KTM shows zero emission bikes in Tokyo

The Austrian brand KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label KTM Freeride.

KTM shows electric potential

One and a half years after its commitment to developing an electrically-driven bike, KTM, the sports motorcycle company headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria is now determinedly on the way towards the production of a series-ready zero emission motorcycle. Under the label Freeride, KTM is simultaneously presenting two series-ready versions of the electrically-driven motorcycle that truly express the sporting spirit of the brand, bikes that transport the company motto Ready to Race right into the 21st century. The KTM zero emission motorcycles are being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show on 26-28 March, 2010.

The foundation stone for this development is KTMs clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sport and its intention to further offensively expand the strongest pillar of the company business and with a unique product for which there is, to date, no real comparison. Thanks to the positive conditions to the design concept (no noise pollution and zero emission) this revolutionary development opens up perspectives for completely new applications. The Freeride creations carry the promise of an acceptable return for the use of motorcycle sporting activities, also in urban areas.

Ford is Winning More New Customer from Competing Brands

Ford Motor Company is increasingly attracting customers who are trading in vehicles from competing brands, one of the keys to Fords recent market share gains in U.S.

For the Ford brand, the rate of customers who traded in competitive brand vehicles rose 18 percent from the 2005 to 2009 model year. The conquest rate for Lincoln rose 61 percent, while Mercury saw a 12 percent increase from the 2005 to 2009 model year.

Were finding that when customers of competing brands check out our new lineup and understand the quality, fuel efficiency and value we offer, they are increasingly becoming Ford owners, said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. The strength of our new products is making the difference in a very competitive marketplace.

Among Ford vehicles, the Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid and Mustang attract the most customers who trade in competing brands. For example, more than 60 percent of trade-ins for the Fusion Hybrid were non-Ford vehicles. More than 50 percent of trade-ins for the Ford Mustang were competitive brands.

Were seeing customers from competing brands in the showroom that we havent seen in a long time, if ever, said Kevin Collins, president and owner of the Bill Collins Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership in Louisville, Ky. Customers have been looking at our products for two reasons. They are impressed with Ford products quality improvement, and they are pleasantly surprised with our entire lineup. Ford is back on their shopping list.

Winning new customers from competing brands has been a key to Fords ability to gain market share in the U.S. Ford gained U.S. market share in 2009, its first full-year market share gain since 1995. Ford has now gained market share for 16 of the past 17 months.

As Ford attracts new customers, it is seeing a demographic shift among its owners. Since 2002, the average household income of Ford customers has risen about 20 percent and the number of Ford customers with college degrees has risen nearly 10 percent.

The G2 Motor Group is now displaying their cars on Cars.co.za

Cars.co.za is proud to announce that the G2 Motor Group has signed on and their cars are now available on Cars.co.za. With 33 Dealerships across the country, the G2 group has a massive amount of stock and you are sure to find the car that you want. Unique to the G2 group is their G2 promise which guarantees that their cars will include:

114 Point check
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Optional 2 years/unlimited kilometers Warranty
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As always Cars.co.za aims to provide you, the customer, with the largest and most comprehensive stock of used cars on the internet to ensure you find the particular car you are looking for.

New Ford Fiesta offered in four and five-door body styles

Internationally acclaimed with more than half a million units sold worldwide, the new Ford Fiesta compact is set for another debut at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show. The unveiling of the four-door Fiesta in ASEAN follows a whirlwind series of introductions for Ford’s global compact that started in Europe one year ago and has progressively moved across the world.

New Ford Fiesta to rule ASEAN markets

The Fiesta’s full arrival in ASEAN also signifies the continued role of Thailand as a global production hub for Ford Motor Company, where both the four- and five-door models will be produced for the ASEAN markets, with exports also planned for markets that include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Available in four- and five-door body styles, the new Ford Fiesta will include a choice of two E20-capable petrol powertrains and a comprehensive list of features for safety, connectivity and technology.

The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Thailand at all Ford showrooms in August.

Fun and fuel efficient

Whether it’s the standard 1.4-litre manual or available 1.6-litre equipped with Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, the new Ford Fiesta delivers on both spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with PowerShift also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control as standard.

The standard I-4 is more than capable with 69 KW at 5750 rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 87 KW at 6000 rpm. Combined fuel economy ratings, to be announced during the introduction of the new Fiesta, are expected to be among the class leaders when the model goes on sale.

The 1.6-litre engine utilises Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that optimises camshaft phasing for exceptional throttle response, performance and flexibility across the rpm range.

With both the manual and automatic transmissions, gear ratios have been selected to provide spirited acceleration characteristics

Drivers opting for the larger engine also will benefit from the new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic that is preferred in busy urban traffic. Often found in larger, more premium cars, the availability of a six-speed automatic in a small car signals Ford’s commitment to offer the latest vehicle technology across a spectrum of passenger cars.

Fiesta is the first Ford small car in the region to be equipped with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed combines the sportiness of a manual transmission and, with six forward gears, allows the engine to run at reduced speeds for better fuel economy and less wear and tear on the engine.

Mazda3 Axela Sport celebrates 90th anniversary

As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched a special edition Mazda3 Axela Sport (known overseas as the Mazda3 hatchback) outfitted with performance accessories. The Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 S Style goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Sporty features define Mazda3 Axela Sport

The Mazda3 Axela Sport 1.5 S Style is based on the 1.5-liter Axela Sport and qualifies for Japans eco-car incentive program and 50 percent tax reductions under the governments tax reduction program. New features include 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, side spoilers, LED rear combination lights and dark tinted glass.

The version with 16-inch wheels also boasts attractive features such as discharge headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 4.1-inch multi-information display. The color liquid crystal screen displays information for the audio, climate control, trip computer and other systems.

