FORD LEADS CANADA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 50 YEARS; SALES UP 25%

June marks the company’s eighth consecutive month of market share growth

June Highlights:

* Ford vehicle sales posted a 25% increase over last year
* Oakville-built Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX sales rose 23% and 24%, respectively
* Ford Fusion sales were up 13%
* Ford Ranger sales increased 50%
* Ford Escape sales rose 41%
* Ford F-150 sales were up 59%
* Lincoln MKZ sales increased 42%
* Total F-Series sales were up 39%
* Total Lincoln sales rose 18%
* Ford SUV and CUV sales increased 41%
* Ford of Canada market share realized eight months of consecutive growth

OAKVILLE, Ontario, July 2, 2009 – For the first time in more than 50 years, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited is the top-selling automaker in the country. Ford of Canada sold 27,408 units representing a 24.6 per cent increase over sales the same month last year, marking the first year-over-year sales increase of 2009.

Ford of Canada has also increased market share for eight consecutive months with seven new vehicles launching this year, including the 2010 Ford Taurus.

“This is a historic day for Ford in Canada,” said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “Consumers are drawn to the quality, design and value of our vehicles and we’re going to keep the momentum growing with great offers this summer.”

July 1st marked the start of Ford of Canada’s ‘Ford Employee Pricing’ event. Until August 31st, customers across Canada can take advantage of Ford employee prices on most 2009 and 2010 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

New to the event this year, Ford is inviting consumers across Canada to visit their local dealership for the ‘Drive One Challenge’. Test drive a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle – feel the exceptional quality, see the new designs and experience industry-leading smart features – and if you decide to purchase a qualifying competitive vehicle from another manufacturer, you will receive $100 from Ford.

“Our product line-up has never been better – from the newly re-designed Ford Fusion, to the award winning Ford Flex and the rugged F-Series,” said Dean Stoneley, vice president of Marketing, Ford of Canada. “With the ‘Drive One Challenge’ we are giving consumers a clear, compelling reason to walk into a Ford store. We are so confident in our vehicles that we believe once you drive a Ford, you won’t want to drive anything else.”
Source Ford Canada

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Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. aims for new ‘big three’ with continued sales growth

Double-digit increases continue while industry in reverse

MARKHAM, ON, July 2 /CNW/ - June was another tremendously successful month for Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. as the South Korean manufacturer recorded yet another month of significant year-over-year sales increases. With 10,104 units sold, overall sales for Hyundai in June 2009 were up nearly 26% compared to June 2008. Additionally, two of the company’s models doubled their sales volumes compared to last year. The Elantra sold over 2491 units in June,
marking a 120% increase over June 2008, and the Santa Fe more than doubled its June 2008 sales with 2254 units sold, an increase of 104%.
Hyundai’s sales climb has been a bright spot in the Canadian automotive industry throughout 2009. While other manufacturers have recorded decreases of over 30 and 40%, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has been recording double digits increases. For the first half of the year, Hyundai is up over 21% while the industry is down a similar amount.
Factors contributing to the company’s success are plentiful, ranging from brand new products to important recognition from industry watchers and analysts, and innovative marketing programs that make Hyundai products accessible to all Canadians. The Hyundai Genesis - winner of both Canadian and North American Car of the Year awards - has changed the way consumers think about Hyundai. Add to this the introduction of the 2010 Genesis Coupe and the
Elantra Touring, and the Hyundai line-up has a product to satisfy any taste.
On the marketing side, the Hyundai Smart Advantage program has been in effect for the majority of 2009, offering lower selling prices combinable with finance and lease rates as low as zero per cent.
Hyundai’s product quality is a major contributor to the company’s upwards sales swing. Most recently, recognition came from J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study in which the Elantra ranked first in the Compact Car segment, and Hyundai placed fourth overall. Behind only Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac, Hyundai was the highest ranked non-luxury nameplate in the study.
The 2009 Santa Fe, Entourage and Veracruz are rated Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the 2009 Sonata received an ecoENERGY award from Natural Resources Canada; the overall brand improved its lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS), and the Accent ranked top in its category in J. D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM).
“Canadians are looking for smart purchases right now, and we have a lot of smart options available,” said John Vernile, vice president, sales and marketing at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “We’re capitalizing on this new way of thinking by combining our high-quality products with high-value offers. That’s how we’re making our mark in the Canadian automotive landscape right now.

