Top 10: Irish car sales 2011

Despite continued bleak economic conditions, the Irish car market managed to grow slightly during 2011. Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that total registrations were 89,904, an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year’s 88,373.



Around 12,000 of 2011’s sales were due to the scrappage scheme, which closed at the end of June. This gave Vehicle Registration Tax relief of €1,250 per new car, provided that the customer’s trade-in was at least ten-years-old.



While the Focus was the most popular model, Ford slumped to third place in the manufacturers’ rankings. That left Toyota to take the top spot, closely followed by Volkswagen.

Ireland's most popular car in 2011: The Ford Focus.

BMW slipped into the top ten, thanks mainly to 2,163 new 5 Series registrations. The entire Mercedes-Benz range combined couldn’t beat that performance, which contributed to BMW achieving a massive 37.7% year-on-year sales upsurge.



Even that wasn’t quite enough to beat rivals Audi, though, because it too experienced an impressive growth rate and ended the year with 3,464 registrations.



The other stand-out success was Hyundai, which posted 1,052 extra sales compared to 2010.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales 2011 - By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2011	2010	+/-	% +/-
1	Toyota	11,812	10,660	1,152	10.8%
2	Volkswagen	11,247	10,301	946	9.2%
3	Ford	10,519	11,215	-696	-6.2%
4	Renault	8,580	9,746	-1,166	-12.0%
5	Nissan	6,763	5,494	1,269	23.1%
6	Opel	6,387	6,603	-216	-3.3%
7	Škoda	4,651	4,915	-264	-5.4%
8	Hyundai	4,011	2,959	1,052	35.6%
9	Audi	3,464	2,723	741	27.2%
10	BMW	3,433	2,493	940	37.7%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

Top 10: Irish Car Sales 2011 - By Model
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Focus	4,242
2	Volkswagen	Golf	3,980
3	Toyota	Avensis	3,661
4	Renault	Fluence	3,016
5	Volkswagen	Passat Saloon	2,975
6	Ford	Fiesta	2,953
7	Nissan	Qashqai	2,653
8	Toyota	Corolla	2,592
9	Renault	Mégane	2,530
10	Toyota	Yaris	2,311
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

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2012 NACTOY winners

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has been declared the 2012 North American Truck of the Year.



Awarded 254 points by the jury of fifty automotive journalists from across Canada and the United States, the Evoque achieved an emphatic victory over the other two finalists. The second-place Honda CR-V scored 142, while the BMW X3 managed a modest 94.

2012 North American Truck of the Year: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

It was a much closer contest for the 2012 North American Car of the Year title. The Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat secured 155 and 161 points respectively, but the Hyundai Elantra emerged as the eventual winner with a score of 174.

2012 North American Car of the Year: Hyundai Elantra.

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Top 10: UK car sales 2011

1,941,253 new cars were sold in the UK during 2011, according to figures just released by the SMMT.



As expected, that was down on 2010’s total of 2,030,846, but the 4.4% reduction wasn’t quite as bad as had been previously forecast.



Some manufacturers did buck the trend though, recording some healthy percentage increases. The biggest winners were Infiniti, Lexus, Alfa Romeo and the rejuvenated MG, but all are comparative minnows with a combined market share of just over 1%.

Of more significance were the rises of 14.2% and 14.0% achieved by Mini and Audi respectively, with the latter also managing the highest unit growth - 13,969 - of any marque. Indeed, Audi finished the year with 113,797 sales, tantalisingly close to archrival BMW’s figure of 116,642.



Needless to say, for many firms it wasn’t a good year. Unsurprisingly, neither Daihatsu nor Saab did well, but shockingly Smart saw its sales slashed by over a third and Mazda’s decrease was of a similar magnitude.

Renault suffered the largest volume drop, with 27,159 fewer registrations compared to 2010. Perhaps that massive 28.4% reduction goes some way to explaining the company’s decision to decimate both its model range and dealer network in the UK?



