BMW Sales Hit Over One Million in First Half of 2014

The first half of 2014 has proved very fruitful for the German brands on a global basis, with BMW being the leader of the pack with over a million sales, followed by Audi with 869 350 units delivered, while Mercedes-Benz came in third with 783 520 cars.

BMW sales breakdown in 2014: January to June

BMW delivered a total of 1 020 211 vehicles to customers worldwide, including MINI and Rolls Royce vehicles, an increase of 6.9% over the same period in 2013 (954 501). Sales in June also reached an all-time high: deliveries increased 4.8% with a total of 193 342 vehicles sold last month (prev. yr. 184 489).

“This is the first time we’ve sold more than a million cars in the first half of the year and underscores the strength of our premium brands within the BMW Group,” said Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board of management for sales and marketing. He said sales should continue to grow in the second half of the year, when new vehicles like the BMW X4 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer come onto the market.

Global BMW brand vehicle sales in June climbed 7.3% to 164 214 units. Since the start of 2014, 886 347 BMWs have been delivered to customers worldwide – an increase of 10.2% over the 2013 figure of 804 227.

  • Sales of the BMW 2 Series reached 11 067 by July 2014.
  • BMW-owned Rolls-Royce reported a steep increase in sales globally. Since January 2014, the automaker sold 1968 units.
  • 3 Series: 233 438 cars delivered (216 593 in 2013), 7.8% increase
  • 4 Series – available since September 2013 – reached 47 031 in the year-to-date.
  • 5 Series rose 7.6% in the same period (193 560 /2013: 179 863).
  • 7 Series sales increased 6.4% in June with a total of 5358 deliveries (5035 in 2013)
  • X1 sales remained steady in the first half of 2014 with 79 344 units delivered
  • X3 demand continued to grow in June with a total of 82 830 customer deliveries (2013: 77 950 / +6.3%).
  • X5 was a significant growth driver in June with 13 097 deliveries (2013: 9661 / + 35.6%)
  • X6 saw an increase of 18.4% (3341 / 2822 in 2013)
  • 1241 i3s were delivered to customers, bringing the year-to-date sales for the electric vehicle up to 5396.

Audi 2014 record sales

With year-on-year sales growth of 11.4%, Audi achieved the best first half year in its company history. In June alone, the company delivered around 155 450 cars worldwide, exceeding the figure in the same period last year by 10.8 percent.

Audi says strong sales in China, Spain and the US contributed to its first-half growth. Global sales of the A3 increased 49%, while the Q3 and Q7 SUVs rose 37% and 21% respectively.

In China, though, Audi is still struggling. Compared to BMW, its sales are slower but the company did manage to sell more than 50 000 units in a month for the first time since they started selling their cars there.

Mercedes-Benz 2014 record sales

Sitting at number three, Mercedes-Benz follows with an impressive record of 783 520 cars sold in the first half of the year. The company says this record counts as the best unit sales result in any half year in its history to date. In the month of June the company delivered 142 136 passenger cars (+8.0%).

In China, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer continued on its strong course and has pushed sales up to 135 972 units since the beginning of the year (+37.5%).

In South Africa, the brand’s unit sales have risen by 10.3% to 11 388 units since the beginning of the year. In June the brand posted an increase of 30.1% in June (3430 units). The C-Class accounted for most of the sales, with 1421 units sold.

The newly SA launched 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ‘represents a bold departure from its predecessor.’ It features a long hood and shorter overhangs along with a narrower glasshouse and more flowing lines. It is optionally available with the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup and a number of safety systems such as Active Parking Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong-Way Alert. For detailed pricing and specifications of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, click here.

2014 Honda Accord Pricing & Specs for South Africa


The all-new 2014 Honda Accord has been launched in South Africa and we have the pricing and specifications for the flagship luxury sedan.

Engines

The headline act of the 2014 Honda Accord is the introduction of a meaty 3.5-litre V6 engine. As Honda points out, there’s no point in having a flagship Accord with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine as the most powerful motor. This new V6 has 207 kW and 339 Nm, meaning it’ll 100 kph in just 7.2 seconds, while recording a fuel consumption figure of 9.2l/100 km on the combined cycle.