Quick Facts:
————
————————————————————————-
Month                2009       2008   % Change Notes
————————————————————————-
January             4,607      4,228   + 9.0%
————————————————————————-
February            6,912      5,326   + 29.8%  Best February ever
————————————————————————-
March               8,818      7,029   + 25.5%  Best March ever
————————————————————————-
April              10,809      9,412   + 14.8%  Best April ever
————————————————————————-
May                11,204      9,508   + 17.8%  Best month on record
————————————————————————-
June               10,104      8,049   + 25.5%  Best June ever
————————————————————————-
Year-to-Date Total 52,454     43,198   + 21.4%  Best 1st 6 months ever!
————————————————————————-

————————————————————————-
Nameplate       June 2009  June 2008   % Change Notes
————————————————————————-
Elantra             2,491      1,130    + 120%  April 2009 was best
Elantra month on record
————————————————————————-
Sonata                727        732     -0.7%
————————————————————————-
Santa Fe            2,254      1,104    + 104%
————————————————————

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FASTEST JAGUAR EVER AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2009

The fastest Jaguar ever will make its UK debut later this week at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Jaguar’s XFR Prototype made its record-breaking run at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last November, reaching a stunning top speed of 225.675mph.

The XFR Prototype, which will be driven by Rocketsports Racing owner, Paul Gentilozzi, the man behind the wheel at Bonneville, appears in Goodwood’s ‘First Glance’ category. A one-off Jaguar XKR will join the ‘Supercar run’, driven by Mike Cross, Jaguar’s Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity.

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars, said: “The essence of the Festival is speed, making it the perfect venue for fielding Jaguar’s fastest car ever – the record-breaking XFR Prototype.

“The XKR ‘Goodwood Special’ has been developed as a one-off to explore the harder side of the XKR’s character and allow our engineering team to explore some performance boundaries. The Festival of Speed gives us the opportunity to have fun in a high performance car without all the practical and legal requirements of driving on the road getting in the way!

“These stunning modern Jaguars will be accompanied by a terrific selection of our ‘fastest’ and most significant historic vehicles.”

In keeping with this year’s endurance theme, Jaguar’s illustrious heritage will be represented on ‘The Hill’ in the form of Le Mans winners – the D-type and the C-type. Jaguar will also field the unique XJ13 a car designed for endurance racing in the 1960s but which never competed – yet is still considered by many to be one of the most beautiful racing cars of all time.

Long Nose D-TYPE returns to The Hill
The 1957 Le Mans winning long-nose D-type will roar its way up the hallowed hill climb once again. Duncan Hamilton won the Reims 12-hour race in this car in 1956 along with Ivor Bueb and that same year, Mike Hawthorn entered the 1956 24-hour race at Le Mans with Bueb, finishing sixth. Hawthorn and Bueb drove this car again in 1957 at Sebring, finishing third.

First victory for Jaguar at Le Mans 24-hour race – Jaguar C-TYPE
The C-type brought Jaguar its first victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race. Once the XK120 had finished twelfth in the 1950 Le Mans, demonstrating its abilities in racing, it was clear Jaguar had the makings of a world-beater spurring on chief engineer William Heynes to create a competition version for Le Mans – the C-type.

The only one in the world – Jaguar XJ13
The XJ13 is one of the most beautiful racing cars of all time, thanks to the extraordinary work of aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. Although the XJ13 was built as a potential Le Mans contender, it never competed in a race due to various business reasons but the potential of this unique 502bhp, 5-litre V12 engine was never doubted.

Bonneville XFR
Running with minor aerodynamic and safety modifications to meet the requirements for a Bonneville run, the 225mph top speed was achieved with additional horsepower liberated by a remapped ECU, a modified air intake and exhaust system and revised supercharger settings. No internal engine components were changed and the six-speed automatic transmission was standard, including the gear ratios. Paul’s link with Jaguar comes from his success with the XKR in the American Trans Am Series – he has achieved five series victories between 2001 and 2006.

