rsmini - MINI and other small Cars: Automotive industry

Friday, 9 October 2009

SUZUKI ‘PLUGS IN’ TO THE 41ST TOKYO SHOW

At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

Swift Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for drivers who travel low mileages of around 20km every day and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power. It is fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery if capacity level drops. Further recharging when parked is by means of a domestic plug socket. The type of petrol engine used for the Hybrid is similar to that fitted to Suzuki’s compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan.

Also on display as part of Suzuki’s longer term future is the SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) which combines a General Motors produced high performance fuel cell with a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a light and compact capacitor. The capacitor helps to promote driving performance by recovering energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell loading under acceleration. The FCV is currently under test on public roads in Japan.

On two wheels; and after stunning the motorcycle world with the Crosscage fuel cell bike in 2007, Suzuki have now applied this technology in a more accessible way by adapting it to its popular Burgmann scooter. The fuel cell is air cooled and is of light and compact design with a hydrogen tank capacity of 70MPa, the highest used on a bike so far.

Continuing the fuel cell theme; Suzuki has been producing electric wheelchairs for 35 years and will be showing the MIO – powered by a direct methanol fuel cell instead of a conventional lead – acid battery. The methanol solution is held in a cartridge bottle that can easily be replaced by the user when empty, removing any worries of running out of fuel on the road. Suzuki began joint trials of the MI0 with the Shizuoka prefecture government in November 2008 with a view to enhancing it ready for commercial sale.

The Tokyo motor show begins on 21st October and will run to 4th November.

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Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Alfa Romeo Tops September Sales

Alfa Romeo’s sales resurgence in the UK continued unabated during September, with the Italian sporting car manufacturer recording one of the highest year-to-date increases of any brand, and among the highest percentage increase for the new registration month.

In an industry badly affected by the recession, Alfa Romeo recorded a remarkable 148.5% rise in 59 plate registrations for the month, to deliver nearly 2,000 new cars to UK customers.

These figures continue the Italian marque’s upward trend, with more than 7,135 new Alfa Romeos sold here in the year-to-date, up 40.4% on the same period last year.

The Alfa MiTo – the marque’s new sporty compact model – leads the way with sales, supported by the Alfa 159, Brera and Spider which have all contributed positively to the brand’s success.

Alfa Romeo UK Sales Director, Andrew Sproston says: “This is great news for all concerned. Our growth is in-line with the expectations and objectives we set out at the beginning of the year.

“The hard work and investment we have put into the restructure of this iconic brand is now starting to pay off, and has played a vital part in our improved sales. Across the board, Alfa Romeo is returning to its rightful position as a leading quality brand, and customers are taking note. Built up over the past few years, our new product range has been complemented by our improved dealer network, better training and servicing, and dedicated attention to customer care.”

Not only has the Italian sporting car brand recorded one of the largest month-to-date percentage increases in the UK market, Alfa Romeo is one of just three manufacturers to record an overall rise in sales during 2009 – an even more impressive achievement when the current economic climate is taken into consideration.

In September, Alfa Romeo’s market share was 0.54%, more than double (125% increase) its presence in the UK car market compared to September last year.

The new car market for the smaller car like the Mito and the MINI is now getting very competitive and to keep its share MINI needs to get the new models out pretty soon