Despite all the year-on-year movements, there was little change at the head of the manufacturers’ league table, as Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and BMW retained the top four spots.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q4 2011 By Manufacturer
Position 2011	Manufacturer	Registrations	Position 2010	Movement
1	Ford	265,894	1	-
2	Vauxhall	234,710	2	-
3	Volkswagen	179,290	3	-
4	BMW	116,642	4	-
5	Audi	113,797	6	+1
6	Nissan	96,269	8	+2
7	Peugeot	94,989	5	-2
8	Mercedes-Benz	81,873	10	+2
9	Toyota	73,589	9	-
10	Citroën	68,464	11	+1

Ford also excelled in the individual models’ chart, with the Fiesta and Focus occupying the first two positions (as they did throughout 2011).

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q4 2011 By Model
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	96,112
2	Ford	Focus	81,832
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	77,751
4	Volkswagen	Golf	63,368
5	Vauxhall	Astra	62,575
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	46,324
7	Volkswagen	Polo	45,992
8	BMW	3 Series	42,471
9	Nissan	Qashqai	39,406
10	Mini	Hatchback	35,845

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2012 NACTOY finalists

A panel of fifty automotive journalists from across the United States and Canada has decided the finalists for the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.



In the North American Car of the Year category, the jurors selected the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat from a shortlist of seventeen models, all of which had to be new or substantially changed in the past twelve months.

Ford Focus: 2012 North American Car of the Year finalist.

Those contenders that didn’t make it through to the finals were the Audi A6, Audi A7, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Sonic, Chrysler 300 / SRT-8, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Rio / Rio 5, Scion iQ, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius V and Volkswagen Beetle.



The 2012 North American Truck of the Year title will go to the BMW X3, Honda CR-V or Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. There were only seven vehicles to choose the three finalists from though, with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mini Countryman, Nissan Quest and Saab 9-4X being the unsuccessful nominees.

BMW X3: 2012 North American Truck of the Year finalist.

A second round of voting is now going to take place to determine the outright winners for each award. The results will be announced on 9 January 2012 in Detroit.



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Alpina launches the B3 GT3

To celebrate a series-winning performance by its B6 GT3 in the 2011 ADAC GT Masters Championship, Alpina has created the limited edition, road-going B3 GT3.



As the ‘B3’ part of the name implies, the BMW 3 Series Coupé is the starting point for this new model, rather than the 6 Series which the race car is based on.

The running gear is typically Alpina, and comprises a twin-turbo version of BMW’s straight-six 3.0 litre engine connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks in part to a lightweight titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, power output is 402 bhp (300 kW / 408 PS), while peak torque is a huge 540 Nm (398 lb/ft).



By comparison, the normally aspirated BMW M3 with its 4 litre V8 produces 414 bhp (309 kW / 420 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of torque.



So how do those two very different drivetrain configurations measure up in terms of performance?



Fit the M3 with the optional seven-speed double clutch transmission and it shares an identical 4.6 seconds 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time with the B3 GT3. However, as far as top speed is concerned, an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) for the BMW can’t compete with the Alpina’s unrestrained 186 mph (300 km/h).



Another area where the B3 GT3 wins is efficiency - it achieves a combined cycle consumption figure of 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100km) and emits 224 g/km of carbon dioxide. Conversely, the M DCT-equipped M3 manages 25.2 mpg (11.2 l/100km) and 263 g/km.



But the B3 GT3 isn’t just about its engine, because the influence of the B6 GT3 extends to other areas too. For instance, the suspension set-up features fully adjustable coilovers and dampers that allow the driver to tweak the handling to suit their own personal preferences. The brakes meanwhile have 6- and 4-piston calipers at the front and rear respectively, and these have been matched to enlarged brake discs.



The 20-spoke, 19” forged alloy wheels come in the Alpina’s trademark ‘Classic’ design, but they’re 25% lighter than usual. Standard equipment is Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres, although for track day enthusiasts the optional ‘GT3 Cup’ wheel and tyre set features Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ rubber. Those tyres are still street legal, but their higher operating temperature requirement and poor wet weather capabilities mean that even Alpina doesn’t recommend them for everyday road use.



