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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DTM Mercedes C-Coupé

Like Audi, Mercedes-Benz has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal its challenger for the 2012 DTM season.



Unveiled by Mercedes GP drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will replace this year’s AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Few technical details have been released, but the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will be built to the revised 2012 DTM regulations. That means many of its components, including the carbon fibre monocoque chassis and built-in steel safety cage, will be shared with the rival Audi A5 DTM and BMW M3 DTM race cars in an effort to cut costs.



Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money's worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”



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2012 SLK 55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2012 SLK 55 AMG. Although it had been rumoured that a switch to V6-turbo power was a possibility, AMG has stuck with a 5.5 litre, normally-aspirated V8 engine.



However, compared to the previous version, output is up by a considerable 60 bhp (44 kW / 61 PS) to 415 bhp (310 kW / 422 PS). Maximum torque meanwhile has risen to 540 Nm (398 lb/ft).

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. Scroll down for more images.

The result is a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).



Undoubtedly a quick car then, but its rivals aren’t much slower despite having significantly less power. The Audi TT RS Roadster and BMW Z4 sDrive35is both have ‘only’ 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS), yet they reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 and 4.8 seconds respectively. As with the Mercedes, they too are restricted to 155 mph.



But while the focus of the SLK 55 AMG is naturally performance, the car also features technologies to make it relatively efficient, too.



Foremost among these is the AMG Cylinder Management system, which shuts off four of the eight cylinders under partial throttle load. This facility is available between 800 and 3,600 rpm, provided the driver has the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission in Controlled Efficiency mode, rather than Sport or Manual.



Other fuel saving aids include a stop-start system, variable pressure for the direct fuel injection and lightweight, low-friction engine internals. Consequently, it’s reckoned that average fuel consumption should be 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km), which would just better the 31.4 mpg (9.0 l/100km) achieved by the SLK’s Z4 and TT competitors.



As expected, AMG has made sure that its latest offering stands out with a body kit, boot lip spoiler, unique alloy wheels and twin chrome-plated exhaust pipes. Arguably, some previous AMG styling attempts have appeared rather messy, but the same can’t be said about the new SLK. Everything integrates nicely with the original design, and overall it’s an appealing look.



The interior gets an AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, sports seats, leather upholstery and the Airscarf neck-level heating system. As well as the standard arrangement, buyers can choose a tinted polycarbonate panorama roof. Alternatively, a third option is Magic Sky Control which switches the roof from virtually transparent to dark at the touch of a button.



There’s no word on pricing or a European launch date, but the SLK 55 AMG is due to go on sale in the United States in early 2012.

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Diesel SLK unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has announced the SLK 250 CDI - the brand’s first ever diesel roadster.



While that news might be a cause of consternation for some, the only real question is why hasn’t it been done before? After all, diesels now feature in most manufacturers’ cabriolet ranges, and Audi already offers the TT Roadster 2.0 TDI.

Power for the SLK 250 CDI comes from a four-cylinder engine that develops 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS). With common-rail injection and two-stage turbo charging, it takes full advantage of diesel’s two great strengths.



The first is efficiency. As would be expected, average fuel consumption of  57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 128 g/km easily better the 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) and 153 g/km achieved by the equivalent petrol SLK, the 250 BlueEfficiency.



But perhaps more significantly, the SLK 250 CDI also beats its only true rival, the diesel TT. Despite having 33 bhp (25 kW / 34 PS) less than the Mercedes-Benz, the Audi can only manage 51.4 mpg (5.5 l/100km) and 144 g/km.

The second is torque, which is critical for quick mid-range acceleration times. The SLK 250 CDI boasts a massive 500 Nm (368 lb/ft), allowing the benchmark 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint to be completed in 6.7 seconds. However, it’s the more relevant 50 - 75 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment that really impresses, as it takes just 4.3 seconds.



For now, the diesel SLK is only available with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual gearbox is promised for the second quarter of 2012.



UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but in Germany the SLK 250 CDI costs €41,828.50 including VAT. That’s around £36,365 at today’s exchange rate.



