WoodlawnPost™ » China

@Cadillac Is The Auto Industry’s Fastest-Growing Brand In Q1 2013

WoodlawnPost — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:50:58 +0000

DETROIT – Woodlawn Post participated in the General Motors conference with Kurt McNeil(vice president of U.S. sales operations) to review GM’s April 2013 U.S. sales results.

“We’re Very Optimistic,“ Kurt McNeil(vice president of U.S. sales operations) said about GM U.S. Sales being up 11% and more.

Woodlawn Post; Cadillac 2014 ELR(Rear) Unveiling At NAIAS 2013

Woodlawn Post; Cadillac 2014 ELR(Front Wheel) Unveiling At NAIAS 2013

Cadillac was the industry’s fastest-growing brand in Q1 2013 and Cadillac will launch an all-new CTS luxury sedan in the fall 2013. GM unveiled the 2014 Cadillac ELR at the 2013 North American International Auto Show(@NAIAS) on Tuesday January 15th, 2013.

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Scania Presents In Shanghai

WoodlawnPost — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:23:27 +0000

SHANGHAI—-

Mats Harborn, Executive Director of Scania China, uses fluent Chinese to introduce the new China Euro 4 trucks from Scania at Auto Shanghai 2013, the world’s largest automotive show.

With more than 2,000 exhibitors and one million visitors, Scania held two launches, competing with product news from brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. The Scania Touring was formally introduced and will be sold in China through the Scania dealer network. With the upcoming Euro 4 equivalent emission standards coming into force on 1 July this year, Scania also launched its compliant, new D13 Euro 4 engine to the market, as well as Scania’s upgraded Euro 4 long-haulage models, which are designed for different applications in China’s long haul industry.

Mats-Harborn

Auto Shanghai 2013 has attracted the participation of the world’s most famous luxury car brands, including Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Eterniti, Koenigsegg and MKB. However, the bulk of exhibitors are from the major European, American and Japanese passenger car companies.New-energy vehicles are at the forefront of technology and therefore an important part of the show. Several newly developed electric vehicles are being showcased or are making their world premieres.

This is the second time Scania has participated in Auto Shanghai. The show is considered one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to raise brand awareness in China. It provides an opportunity to reach out to potential Chinese customers who are thinking about upgrading their truck or bus fleets to imported, premium vehicles.

Source: scania.se

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All-new Jeep Cherokee Debuts Internationally at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

WoodlawnPost — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:42:18 +0000

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The all-new Jeep Cherokee raises the bar and is ready to take the mid-size SUV segment by storm – on any continent.

Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, and Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific Region introduces the all-new Jeep® Cherokee at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Following close behind its world premiere in New York last month, the Jeep Cherokee has its international debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show on April 20.

“Jeep is our global brand and, since its inception, the all-new Jeep Cherokee was conceived and developed not only for our home market of the U.S. but also for world markets,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, and Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific Region, Fiat S.p.A.

“The new Jeep Cherokee will become a benchmark in the global mid-size SUV segment by combining the segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, refined on-road manners and fuel efficiency with the capability that only Jeep can deliver and that our customers have learned to trust.”

2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited

The Jeep Cherokee, which will be known in China as “Zi You Guang,” will arrive in volume to dealer showrooms in the China market by the end of 2013.

“China is the largest market for the Jeep brand outside of the U.S., and one out of every five vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment is sold in China. Hence, it just makes sense that the new Jeep Cherokee has its international debut in Shanghai,” said Manley.

Boasting a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, the Jeep Cherokee delivers up to 30 percent fuel consumption improvement over the outgoing model. At launch in China, two innovative 4×4 systems will be available for all-weather capability: Jeep Active Drive I with a one-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and Jeep Active Drive II with a two-speed PTU and low range.

Housing all this efficiency and capability is a new exterior designed for the future with global appeal. Jeep designers were inspired to create a vehicle that moves Jeep into the next era with a shape that is efficient without losing Jeep DNA and design heritage. The all-new Jeep Cherokee is a vehicle that not only looks efficient and capable, but is efficient and capable – in all on-road, trail and weather conditions.

