Polo 2009 Volkswagen

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2009 Volkswagen Polo Challenge Conquers Apple App Stores Worldwide

Volkswagen Polo Challenge conquers Apple App Stores worldwide More than 1.4 million downloads of interactive Polo racing game Wolfsburg, 08 April 2009 - The Volkswagen Polo has demonstrated a constant presence in the streets around the world for more than 30 years. The newest version of Volkswagen's best seller is now reaching the generation of "mobile gamers". The new Polo made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, 2009. Parallel to its debut, a Polo racing game for the iPhone and the iPod appeared in the Apple App Stores. In just two weeks, Volkswagen was in first place on the download charts in 39 countries with this new marketing method and was among the top ten of the US download charts. In this way, Volkswagen is betting not just on traditional advertisements in print, radio and television but also on interactivity through the iPhone and iPod. And with success: more than 1.4 million downloads from the Apple App Store within four weeks prove the wave of enthusiasm which the new Polo racing game, Volkswagen Polo Challenge has set off around the world. Volkswagen see in the success of the Polo game a confirmation for the new direction in viral marketing. The number of downloads, 1.4 million after just four weeks, far exceeds expectations. This indicates great potential for developing contact to new, young, technically minded target groups. Volkswagen Polo Challenge is an interactive racing game which takes place in brilliant 3D quality on eight highly detailed race tracks. Those who would like to test the new Polo in life can use the game to navigate to the nearest Volkswagen dealer. Volkswagen Wolfsburg, Germany Status: not an ad Tags: 2009 Volkswagen Polo Challenge Conquers Apple App Stores Worldwide, car, micro car, ARTICLE, fuel efficient

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Fiesta 2009 Ford

2009 Ford Fiesta Sales Continue to Soar

NEW FIESTA SALES APPROACH 170,000 AS FORD OF EUROPE CONTINUES TO GROW MARKET SHARENew Fiesta sales continue to soar Double-digit monthly market share a first since September 2001 First quarter share the highest since 1998 Market share increases in 16 out of 19 markets Retail share up in March Blue oval consolidates its position as Europe's number two best-selling brand COLOGNE, April 15, 2009 – Ford of Europe has sold over 108,000 new Fiestas this year, bringing to almost 170,000 the total purchased by customers since the car was introduced last autumn. In March alone the company sold 52,800 Fiestas – the highest retail sales month ever for the new car and making it once more the company's best-selling car across the main Euro 19 markets. Ford of Europe increased its market share in March in the Euro 19 markets to 10.0 per cent, up 0.2 percentage points versus the same month last year, consolidating its position as Europe's number two best-selling brand. This is the first time Ford of Europe's market share has been in double digits since September 2001 and it continues the company's upward trend. In total in March Ford of Europe sold 163,000 vehicles in the Euro 19 markets and increased market share in 16 out of its 19 main European markets, with only France, Spain and Switzerland showing declines. "It is very encouraging to see Fiesta doing so well and also our market share developing so positively, given the declining market we are continuing to face in Europe," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. "With 56 per cent of our March sales generated by retail customers – up from 43 per cent in March 2008 – we have clear evidence of consumer confidence in our Ford product range," he added. March performance Top selling Ford models in the 19 main European markets were the new Fiesta (52,800), the Focus (32,300), and Transit (14,100). Britain was the company's best performing market in March and delivered 62,300 new vehicles, a reduction of 21,100 units versus the same month in 2008. This March performance led to a share of 17.9 per cent, up by 1.6 percentage points compared to the same month last year. Fiesta was Britain's best-selling car for the fifth consecutive month. In Germany, which had the largest passenger car industry volume since March 1999 driven by a very successful scrappage scheme, Ford sold 28,300 vehicles, up by 39.6 per cent or 8,000 units on March 2008. Ford market share in Germany last month was 7.2 per cent, an improvement of 0.7 percentage points over the same period last year. March was also Ford of Germany's best sales month for the Ka since 2002 and the best March for the Fiesta since 1998. In Italy, March sales rose by 21.7 per cent or 4,200 to 23,800 and a 10.1 per cent market share was up by 2.3 percentage points on March 2008. Ford remained Italy's leading import brand and the Fiesta was the best-selling imported car. In France, the C-MAX and S-MAX were the best-selling imported vehicles in their segments for the third successive month. For the first time since March 2007, Ford was the top-selling foreign brand in Russia, giving it an 8.4 per cent record March share, an increase of 1.8 percentage points on 2008. This was the company's highest share in any month in Russia since December 2006. Across all its 51 European markets, Ford sold 185,100 vehicles in March 2009, down 16.3 per cent or 36,000, when compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date performance In the first quarter of 2009 Ford of Europe sold across its Euro 19 markets 352,200 vehicles, down 69,200 or 16.4 percentage points versus 2008. Market share soared by half a percentage point to 9.4 per cent, the highest Q1 share since 1998. Ford of Britain sold 97,800 vehicles, a reduction of 25.6 per cent or 33,700 when compared to last year. The UK industry was down by 32 per cent during the same period. However, Ford's market share in Britain continued to rise and in this first quarter of the year increased by 1.5 percentage points to 18.2 per cent. Ford of Germany saw sales increase over the first three months of the year by 33.5 per cent. They sold 64,800 vehicles, an increase of 16,300 over the first quarter of 2008. Market share over the same period was 7.4 per cent, up 1.4 percentage points when compared to the same period in 2008. Ford Italy sold 58,400 vehicles over the first quarter 2009, down 3,900, while market share rose by 1.6 percentage points to 9.8 per cent. Fiesta rose from third to second place in the list of best-selling vehicles in Italy. Year-to-date market share in France increased by 0.3 percentage points to 5.6 per cent, with sales at 35,100, a reduction of 3,600 versus 2008. In Spain, the market remained one of the most depressed in Europe, with industry falling by 40 per cent and Ford sales totaling 19,800 (a reduction of 22,100). Market share there was at 8.7 per cent, down 1.6 percentage points. Despite this challenging market environment, the Ford Mondeo led its segment in Spain in the first quarter of 2009. In Russia, sales of 28,900 (although down by 12,500 versus the same period last year) enabled Ford's market share in the first three months of the year to rise by 1.4 percentage points to 7.5 per cent. Year-to-date, Ford of Europe sold 404,900 vehicles in its 51 markets, a reduction of 97,000 or down 19.3 percentage points on the first quarter of 2008. Ford Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A. Status: not an ad Tags: 2009 Ford Fiesta Sales Continue to Soar, car, micro car, ARTICLE, fuel efficient

