduce the MINI brand into the India market in 2012. India has not been selling the new MINI ever since it was introduced to the world in 2001. Global successmeans it’s likely to succeed on the sub-continenttoo, as long as it’s priced right.

BMW India boss Andreas Schaaf says he is very pleased that MINI is finally going to India, but warns that as a premium product, it won’t come cheap. With five different MINIs (hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe) currently on sale, and at least two more on the way (Roadsterand Paceman), there’s plenty to choose from. However, no model has been confirmed for introduction yet.

Yet Schaaf is pretty sure the car that does go to his two dealerships in Delhi and Mumbai will cost at least 25 lakh (about R407 000) each. The cheapest MINI in Mzansi is the One hatch, going for R197 000 standard. The network of standalone dealerships will expand to 12 over the next few years.

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GENERAL MOTORS TALKS TOUGH ON A SMALL FUTURE

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Small turbochargedengines are back with a very loud bang. This revolution which began with Volkswagen and Audi at the turn of last decade, is running hard, spreading like melted cheese on a pizza. General Motors will not be left behind either after announcing a comprehensiveturbo strategy for the next decade or so.

Called Ecotec, the small turbo engines will displace different sizes, starting from a 1.0-litre up to a 1.5-litre turbo. No expected power figures were divulged, but a current 1.4-litre turbo Opel Astra gets 103kW, while a 1.6-litre turbo is given 132kW. We assume a 1.5 would fall in between the two, say about 118kW or so.

Brands expected to benefit from this downturn in size include both Chevroletand Opel, with their sub-brands Sonic, Aveo, Corsa, Meriva and so on, using the new engines.

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AUDI RS 3 SPORTBACK IS (ALMOST) THE REAL DEAL

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Not once did I ever think I would say, or even think it, but after several laps on the Killarney Racetrack in Cape Town, the RS 5 is my kinda car. Mind you, I really liked the RS 5 each time I drove it, but I cannot say I fell for it. It’s a car I believe is better than the BMW M3 pound for pound, and after experiencing it on its natural turf, my beliefs have been reinforced. Strange that, given the launch was not for the RS 5 but for the RS 3 Sportback.

Audi South Africa did the motoring media something of a favour by launching the RS 3 on a track, at the same time invitingboth RS 5 and TT RS to the party. “Risky” I thought, “what if one of the other cars turns out more sorted than the main star of the show?” As it turns out, this is exactly what happened.

First I drove the RS 5 which I thought would feel lethargic as it does in Gauteng. Not on the coast. The thing was agile, responsive and sounded like an incoming meteor shower. That 4.2-litre V8 with 331kW is still quite willing and yes, very able too. Throttle response was immediate, even daring, while cornering was sharp and almost precise. Actually the RS 5 felt much lighter than when I slid it all across Khayalami last year.

Then came the TT RS, a car I’m very familiar with. This was the facelift model which now includes LED daytime running lights, a fixed boot spoiler and a 7-speed S tronicgearbox with twin clutches among other features. Like a Chinesecracker on New Years, TT RS took off into the wild, attacking corners with solid confidence, fetching power (250kW, 450Nm) swiftly with each change of gear. Quattro is of course ever-present but doesn’t intrude to such an extent as to take away the fun.

Lastly the star of the show, RS 3. Based on the A3 Sportback from 2005, which was updated in 2008, RS 3 immediately feels like an old car. That it’s only available in this Sportback wagon format is quite historical because the first official RS car, the 232kW RS 2, was only released as an Avant (station wagon) back in 1994. Of the 180 units produced in right-hand-drive, Mzansi only got a few imported.

The interior, although pimped up to RS division standards, still reeks of A3’s simplicity. Detailingis quite excellent though, including the stitchingon the winged bucket leather seats, a perforated flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminium detailing, and the MMI infotainment system.

Contrary to its very muscular looks, the car is quite tame when starting up the engine. The 2.5-litre turbo unit, whose 250kW is whipped out almost instantaneously, while 450Nm of torque appears from what feels like out of nowhere, or between 1600rpm and 5300rpm. RS 3 doesn’t scream about its business; it’s very subtle, unconcerned. Nought to 100km/h is said to take 4.6 seconds, with top speed pegged at 250km/h. Because of the track layout and programme for the day, none of these were tested, although up the main front straight before the sharp first left-hander, a top end of 185km/h was seen on the speedo a few times. Down the back straight we could hit 175km/h, just before smashing the brakes at a track marker.

For what you are paying, there’s a lot you get from the RS 3. One is the super engine, with ample supply of power and guaranteed performance on most surfaces, thanks to quattro AWD. Then there’s the space, which in its segment (of two admittedly), is totally unmatched. One can even load a small ladder through. So on paper it looks tops, but driver enjoyment cannot be documented. It can only be experienced. I expected to enjoy the RS 3. And I did. Quite thoroughly too. Yet it didn’t blow me away. In fact, I found myself being sucked by the TT RS more often than the RS 3.

The average, middle-of-the-roadperformance seeker with a new family will be very entertained. On the other hand, the guy who likes his heart attacks frequent and near-death will go with the BMW 1 M Coupe.


Audi RS 3 Sportback Pricing
(R525 000)

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SAFA COLLECTS 53 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTERS

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Mercedes-Benz South Africa has delivered 53 Sprinter buses to the South African Football Association (SAFA). The order was placed in May this year, and has actually been fulfilled ahead of the 01 October deadline. It is being executed by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles East Rand.

“We are confident with the quality of our Sprinter as all safety standards are adhered to with all versions of the extensive model range.  The players and SAFA staff who will be utilising these vehicles can rest assured that they are in safe hands,” says MBCV Sales Manager Morris Maile.

All the 22-seater Sprinter 518 CDI buses are specified with front electrical windows and mirrors as standard equipment.  Convenience features include central locking together with front air conditioning.  As these buses will probably transport luggage a tow-bar is fitted. Drivers and passengers also require their personal storage space, and with the destination board and parcel trays their specific needs are catered for.

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BMW REVEALS BRAND NEW 3 SERIES!

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BMW has blown the covers off the brand new, all-new shape 3 Series, which comes to South Africa in 2012. The premium sedan, currently in second place on Mzansi sales charts in its segment, is the world leader, having sold more than 12 million units since the first model came off the assembly line in 1975. Its makers are pinning their hopes on this the 6^th generation to keep this going.

In general the car (codename F30) is longer, larger than the E90 it replaces. Designers and engineers are said to have addressed one of the most popular criticisms of the current model; that it’s cramped at the rear. Despite this, some models are up to 40kg lighter than the ones they replace.

For inspiration on looks, search no farther than the 5 Series, which the 3 resembles like a son would a father. The front lights clusteris strong and powerful, reflecting influences from the Z4 as well. The side profile is defined by a ready-to-pounce stance, low front end and high bum. Rear lights cluster combines with the sculptured boot area to reveal a complex fusion of cuts.

For now three engines and four models are being launched. On the diesel front is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 120kW on the EfficientDynamics and 135kW on the normal 320d. Torque peak for both is 380Nm between 1750rpm and 2750 rpm. These cars will be available in either 6-speedmanual or 8-speed automatic.

The 328i and 335i are sizably misbadged for their designations, with the former having a 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the latter is the old 3.0-litre turbo motor. Max power for the 328i is 180kW matched by 350Nmof torque. The 335i remains the same at 225kW and 400Nm. I guess there will be a power upgrade only in 2014 for the facelift.

More upmarket than ever before, the 3 Series, depending on which one you buy, will have such things as ConnectedDrive with Google Maps and real time traffic information that warns the driver of any traffic problems along his/ her chosen route. 

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