Visually, the B3 GT3 is distinguished by its front splitter and dramatic rear wing, both of which are made from carbon fibre. Together with a rear diffuser, it’s claimed that these new components have succeeded in eliminating all aerodynamic lift.



The interior features leather and Alcantara upholstery with heated Recaro front seats, while paintwork options are Black Sapphire metallic, Mineral White metallic or special Alpina Blue matt metallic.



Alternatively, those buyers wanting the full race-replica look can go for the optional B6 GT3 race car livery, which is achieved using an all-over vinyl wrap. Subtle it isn’t…



Exclusivity is one other thing that the B3 GT3 will have in its favour when sales begin in spring 2012, because only 99 examples are going to be built.



Perhaps less attractive is the price. In Germany it’s going to be approximately €90,000 including VAT, or roughly £77,180 / US$121,500 at today’s exchange rates. That would make it over 40% more expensive than a BMW M3, which currently retails for £54,690 in the UK.



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BMW unveils maxi scooters

Following several concepts, the production versions of BMW’s maxi scooter have been revealed at the EICMA bike show in Milan.



Called the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT, the naming is somewhat confusing as both feature the same 647 cc twin-cylinder engine. Connected to a continuously variable transmission, it develops 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) at 7,500 rpm, with a peak torque figure of 66 Nm (48 lb/ft) at 6,000 rpm.



Those outputs are similar to the recently-announced 670 cc Honda Integra but, understandably, a bit less than larger-capacity maxi scooters such as the Gilera GP800 and Aprilia SRV 850.

The BMW C 600 Sport...

... and the C 650 GT. Scroll down for more images.

The motor, which is angled forward by 70°, sits in a tubular bridge frame and acts as a load-bearing element for enhanced rigidity. Combined with 40 mm front forks and a single rear spring strut, the chassis set-up has been tuned to offer both high-speed stability and motorcycle-like agility.



Anti-lock brakes are going to be fitted as standard, as is a ‘hold brake’ that’s automatically activated when the side stand is down - a useful feature to have when parking on a slope.



With the two versions being technically identical, the differences between them are purely cosmetic.



The C 600 Sport has more minimal bodywork with a manually-adjustable windscreen, and includes the ‘FlexCase’ under-seat storage system that can accommodate two helmets.



Its riding position has been optimised for a more dynamic riding style, characterised by flatter handlebars with an 810 mm (31.9 inches) seat height. Colour choice comprises Sapphire Black Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic Matt or Titanium Silver Metallic.



Designed mainly for long-distance comfort, the C 650 GT comes with higher-set handlebars, a lower 780 mm (30.7 inches) seat height, an adjustable backrest for the rider and floorboards instead of footrests for the pillion passenger.



For extra weather protection the body panels are larger, as is the screen which is electrically adjustable on this model. The C 650 GT will be available in Sapphire Black Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic or Vermilion Red Metallic paintwork.



The new generation of BMW scooters may not be as daring as the firm’s previous effort, the C1, but they’re bound to gain market acceptance more readily. Prices and on-sale dates for the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT have yet to be confirmed.

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BMW F 800 R updated

BMW has revised its naked F 800 R for 2012. The alterations are purely cosmetic though, with the most noticeable difference being the redesigned side panels.



In addition, the previously optional body-coloured handlebar fairing and white indicators have become part of the standard specification, the rear suspension strut spring is now red and the front mudguard is painted to match the rest of the bike.

Technically things are unchanged, which means the twin-cylinder, 798 cc engine still produces 85 bhp (64 kW / 87 PS). Drive to the rear wheel remains via a chain, rather than the innovative belt-drive system of the F 800 S and F 800 ST - a missed opportunity for BMW to really differentiate the F 800 R, perhaps?



Sales of the 2012 BMW F 800 R are due to begin next month, and buyers will have the choice of Alpine White / Black Satin Gloss, Magma Red / White Aluminium Metallic Matt or Mineral Silver Metallic colour schemes. Its price in Germany has been set at €8,400 including VAT.