The interior of the Jeep Cherokee is modern and sophisticated, incorporating high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship alongside high-tech features, such as an available 7-inch full-color reconfigurable instrument cluster and award-winning 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited

For international markets, the Jeep Cherokee will be also available with a diesel powertrain in both left- and right-hand-drive versions.

@GM 2013 Sales Reach 1 Million in China

WoodlawnPost — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:17:40 +0000

SHANGHAI – General Motors sold its 1 millionth vehicle in China on Monday, the earliest it has ever done this in a calendar year.

@GM 2013 Sales Reach 1 Million in China

GM first sold 1 million vehicles in a single year in China in December 2007. Last year, GM reached the milestone on May 7. This year it came two weeks sooner – and the earliest in the company’s history.

“This is a great start to the year and a big accomplishment for our team,” said Bob Socia, president, GM China, and Chief Country Operations Officer, China, India and ASEAN. “We will continue bringing new products and expanding our dealerships to boost sales.”

GM and its joint ventures are adding to their product lineups by launching 17 new and upgraded models in China this year. They include the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback; the new Wuling Sunshine; two new Jiefang light-duty trucks, the S230 and F330; and the Insignia Sports Tourer, Zafira Tourer and Astra GTC from Opel.

The company is also expanding its dealer network to make it easier for its customers in China to buy and service their vehicles. It is adding 400 dealers this year, which will bring to 4,200 the number of dealers at year end.

@GM 2013 Sales Reach 1 Million in China

More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

Bentley Introduces The New Flying Spur To China @BentleyMotorsPR

WoodlawnPost — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 06:20:46 +0000

SHANGHAI – Bentley introduces the new Flying Spur to Greater China at the Auto Shanghai 2013, alongside the Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s fastest production model ever and its pinnacle flagship model, the ultra-high luxury Mulsanne.

Bentley reinforces commitment to Greater China with expansion plans

Bentley also announces its plans to grow the dealer network in Greater China, reinforcing China as a key market for Bentley’s continued success as the company heads for double digit growth again in 2013.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments:

“China is a key market for Bentley and we are enjoying great sales success and growing customer interest. To continue to achieve these results, we have a significant expansion plan in place. This starts with the new Flying Spur, previously our best-selling model and we expect 60 per cent of the new Flying Spur sales to be delivered to customers in China.

“Our customers have one thing in common; they want quality, attention to detail and performance whether this is a watch or a bespoke suit. Exactly these principles are at the heart of the new car being presenting today, for its Greater China premiere.”

Success in the Far East

Reinforcing Bentley’s position as the number one luxury car maker in the world, 2012 saw a 23 per cent sales growth in China, with the region becoming Bentley’s second biggest market. Bentley established an official importer at the start of 2013, Bentley Motors China, to manage all key operations from its headquarters in Beijing. The company’s growth plan includes major network expansion to build on the current 26 locations and continue to provide every Bentley customer with a first-class service. 12 new dealer locations are opening by May this year, with plans for 45 dealerships covering all key cities in Greater China to be in place by 2015.

Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur, shown in the Far East for the first time, takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor even further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a dynamic stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim^® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph. In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley reinforces commitment to Greater China with expansion plans

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley’s showcase of luxury, performance and technology continues with the Mulsanne,

A celebration of the company’s passion for craftsmanship, those commissioning a Mulsanne enter a world of choice that is unmatched in the car industry, working with the Bentley team of world-class craftspeople, including coachbuilders, electronics specialists and cabinetmakers, to create a car that can be personalised to their individual tastes and personal requirements. The unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides, paint colours and finishes ensures that the needs of all customers can be perfectly matched.

Under the bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 6¾-litre V8 engine that delivers extreme levels of performance, developing 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) with torque of 1020 Nm (712lb ft) delivered at 1750rpm.