This 90th anniversary commemorative special edition Mazda3 Axela Sport offers outstanding eco-friendly and safety features as well as Mazdas hallmark fun-to-drive dynamic performance.

BMW Motorrad USA posts strong February sales

The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.

BMW Motorrad sells up a storm in the USA

The spike in February retail sales is largely attributed to the long-awaited availability of the production version of the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Dealers had confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers began in late January and continued through February. Other top-selling models included the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the popular R 1200 RT.

BMW Motorrad USAs strong February sales continued the companys industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.

Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010, commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.

New Lexus CT 200h Premium Compact Hybrid For U.S. Market

It has been announced that the new Lexus CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment.

New Lexus CT 200h to compete in compact hatch segment

The sporty five-door will be on display March 31 through April 11 at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. The new Lexus CT 200h debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in early March and will join the HS 250h as Lexus second dedicated hybrid.

The CT 200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy and deliver low emissions, but the CT 200h isnt just about being a hybrid, its about having fun, said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. The stylish CT 200h has an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid. It will excite eco-conscious, young consumers and symbolize urban, luxury living.

To reach this energetic and technology-savvy buyer, Lexus is taking a new approach to marketing the new Lexus CT 200h. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will release a breakthrough interactive short film that offers a new take on the test drive by providing the viewer a fully immersive way to experience the new Lexus CT 200h.

Hybrid Powertrain

The new Lexus CT 200h is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology.

The CT 200hs Lexus Hybrid Drive technology features two motor generators. Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and generator. The engine-driven generator can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor as needed. The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the hybrid battery pack or generator and provides motive force for the front wheels. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance.

The electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in one highly compact casing the size of a conventional gearbox, with drive to the front wheels provided by Lexus Hybrid Drives quiet and smooth shift-by-wire, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT).

New Kia Optima to showcase fresh design direction

The new Kia Optima (currently, also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

“The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.”

Striking design for new Kia Optima

The new Kia Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheel arches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the new Kia Optima features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima’s intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

“The Optima embodies Kia’s confident new design direction,” says Schreyer. “It’s a global car with individual appeal.”

New Opel Astra Wins red dot Design Award in Europe

A great honor for the new Opel Astra: An international expert jury has recognized the compact car with the internationally known red dot award in the product design category.

New Opel Astra proves popular

The new Opel Astra can add the red dot to an expanding trophy case that started with the Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel), by Germanys AutoBild and its European affiliates and has expanded in recent weeks to three important awards in Spain and a viewers choice prize in Romania, proving that the Astra is valued throughout Europe not only for its sleek lines but also for its innovative technologies.

For the first time since the 1973 inception of Spains most prestigious national prize, the new Opel Astra has earned the title Car of the Year by ABC newspaper. The compact has also won Readers Choice 2010 from Prensa Ibérica, La Vanguardia and AutoFácil, and the Car of the Year 2010 in the Canary Islands.

In Romania, 30.000 people voted Astra as “Car No. 1” in a competition organized by an automotive TV show. That award was presented March 14.

Honored for the evolution of Opels bespoke design language

The new Opel Astra, developed at Opels European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, continues the natural evolution of Opels design language, sculptural artistry meets German precision first introduced on the Insignia and bringing it newly interpreted for the compact class.

It is a very special honor to receive this endorsement from an international jury of non-automotive designers. It confirms once again that Opel is on the right track by offering the highest quality components and materials matching the upscale execution, says Mark Adams, vice president of Opel/Vauxhall Design.

This prize is added to the impressive list of awards already attributed to the new Opel Astra since it went on sale in December 2009. So far, the elegant compact has received 16 awards, including the 2010 Golden Steering Wheel award. The Astra was also named 2010 Car of the year in several countries like Spain.

New Alfa Romeo Spider 2uettottanta Concept

To mark its own 80th anniversary and to celebrate Alfa Romeo’s 100th birthday, Pininfarina has released at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show its proposal for a new Alfa Romeo Spider, one of the models that has defined Alfa Romeo for more than half its history and in which Pininfarina has had a strong guiding hand.

Alfa Romeo Spider goes into concept phase

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is designed to be exciting and a delight to drive, for drivers looking for a mixture of extrovert entertainment, and the pleasure of life in the open air. The name, 2uettottanta, evokes the legendary Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto but also a very Italian product, which has become an export brand, representing the inexhaustible talent that the world associates with Italy.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept reflects Pininfarina’s determination to look to the future with optimism following tradition, restating its excellence in design and its acknowledged capacity for aesthetic and technological innovation. It is a concept that represents an innovative approach, projected into the third millennium, to a topic that is firmly rooted in Pininfarina history, the 2-seater spider. And like the best Alfa Romeo sports cars to come from Pininfarina’s pencil, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept exalts the driving experience and concentrates on the excitement of being at the wheel of an open car with a great aesthetic personality.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is also a tribute to Alfa Romeo, which celebrates its centenary in 2010: the alliance between Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina is one of the most significant and durable in the history of the car, one of men and of passion, of design and cutting-edge technical solutions, which has generated an inestimable number of good-looking, innovative cars with plenty of temperament but with a predilection for sports cars and convertibles. The aim is to replicate all this with the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept.

For this project, the Pininfarina creative team were given carte blanche to express the values inherent in the Alfa Romeo spider “by Pininfarina”, the values that are deemed to have made the Giulietta Spider or the Duetto all-time classics. To achieve this result, the car was given a particular set-up, with a low centre of gravity and a passenger compartment that is very exposed so as not to isolate the occupants from the surrounding environment. The result is to bring the road “nearer” to the eyes of the driver and to increase the sense of dynamism even at low speed.

Source: Alfa Romeo