• This is the first time an Infiniti car has been nominated at this level. The vehicle’s driving dynamics has been tested by four-time Formula-1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, in his capacity as Infiniti Director of Performance. Since its North American launch in summer last year, the Q50 has already received multiple awards from organizations around the world. With five-star ratings in both, the US and the European NCAP crash testing programs, a “top safety pick plus” rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in the US, and top marks for its collision-avoidance systems from Thatcham, the UK’s Motor Insurance Repair Research Center.
• Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault presented its annual results last week and said in a statement that the 2017 targets were “ambitious yet realistic.” Ghosn aims to increase revenue by about 25 percent to 50 billion euros in 2017, a year later than originally planned, and to boost operating margin to 5 percent, up from 3 percent last year. Analysts differed in evaluating these predictions with some saying that Ghosn is too conservative while others doubt the targets. Renault's global vehicle sales were 2.63 million last year, below the 3 million originally pledged. Ghosn also missed announced targets of 3.3 million vehicle sales and a 6 percent margin for 2009. Renault gave no new volume targets, promising instead to maintain positive cash flow every year.
• Ferrari will unveil the California T at the forthcoming Geneva Auto Show. The model hosts many new solutions, including an 8-cylinder turbo engine. Maranello’s engineers have created an entirely new power unit which delivers superb levels of performance, blistering pick-up and the exhilarating turbo soundtrack. The retractable hard top transforms it from a chic coupé into a sleekly sophisticated spider in mere 14 seconds. The company says this is also the first time virtually zero turbo lag has been achieved on an engine of this type, guaranteeing instantaneous response to commands and, as with naturally-aspirated power units, a torque curve that increases constantly across the rev range thanks to Variable Boost Management.
The direct-injection, 3855 cc turbo 8-cylinder is mounted very low in the chassis in a mid-front position. The California T achieves extraordinary acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
• Renault achieved a 17 percent hike in KSA sales and maintained its position as the number one European brand in Saudi Arabia, according to distributors Gulf Advantage Automobiles (GAA). The key driver of growth remains the “Fluence” premium sedan and the off-roader “Duster” compact SUV as well as its limited edition the “Duster Adventure.” In 2014, GAA is planning to further boost its position and offerings in the Kingdom by launching the new business class Safrane and the new elegant Koleos SUV. The Safrane offers premium space and top range innovative equipment for maximum luxury while the all-terrain cross over Koleos provides refined comfort and flair combined with strength and agility.
GAA is confident that the first rate offering will further boost the company’s sales while providing the opportunity for its clients to drive state of the art vehicles at great competitive prices.
Q50 shortlisted for World Car of the Year