With a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds) and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h) the 505 bhp (512 PS/377 kw) Mulsanne offers thunderous levels of performance for an ultra-luxury sedan.

Bentley GT Speed coupe: the fastest-ever Bentley road-car
Completing Bentley’s presence at Auto Shanghai is the new 205 mph (330 km/h) W-12 engined Continental GT Speed, the fastest road car Bentley has ever produced. As Bentley’s new performance flagship, the Continental GT Speed coupe appeals to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The GT Speed develops 616 bhp (625 PS / 460 kW) at 6000 rev/min with 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque available from 2000 to 5000 rev/min for instantly accessible high performance. Coupled with a new ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission and state-of-the-art engine management software, the GT Speed dispatches the zero-to-sixty sprint in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s), reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in just 9.0 seconds.

In-gear acceleration is equally breath-taking. The advanced software of the close-ratio 8-speed transmission enables quick-shifting in Sport and Tiptronic modes. The gearbox also features ‘block-downshifting’, enabling combined downshifts for maximum acceleration. Typically, when cruising in eighth gear, full acceleration is achieved by dropping straight down to fourth.

Bentley reinforces commitment to Greater China with expansion plans

While this puts the GT Speed at the very top end of automotive performance, the new model retains the driving refinement, supreme comfort, peerless craftsmanship and contemporary luxury associated with Bentley cars.

Source: Bentley

@Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller Presents New Generation Gran Turismo in Shanghai

WoodlawnPost — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:16:09 +0000

SHANGHAI – Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the second generation Gran Turismo at the Auto Shanghai show in China. This leading auto show for the Asian market opens its gates to the public tomorrow.

Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller Presents New Generation Gran Turismo in Shanghai

The centrepiece of Porsche’s show appearance is the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Also making their debut – together with this new role model of intelligent interconnection of efficiency, sportiness and comfort – are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S which sport an extended wheelbase and a three-litre V6 engine with bi-turbocharging that is a completely new development. With the launch of the new generation, the Panamera range is now increasing to ten individual models that offer an extended range between sportiness and comfort.

Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, stressed this: “The Porsche Panamera and China – that is a very special success story. Exactly four years ago, we introduced the first Panamera to a world audience here in Shanghai – and very intentionally here. Because it was clear to us that our Gran Turismo would be precisely the right model for this future market. And we were not mistaken. In 2012, one out of three Panamera cars were delivered to China.” Since then, China has gained in importance and become the second largest Porsche market in the world.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid is a systematically advanced development of the parallel full hybrid, which Porsche introduced to the market as a pioneer in the field. With 416 hp (306 kW) of system power, acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h, it is a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through. Its special fascination comes from its unique efficiency and its ability to drive considerable distances in all-electric mode. In the NEDC, the Panamera S E-Hybrid consumes 3.1 l/100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid was determined to be 36 kilometres in the NEDC, and its top speed in electric driving is an unrivalled 135 km/h. The electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery with a 9.4 kWh energy capacity. Depending on the type of external electrical supply, the battery may be fully charged within as little as a few hours, and the battery is recharged by electrical system recuperation while driving. The forward-looking concept of the Panamera S E Hybrid also includes a completely new range of convenience functions that can also be activated and accessed by a smartphone app.

Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller Presents New Generation Gran Turismo in Shanghai

In a second world premiere, Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller presented the Executive models of the Panamera which have a 15 centimetre longer wheelbase, and as a result more leg space behind the front seats. Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive offer a very extensive set of features, and the standard rear seats already offer exceptional comfort. All Executive models have the innovative Panamera air suspension, which combines excellent ride comfort with typical Porsche handling properties. Never before have luxury and comfort been so closely associated with such sporty driving performance.

