Bentley achieves 30% regional growth in first half of 2014

• Bentley Motors Middle East has announced its most successful half year ever with an overall increase in deliveries of 30 percent in comparison to the same period last year. The results have also revealed a positive start for the new Flying Spur W12 since its arrival in the region in September, 2013. The popularity of the 6 liter W12 engine model is expected to continue throughout the second half of the year, alongside new introductions to the prestigious Bentley family, including the new Continental GT V8 S, which will arrive at Bentley dealers this month (August 2014), the new Flying Spur V8 and the new Continental GT Speed, which will arrive in the Middle East by the end of 2014. Neil Wilford, regional manager, Middle East, India and Africa, Bentley Motors, said: “This is a particularly exciting time for Bentley Motors in this region. All of our key Middle East markets have grown during the first half of 2014 while our UAE and Saudi dealers continue to hold the prestigious positions of the number one and two Bentley dealers in the world respectively.”

• Automakers in Europe are speeding up the introduction of alternative fuel powertrains as they push to cut CO2 emissions by nearly one-third by 2021. The European Union is demanding that average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in Europe are reduced to 95 grams per kilometer in 2021, down from about 132g/km in 2012. The 2021 target equates to fuel use of 4.1 liters per 100km for gasoline cars and 3.6 l/100km for diesel models.Carmakers’ targets vary depending upon the weight of the average vehicle sold. Most automakers selling cars in Europe are on track to meet the targets if they keep up with their past progress, said Transport & Environment, a clean-air lobby group that monitors vehicle manufacturers’ annual progress toward meeting the goals.

• The Range Rover Sport SVR made its global debut at Pebble Beach on August 14. The fastest, most powerful Land Rover ever produced is the first model to wear the SVR designation being adopted by future Land Rover and Jaguar high-performance models. The Range Rover Sport SVR accelerates from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds). A top speed electronically limited to 162mph (260km/h) and a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 8 minutes 14 seconds – one of the fastest times ever recorded by a production SUV – underline its performance credentials. The SVR’s range-topping 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine has been developed to produce 550PS and 680Nm – substantial 40PS and 56Nm increases — without compromising fuel economy. And its advanced ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive chassis have been optimized to complement its astonishing performance, whatever the weather. In a world first for Land Rover, the Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a two-stage active exhaust featuring electronically controlled valves. The system optimizes sound quality, performance and aesthetics and provides a racecar-inspired soundtrack at higher engine revs without adversely affecting refinement during low speed driving.
• Mohamed Yousuf Naghi group gave advice to motorists embarking on long journeys in summer to make sure that their vehicles are properly serviced. Coolant levels for the engine, correct oil levels and proper work of air conditioning units are vital in long summer car journeys. Tires too should have the correct pressure and tread should be to a depth of three millimeters. Brakes too should be checked and any warning lights in the dashboard should be investigated. As safety is paramount, the company asks all motorists to buckle up their seat belts at all times. The company is also offering its customers free AC checkup and discounts on parts and labor this summer.