For video of the Bonneville XFR in action go to http://uk.mediajaguar.com/php/videos.php

Goodwood Special XKR
As well as performance enhancements and a louder exhaust, this one-off XKR, based on a MY10 vehicle, features 21-inch wheels and a lowered ride-height. The exterior also stands out with a unique Lime Green paint scheme and XKR exterior graphic along with satin graphite detailing to the front grilles, headlights, door mirrors, side window surrounds, rear signature blade and bonnet louvres.
Source Jaguar

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FORD FIESTA TAKES ON ESPN’S X GAMES WITH ALL-STAR DRIVER LINEUP

The 2009 Olsbergs Motor Sports Evolution ROCKSTAR Ford Fiesta will be driven by Tanner Foust at ESPN’s X Games 15 from July 30 – August 2 in Los Angeles.

* Ford Fiesta, which will makes its U.S. motorsport debut with the Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution race team at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in mid-July, has added a second North American event heading to ESPN’s X Games 15 on Aug. 2.
* All-star Fiesta driver lineup includes Kenny Brack, Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan.
* Ford makes its X Games debut in the new Ford Fiesta; production version set to hit showrooms in 2010.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2009 – The new Fiesta Rallycross cars have already created plenty of buzz in the enthusiast community with word of their North American motorsport debut in July’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado.

Now, the anticipation will be even greater as the Swedish Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution (MSE) team has announced it will compete in ESPN’s X Games 15 in Los Angeles, Calif., July 30 – August 2. Olsbergs MSE is entering the race with the famous Swedish driver Kenny Brack. The team will also field two Ford Fiestas for ROCKSTAR Energy Drink with drivers Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. All three Fiestas will comply with Rally America Open Class specifications.

Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution will utilize BFGoodrich Tires at both the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and at ESPN’s X Games 15.

“The new Fiesta is already creating headlines around the world,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsport. “The announcement that it would compete at Pikes Peak was greeted so positively by enthusiasts everywhere. Now, to back it up with competition at the X Games will just create even more buzz for the car.”

The 2009 Olsbergs Motor Sports Evolution Ford Fiesta will be driven by 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner Kenny Brack at ESPN’s X Games 15 from July 30 – August 2 in Los Angeles.

The X Games, considered the premier action sports event in the world, features athletes from across the globe competing in a variety of sports, ranging from skateboarding, motocross, BMX and rally car racing. X Games 15 will be covered live on ESPN’s family of networks, including ABC, as well as across ESPN’s many digital media assets, including Xgames.com (or you can use ESPN.com/action or simply ESPN.com) and ESPN360.com.

The three Fiestas will be driven by an all-star lineup, which includes an Indy 500 winner, a former X Games rally champion and a 10-time X Games medalist.

The 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner Kenny Brack, who will drive the 2009 Fiesta 3-door hatchback, is making his X Games debut. Brack was the 1998 IndyCar Series champion and was a factory driver for Ford Racing’s Champ Car entry Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR). Brack sustained significant injures in a major accident at Texas Motor Speedway in 2003 while driving for RLR, but he returned to the car at the Indy 500 in 2005, subbing for the injured Buddy Rice and posting the fastest qualifying speed (227.598 mph) of the field. Brack has been retired since 2006, pursuing his music career, but still drives competitively in special events. Olsbergs and Kenny Brack have had a long-term partnership and at present Kenny and Olsbergs are acting as mentors for a new promising Swedish racing star, 17-year old Markus Eriksson.

ROCKSTAR Energy Rally driver Tanner Foust will drive a race-prepared 2009 Fiesta 5-door hatchback. He is a winning competitor in rally, drift, ice racing and time attack with a proven track record of multiple podium placements and national championships. Foust has seen success in Drift and Rally in the last few seasons. In addition to winning the both the 2007 and 2008 Formula Drift Pro Drift Championship, he also took the Silver medal as runner-up in the 2008 Summer X Games Pro Rally race.

Foust won the 2007 X Games Gold Medal in the Pro Rally for the ROCKSTAR Energy Rally team. He was selected to represent Team USA in the annual Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium in London, UK this past December. He teamed with Ford Racing NASCAR star Carl Edwards to do battle with the world’s fastest drivers and riders from Formula One, World Rally Championship, Superbike and Touring Car racing.

