For more than 25 years the BMW M5 Sedan has defined the high-performance Sedan segment, in the process becoming the most successful car of its type in the world. Now a new fifth-generation model raises the concept of the premium executive Sedan combining track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort to an even higher level.

The M5 features the most powerful series production engine ever in a BMW M car, yet has 30 percent better fuel consumption than the existing model. Capable of sprinting to 100km/hr in just 4.3 seconds, the M5 boasts race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential.

The M5 Safety Car features several modifications including an Akrapovic titanium prototype exhaust from the catalyst back as well as KW Clubsport suspension completing the race-ready package.Piers Scott, BMW Group Australia Head of Corporate Communications, said the new BMW M5 spent more time in development on the world-famous Nurburgring than any other BMW M car in history and is at home on the world’s most demanding racetracks.

The performance and technology within the new BMW M5 matches up well with the cars competing in the race itself. The fact there is live TV and continual internet coverage means it is an effective way to showcase the new vehicle.

Source: http://www.bmw.com.au/com/en/insights/newsandevents/latest-news/bmw-to-provide-official-safety-car-to-armor-all-bathurst-12-hour.html

Each year, readers of the most popular German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport choose the best car in ten categories. This year, readers from other countries could also cast their votes for more than 300 models. As a result, the turnout of more than 116,000 readers 19 magazines from 16 countries.

The new Range Rover Evoque was on top in the category of “Foreign SUVs,” received 20.7% of all votes in this class. The reason for this success Range Rover Evoque have exceptional design and outstanding off-road performance.

The next four places in the category of “Foreign SUVs” took the model: Range Rover - 2nd place, Range Rover Sport - 3rd place, Defender - 4th place and Discovery 4 - 5 th place.Jaguar XF has won in its category with a clear advantage in 45.8% of the vote, improving your last year’s result. In Germany, the XF became the best selling foreign car in the premium in 2011 and the most popular model Jaguar.

Source: http://www.landrover.com/ru/ru/lr/about-land-rover/news/prestigious-land-rover-award-germany/

Russia, Moscow

The deciding factors when choosing a car are not only technical specifications and design. The quality of service, as well as a set of services provided by the client, play an equally important role. In 2011, the company Jaguar Land Rover Russia has launched a program of “acceleration strategy” in which the direction of the “Great service” has become one of the defining.

During the brief period of a new program the company Jaguar Land Rover Russia has dramatically increased the level of service, noting the remarkable growth of customer satisfaction.At the end of last year, the total number of appeals and complaints decreased by more than two times. Significantly improved the quality of warranty service, and therefore reduced the number of appeals on this issue. Significant changes were made and delivery of spare parts, not only in Moscow but also in the regions, thereby reducing the number of complaints is almost 10 times.

Urgent orders arrive in Moscow on the same day the client, in St. Petersburg the next day, and in the regions of this period increases up to 3 days depending on distance. These results were achieved due to the fact that the level of population density in the central warehouse as a Land Rover, Jaguar and exceeded 96%. Significant changes have been made within the existing quality assurance program after-sales service. The study of dealers, there was an increase of customer satisfaction serviced by 50% compared with 2010.

Source: http://www.landrover.com/ru/ru/lr/about-land-rover/news/improved-service-quality/

The study found Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate, tying for third place overall.Lexus scored the best of 32 brands and Scion achieved its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions.The study, published annually since 1990, measures problems experienced by the original owners of three-year-old vehicles.

The rankings are determined by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles; the lower the number, the more positive the score.Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D.

Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards - more than half the 21 total awards - in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker. The 2012 models include Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB (Rukus).

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/Toyota-dominates-vehicle-dependability-study

Montreal, Québec

The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car designed with superior steering response for ultimate driving pleasure. Featuring an all-new horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine designed to produce 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, BRZ’s engine is positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centres of gravity on the market.

Compact and light, the engine also features new direct injection and port injection technology for maximum efficiency and performance. The lightweight yet highly rigid body was exclusively developed to maximize the advantages of its ultra-low centre of gravity in order to produce superb handling capabilities that will surely delight drivers of all skill levels.