Representing another step towards increasing performance and efficiency is the completely reengineered V6 bi-turbo engine with three litres of engine displacement, which is replacing the previous V8 engine of Panamera S and Panamera 4S in the new Gran Turismo. The engine’s key parameters are indicators of progress: 20 hp more power and 20 Newton metres more torque, but up to 18 per cent improved fuel economy compared to the V8 engine in the previous model.

The new Panamera underscores its exceptional positioning with an even more expressive design language in the style of the new generation of Porsche sports cars, which are marked by tauter lines, more powerful contours and newly designed body elements.

Finally, the 911, Boxster and Cayman model series have enjoyed increasing customer interest in China as well. This positive trend will now be further reinforced by intensive motorsport involvement by Porsche in Asia. In this context, Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller presented two race cars on the evening before the auto show: along with the historic 936 Spyder – one of the most successful race cars in the world –, he introduced the new Porsche 911 RSR which is the fastest 911 ever. At the beginning of November, the Porsche 911 RSR will go to the start of the Six-Hour Race in Shanghai.

Porsche President and CEO Matthias Müller Presents New Generation Gran Turismo in Shanghai

SOURCE: Porsche

China Roars Ahead as Porsche’s Fastest-growing Region

WoodlawnPost — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:59:08 +0000

SHANGHAI – In 2013, Porsche China expects to continue building upon its spectacular successes from the past year and further establish its position as the leading luxury sports car maker in the market.

China Roars Ahead as Porsche's Fastest-growing Region; Woodlawn Post photo

The marque set another sales record in 2012, delivering a total of 31,205 cars across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, realising a growth rate of 28.2 percent year-on-year, driven primarily by the outstanding sales performance of the Panamera and Cayenne models.

“Last year, Porsche once again set a new benchmark for itself in China,” said Mr. Helmut Broeker, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche China. “We attribute this success to our proactive strategy, the commitment of our strong dealership network and workforce, and, of course, the exceptional loyalty of our customers… As we look ahead this year, we plan to continue carrying forward our product offensive with the launch of new hybrid vehicles, such as the 918 Spyder, and, of course, our new Macan SUV.”

Key achievements of 2012 included:

An unbroken record of 11 consecutive years of growth.
The establishment of new Porsche Centres nationwide.
Premieres of exciting new cars and upgraded models, including the Cayenne GTS, the Panamera Platinum Edition, the new 911, the Panamera GTS and the new generation of the Boxster.
Receiving 23 industry honors from top auto media and organizations, nearly half in recognition of the new generation 911.
Vast expansion of its China CSR program. For the third year, Porsche partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to aid disadvantaged students across Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan Provinces, contributing over 21 million RMB and 6 Cayenne SUVs in total. The marque and UNICEF also initiated their new Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) project across Shanxi and Guizhou. Porsche has pledged to support IECD with a donation of four Cayenne SUVs and a contribution of more than 23 million RMB to last until the end of 2014. By then, including the initial funds sent for disaster relief after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, Porsche China will have committed a total donation of more than 50 million RMB in cash plus 10 Cayenne SUVs to UNICEF in China.

Porsche China has several new plans for 2013. In January, it launched its new 911 Carrera 4 on ice in Inner Mongolia; later it will join worldwide celebrations for the 50^th anniversary of the 911 series. A unique Porsche Experience Centre in Shanghai is due to open in early 2014.

Outstanding Network Development

Porsche opened 10 new centres in 2012 in Wuxi, Chongqing, Hohhot, Tangshan, Lanzhou, Jinan, Beijing, Hefei, Dalian and Ordos in 2012. A centre established in Nantong this Januaryincreased the total to 49. Porsche spearheaded the development of emerging local markets within China by opening centres in second and third-tier cities.

About Porsche China

Porsche has been known as one of the most prestigious automobile brands worldwide for decades. Since 2001, Porsche China has been importing the full range of iconic Porsche sports cars imbued with the sporting spirit of the marque. Porsche China currently operates 49 Porsche Centres in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

For more information please visit www.porsche.cn.

