Wheels and Deals
Volkswagen has delivered almost two million passenger cars for the first time in the first four months of a year.
Some 1.99 million vehicles were handed over to customers in the period to April, an increase of 4.6% over the January-April 2013 total of 1.91m vehicles sold.
The brand delivered 513,400 units in April, a 6.8% increase over the 2013 figure of 480,900 units.
“Volkswagen Passenger Cars grew deliveries yet again in April and on the one hand that is due to good sales developments in China and Europe, and on the other it is attributable to sustained high demand for products such as the Golf, now in the seventh generation of its 40-year history,” commented Christian Klingler, board member for sales and marketing for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand.
He added, however, that the global market was still ‘a mixed bag’ and therefore remained challenging.
VW passenger cars delivered 567,800 vehicles on the overall European market in the first four months, of which 298,400 were handed over in Western Europe (excluding Germany).
Deliveries in the company’s home market rose slightly to 184,100 units. Developments in the Central and Eastern Europe region in the period to April were stable, with deliveries running at 85,300 units. The company handed over some 45,800 vehicles to customers in Russia during the same period.
The brand recorded a 16.2% increase in deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region in the period to April, handing over 993,400 vehicles and of these 921,400 models were delivered in China.
Ford has announced that the first 500 new Mustang models for Europe will be made available to reserve from the start of the game until the moment the match ends, whether after extra time – or penalties.
Ford has been an official UEFA Champions League partner since 1992. This year the Final in Lisbon, Portugal, is expected to attract a Europe-wide audience of 70m football fans and 165m around the world.
“The arrival of the new Ford Mustang in Europe is an event that deserves the biggest possible stage,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, marketing, sales & service, Ford of Europe. “We hope that making the first models available to order at the exact moment the Final kicks off will ensure a reach which matches the significance.”
Both fastback and convertible Mustang models are available — the fastback in Race Red and the convertible in Magnetic Silver — and can be equipped with Ford’s all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers outstanding fuel economy and output projected at more than 309 PS and 407 Nm of torque; or the 5.0 litre V8 engine – yielding more than 426 PS and 529 Nm of torque.
Consumers can log onto www.ford.com now to view information, graphics and videos about the new Mustang and the iconic car’s 50-year heritage.
Mitsubishi Motors has announced the launch price of the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which will go on sale in Ireland in June
For initial orders delivered to customers from June 2014, there will be two trim levels available; the entry level Intense+ and the top-of-the-range Instyle, costing €41,950 and €47,450 respectively.
The retail price includes the €5,000 SEAI grant and Government VRT relief for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (currently in place until December 31). The price is also inclusive of batteries.
Comparing favourably with the equivalent diesel version in the current Outlander line-up that retails at €39,950, the PHEV version presents, Mitsubishi says, a real alternative for families and business users alike seeking to reduce the cost of motoring without compromising on performance or function.
The company says the Outlander PHEV is the world’s first self-power generating Twin Motor (permanent) 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV and when it launches in Ireland it will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle available for Irish motorists.
Citroën has never been short of innovation, but I think it is fair to say it is a real first to have come up with a car inspired by a cosmetics company.
The ‘DS3 by Benefit’ special edition, has been designed in collaboration with Benefit cosmetics — and it is now available in Ireland.
On sale from May 21 and priced from €20,395, the DS3 by Benefit takes inspiration, we’re told, from Benefit’s fun and iconic beauty products. The car will be joined on tour by the ‘Candy Stripes’ concept car, which uses colours from the Benefit palette with the brand’s signature pink and yellow motif and a graphic of the San Francisco skyline – Benefit’s spiritual home — along the side profile.
And, a Citroën DS3 by Benefit Tour offers the public the opportunity to view the stunning new Limited Edition model and ‘Candy Stripes’ concept car, at various locations including Blanchardstown and Mahon Point Shopping Centres and Dundrum Town Centre.
The body is finished in Ruby Red metallic paint with a white roof and door mirrors, along with dark tinted rear windows, chrome detailing and 17” white alloy wheels.
The chic styling continues inside with a white dashboard, air vent surrounds and gear stick cap; bespoke black velour carpet mats with red piping and red Benefit logo, and aluminium pedals. A generous specification includes day-time running LED lights, air conditioning and a Connecting Box with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Michelin has increased to 15 their network of Michelin Certified Centres in Ireland — 12 of which are in the Republic and three in Northern Ireland.
Newly appointed are the O’Hanlon Tyres dealerships in Millstreet and Castleisland.