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Lotus Elise and Exige now Cleaner than Ever 2010

2010 Model Year Elise and Exige Now Cleaner than Ever For 2010 Model Year,

the Elise and Exige have substantially reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption The latest Elise and Exige models are the product of continuous improvement to give up to a 9% reduction in CO2 emissions and similar increases in fuel economy. On the combined cycle, the Elise S shows the greatest improvement in fuel efficiency offering an increase of 3.2 mpg (a decrease of 0.7 l/100km), from 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100 km) to 37.2 mpg (7.6 l/100km). These figures are achieved by focussing on light weight technology and small, efficient engines to achieve sensational performance and class leading fuel economy. Model Combined CO2 0-60 mph 0-100 km/h (mpg) (l/100km) (g/km) (seconds) (seconds) Elise S 37.2 mpg 179 Co2 5.7 0-60 mph Elise R 34.4 mpg 196 CO2 5.1 0-60 mph Elise SC 33.2 mpg 199 CO2 4.3 0-60 mph Exige S 33.2 mpg 199 CO2 4.5 0-60 mph Elise S 26.6 Urban mpg 48.7 Extra Urban mpg Elise R 24.4 Urban mpg 45.6 Extra Urban mpg Elise SC 23.9 Urban mpg 44.1 Extra Urban mpg Exige S 23.7 Urban mpg 43.5 Extra Urban mpg The exceptional balance and precise handling of Lotus cars have always been the most engaging aspect of the driving experience and these class leading attributes are now complemented by greener performance. Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, stated, “The Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight is even more relevant in today’s emission focused ecological world. This design philosophy has enabled Lotus to offer fantastic levels of performance, with Lotus cars being some of the greenest performance cars on the market”. Mike Kimberley continues, “We are at the cutting edge of green transport technology and we will continue to push the boundaries with our green research and environmental strategy. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers". Lotus’ cars fair well against other manufacturers of performance cars in terms of CO2 emissions against performance. The table below compares vehicles with similar performance and highlights their emissions of CO2. This table illustrates the efficient performance of the Elise SC. Lotus Elise SC 33.2 mpg 199 CO2 4.6 0-62 mph Porsche Boxster S 29.7 mpg 223 CO2 5.3 0-62mph Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG 23.5 mpg 288 CO2 4.9 0-62 mph Ferrari F430 Spider 18.6 mpg 345 CO2 4.1 0-62 mph Figures displayed above are from manufacturers’ websites as at 8/4/09 The exciting new 2010 model year Elise and Exige are on sale now at Lotus dealers. Elise S: 179 g/km CO2 7.6 l/100 km (37.2 mpg) Combined Cycle 10.6 l/100 km (26.6 mpg) Urban Cycle 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle Elise R: 196 g/km CO2 8.2 l/100 km (34.4 mpg) Combined Cycle 11.6 l/100 km (24.4 mpg) Urban Cycle 6.2 l/100 km (45.6 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle Elise SC: 199 g/km CO2 8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle 11.8 l/100 km (23.9 mpg) Urban Cycle 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle Exige S: 199 g/km CO2 8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle 11.9 l/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle Lotus London, England, United Kingdom Status: not an ad Tags: 2010 Lotus Elise and Exige now Cleaner than Ever, car, roadster, sports car, coupe, targa, ARTICLE, EDITORS PICK, fuel efficient