SOURCE: Porsche China

Cadillac Unveiling At @NAIAS 2013; New 2014 Cadillac ELR Represent’s “World-Class Quality, Craftsmanship & Innovation”

WoodlawnPost — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:24:59 +0000

DETROIT, MI – With the global media focused on Detroit, GM unveiled the 2014 Cadillac ELR at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, January 15th 2013.

Woodlawn Post; Cadillac 2014 ELR(Interior) Unveiling At NAIAS 2013

Woodlawn Post; Cadillac 2014 ELR(Rear) Unveiling At NAIAS 2013

Woodlawn Post; Cadillac 2014 ELR(Front Wheel) Unveiling At NAIAS 2013

Woodlawn Post During Cadillac 2014 ELR Unveiling At @NAIAS 2013

The “GRAND” unveiling was presented by GM Executives Mark Adams(executive director) of Cadillac Global Design and Bob Ferguson(vice president) of Global Cadillac.

“The 2014 ELR is a further expansion of Cadillac’s Art & Science DNA… delivering luxury, dramatic design and energy efficiency — creating this engaging, fun-to-drive coupe” and “ELR further advances the expression of Cadillac design,” Executive Director, Cadillac Global Design MARK ADAMS said.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR embodies everything that you could envsion from a luxury automobile and the 2014 Cadillac ELR re-established “DETROIT” as a leader in the production and innovation of luxury automobiles through the Cadillac brand.

“We have a lot of work to do but we have the vision, the product and the people to rise to the challenge,“ Vice President, Global Cadillac BOB FERGUSON said.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR has an interior(hand-wrapped cut-and-sewn ) that resembles a multi-million dollar luxury home and feature’s an 8″inch(203 mm) CUE’s LCD screen. The 2014 Cadillac ELR has an exterior that feature’s a classic Cadillac grille, aerodynamic design, bold color’s and beautiful 20″ wheel’s. The 2014 Cadillac ELR offers customer’s a full driving range of more than 300 miles.

With the display of the new 2104 Cadillac ELR, it is safe to profess’ that Cadillac’s luxury image has been protected and enhanced under the the vision, concept,and design of the new 2014 Cadillac ELR. The ELR will be manufactured in limited numbers in Detroit and will be exported to China and Europe.

Written By Adrian Mitchell

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13th annual Ford Motor Conservation & Environmental Grants, China (CEGC)

WoodlawnPost — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 07:48:29 +0000

SHANGHAI — Bill Ford awarded 23 grants totaling RMB 1.5 million (US$ 240,000) to individuals and environmental organizations in China at the 13^th annual Ford Motor Conservation & Environmental Grants, China (CEGC) today in Shanghai.

Since 2000, CEGC has awarded grants for projects across China , from tree planting in the Gobi desert to Buddhist monasteries working together to help promote biodiversity; from protecting bar-head goose eggs from predators, to funding photographers to document endangered animals and wildlife in remote corners of China.

“I am very proud of the CEGC program, and of all the efforts of the Ford team here in China. Through our actions we have honored the heritage of our company, as well as our vision of the future,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. “Whatever challenges we face in the future, sustainability will remain a central element of our business strategy.”

In addition to providing grants, CEGC has helped train more than 420 NGOs and leaders to learn and hone the organizational skills to take their programs to the next level.

Themed “Building up our Ecosystems, Promoting Sustainable Development”, CEGC 2012 has two award categories — “Leadership in Environmental Conservation” and “Excellence in Public Awareness Campaigns for Environmental Conservation” — with a total 23 awards and grants.

“Simply put, Ford supports this program because it’s part of our DNA,” said Dave Schoch, chairman and CEO of Ford China. “At the end of today’s ceremony, CEGC will have distributed more than RMB 14.1 million (US $2.3 million) in grants to 301 of China’s environmental heroes. It is a program that Ford has run for 13 years-–and a program we are going to accelerate in the years to come.”