It just remains to be seen how long it’ll take BMW to join in and launch a diesel Z4.



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Brabus tweaks the new SLK

Brabus tweaks the new SLK

Tuner Brabus has announced its programme for the new R172 generation Mercedes-Benz SLK.



Changes under the bonnet focus on adding auxiliary control units to the two four-cylinder turbocharged engines. Using plug-and-play Eco PowerXtra CGI modules, which can be installed in under an hour, power from the SLK 200 is lifted to 207 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), while the SLK 250 boasts an enhanced 222 bhp (169 kW / 226 PS).



The SLK 250 can additionally benefit from the fitment of a sport wastegate valve and larger intercooler. Combined, these raise outputs to 232 bhp (176 kW / 236 PS) and 370 Nm (272 lb/ft) of torque when in overboost mode, and allow for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h). To put those figures into perspective, the standard car achieves an acceleration time of 6.6 seconds and goes onto a maximum of 151 mph (243 km/h).

To help the roadster cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also paid attention to the chassis. Sports springs can be specified, which incidentally lower the ride height by 30 mm. They have been specially calibrated to work with the larger cross-section tyres that come with the Brabus Monoblock wheels, available in diameters ranging from 17” to 20”. Customers can also choose from a variety of brake upgrades.



Naturally, there’s a body kit on offer as well. All too often these can end up looking like an amateurish mess, but Brabus seems to have mastered the art of developing embellishments that improve rather than detract from the looks of the original car. That’s probably because a fairly subtle approach is usually taken, which is certainly the case with the SLK. The aerodynamic add-ons comprise a pair of lift-reducing front spoiler lips, side sill extensions, a rear diffuser and a boot lid spoiler.



The conversion can be finished off with numerous changes to the interior, including leather or Alcantara upholstery, aluminium pedals and stainless steel scuff plates.



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Brabus E V12 Cabriolet

Brabus has expanded its E V12 family to include the Cabriolet, and the result is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the heart of the conversion is a biturbo 6.3 litre (384 cu. in.) V12 engine. With a reprogrammed engine control unit, four intercoolers and a stainless steel exhaust system, it produces 788 PS (588 kW / 800 PS) at 5,500 rpm.



Peak torque meanwhile is a staggering 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb/ft), which is more than even the Bugatti Veyron manages. However, Brabus has decided to electronically limit it to ‘just’ 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft) in the E V12, as that’s probably the limit of what the specially strengthened five-speed automatic transmission could reasonably be expected to handle.



Unsurprisingly, such outputs result in brutal acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) is over in just 9.9 seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 23.9 seconds.



Depending on the final drive ratio, the claimed top speed can be as high as 231 mph (370 km/h). Presumably attempting that kind of velocity with the roof up doesn’t result in the car’s fabric hood being ripped off by the wind blast…

To cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also upgraded the chassis. Coil-over suspension co-developed with Bilstein is fitted, and it features adjustable dampers and ride height. To improve handling and high speed stability, the 19” wheels sit on widened tracks, and the bodywork front and rear has been suitably widened to accommodate them.



Stopping is taken care of by Brabus’ own braking system, which comprises vented and grooved steel discs with aluminium calipers.



The Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is build-to-order only, with prices starting at €478,000.



That’s around £420,000 or US$669,000 at today’s exchange rates, an amount which in the UK would buy seven examples of the standard Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet.



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2012 BMW M5 revealed

BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.

The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.

Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



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‘60 Years Unimog’ concept

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has unveiled a unique concept to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Unimog, which rolled off the production line in Gaggenau on 3rd June 1951.

Based on the current U 5000 model, the ‘60 Years Unimog’ has an open cab just like the original. The lurid green colour scheme is apparently inspired by the poison dart frog, while the Unimog’s trademark coil springs have been painted a contrasting shade of red. Aluminium trim on the exposed chassis and huge five-spoke ‘alu-rim’ wheels complete the visual effect.