With its low-mounted SUBARU BOXER engine on a specially designed chassis layout, the BRZ has an ultra-low centre of gravity - offering this sports car a major advantage - as well as the low and wide body of a stylish coupe with an overall height and width of 1,285 mm and 1,775 mm respectively. At the same time, its compact design still offers seating for four with a folding rear seatback plus ample trunk space, making the Subaru BRZ suitable for longer trips thanks to its unexpected utility for a vehicle in its class

Subaru aimed for a traditional sports car design that instinctively conveys its fun-to-drive character, while including subtle details that will allow the BRZ to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. The BRZ’s ultra-low centre of gravity allowed for a low hood design and shapely fender flares, all designed to enhance the Subaru BRZ’s aesthetics.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8492&WebPageID=4998&WebSiteID=282

The specially equipped pace car is fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyres mounted on BBS RS 8.5 x 19 wheels, a StopTech Big Brake Kit, TRD custom stainless steel exhaust and Tein adjustable suspension – as well as special graphics and warning lights.

Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar and an on-board fire extinguisher.Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports for Toyota in the United States, said the Daytona 500 was the perfect place to showcase the new Camry.

We’re thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season’s biggest race,” Mr Laukes said.We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together with Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota’s commitment to NASCAR and its fans,” he said.

Camry has been the best-selling car in America 14 of the past 15 years and for 10 years running.In Australia, Camry has been the best-selling mid-size car for the past 18 years in a row.The latest Camry, released late last year, features a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than the previous generation.

Toyota has previously provided pace vehicles at several other NASCAR tracks, including a Camry Hybrid in 2009.In 2004, Toyota began participating in NASCAR competition by fielding Tundra trucks in the Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).In 2007, Toyota began competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) with the Camry.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/toyota-camry-pace-car-for-daytona%20

The Subaru XV defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with an urban, stylish design. The idea behind its design was a cross between the traditionally adventurous compact SUV and the urban lifestyle associated with the crossover genre. The Subaru XV focuses on impressive fuel efficiency as well as excellent handling and driving dynamics, which are melded together with its more SUV-like characteristics such as its 1,500-lb.

This vehicle, with its sporty, sleek design, vibrant Tangerine Orange Pearl exterior colour and distinctive alloy wheels was just recently launched in other markets around the world,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “I’m pleased that we are able to provide a chance for Canadians to see it and provide comments back to us.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8521&WebPage

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The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that demonstrate the ability to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a four-year period for mainstream brands and a three-year period for luxury brands. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories and also in two brand categories (mainstream and luxury). This year’s awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

Subaru earned its third straight Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award buoyed by consistently strong quality and a progressive desirability for their products in the Canadian market,” said Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director for ALG. “The brand continues to expand its devotee base with compelling redesigns like the new Impreza. Dependability, low incentives, and fleet sales have enhanced Subaru’s used market brand image as well.

Compact Car Award: the Subaru Impreza. According to ALG, the new Impreza offers compelling value for the Canadian market, offering All-Wheel Drive in a segment where price is usually a large consideration. Although this is the fourth year in a row Impreza has won in this category, the combination of the redesign, AWD and segment-competitive fuel efficiency went a long way towards making the Impreza an attractive option for consumers yet again this year.

Midsize Utility Vehicle Award: the Subaru Outback. For the second consecutive year, Outback claims the midsize utility vehicle award. ALG notes that the Subaru Outback offers potential SUV shoppers the car-like ride and handling usually associated with a car-based platform. Subaru’s subdued fleet sales and customer incentives also ensure that sales growth occurs by organic retail demand.

Source: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?ArticleID=8523&WebPageID=4998&WebSiteID=282

Stuttgart -

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG received the “OFF ROAD AWARD 2012” yesterday evening at a prize ceremony in Munich. This award illustrates yet again just how popular this sporty SUV is. The 100,000th Cayenne of the current generation was built only a few weeks ago in Leipzig.

The monthly trade magazine’s reader poll has been held since 1982. This year there were 143 vehicles from 40 manufacturers in twelve categories in the running and more than 57,000 readers took part in the poll.

Source: http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutporsche/pressreleases/pag/?pool=international-de&id=2012-02-10

Detroit

The 2012 “Most Desired Brands in the U.S.” survey was conducted by the global strategic neuro-insight firm Buyology Inc and uSamp, which measured personal and emotional connections to 220 well-known brands across 10 industries.

Cadillac saw retail sales growth of 6.8 percent in 2011, led by the CTS family of cars, which were up 19 percent over 2010, and the mid-size luxury SRX crossover, which increased sales by more than 9.6 percent last year.

Cadillac is poised to further extend sales in 2012 with the introduction of the XTS full-size luxury sedan and the ATS compact luxury sedan, which will be released in the spring and summer of 2012 respectively.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.

Source: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Feb/0217