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Triumph Tiger Explorer

Triumph has confirmed that the all-new Tiger Explorer will be making its public debut at next month’s EICMA bike show in Milan.

Undoubtedly it looks set to be one of 2012’s most important launches, as the Explorer will be competing directly against the benchmark model in the increasingly popular adventure-tourer sector: the BMW R 1200 GS.



Wisely, Triumph has decided to give its new arrival shaft drive, a critical factor if it is to steal sales away from either the BMW or other rivals such as the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré. Another aspect that’s similar to the GS is the styling, with certain elements - particularly around the back half of the bike - looking very familiar.

Not much is being said about the engine, although it will be a three-cylinder unit with ‘in excess of’ 1,200 cc which is claimed to offer class-leading performance. In a first for Triumph, control will be via a ride-by-wire throttle system.



A high specification is promised, and switchable anti-lock brakes, traction control and cruise control are all going to be included as standard. As expected, buyers will also be able to add a host of accessories to their Explorer, such as high or low seats and various bits of luggage.

There’s no word yet on price, but cost competitiveness is likely to be another key issue in deciding how successful the new Triumph becomes.



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2012 BMW M3 DTM livery

BMW Motorsport has revealed the livery that its new M3 challenger will be sporting in next year’s DTM race series.

Shown off at an event held in Heidelberg, the colour scheme sticks closely to tradition. Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, commented: “Old-school DTM fans will recognise from the typical BMW M stripes that the appearance is based on the original BMW M3 cars from the ‘old DTM’. We are very proud of this design. It is both traditional and modern in equal measures. It shows our roots, but in a contemporary style.”

Three teams - BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team Schnitzer - have been chosen to represent BMW in its return to the DTM, and each will run two cars. So far, the only two confirmed drivers are Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus.

Fans attending tomorrow’s final round of the 2011 DTM at the Hockenheimring will be treated to a preview of next season’s entrants, as the M3 DTM, Audi A5 DTM and DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé are all going to run demonstration laps.



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2012 BMW S 1000 RR

BMW has given the S 1000 RR supersports bike a comprehensive series of upgrades for 2012.

Although the 999 cc, four-cylinder engine still produces 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 PS), its power and torque curves have been made more linear, and throttle response has been tweaked for enhanced sensitivity.



There are now three performance maps available, one each for ‘Rain’ and ‘Sport’ modes, plus another one that’s shared between the ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’ modes. When using ‘Rain’, power gets cut to 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and the throttle reacts less aggressively.

The suspension set-up meanwhile has been thoroughly reworked to improve handling, steering accuracy and feedback. Geometries front and rear have been adjusted to such an extent that the frame has had to be modified, and the internals of the upside-down forks and the rear spring strut have been revised to give better damping characteristics. Completing the chassis updates is a new mechanical steering damper, which is adjustable to ten settings.



Cosmetic changes include a redesigned instrument display, which now features a useful speed warning function to let the rider know when they’ve exceeded the speed limit. The bodywork tail section and the fairing side panels have been restyled, too.

Paintwork choice for the 2012 S 1000 RR comprises Racing Red with Alpine White, Bluefire, Sapphire Black Metallic or the BMW Motorrad Motorsport colour scheme. The wheels are finished in gloss black, and the swing arm comes in either black or an anodised coating.



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Audi TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI

TT Coupé ownership just became a bit more affordable. Previously, the cheapest model was the £27,140 2.0 TFSI Sport, but now Audi has introduced 1.8 TFSI versions which cost from £24,070 on the road.



Offering the smaller turbocharged petrol engine in the Coupé was a fairly obvious move though, as it’s already available in the TT Roadster.

A respectable 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) of peak torque allows the TT Coupé to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), while still managing 44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle.



With the optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in place of the standard six-speed manual gearbox, those figures remain the same, except that the 0-62 mph time reduces a little to 7.1 seconds.



Two trim grades will be available with the 1.8 TFSI engine. Sport variants come with leather and Alcantara upholstery, MP3 player connectivity, climate control and 17” alloy wheels. Alternatively, the S line model has sports suspension, 18” wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a short-shift gearbox on manual cars.



