VOLKSWAGEN SEES SUBSTANTIAL SALES INCREASE IN H1

The Volkswagen Groupis gaining momentum, as it has been over the past few years. Sales for the period January to June 2013 have increased by 5.5% globally (including Porsche), to end the 6-month period at 4.7 million units. At this rate VW AGwill sell over 10 million vehiclesby the end of the year. Their ambition is of course, to overtake Toyota to become the world’s biggest carmaker.

Back at home in South Africa, the same VW, but excluding the Porsche brand which is distributed locally by LSM Distributors, pushed out 58 140cars, up 10.4 % over the same period last year, for a total market share of 18.1%. Audi on the other hand, saw its sales for the past 6 months hit 9 737cars, an increase of 20.3% on the same period in 2012. The top-sellingmodels were A4 (3 207), A3 (1 684) and Q5 (1 045).

Post Title → VOLKSWAGEN SEES SUBSTANTIAL SALES INCREASE IN H1

MINI SHOWS VISION CONCEPT

MINI unveiled a new conceptcalled the MINI Vision concept. In most aspects it’s really the upcoming MINI that will replace the current car in 2014. As you can tell, this really is a design study, but a number of aspects will be carried into the real car when it debuts.

MINI being the boutique car that it is, is centred around individuality. Often the cars can be specced so much more than expensiveand bigger sedans in the BMW range, simply because the MINI market demands to stand out from the crowd. Some of the wizadry they’ve performed in this concept is a device that holds smart phones but can be removed with one swipe of the hand. There are elastic fabric straps on the side of the doors, adorned in Union Jackcolours that can hold cumbersome items like a 2-litre bottle or a magazine.

The inside is a myriad of lights, textures, plastics and new exotic materials, one of which is called an organo metal. According to MINI it’s an “extremely mouldable but also very strong material is produced by pressing various fibres into a composite”.

Post Title → MINI SHOWS VISION CONCEPT

MERCEDES-BENZ AMG TO SUPPLY ASTON MARTIN

Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have entered into an agreement that will see the German company supply its British rival with engines. The agreement is specifically between Aston Martinand Mercedes-Benz AMG division. A letter of agreement has been signed and all other agreements should be finalised before 2014.

There aren’t too many details revealed but according to a statement, the two will partner in as far as supplying Aston Martin with bespoke V8 engines for their next-generation of sports cars. Whether these will remain naturally aspirated or turbochargedas Mercedes-Benz is currently doing with most of its AMGs, remains to be seen. What “bespoke” does mean however, is that we won’t see the same power figures coming out of these engines.

The agreement also covers the supply of electric powertrains, which indicates Aston Martin’s willingness to explore this frontier in the future. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will be allowed to take up a stake of up to 5% in Aston Martin. All this is pendingapproval by regulatory bodies.

“We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process,” Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said. “Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.”

Ola Källenius, Head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: “We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.”

Post Title → MERCEDES-BENZ AMG TO SUPPLY ASTON MARTIN

Classic Cars at Charterhouse Makes Over £500,000

The Charterhouse classic car auction on Sunday 21st July at Sherborne Castle, was their biggest classic car auction this year when it totalled over half a million pounds.

“The classic and vintage car and motorcycle market is very strong at present, which resulted in some staggering prices at the auction.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “My favourite lot in the sale was a 1966 Mini Cooper S. In very original condition, it had been stored for over 20 years, during which the market for these iconic British cars has reached new dizzy new heights. Consigned from an owner in Leicester, this little Mini sold for a massive £30,800 despite its collapsed suspension and lack of an MOT, and in the process set a new world auction record price for a Mini Cooper S!”

Top honours in the sale went to an Aston Martin DB6, when it sold for a strong £150,000. The owner, who lives near Newbury, had driven the Aston Martin just 3,000 miles in nearly 40 years. However, the lot which travelled the furthest to the auction, was a barn stored 1920’s Ariel motorcycle combination which was delivered to Charterhouse from a client in Scotland. Estimated at £3000, it delighted its owner when it sold for £9,350.

Elsewhere in the auction, a Ferrari 355 Spyder sold for £37,400, a barn stored Bristol Zagato restoration project, only for the brave, sold for £31,900, a 1924 AC Anzani, resplendent in its polished aluminium bodywork, sold for £33,000 to a museum in Devon, a Morris Minor post production convertible £12,100, a Mercedes-Benz 500SL £12,980, a 1970 Jaguar E Type 2+2 coupe £19,800 and at the other end of the classic car market, a Land Rover Series I restoration project, pulled out from a Welsh farm, sold for £1,200.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries into their next auction of classic car and motorcycles being held at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on Monday 9th September.

To enter a vehicle into this specialist auction, contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277, via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or log on to www.charterhouse-auction.com

The Aston Martin DB6 sold for £150,000
The Mini Cooper S sold for a staggering £30,800
The 1924 AC Anzani sold for £33,000
The Ferrari 355 Spyder sold for £37,400
The 1920’s Ariel combination restoration project sold for £9,350
The Bristol Zagato restoration project, only for the brave, which sold for £31,900
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For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Post Title → Classic Cars at Charterhouse Makes Over £500,000