Unfortunately the ‘60 Years Unimog’ isn’t a prototype for a production model, but Bertrand Janssen from Daimler’s commercial vehicle department stated: "On no account did we work in an atmosphere where our ideas were divorced from reality. Here we have a vehicle which is puristic, but still clearly true to concept - with the claim that some of its details will turn up in coming product ranges in future. We continued to take up the most important Unimog features which have characterised the vehicle for the last 60 years and which will also characterise it in future - features such as portal axles, coil springs or the frame concept."

2012 SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster.

Featuring an automatic, three-layer fabric roof that can be raised or lowered in eleven seconds, it’s claimed that the Roadster will weigh just 40 kg (88 lbs) more than the existing coupé version. That’s despite the extra chassis strengthening that has been needed to compensate for the lack of a solid roof.



Such a small increase in bulk means that performance remains pretty much the same as the coupé manages. The Roadster will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 3.8 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 196 mph (317 km/h), thanks to its 6,208 cc V8 which produces 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque.

Visually, the transition from coupé has worked well (just avoid the brown paint), although of course the Roadster misses out on the theatre of those gullwing doors.



The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be launched during autumn 2011, with UK sales due to begin in November. Prices for the UK and US have yet to be confirmed, but in Germany it will cost €195,160 (including 19% VAT).



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Toyota is top car brand

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

Daimler and Bosch EV JV

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.



However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.

The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL

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Mercedes Concept A-Class

Mercedes-Benz looks to be taking its A-Class in a totally different direction. The Concept A-Class, which will be unveiled at this month’s Auto Shanghai show, eschews the tall, short mini-MPV shape of the previous two A-Class generations for an altogether more dynamic appearance.

A low stance and long bonnet completely change the proportions, while the complex swage lines along the side and the front-end styling echo the CLS. It certainly looks very different, and the more conventional body could allow the entry level Mercedes-Benz to take sales from its BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 competitors.



As with most show cars, there are plenty of features on the Concept A-Class that are unlikely to make it into production. The dashboard treatment is a prime example, as it has a stretchable and translucent textile covering, which apparently ‘enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible’…



The Concept A-Class retains a front-wheel drive configuration, with power coming from a BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder petrol engine producing 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). No performance, economy or emissions figures have been released, but Mercedes-Benz is claiming that a combination of turbocharging and direct injection will benefit all three measures. Drive is via a new dual-clutch transmission.

Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

C 63 AMG coupé revealed

Hot on the heels of the facelifted C 63 AMG saloon and estate, Mercedes-Benz has announced a coupé version to complete its C-Class performance line-up.

Under the skin, the coupé uses the familiar 450 bhp (336 kW / 457 PS) 6.2 litre V8 engine, connected to an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed multi-clutch transmission. On paper, performance is exactly the same as the saloon, which means a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Even a combined fuel consumption figure of 23.5 mpg (12.0 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 280 g/km are identical to what the four-door achieves.



The AMG Performance Package Plus will also be available for the C 63 AMG coupé, an unsurprising move given its popularity with buyers of the saloon and estate. Output rises to 480 bhp (358 kW / 487 PS), but that increase doesn’t seem to translate into more performance: the 0-62 mph time is only reduced by a tenth of a second and top speed remains unchanged.

However, those figures may mask a useful improvement in mid-range response, plus the package also includes composite front brake discs, red painted brake calipers, a bespoke AMG steering wheel and a carbon fibre boot lid lip spoiler.



Market launch of the C 63 AMG coupé is scheduled for July 2011, and its arrival should give prospective BMW M3 Coupé and Audi RS 5 Coupé owners something to think about.

Although UK prices have yet to be confirmed, in Germany they are €72,590 for the standard car and €77,231 for the ‘Edition 1’ version, including 19% VAT. The AMG Performance Package Plus is an extra €7,116.20.



While many manufacturers will use special editions to help shift run-out models, Mercedes-Benz appears to have done the opposite by using the ‘Edition 1’ to support a product launch. Technically there’s no difference, but it does come with some extra kit including leather upholstery, piano black lacquer trim, a different steering wheel and a matt black finish for the alloy wheels.



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