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Kia Soulster Concept 2009

The 2009 Kia Soulster open-air concept debuted in Detroit this afternoon at a presentation that resembled a Beach Boys music video. With the Soulster, Kia is looking to bring back the two-door convertible SUV body style that it killed off when the first generation Sportage ceased to be in 2002.Like the Soul that it's based on, the Soulster attempts to project a hip and youthful attitude. Unlike the production model, however, the concept seats one less person and has two doors instead of four. Other differences include unique 19-inch wheels, shimmering "Soul'r yellow" paint and LED headlamps. Its windshield and windows are low for a sporty appearance, and the roll bar serves double duty as a protection device as well as a place for the tracks of the soft top.Despite its small size, Kia equipped Soulster to be a versatile hauler. Inside, the rear seats fold flat to fit objects both big and small. All seats are cantilevered to give a nifty floating appearance that also provides rear passengers with more leg room. Kia also gave Soulster storage compartments below the rear seats and under the cargo area to stow more gear.If the Soulster makes it to production, it will likely carry over the Soul's engine offerings. The base engine would be a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The optional engine would be the 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 142 horsepower available with the manual or a four-speed auto.While the 2010 Kia Soul goes on sale this spring, the company refused to say if the Soulster is coming to a beach near you. Kia did say that if the concept gets the green light it would be priced "with young buyers' budgets in mind," which we interpret to mean somewhere below $20K.To read more about the 2009 Kia Soulster Concept, go to our 2009 Detroit auto show blogs coverage. All the latest blogs from the Editors of Automobile Magazine can be found HERE. We've got our whole staff wandering the floor at Cobo Hall bringing back live photos and more information about all the new debuts from Detroit.

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Vauxhall Insignia VXR 2009 Opel

2009 Vauxhall Insignia VXR - Nurburgring Proven

ÜBER INSIGNIA TAKES POWER FIGHT TO PREMIUM RIVALS Nürburgring-proven chassis with Adaptive 4x4 Turbocharged V6 engine with race-bred design features Unique-to-range front suspension for optimised grip and traction Luton – Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR (Opel Insignia OPC) is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale early this summer, with a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class. Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4x4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, Adaptive 4x4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi. The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions. Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs. ‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’ And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS (65PS up on the Elite V6), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts. This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining. All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey. Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new model will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 431 horsepower VXR8. Since its launch in 2004, the VXR brand has been underpinned by the immensely successful VX Racing team, which currently holds all three British Touring Car Championship titles – Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Team – for the 2008 season. Prices for the Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be announced soon. Opel Rüsselsheim, Germany Status: not an ad Tags: 2009 Vauxhall Insignia VXR - Nurburgring Proven, car, sports car

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