Motoring October 2015

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015

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Toyota GT86 brings rearwheel drive back to rallying GT86 CS-R3 secures FIA homologation for international competition he Toyota GT86 CS-R3 has become the first new rear-wheel drive rally car to gain homologation from motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, in the 21st century.

It marks the culmination of an extended development programme in which Toyota Motorsport overcame the challenge of making the coupe the first rear-wheel drive car to meet the requirements of

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rallying’s R3 category, which up to now has been contested exclusively by front wheel drive cars.

Homologation means the GT86 CS-R3 is eligible to compete in any rally which runs to FIA regulations, including the World Rally Championship.

Inspired by Toyota’s great rallying heritage, the GT86 CS-R3 is designed to offer excitement for both drivers and fans. Toyota Motorsport’s early forays in world

rallying produced memorable performance from the great Toyota Team Europe cars, such as the rear-wheel drive Celica Twincam Turbo – hailed as the “King of Africa” for its multiple Safari Rally successes.

The new car is designed for private customers, combining the racy good looks of the road-going GT86 with a development of its two-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine. Part of the challenge faced

by Toyota Motorsport was reduce

the engine’s compression ratio to meet the R3 category requirements. Thanks to state-ofthe-art development tools and changes to the engine’s internal parts and software, maximum power has been increased to 232hp with peak torque of 235Nm. The unit is matched to a sixspeed sequential transmission produced by gearbox specialists Dreth and designed for use in a rear-wheel drive powertrain, with

a limited-slip rear differential.

The GT86’s nimble handling has been further improved through a weight-optimisation programme and the use of upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust.

The safety provisions include a roll cage, fitted as standard.

For more information on Toyota and its products visit the Toyota showroom situated in Mdina Road Zebbug log on the Toyota Malta Facebook page or call on 2269 4000.

UNEC deliver 4 new DAF mixer trucks to Attard Brothers nited Equipment Co. (UNEC) Ltd. who are part of Bonnici Group have just delivered four brand new DAF concrete mixing trucks to Attard Brothers. The four DAF trucks, all carrying Attard Bros’ logo and corporate colours, arrived last month and following the final inspection, were delivered to Attard Bros’ plant in Ta’ Qali.

John Bonello, Sales Executive at UNEC who oversaw the project’s delivery expressed his satisfaction at the successful delivery of the four new vehicles.

“This was a substantial investment by Attard Bros who chose the DAF brand for its growing fleet of concrete mixers. When it comes to heavy vehicles for the transport and construction industry, DAF is a highly respected brand and this latest acquisition

by Attard Bros. confirms the respect that DAF enjoys with one of the largest construction companies in Malta,” said John Bonello.

The four Euro 6-engined CF Construction trucks are a specially developed model purposely for construction applications. This

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model is robust, comfortable, practical and economical and has been built to be particularly efficient in 'off road' environments. Its chassis has been newly designed for maximum rigidity and it also

includes excellent handling characteristics with plenty of free space for components, such as the support legs of a crane or hydraulic tanks.

With an option of three or four axles, the

CF Construction trucks are amongst the ideal vehicles for transportation of sand, building materials or cement.

Chris Calleja from Attard Bros explained how the four new trucks are now set to replace four older models. “The construction industry is constantly evolving and new demands require us to be at the forefront when it comes to equipment.

These four new models, equipped with the latest technology, means that we will also be operating in a more cost-effective manner. The construction industry is going through a positive time and we want to be equipped for future new projects and opportunities,” said Chris Calleja.

“The Bonnici Group has nurtured an excellent business relationship with Attard Bros who have already experienced the DAF brand with previous purchases as well as the local after-sales support offered by our highly and continually-trained technicians. With DAF's continuous support we also managed to obtain competitive pricing that is on par with that across the European truck market,” concluded John Bonello.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015

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SEAT sales increase nearly 5% until September • The company sells 308,400 vehicles in the first nine months of the year • Sales improve on the entire model lineup • Spain, Germany, Italy and Turkey post highest growth figures EAT’s worldwide sales went up by 4.9% in the first nine months of 2015.

Until September, the company sold 308,400 vehicles, which is 14,400 more than in the same period last year (294,000).The company’s sales continue to follow the positive trend begun in 2013, and are being boosted by the Leon and the Ibiza, as well as the Alhambra.

Furthermore, sales of the Toledo, Mii and Altea are also going up.

Between January and September this year, SEAT sales have risen by 29.5% compared to the same period in 2012 (238,200).

The Leon is currently spearheading deliveries of the brand. Sales of the company’s wildly popular compact model went up by 5.8% to reach 122,400 units, 6,800 more than in the first nine months of 2014.The family estate version of the Leon (ST) is consolidating its success with a

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34.6% increase (total: 44,100).

The Ibiza is also making progress, and with a 3.3% rise deliveries reached 119,100 units until September.The Alhambra posted the highest growth in percentage, 13.7%, and is the third best-selling model in the range, with 19,400 units sold until September.