Joining Foust will be Moto X star Brian Deegan, a 10-time medalist at the X Games, including three gold medals for Moto X Best Trick (2002, 2003, 2005). Earlier this year, Deegan launched a Pro-Lite class off road truck team in Championship Off-Road Racing (COOR) under a newly formed ROCKSTAR/Metal Mulisha/Caffaro Motorsports banner. Named one of the Top 100 Action Sports Stars by ESPN in 2004, Deegan has competed at every X Games rally event and will drive a 2008 Fiesta 3-door hatchback.

This will be the first time a Ford race car has been part of the X Games’ Rally competition.

“We are very excited to see the Fiesta competing not only at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, but also at the X Games in LA,” said Jost Capito, director of Ford Global Motorsport Business Development. “The competition will be extremely strong in both events, but we’ve put together a strong team with the ROCKSTAR/BF Goodrich Tires Fiestas and our all star drivers. The Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution race team is doing an outstanding job in preparing the cars for both of these world famous events.”

Fiesta Movement in North America
Although the Fiesta production vehicle isn’t slated to go on sale in the United States until 2010, 100 of the stylish European cars are already in North America in the hands of 100 internet-savvy individuals chosen to be part of the Fiesta Movement, an innovative social media campaign launched to build awareness for Ford’s new small car.

The 100 young trendsetters are driving and living with their Fiestas for six months, traveling as “agents” on special “missions,” and are documenting their experiences through a variety of social media sites, including Twitter, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. “Pikes Peak and the X Games give our agents two more exciting events to attend and show off their Fiesta’s,” said Connie Fontaine, Brand Content and Alliance Manager for Ford Motor Company.

The “missions” are designed to be fun, take the “agents” to new places and let them experience new things – all while driving the new European Ford Fiesta and providing feedback to Ford on the product.

Early feedback has been extremely positive, and now there will be a chance for motorsport fans to take early interest in the Fiesta at the famous Colorado event.

Follow the Fiesta Movement at: www.fiestamovement.com.

About Fiesta
In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding driving dynamics, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta is taking that three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers for the first time.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The all-new Fiesta is the fastest-selling Fiesta model ever in Europe, helping boost Ford of Europe’s market share in 2009. In May alone, 39,200 new Fiestas were sold, with more than 191,000 delivered to customers since the start of the year. Fiesta is Ford of Europe’s best-selling model in 2009.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

About Olsbergs
Olsbergs is a manufacturer of electro-hydraulic control systems for mobile application. The company-group has a high innovative ability and develops all hydraulic and electronics components themselves.

Olsbergs cast complex raw materials and machines it into hydraulic products and also manufactures their radio-systems within the company walls. Olsbergs ambition is a high technical level and a rational and atomized production which are some of the characteristics which these companies are known of.

About Olsbergs MSE
OlsbergsMSE is a co-owned company by Olsbergs and Andreas Eriksson’s company MSE. In this common resource, Olsbergs MSE, develops and builds cars and engines for both rally as well as rally cross.

Andreas Eriksson finished second in the Swedish championship last year with a 2008 Ford Fiesta. With a similar engine the OlsbergsMSE team debuted with its new 2009 Fiesta Rallycross car in this season’s Swedish and European Rally cross championships, and scored its first victory in just its second European event in Portugal last May.

The Olsbergs MSE Fiesta Rallycross car is based on the Fiesta hatchback model road cars. The all-wheel-drive Fiestas are powered by a 2.0-liter Duratec Ford engines capable of more than 800 horsepower.

About ROCKSTAR
Bigger. Better. Faster. Stronger. ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is scientifically-formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles–from athletes to rock stars. Enjoy this fully refreshing lightly carbonated beverage super chilled.

About BFGoodrich Tires
At the X Games, the Ford Fiestas will all race on BFGoodrich g-Force Rally tires. Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high performance tire for every type of vehicle.

About Öhlins
OlsbergsMSE has a close cooperation with the world-known company Öhlins. The company manufactures racing dampers and the products are used in innumerable motorcycle- and car applications for different racing-team over the world. The products are used during extreme competition conditions.

