All New Volkswagen Sharan to get debut at 85th International Geneva Motor Show 2015.

• Even more technical highlights for the popular Volkswagen MPV
• New TSI and TDI engines are up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient

Volkswagen is presenting the technically updated Sharan at the Geneva International Motor Show. Numerous new convenience and assistance systems make the family-friendly MPV one of the most advanced models in its segment. 

A wide range of infotainment systems also guarantees full connectivity to many smartphones and tablets. 

At the same time, the fuel economy of the petrol and diesel engines was improved by up to 15 per cent. The updated Sharan will arrive on the German market this summer; advance sales begin in April.

Along with the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically initiates braking after a collision if the driver is no longer able to intervene, numerous optional assistance systems are available in the updated Sharan as well. 

They include the ambient traffic monitoring system Front Assist with integrated City Emergency Braking, the Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the third generation of Park Assist (for assisted parking and exiting from parking spaces) and the Blind Spot Monitor, which warns of vehicles in the blind spot when changing lanes.

The petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines, which are as powerful as they are efficient, have been completely redesigned. The turbocharged direct-injection engines are now up to 15 per cent more fuel-efficient, and they all conform to the Euro-6 emissions standard. The two TSI engines produce 110 kW / 150 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS. 

The power of the strongest petrol engine is increased by 15 kW / 20 PS. The diesel engines are offered at three power levels: 85 kW / 115 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS (gain of 10 PS) and 135 kW / 184 PS (gain of 7 PS). All engines (except the 85 kW TDI) may be combined with the agile 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which now also enables the fuel-saving coasting function (decoupling of the engine from the drivetrain when foot is taken off the accelerator pedal).

The second generation of the modular infotainment platform is used in the Sharan; it offers a maximum level of connectivity. The Sharan is one of the first Volkswagen vehicles to be equipped with "App Connect"; thanks to MirrorLinkTM, Android Auto (Google) and Car Play (Apple), a wide variety of apps can be fed into the new infotainment systems. The systems are also impressive due to their fast processors (optimised boot- up, quick route calculation, optimal touchscreen performance) and high-resolution displays.

In addition, the Sharan interior is upgraded with new accents and materials, and the instrument cluster is perfected. The rear of the Sharan now also has a more concise light signature thanks to LED technology.

* Fuel consumption of Sharan in l/100 km: 7.1 - 4.9 (combined); CO₂ emissions in g/km: 167 – 130 (combined), efficiency class: C-A (estimated, as of 16 February, 2015)

Introduction of new value-laden Note n-tec trim, giving better value for money on Nissan's Mini MPV

• Introduction of new value-laden Note n-tec trim costing £15,365 OTR
• Engineered for active, modern families with advanced safety features included as standard
• Updated exterior styling plus additional Safety Shield technologies and Rear View Camera
• Acenta Premium now features New NissanConnect with DAB radio as standard

Following on from the launch of the n-tec trim on X-Trail, Qashqai and Pulsar, Nissan has now introduced the popular trim to the British-built Note model range.

The new Note n-tec sits between the range-topping Tekna and mid-grade Acenta Premium featuring a number of technology, safety and design upgrades while still delivering maximum customer value for the £15,365 OTR price.

Starting on the outside, the Note n-tec is an attractive compact family car thanks to an enhanced styling package including new 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver door handles and wing mirror covers plus the choice of eight paint colours – including a new metallic Ink Blue finish exclusive to n-tec.

Upgraded styling extends to the black bezel headlamps, aerodynamic front bumper, carbon-look rear bumper, unique blue stitch on the leather steering wheel and rear privacy glass. The Note n-tec is available with a six-speed manual 1.2-litre 80PS petrol engine that emits 109g/km with a combined fuel consumption figure of 60.1mpg.

Moving inside, Nissan has enhanced the Note’s value proposition further by including New NissanConnect – featuring 5.8” touchscreen satellite navigation – DAB radio and a Rear View Camera. Previously only available on Tekna and now standard on n-tec is Nissan’s award-winning Safety Shield suite of technologies including Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Lane Departure Warning.

The Note range enhancements extend to the mid-grade Acenta Premium too, where it benefits from the addition of the New NissanConnect system with DAB radio and Bluetooth handsfree with audio streaming.

Prices for Note Acenta Premium trim start from £14,465 OTR with a choice of one diesel engine and three petrol engines. The new Note n-tec and updated Acenta Premium trims are available from all participating Nissan franchised dealers nationwide.

BusinessCar Awards Ford's Fiesta & S-Max two awards, Best MPV & Best Supermini 2015.

Two popular Ford models have been honoured in this year’s BusinessCar Awards – for the eighth consecutive year for the S-MAX.

The stylish and sporty Ford S-MAX tightened its grip on the award for Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle – held since 2008.  Ford Fiesta, the UK’s top-selling car, took BusinessCar’s Supermini of the Year prize.

The only awards decided by fleet managers themselves, the BusinessCar honours are highly prized within the industry and underline Ford’s popularity among fleets.

Ford S-MAX – due to be renewed this Summer – has enjoyed a remarkable run of success both in the annual BusinessCar Awards and combined fleet and retail market, reaching over 82,000 UK registrations since its 2006 debut.

Paul Barker, BusinessCar editor, said:  “Ford’s S-MAX has been a class apart since launch, bringing people-carrying practicality without boxy people-carrying looks. Though this generation is soon to be replaced by an even classier new model, it is going out with a bang and still looks great compared to rivals.”