Jürgen Stackmann, Chairman of SEAT’s Executive Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the way sales are progressing: “We have been growing steadily since 2013 thanks to the positive evolution of all our models and a broader range.

This year we have updated models such as the Ibiza, Alhambra and Toledo, and we have launched the new CONNECT range, which equips our models with the best features in terms of connectivity”.

Stackmann pointed out that “we will continue to expand our lineup, starting with the company’s first SUV in 2016”.

Solid growth in main markets So far this year, SEAT has increased deliveries in Western Europe by 5.8% (243,100; 2014: 229,700). Germany is the largest market, with 66,700 vehicles sold, or 4.8% more (2014: 63,700). SEAT is listed among the ten best-selling brands in the German market, with a 3% share. In Spain, SEAT grew by 17.8% and added 9,300 more units (61,500; 2014: 52,200), spurred on by the recovery of the car industry.

Italy is the third Western European

country posting the highest growth, with sales figures reaching 11,900 vehicles, or 24.7% more (2014: 9,500).

Central and Eastern Europe is clearly posting better than average performance.The region grew by 9.2% (20,200; 2014: 18,500), largely due to markets such as the Czech Republic, where sales went up by 15.5%, for a total of 6,300 vehicles delivered (2014: 5,400), and Poland, even better at 31.7% more (6,000; 2014: 4,500). Mexico (+11.0%; 17,400),Turkey (+50.8%; 11,000) and Israel (+40.7%; 6,500) were also among best-performing markets between January and September, and are positioned in the top ten selling countries of SEAT vehicles.

Martorell manufactures close to 33,000 more vehicles Production in the Martorell plant went up by 10.0% in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2014, reaching 360,300 vehicles, or 32,700 more (2014: 327,600).The positive development of the Leon, Ibiza and the Audi Q3 has made 2015 the year with the highest production figures in Martorell since 2002. In addition, it remains the highestvolume car production plant in Spain. SEAT’s manufacturing figures in Palmela (Portugal), Bratislava (Slovakia) and Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) went up by 10.5% until September, totalling 54,400 vehicles in the three facilities (2014: 49,200).

Kia’s most popular cars at slashed prices ars International, representatives of Kia in Malta, have come up with fantastic prices on the most popular Kia models for the month of October, with discounts which go up to €3,800.

With these extraordinary offers on Kia’s vast range of cars which suit any customer’s needs, preferences and budgets, Cars International is giving buyers to purchase a new car at unbeatable prices and conditions.

The offers, valid until end of October, are offered on the Picanto (with a discount of up to €1,900), Rio (up to €2,200), cee’d

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(up to €2,500), pro¬_cee’d (up to €2,000), and Sportage (up to €3,800). Different terms and conditions apply and offers remain available until stocks last.

There is no better way to experience the comfort, good value for money and performance of Kia cars than having a firsthand experience with a test-drive. All Kia cars come with a unique seven-year warranty.

The showroom of Cars International is in Mdina Road, Qormi. To test-drive any Kia car model, send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2000 or visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Motors Malta.

Porsche boosts Europe sales 51% in September orsche boosted European sales 51% year on year in September to 7,005 cars with sales in Germany up 26% to 2,269. Year to date European column rose 34% to 58,150 vehicles.

China deliveries increased 24% to 5,417 vehicles and US sales 23% to 4,424.

The Macan was the most popular Porsche worldwide last month with 7,670 units delivered, an increase of 36% year on year.

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015 • r e v i e w •

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Mayor of London Boris Johnson confirms transport for London as a first customer for the Toyota Mirai oris Johnson, the Mayor of London, today welcomed news that the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell saloon, is coming to London, as part of his work to pioneer use of cleaner technology for the future of the capital’s transport and infrastructure.

The mayor visited Toyota’s headquarters today during a three-day trade mission to Japan and took the opportunity to test drive Mirai for himself.

He said: “It is fantastic that London will benefit from these new state-of-the-art hydrogen vehicles. By embracing this technology of the future, we aim to consolidate hydrogen’s role as a practical alternative fuel for the 21st century and beyond. I am sure that Transport for London will provide the ideal environment for us to see everything Mirai can do and, in doing so, take another great step towards improving air quality in our city and protecting the health of Londoners.”

The mayor also discussed London’s position as a market for alternative fuel cars, with Toyota senior management.

Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota (GB) PLC President and Managing Director said: “We have been delighted to welcome the Mayor of London to our headquarters in Japan to see for himself Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Toyota believes in hydrogen as a key enabler for building a future zero emissions society and we applaud the mayor’s commitment to embracing new technology in his mission to make London a leading global city for low-emission, low-carbon transport.

“The success of hydrogen will require

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constructive dialogue and action, bringing together industry, national governments and city authorities like London to share and develop skills and experience and to communicate the benefits that can be delivered to business and to individuals.