The entry-level car features the 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the old car and that produces 114 kW of power, together with 190 Nm of torque. You’ll see 100 kph come up in 11.7 seconds, with fuel economy rated at 7.5l/100 km.

The middle of the range 2014 Honda Accord comes with the all-new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. It has an output of 132 kW and 225 Nm and Honda claims it will consume 8.1l/100 km. Performance is rated at 10.6 seconds for the 0-100 kph sprint.

Features and Specifications

The 2014 Honda Accord now features three petrol versions with three trim levels: Elegance, Executive and Exclusive. The strength and selling point of the 2014 Honda Accord means you have many features fitted as standard. The Elegance and Executive four-cylinder models come with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the new V6 comes with a six-speed auto box.

Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance

Even in the entry level Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance, you get electrically adjustable folding mirrors, electric windows front and rear, armrests front and rear, a leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, cruise control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a lockable glove box and a rear air-conditioning vent for the passengers’ comfort. Heated leather seats for both driver and passenger are fitted too.

It doesn’t stop there! There’s also a Multi-Information Display with rear view camera as well as a six-speaker audio system with touchscreen display, Bluetooth hands-free calling convenience and USB and auxiliary connections with MP3/WMA compatibility for personal music devices. The Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance comes with 17-inch alloy wheels too.

Safety is a crucial part of the all-new Honda Accord and it features an abundance of technologies. ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and a Tyre Deflation Warning System comes standard.

Honda Accord 2.4 Executive

The next model up is the Honda Accord 2.4 Executive, which has all the above features and adds on gearshift paddles behind the multi-function steering wheel, push button start (as opposed to a key), and a subwoofer for the six speaker audio system. There are also LED headlights, active cornering lights and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Finally, there’s a glass sunroof and 18-inch wheels.

Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive

The top of the range Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive goes all out in terms of specification and the only thing I can’t see on the list is satellite navigation. The main add-ons here are in the safety department and include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lanewatch Blindspot Display, which is a personal favourite.

Other noteworthy features for this model include sunshades for the rear window and rear side windows, and a cool technology called Active Sound Control (ASC) system which is claimed to suppress engine noise.

2014 Honda Accord Price in South Africa

2014 Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance – R389 000
2014 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive – R449 000
2014 Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive – R549 000

The price includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan for the Accord 2.0 Elegance and 2.4 Executive. The 3.5 V6 Exclusive comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km service plan. One year of roadside assistance is also thrown in.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Wins Major Design Award

The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class received the Red Dot Award for Product Design in what is one of the world’s largest product competitions for design quality.

The so-called Red Dot Award aims to reward products with a high standard of design. The award is granted each year by a panel made up of international experts. This year 1816 manufacturers, designers and architects from 53 countries submitted their products and projects in an effort to win the coveted Red Dot. The 40-man jury made its decisions on the winners for 2014 as part of an evaluation process lasting several days.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV impressed the jury primarily with its elegance and sportiness. The independent expert jury comprising members from different countries was impressed by the design quality of the V-Class. “It’s elegant and at the same time sporty design makes the V-Class a modern MPV offering plenty of space”, said the jury in its reasoning statement in the Red Dot Design Yearbook 2014/2015.

In addition to the V-Class, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLA models received prizes for high design quality.

Volvo Planning More Powerful V40 Polestar Version

Volvo is apparently already working on bringing out a more powerful version of the yet to be launched V40 Polestar hatchback.

Powerful Volvo V40 Polestar to take on the Focus RS

According to Auto Express, the V40 Polestar will be equipped with an all-new 234 kW four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. The engine is said to come from the 2015 XC90’s T8 ‘Twin Engine’ Hybrid. It will reportedly complete the 0-100 km/h run in less than six seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The powerful engine is not the only enhancement to come with the hatchback. It will also come fully equipped with a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, as well as adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers and high-performance Brembo brakes.

The report further says it’s unclear whether the V40 Polestar will remain a front-wheel drive model or switch to an all-wheel-drive set-up as the V40 Cross Country.

More details are expected to emerge leading to the completion of the project.