About ESPN’s X Games Franchise
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Content Development, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and China. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to Xgames.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs.
Source Ford Motor Company

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Kia Canada scores another Koup - June sales up 37.9 per cent

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 1 /CNW/ - Kia Canada retailed 5,200 vehicles this
June, up 37.9 percent from the same month last year, to record the best sales
month in the company’s ten year history in Canada. June marks the second
consecutive month that Kia Canada has surpassed the 5,000 mark and the third
month that Kia has posted record sales results.

June also marked a few other important milestones:

-  This is the best Quarter in KCI’s ten year history in Canada
-  The Quebec Region retailed over 2,000 units for the second month in
a row
-  The Central Region posted the best retail month in its ten year
history
-  The Western Region posted the second highest retail growth in the
country behind Quebec Region

Other Highlights:

Peter Schreyer, world renowned automotive designer and Kia Motors
Corporation’s Chief Design Officer will attend Kia Canada’s press event for
the launch of the much anticipated Forte KOUP in July.
Source Kia Canada

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The Passat CC enchants the world with its style
Design awards in Germany and Australia
Wolfsburg, 01 July 2009 - International panels of design experts have chosen their winners and one Volkswagen model has made an exceptional impression: the Passat CC. Last night in Essen, Germany, Volkswagen’s four-door coupé was presented with the “red dot Design Award 2009 - Best of the Best”, once again highlighting Volkswagen’s first-class and attractive design concept. The elegant model has also sparked excitement down under in Australia, a statement backed-up by the fact that it has recently won the “Australian International Design Award”.

Last night the Aalto Theater in Essen provided the setting for a wonderful prize ceremony during which Martin Kropp, designer at Exterior Design Studio 1, accepted the “red dot Design Award” for Volkswagen. The “red dot Design Award” is one of today’s most coveted awards that a designer can win for a creative product. The prize has been awarded every year since 2000.

In March, the Passat CC was awarded the prestigious “iF Product Design Award 2009″ in Hanover. At the end of May the coupé also swept the board down under where it won the renowned “Australian International Design Award” in the “Automotive and Transport” category.
Source VolkswagenAG

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BMW 7 Series lineup expands in model year 2010 with addition of two xDrive models
06/30/2009

Whitby, ON. BMW Canada is pleased to announce a milestone in the history of the flagship BMW 7 Series Sedan with two all-wheel drive 7 Series variants poised for introduction in the 2010 model year.
Just a year after the new 7 Series’ debut, the new all-wheel-drive models will represent a significant and purposeful evolution, with the latest generation of BMW’s sophisticated xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive technology that distributes driving torque between the front and rear axles, optimizing traction, handling and vehicle dynamics in all driving conditions.

Engine and drivetrain specifications of the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive are identical to the 750i and 750Li models.The two 7 Series all-wheel drive models are subtley identified by “xDrive” badging on the front quarter panels.

Further enhancing the performance and aesthetic appeal of all 2010 BMW 7 Series variants is a new optional M Sport Package (replacing the previous Sport Package), which features:

* Dynamic Drive (Active Roll Stabilization)
* Revised exhaust system with “tailored” sound characteristics
* 20-inch M Double Spoke alloy wheels
* M Aerodynamic Package
* Ceramic interior elements
* Available Exclusive M paint colour: Carbon Black metallic

With 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive models joining the 750i and 750Li in the fall of 2009, and the previously announced BMW 760Li joining the lineup in parallel, the unprecedented complement of five 7 Series models will make for the most prominent 7 Series family in the history of BMW Canada.

Pricing and additional technical detail on the 2010 BMW 7 Series lineup will be made available closer to market launch.
Source BMW

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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni – Driving fun with absolute precision
He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world’s most uncompromising sports car brand – Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name – the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Gallardo and Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the ‘life blood’ of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

“A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend,” says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status among the brand’s fans and customers worldwide.

Limited to 250 units

After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand.
The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units.

Light-footed yet extremely safe

With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many customers’ requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem – naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.

Driving fun with unique character

In order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and safety, the engineers at Sant’Agata Bolognese have incorporated extensive modifications into the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow.