Our Mirai fuel cell vehicle is a milestone in the history of the motor car and opens up unprecedented opportunities for cleaner,

sustainable transport. Transport for London and the city it serves will provide the ideal environment for Mirai to demonstrate the significant potential of hydrogen as a practical alternative fuel for the next century and beyond.”

Transport for London sees Mirai as an exciting opportunity that the mayor is keen to exploit. The TfL Mirai cars and the

development of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are considered important first steps towards the wider adoption of the technology.

For more information on Toyota and its products visit the Toyota showroom situated in Mdina Road Zebbug log on the Toyota Malta Facebook page or call on 2269 4000.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015

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Hyundai ix35 and Hyundai Sonata Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards • Hyundai Tucson and Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ • First time Tucsonreceiving the highest honor from IIHS n one of the industry’s most rigorous tests of vehicle safety, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 2016 Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This is the first time Tucson, which received a significant redesign for the 2016 model year, has received the highest honor from IIHS. IIHS rates vehicles for occupant protection based on performance in five tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side,

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Hyundai ix35

Hyundai Sonata

roof strength and head restraints.

Winners of the 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. Vehicles also need an available front crash prevention system with an

advanced or superior rating.

“Hyundai’s redesign of the Tucson earns the 2016 model our top rating in the small overlap front test, and the Sonata retains its acceptable rating,” said David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer.

“Both vehicles have an available front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in the IIHS autobrake test, a key criteria to qualify for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.”

“Hyundai’s commitment to occupant safety is paramount throughout our entire lineup,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We strive to develop technologies that assist in avoiding crashes all together, like forward collision

warning, lane departure warning and emergency brake assist, and are pleased the Tucson and Sonata have received these awards related to occupant protection when collisions do occur.”

Multiple advanced safety technology options are available on the 2016 Tucson, including AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. In addition, advanced high-strength steel represents over 50 percent of the new Tucson’s structure, for enhanced crash safety. The vehicle also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS) that alerts drivers if one or more tires are under-inflated, including the tire’s location.

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Sonata lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicators for each tire. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Smart Cruise Control with spot/start capability, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are available as options.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 25 October 2015

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Kia performing better than ever before in Europe • Record 200,038 Kia cars registered in Europe over first half of 2015 • New and upgraded models drive Kia’s 7.6% yearto-date sales growth • Highest ever quarterly sales with 103,946 units registered in Q2 • Best-selling Sportage and cee’d top the brand’s sales charts ia Motors Europe recorded its best ever quarterly and half-year sales in the company’s history, as the brand’s year-on-year growth accelerated to 7.6%, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

During the first half of 2015, Kia posted sales of 200,038, representing the best-ever six month period recorded by the Korean brand in Europe. Compared to the first half of 2014, this represents growth of 7.6%. At the same time, the second quarter of 2015 was the brand’s best-ever quarterly sales total, with 103,946 units registered – the first time Kia has broken through the 100,000 barrier in any one quarter.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “2015 to date has been a great period for Kia in Europe, with

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sales records tumbling and new highs reached. We’re delighted that Kia continues to grow, consistently and sustainably, and that an increasing number of motorists are drawn to our range of high quality, high value cars.”

Cole added: “Kia is focused on developing an unrivalled level of quality in its products, and an industry-leading level of service at every customer touchpoint. We want customers to enjoy buying and owning their Kia cars, and our record sales demonstrate that our approach is working.

New and updated models drive 7.6% sales growth Kia’s first quarter growth has been driven by rising sales of the all-new Kia Soul, which went onsale across Europe at the start of the year (first half sales up 112% year-on-year, to 7,042 units), as well

as the new Sorento SUV, with 5,670 units sold so far this year.

The recently upgraded Rio also performed strongly through Q2 and the first half, with 33,059 (+6.1%) units sold respectively.

Sportage and cee’d top Kia sales charts The Kia Sportage and cee’d model family retain their position as the two top-selling models from the Korean brand. Now in its fourth full year of production, the Kia Sportage boasted its best-ever sales quarter in Q2, with 28,208 vehicles sold across Europe from April to June and 56,002 year-todate (+12.0% over the same peri-

od in 2014).

The cee’d (40,090 units in the first half of the year) remains the brand’s second best-selling model in Europe behind the Sportage, and continues to appeal to customers thanks to its classy design, high quality interior, efficient range of engines and practical nature.

Having started production in 2006, the 1,000,000th Kia cee’d was recently manufactured by Kia Motors in Europe, a major milestone for a car that has played a significant role in Kia’s sustained growth and success since its introduction nine years ago. The 1,000,000th cee’d to roll off Kia’s European production line was a

high-powered Kia cee’d GT fivedoor hatchback in ‘White Pearl’.

The car and its 204 ps 1.6-litre TGDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine were both produced in Slovakia – the car was produced for a buyer in the Netherlands.

All models in Kia’s European lineup continue to be sold with the brand’s unique 7-Year warranty.

Kia is represented in Malta by Cars International, Mdina Road, Qormi. To test-drive any Kia car model, send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2000 or visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Motors Malta.