“Greening Crocodile Island” and “the Qinghai 3 River Source Environmental Protection Scheme” were selected as the top in each category and were granted RMB 260,000 and 200,000 (US42,000 and 32,000) respectively, at a ceremony today in Shanghai attended by more than 700 Ford employees, media, NGOs and Ford executives.

“There is no doubt that Ford is a role model for corporations to execute their social responsibility. The automaker has been supporting China’s grassroots environmental conservation for more than 10 years,” said a member of the 2012 CEGC judging panel. “We have adjusted this year’s criteria by raising the bar for applicants and increasing our support to major projects. These measures will enable the sector to grow at a healthy rate.”

This year’s judging standards placed more emphasis on practical outcomes in order to encourage more tangible environmental conservation results.

Ford has been dedicated to building more great products, a strong business and a better world for many years. The company’s green vision and practices are embodied in many aspects including product development, the use of materials and manufacturing. Many recyclable, renewable and lightweight materials are utilized by the company in making cars equipped with more fuel efficient and eco-friendly powertrain systems. Ford is also committed to reducing the creation of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process in an effort to lower the impact on the surrounding environment.

The slew of measurements helped Ford to be named as the most responsible automobile company in China on the 2012 Fortune China CSR report, which also ranked Ford as the fourth most responsible foreign company operating in the country.

To further support the China’s grassroots NGO sector, Ford launched a year-long campaign “Level Up” in May, 2012, investing USD 250,000 (RMB 1.58 million) to build the organizational capacity of 100 grassroots environmental groups in the country.

According to a survey of 135 grassroots environmental groups conducted by Ford and its partners, more than 70 percent of grassroots environmental groups in China are undergoing significant organizational change and development. The campaign has enriched and expanded the influence of CEGC.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

Ford’s wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd.

For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com and www.ford.com.cn.

BMW’s China Partner H1 Profit Rises 42% @BMWGroup

WoodlawnPost — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 04:40:32 +0000

Trailing on the impressive growth of 2010, the year 2011 had started on a positive note with the Chinese auto market forecasted to grow another 10% to 15% for the year by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). However, as the governmental stimulus measures came to an end and the nation’s economic expansion showed signs of slowing down during 2011, the year had closed with an overall growth of only 2.5%. Total auto sales in China reached 18.5 million units in 2011, with passenger vehicles accounting for 14.4 million or an increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year.

Despite the slowdown in market growth, 2011 had been a successful year for the Group. Contributions from the BMW joint venture had risen by 92% driven by a 53.5% increase in sales volume and cost savings achieved through scale and continuous localization effort. As for the minibus business, the sales volume of our minibus products had dropped by 13.3% compared to the previous year as a result of severe tightening of credit and purchase restrictions in Beijing which had deterred purchases. The increased profits of the BMW joint venture were more than sufficient to offset the effect of reduced contribution from the minibus business, thus resulting in an overall 42.6% increase in net profits attributable to our shareholders.

Looking into 2012, CAAM had forecasted at the beginning of the year that auto sales and production in China will grow at a moderate pace of 8%. However, Premier Wen Jiabao this month had forecasted that China’s GDP will expand 7.5% this year, the lowest since 2004. Therefore, there are downside risks and uncertainties from an overall industry development standpoint.

BMW’s Chinese partner reported first-half profit that beat analysts’ estimates, as it expanded dealerships to cater to demand for luxury vehicles that outpaced industry growth.

Net income at Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd rose 42 percent to 1.33 billion yuan ($209 million) in the six months ended June 30, the company said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. That beat the 1.08 billion yuan average estimate of six analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Sales fell 11 percent to 2.81 billion yuan.

Brilliance, which assembles BMW’s 3- and 5-series sedans in China, is benefiting as rising incomes boost demand for premium-car sales in the world’s largest vehicle market. Luxury-vehicle deliveries gained 24 percent in the first six months of this year, according to LMC Automotive data, outpacing the 7.1 percent gain in total passenger vehicle sales estimated by the nation’s auto association.

China Daily-Agencies