The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 litre ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars.

Powerful elegance in its distinctive design

The Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from the ‘70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of the Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Suggested retail price – without taxes
Europe:
162.000 €

UK:
137.900 £

USA:
219.800 $

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Volvo official car when Sweden takes the EU presidency

When Sweden and its Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt take over the presidency of the European Union July 1, Volvo will become the official transport supplier to the government through its marketing company, Volvo Personbilar Sverige (VPS). Hertz Car Rentals, which has close ties with VPS, will be responsible for all logistics and administration.

“We are very proud and happy at being asked to be the only make recognised as the EU’s official car during Sweden’s presidency. We are also the company that sells by far the most green cars in Sweden to private customers as well as companies and public authorities,” says Thomas Andersson, President of Volvo Personbilar Sverige AB.

Class-leading green cars
“Being given this brief is naturally highly encouraging since it gives us the possibility of showing our strong and clear environmental profile in the international arena. We will hopefully create a positive impression among all the ministers, public authority representatives and EU officers who will be visiting Sweden from the EU’s 27 member states during our presidency,” says Thomas Andersson and adds:

“We will be happy to talk about and show our seven DRIVe models, several of which are class-leading when it comes to low carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption. Sweden’s EU presidency is a golden opportunity to showcase our green model range.”

Major focus on the environment
There is an ambitious target for reducing environmental impact at the presidency meetings. The Government Office of Sweden has set clear environmental standards in its purchasing of goods and services. When it comes to transport, this green focus means among other things that coordinated transport shall be used as much as possible and that the vehicles used must be eco-certified whenever possible.

Climate-neutral transportation
About 90 Volvos, mostly S80 and V70 Flexifuel models that run on alternative fuels such as bioethanol, as well as a number of economical diesel cars, will be provided during Sweden’s presidency. They will be placed at various locations throughout the country, including Stockholm, Göteborg, Östersund and Kalmar.

Through Hertz Car Rentals, this fleet will be supplemented with minibuses when required. Hertz will also ensure that all this transport is climate-compensated in EU-approved projects via Tricorona Climate Partner.

Volvo at the climate summit
Not only is Volvo the official car make during the Swedish presidency, Volvo is also one of the car makes appointed as transport supplier for the United Nations climate change conference, COP 15, that Denmark is hosting in Copenhagen in December 2009.

At the meeting, no less than 70 Volvo Flexifuel cars will be at the disposal of the participants to provide travel with the lowest possible CO2 imprint possible. In this case too, Hertz is handling all the logistics.
Source Volvo

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GMC Announces Pricing on All-New Terrain

Well-Equipped Five-Passenger Crossover to Start Under $25K

* 2010 GMC Terrain FWD starts at $24,995; AWD version at $26,745
* Terrain offers class-leading fuel economy/rear-seat legroom with standard premium features
* Terrain arrives in GMC dealerships in September

DETROIT - GMC has announced that its all-new Terrain five-passenger crossover will arrive in showrooms in September sporting a starting price of $24,995 for the front-wheel drive model. An all-wheel drive model starts at $26,745. Both prices include a $745 destination and freight charge.

“The Terrain allows us to build on the evolution we started with the Acadia, applying the distinctive styling and capabilities that have always been a part of the GMC DNA to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles that customers are seeking in today’s rapidly changing market,” said Susan Docherty, GM North America Vice President, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “We think Terrain is a bold statement of GMC’s key role within the reinvented General Motors.”

The base SLE1 model comes standard with GM’s new 2.4L direct-injection engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivers EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon while offering a unique MultiFlex rear seat configuration that can optimized for either class-leading passenger legroom or nearly 64 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The base price also includes unexpected standard features, such as an integrated rear-view camera system and six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio service, along with a full suite of safety equipment, including six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, and OnStar.

The top-of-the-line SLT2 trim level, which features leather seating, a premium Pioneer sound system, a power liftgate, sunroof and a special chrome appearance package, starts at $29,995 (including DFC). The Terrain also offers a powerful 3.0L direct injection V6 engine and a host of optional features like integrated navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system.

The GMC Terrain will be built at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.
Source GM

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