An obvious competitor to the TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI is the Scirocco from sister brand Volkswagen. £24,705 will buy the GT 2.0 TSI, which has the more powerful 207 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS) engine. Consequently it’s quicker than the Audi, with 0-62 mph taking 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph (239 km/h), but average fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (7.4 l/100km) is worse.



Rear-wheel drive enthusiasts should also consider the BMW 120i SE Coupé. At £23,965, it’s virtually the same price as the entry-level TT Coupé, and its power output is similar at 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). However, a 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds, top speed of 139 mph (223 km/h) and combined 43.5 mpg (6.5 l/100km) are all slightly inferior.



For a combination of performance and value, all three of those models are eclipsed by the Renault Mégane Coupé Renaultsport 250 Cup. It costs £24,020, yet boasts 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) and an impressive 340 Nm (250 lb/ft) of torque. As a result, the Mégane will do the 0-62 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The downside is comparatively disappointing consumption of 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km).



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Top 10: Car sales Q3 2011

The very capable Ford Fiesta remains the best-selling car in the UK. Data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that Ford’s supermini has notched up 77,198 registrations to the end of the third quarter, which equates to just under 5% of the 1,553,094 market total.

Ford Fiesta: Still the UK's best-selling car.

Car registrations in September - the second most important month behind March, thanks to the registration plate change - ended up at 332,476. Encouragingly, that was just 0.8% behind the same month last year, but again it’s the comparatively healthy fleet and business sectors that are preventing a larger decline.



However, continued volatile economic conditions mean that the SMMT is predicting a difficult fourth quarter, and a total of 1.92 million cars are now expected to be registered during 2011.



The ten most popular models, and their order in the league table, are unchanged since Q2.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q3 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	77,198
2	Ford	Focus	67,672
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	60,959
4	Volkswagen	Golf	50,013
5	Vauxhall	Astra	49,042
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	38,386
7	Volkswagen	Polo	36,655
8	BMW	3 Series	33,650
9	Nissan	Qashqai	30,763
10	Mini	Mini	28,097

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BMW G 650 GS Sertão

BMW has unveiled the spiritual successor to its old F 650 GS Dakar. Based on the recently introduced, single-cylinder G 650 GS enduro, the new Sertão version promises even more off-road capability.

BMW G 650 GS Sertão. Scroll down for more images.

Key to that is a revised suspension set-up. The front forks have increased travel, up from 170 mm to 210 mm. Similarly, the rear wheel now has 210 mm of vertical movement, an increase of 45 mm.



The Sertão also gets wire spoke wheels with aluminium rims and hubs, in place of the usual cast items. Along with different tyres, there’s also a bigger front wheel, which has a diameter of 21 inches.



Two consequences of those changes are that the wheelbase has grown slightly to 1,484 mm - useful for extra directional stability off-road - and the saddle is much higher off the ground. Indeed, whereas the normal G 650 GS offers a short rider-friendly seat height of 800 mm (31.5”), the Sertão’s is a more intimidating 860 mm (33.8”), with a 900 mm (35.4”) high seat available as an accessory.



The 652 cc fuel-injected engine is unchanged, and it produces 46 bhp (35 kW / 48 PS) with maximum torque of 60 Nm (44 lb/ft). To comply with local learner laws, the outputs can optionally be reduced to 33 bhp (25 kW / 34 PS) and 47 Nm (34 lb/ft).



Visually, the Sertão is distinguished by its Aura White and Arroyo Blue colour scheme, which comes complete with prominent graphics. The seat unit is finished in black and grey, and additional standard specification comprises hand protectors, an aluminium engine guard, a high windscreen, a black luggage carrier and an extended front mudguard.



Typically for a BMW bike, there is also a decent range of factory-fit options, including anti-lock brakes, a single seat unit, heated grips and an alarm system. Meanwhile, items such as panniers and a top box are available as dealer-fit accessories.



Pricing for the BMW G 650 GS Sertão and an on-sale date have yet to be confirmed.

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