Pictured above is the Volvo V40 R-Design (of which the Polestar is somewhat based upon) which made its first public appearance at Paris Motor Show in 2012. It is distinguished by a silk-material framed high gloss grille with a different front bumper and daytime running lights. There’s also an ironstone diffuser, twin exhaust tailpipes and 17-inch (optional 18-inch available) five-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels.

You read more about in Ciro De Siena’s review here.

Mitsubishi Pajero Barbarian Announced for UK

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announced a new addition to the Pajero line-up, the Pajero SWB (short wheel base) Barbarian. It’s a style enhanced version of the normal Pajero but made to look aggressive and mean.

This special edition Mitsubishi Pajero Barbarian features chrome mirrors, a colour matching spare tyre cover and two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels. The model will be available in four colours including Black Pearl, Frost White, Eiger Grey and Cool Silver.

Power is courtesy of a 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops 147kW and 441Nm of torque.

The interior gets a few minor tweaks including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

We’re not certain if the Barbarian will make it to SA but with Mitsubishi SA already having the Pajero Sport in its lineup, the three-door Barbarian could be a nice addition.

 

Next Generation BMW X3 Slated for 2017

According to a report by Autobild, BMW is apparently getting ready to introduce its next generation BMW X3 in 2017, together with a plug-in hybrid variant and an X3 M for the following model year.

Refreshed engine line-up

Although details are limited at this stage, the report alleges the next generation BMW X3 will ride on a modular platform and feature a more accommodating interior with improved seats. Engine options are expected to include four- and six-cylinder engines which have been reworked to deliver an extra 11 kW.

The platform will supposedly be used on the next-generation X4 which is expected to arrive in 2018.

The plug-in hybrid system is said to have a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 180 kW and a 69 kW electric motor, allowing the model to produce a combined output of 220 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is expected to average at 3.8-litres/100 km and have an electric range of only 50 km.

BMW is also expected to build an X3 M edition to be powered by the same engine fitted in the recently launched M3 and M4 models. In addition to that model, BMW will add an X3 M40i variant said to pack a 264 kW twin-turbo inline six unit.

The company is yet to confirm the speculated details of the next generation BMW X3, so stay tuned for any new details.

Honda Civic Black Edition Launched In UK

Honda has officially launched a new Civic Black Edition in UK.

Honda Civic Black Edition detailed

Like the standard Civic range, the new Honda Civic Black Edition is available with either a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine delivering 88 kW and 300 Nm or with a 1.8 i-VTEC rated at 104 kW and 174 Nm.

The five-door hatchback additionally combines a number of gloss black elements to give a bold look with attitude. Its further equipped with black front and side skirts and exterior mirror housings while the roof-mounted spoiler has a glossy black finish. There’s also an aluminium “Black Edition” logo, a gloss black fuel lid cover and black alloy wheels.

“Once again we are doing all we can to bring down the cost of ownership for our customers with some very competitive offers on the ever-popular Civic,” said Honda UK chief Leon Brannan. “We are also very pleased to be introducing the special Black Edition which delivers the same versatility, refinement and efficiency which Civic customers want but with even further standout appeal.”

Best Car Adverts 2014 (Video)

There are hundreds of car adverts out there doing the rounds on your TV and internet, but very few are actually exciting and most times we end off with a sigh. Every now and then though, something comes around which elevates the heart rate a bit or tickles the funny bone. We’ve compiled a quick list of what we think are the some of the best car adverts doing the rounds at the moment.

Some of these you may have seen if you’ve been paying attention to your TV recently, others just live on the internet or come from overseas agencies.

Here are our top 5 current best car adverts:

1. BMW M4 ‘Ultimate Racetrack’

The new BMW M4 has just been launched in SA and we think this is one of the best car adverts. It totally does the car justice. Even if you’re not a BMW fan, just listen to the screaming engine note and hardcore shifting going on. Who doesn’t want their own racetrack aircraft carrier either?

2. Jaguar ‘Rendezvous’

Jaguar does a great job of using celebrity endorsement to maximise its brand image here. The Jaguar F-Type Coupe gets most of the attention as three movie villains try to convince us why all bad guys in films are played by Brits. It has a serious cool factor in it and an awesome backing soundtrack from the Jag’s V8.

3. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – Border post

Toyota shoots a lot of its adverts locally so it can give them the ‘local touch’ feel. Who can blame them though as the sell around 10 000 vehicles a month here? This car advert for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado shows the Prado seemingly heading into deep Africa being chased by border patrol. The ending is pretty comical and we can’t help but laugh along.

4. Fiat 500 Abarth

A great way for a car advert to get recognition is to ban it. That’s what happened with this Fiat 500 Abarth ad featuring Catrinel Menghia and now it lives on the internet, racking up the views. Who could blame an Italian car maker for playing the ‘sex sells’ card in this advert?

5. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

We’re hoping you haven’t had chance to see this just yet because it’s new and full-on America -YEAH! Electric guitar banging in the background, lots and lots of horsepower and some big slides to boot. This is a proper Dodge, not the Journey the brand keeps trying to sell us.

Renault SA Sales Increase Dramatically for 2014

Renault has almost doubled its sales during the first half of the year, with sales showing an impressive growth of +92% compared to last year.

Renault SA sales increase significantly during first half of the year

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), new vehicle sales for the month of June showed some resilience despite the South African economy continuing to experience pressures in the form of slower economic growth, high levels of industrial action, rising inflationary pressures and exchange rate vulnerability.

Renault’s private car sales grew by 92% in the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 which showed a decline of -7%.

The company’s performance can be attributed to the success of the New Clio, New Duster and the recently-launched New Sandero. Each of these models rank amongst the Top 5 in their respective segments, says Renault.

“These are excellent results in spite of the bleak backdrop and demonstrate, more than ever, Renault’s staying power and its firm entrenchment in the South African car market. Our passenger car line-up is the freshest in South Africa and Renault is now the fifth most-sold, non-premium brand in the passenger car market dealer channel,” says Niall Lynch, managing director at Renault South Africa.

NAAMSA figures show that some brands push their cars through rentals and self-registrations in order to limit the impact of the market drop, however, Lynch adds that “more than 90% of our cars are sold through our dealer network – which makes for real and healthy business.”

Top 5 rankings for Clio, Duster and New Sandero

All three of these new models, launched within a 12 month time frame contributed to Renault’s sales success.

The Clio continues to grow as a top 5 contender in the Super-Mini segment, while the New Sandero is considered as the “best offering” in the budget car segment. The Duster is already among the five most sold SUVs in SA with 2300 units purchased during the first half of 2014 and an overall total of more than 3500 units sold since its launch.

Renault also confirmed that the New Megane MY2014 will complete the renewal of its line-up. While information on the new model is still limited, it’s said that it will launch with two brand new engines and “sensuous and shapely styling” inspired by the brand’s new design language.

“With new products that enable us to make Renault’s intelligent technologies accessible to our South African clientele – on-board, live navigation and brand new technologically advanced engines for example – it’s clear to see why Renault SA is kicking off the second half of 2014 with optimism and confidence in spite of economic conditions that are not particularly favourable to the car market.”

Second Generation Subaru BRZ Confirmed

Following last week’s reports of a possible cancelation of the Subaru BRZ, the company has confirmed that it is in fact planning on launching a second generation Subaru BRZ.

Second generation Subaru BRZ in the works

Speaking to Automotive News, Fuji Heavy Industries president Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said that Subaru will again join forces with Toyota on the BRZ’s replacement, saying that the BRZ is “not going to be just one generation”.

Rumours about the BRZ being canned surfaced last week when Drive Magazine Australia conducted an interview with the 86?s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada. Tada was quoted saying that an agreement between Subaru and Toyota on the 86/BRZ replacement had yet to be confirmed. However, Yoshinaga’s comments puts those rumours to bed.

“Toyota and Fuji Heavy will work on a successor to the current generation, which debuted in 2012,” he said. “Without Toyota’s volume, it wouldn’t be viable for Subaru to build the car by itself.”

Toyota intends to expand its involvement with BMW as the pair are working together on a high-performance sports car which will be positioned above the GT 86. At present, Toyota relies on Subaru’s production facilities to build the 86, as both the 86 and BRZ are built on the same line in Gunma, Japan. This would mean that Subaru needs the higher sales volume of the 86 to help keep the BRZ financially sustainable.

This is great news as we at Cars.co.za love the little BRZ and a second generation Subaru BRZ will be widely anticipated.