The Ford Fiesta earned its Best Supermini honour because it is “high on quality as well as quantity”.  Paul Barker added:  “Driving enjoyment, efficiency, good running costs and clever technology all combine to make it a popular choice. Our readers – the people choosing these models for their business – have picked the Fiesta as their favourite mainstream supermini, and that’s testament to the car’s all-round ability.”

Incoming new Ford of Britain fleet director Nick Themistocleous, said:  “The seven-seat coupé that is the Ford S-MAX deserves its superb run of success in the BusinessCar Awards and its 2015 replacement will enjoy an equally positive response from readers.  Ford Fiesta adds another significant accolade to its vast collection of honours.”

Ford of Europe to expand production of all its best sellers as sales start to grow.

• Ford increases production at its German assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, to meet growing customer demand
• Ford Fiesta production in Cologne to increase in February by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles; additional weekend shifts planned
• Ford Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX production in Saarlouis to increase by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles
• In 2014, Ford’s European market share rose by 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent in 2014, the highest level since 2011

Ford is increasing production at its assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, Germany, to meet growing demand for several top-selling vehicles. 

From next week, Ford is increasing production of the Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX at the Saarlouis plant by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles. The Ford Focus and C-MAX are Ford’s second and third best-selling vehicles in Europe.

In February, Ford’s plant in Cologne will increase production of the Ford Fiesta by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles and six additional weekend shifts have been scheduled in January and February. The Fiesta is Ford’s No.1 best-selling vehicle in Europe, and is on-track to become Europe’s No.1 best-selling small car for 2014 for the third successive year.

“We are ramping up production of some of our top-selling models to meet growing demand from Ford customers as well as the normal industry sales increase in the first half of the year,” said Jeff Wood, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.

Ford last week reported its 2014 sales* increased by 7.3 per cent compared to 2013, outpacing total industry growth. Ford’s total vehicle market share rose 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent – its highest level since 2011. Ford remained Europe’s No.2 top-selling vehicle brand.

This year will be one of the busiest years ever for Ford of Europe in terms of new vehicle introductions. In addition to the full roll out of the new Focus and all-new Mondeo, Ford will launch the new versions of the Galaxy, S-MAX, C‑MAX, Grand C-MAX, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Focus ST and Focus ST diesel, Mustang fastback and convertible, and refreshed versions of EcoSport, Ranger, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect. The all-new Edge SUV will go into production in late 2015. 

UK RECALL #17 - MITSUBISHI (Again) - Brake lamps may fail to illuminate.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2014/109
Manufacturer Ref :	R3025630,R3025631
Make:	MITSUBISHI
Model :	Outlander and Grandis
Launch Date :	28/11/2014
Numbers Involved :	3888
Build Start Date :	24/01/2007
Build End Date :	13/10/2009

Recall Details
Concern :	BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE
Description :	Silicon grease, applied to the brake light switch during production, may penetrate the switch and insulate the contacts. This may prevent the stop lamps from operating and, on vehicles with automatic transmission, the shift lever cannot be moved from the park position.
Remedial Action :	Clean mounting and replace brake light switch
Vehicle Id :	JMAXJCW8W7U001659 to JMAXJCW8W9F506298 JMALJNA8W9Z000101 to JMALJNA8W9Z000430 JMAXJCW7W8Z000586 to JMAXJCW7W9F005996

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

MITSUBISHI - OUTLANDER MITSUBISHI - GRANDIS MITSUBISHI - OUTLANDER

Citroen and DS knows how to celebrate Christmas with these fun items.

• DS World Paris launches range of Christmas gifts, including chauffeur-driven experiences in a classic DS
• DS gift ideas also available in the UK through the web store at 
• https://webstore.citroen.co.uk/

DS World Paris is showcasing a host of unique, original and sophisticated gift ideas for Christmas. Themed gifts from DS World Paris include chauffeur-driven tours through the city in a classic DS, offering an opportunity to discover the ‘city of light’ on board this legendary car.

EXCLUSIVE TO DS WORLD PARIS

DS World Paris is offering two experiences on board the legendary vehicle. ‘Eternal Paris’ and ‘Romantic Paris’ experiences offer an opportunity to discover the magic of Christmas in a classic DS, in the company of a chauffeur-guide.

THIS BAG COSTS NEARLY £800.00 

WHAT A TOTAL AND UTTER RIP OFF

Ideal for couples or for nostalgic fans of Paris, and the DS, these gift experiences are available exclusively at DS World Paris.

Also available exclusively from DS World Paris, the ‘Midnight Platinium’ candle by Marianne Guedin transports the senses into a pastoral and elegant world. Available in a limited edition of 100 examples, each candle is numbered and signed by Marianne Guedin.

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

Designed by the DS Styling Centre, the DS weekend bag illustrates the DS brand’s expertise. Made entirely of full-grain calfskin leather, its sophisticated look and elegant finish are inspired by haute couture. The leather features a delicately-traced DS monogram in relief.

The DS ladies’ watch is a model of understated elegance and smooth curves. This modern, sophisticated accessory expresses the feminine side of the DS spirit, just in time for Christmas.

What child has not dreamed of driving a real car? DS has designed pedal-driven and ride-on children’s DS vehicles – including the striking DS 3 – which are sure to enchant younger drivers. Both cars feature the same distinctive details as their larger siblings, including DS badges and shark’s fin styling ques.