Ford will not replace the KA

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Ford will not replace the KA
 
- Ford has decided not to replace its KA city car. This model does not fit into the  global “One Ford “ strategy concept, as the carmaker  does not intend to sell  it in North America, conversely to  other models.
 
- Considering the market for this car, the American carmaker - who had to bear by itself  the costs of the first generation (1996-2008) - had preferred to share costs with Fiat for the second generation (2008-2015). In 2012, Ford has indeed  only produced 57,000 KA, versus 63,000 in 2011, 92,000 in 2010 and 110,000 in 2009.
 
- This second generation KA,  which does not encounter a great success, is based on the Fiat 500, and these two models are manufactured in the same factory in Tychy, Poland.
 
- It was expected that Ford introduces  in 2015 an entry model range to be produced in Craiova in Romania and which could  have taken over the KA. But given the current context, the American carmaker could delay this launch. Currently, the Craiova plant manufactures the B-Max (Fiesta base) while the Transit Connect production was stopped in 2012.


 

13-04-7



VW unveils its 2013-2016 product plan

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VW unveils its 2013-2016 product plan
 

- The Volkswagen brand unveiled its 2013-2016 product plan.  In addition to the big SUV Crossbluederived from the concept unveiled in Detroit in January 2013, the manufacturer should launch:

§In 2013, the Golf VII break, Golf Plus and TouranIII.

§In 2014, a new generation of the Passat (sedan and wagon) and the Tiguan.

§In 2015, the small SUV Taigun and a compact recreational vehicle derived from the Polo.

§In 2016, a station wagon variant of the Volkswagen CC is considered.

 

- In addition, the brand plans to develop a new generation of the Phaeton in 2015 or 2016.

   A variant of the roadster Golf is also studied and could be launched in 2015 or 2016.

 

- No information on electric and hybrid vehicles is available  but  it is known  that Audi has decided to give-up the all-electric A2 project , because it was considered too expensive and  it was deemed difficult to  make profits on a marginal market.


 

13-04-8



Honda unveiled a concept foreshadowing his future small SUV

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Honda unveiled a concept foreshadowing his future small SUV
 

- Honda introduced a concept foreshadowing his future small SUV which will be marketed in Europe and compete with the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008. The small SUV market is indeed growing.


- The mall future SUV will not be very different from the presented concept. It will be positioned in the range of the manufacturer below the CRV which has a comparable silhouette.

 

- Based on the Civic, it will be produced in Swindon (UK) alongside the Civic, CRV and Jazz. Honda wants to develop the activity of this plant which manufactured 165,630 vehicles in 2012 (versus 110 000 in 2011).

 

- This model is likely to be equipped with the engines of the Civic.


 

13-04-6



VW unveiled a concept foreshadowing his future big SUV

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VW unveiled a concept foreshadowing his future big SUV
 
- At the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen presented a concept (based on Audi Q7) which foreshadows the future big SUV of the brand. This vehicle is positioned over the Touareg within the range of the carmaker.

- This model will probably be enjoyed by  more Americans than Europeans. But due to a European market which is weak  and will remain  so for several years, it is interesting for a carmaker to respond to the needs of a U.S. important and growing market.

- This future competitor of Mercedes GL, whose name is still unknown, could be produced, (as the Mercedes GL), in the United States where Volkswagen has recently set up an ultra-modern plant (in Chattanooga).

- This big SUV will be equipped with the most powerful engines of the brand, including a hybrid version.


 

13-04-5



Global sales of the Renault group shrunk by 6.3% in 2012

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Global sales of the Renault group shrunk by 6.3% in 2012
 
- In 2012, the Renault Group (Renault-Dacia-Samsung, excluding Nissan group) sold globally 2.55 million vehicles (Passenger Cars  + Light Utility Vehicles) versus 2,722,000 in 2011, representing a decrease of 6.3%. In twelve years, the group’s sales remained quasi-flat.

- The French carmaker’s sales have decreased last year by 18% in Europe compared to 2011 (-20% in France), but the development of sales in markets outside Europe (+9.1 %) partially offset the sharp decline in Europe.

- The Entry range (Dacia models and relabeled Renault models) become more and more significant in the group’s sales. These range’s sales have increased continuously since 2004.

- In 2012, the sales of the Entry range, which was completed  by MPVs Lodgy and utility vehicles Dokker ,  reached 953,00 units, to represent now 37% of total group’s sales (versus 30% in 2011 and 26% in 2010).

- In this context, it is possible that the Entry range ultimately represents 50% of group sales, exceeding one million units per year. It is to be noted that this range is very profitable for the carmaker.

- For 2013, the group has expectations regarding its sales in Russia and China (expanding markets), as a revival of the European market seems unlikely. Renault expects its  global market to grow3% next year, and a further decline in Europe of around 3%.

 

13-04-3



  1. Nissan unveils the new Note
  2. The Chinese market has consolidated its lead in 2012
  3. The global market grew by 4.9% in 2012 compared to 2011
  4. BMW, Audi and Mercedes broke their sales record in 2012
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