Nissan How To Beat The Germans Ad Campaign

Nissan UK has released details about the 'How to beat the Germans' ad campaign.

Even though Nissan is still in danger of being sued by Porsche over some inappropriate commercial they launched during Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Japanese car maker is taking another hit at the Germans by planning a new campaign, which is called “How To Beat The Germans”! Nissan says Germans sportscars shouldn’t be the only benchmark for performance and quality.

Besides showcasing the Nissan 370Z Coupe on a giant billboard in London, the new ad campaign also involves an Audi TTS manual coupe driven around town on which people can read 'More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z'. They also took a Porsche Cayman an wrapped it in a sticker that says '“I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z'.




Press Release

"HOW TO BEAT THE GERMANS": NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OVER GERMAN RIVALS IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN

• New Nissan advertising challenges rival German manufacturers

• Nissan highlights its performance advantages with promotional stunt

• Print and poster campaign launched using giant BFI IMAX billboard in London

Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd has launched a challenging new series of poster and print adverts to highlight the fact that the Nissan 370Z and the flagship Nissan GT-R have superior performance and yet cost less than their comparable German rivals.

The campaign uses tongue-in-cheek phrases such as "The Winner Hans Down," "The Germans Came Off Wurst," "Kaisers Chiefed" and "Deutschland Deutschland Über-Rated" in order to make people question why they would buy German brands when Nissan can offer performance at a more accessible price.

Last week, Nissan brought the advertising to life, taking an Audi TTS manual coupe around the streets of London blazoned with the words: "More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z." It was joined by a Porsche Cayman bearing the slogan: "I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z" on the side. Other cars featured in the advertising campaign include versions of the BMW Z4 as well as the Porsche Boxster and 911*.

The campaign was officially launched on the giant 360-degree 47ft tall BFI IMAX billboard at Waterloo, London, and will continue to appear in key national men's lifestyle and motoring titles, plus outdoor poster sites across the UK over the next six months.

Talking of the campaign, Steve McLennan, Nissan Marketing Director explains: "It simply challenges the convention of German sportscars being the only benchmark for performance and quality.

"Nissan is confident in the ability of 370Z and GT-R to eclipse our comparable German rivals in terms of outright performance and accessibility and it's now time to shout about it."

Notes to Editors:

* The 0-62mph performance of the Nissan 370Z Coupe with manual gearbox (5.3secs) is compared to the manual Audi TTS 2.0 Coupe (5.4secs), BMW Sdrive3.0i (5.8secs) and Porsche Cayman 2.9 (5.8secs).

Prices start at £28,345 for the Nissan 370Z Coupe and £59,945 for the GT-R. The 370Z can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds, while the GT-R has set a time of 7m 26 seconds around the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Honda CR Z USA Price Announced

Honda officially announced that the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid Sportscar will go on sale in America from August, starting from Just 19,200 USD. The Honda CR-Z will be made available in three trim levels, base, EX and EX with Navi, and with a choice between two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and the company's CVT gearbox. The fuel consumption of the Honda CR-Z equipped with the manual gearbox is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the combined cycle. The CVT version of the Honda CR-Z is rated at 35 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the open roads and 37 mpg in the combined cycle.

Upgrading to the CR-Z EX requires $21,510 and adds fog lights, aluminum pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer. The top-spec EX with navigation trim is $23,310 and, as the name suggests, adds a nav system, with voice recognition, to the EX’s equipment list.

The base model comes standard with AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The 2011 CR-Z EX adds a  360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with 7 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. Optional on the CR-Z EX is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

All CR-Zs feature a hybridized 1.5-liter petrol engine with 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 128 lb-ft (174 Nm) of torque.




Press Release

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is set to debut at dealers on August 24, 2010, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,200, plus a destination and handling charge(1) of $750, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment. A 1.5-liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda's unique, compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive 3-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle's responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes. Driver efficiency tools include Eco Assist(TM) and Eco Scoring, which together can help drivers find improvements to efficient driving styles, while also comparing economy achievements to previous trips as well as the life of the vehicle.

The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades - the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers - including a subwoofer - Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Recognition(2).

The CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA®); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Model	Transmission	MSRP	EPA** City/Hwy/ Combined
CR-Z	MT	$19,200	31/37/34
CR-Z	CVT	$19,850	35/39/37
CR-Z EX	MT	$20,760	31/37/34
CR-Z EX	CVT	$21,410	35/39/37
CR-Z EX with Navigation	MT	$22,560	31/37/34
CR-Z EX with Navigation	CVT	$23,210	35/39/37

Additional media information, including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

(1) MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(2) The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) is available on the CR-Z EX model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

(3) Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

MUGEN tuning parts now available at the Honda Dealerships across UK

The British division of Honda recently announced that eight of its dealers have just launched the Mugen Original Parts Programme, which comes to supply Honda owners with a range of tuning parts, accessories and merchandise from the company’s engine tuning partner.

The good news is that you’ll soon be able to cherry pick some of those parts for your own Civic and even the CR-Z hybrid because Mugen has struck an agreement to distribute tuning parts through eight Honda dealers in the UK.

The Mugen parts offered by Honda through this program include aluminum wheels, performance brake pads, quick shift kits and sports suspension and the new styling kit for the Civic.




Press Release

Eight Honda dealers across the UK have launched the MUGEN Original Parts Programme, to supply Honda owners with a range of tuning parts, accessories and merchandise from the company's long-standing engine tuning partner.

The programme launches with special authorised MUGEN parts for the current FN2 Civic Type R, including forged aluminium wheels, performance brake pads, quick shift kits and sports suspension. The range also includes body styling kits for the Civic.

The dealers involved in the programme are:

• Avonvale Honda (Midlands)
• Bristol Honda (South West)
• Inchcape Honda (South East)
• Brayley Honda (Home Counties)
• Two Mills Honda (North West)
• Phoenix Honda (Scotland & Borders)
• Ewens of Cornhill (Highlands)
• Donnelly & Taggart (Northern Ireland)

Colin Whittamore, from MUGEN Euro, said: "We are delighted to be teaming up with some knowledgeable and enthusiastic Honda dealers who will bring MUGEN products to a wider audience. Although MUGEN has been in Japan for over 35 years, we are a relatively new company to the UK market, and outside of motorsport and serious tuning enthusiasts, we may not yet be a household name. Through this programme we are looking forward to attracting new and existing customers to experience why MUGEN has been renowned for many years as a world leader in motorsport."

Parts requiring fitment by Honda dealers are covered by a 12 month/ 10,000 mile warranty, and other accessories are covered by a standard manufacturing defects warranty.

Original MUGEN parts for other Honda models will be introduced over the next 12 months.

2010 Nissan Leaf European Pricing Announced

Nissan Europe have announced the pricing structure for the European rollout of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf car has received a huge number of  reservations in the U.S already and will be launched in Europe in three stages. Nissan plans to release just one model of the Leaf in Europe, as oppose to the two trim levels available in the U.S. from this Fall.

The cost of the Leaf in the UK will be £23,350 (€27,471) after a £5,000 government rebate. These first four countries were chosen because of the incentives that will keep the cost to consumers more manageable. Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf in Europe in July 2010.

Nissan Leaf customers will enjoy benefits such as zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years.

The automaker chose Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the U.K. as its launch markets because those nations already have tax reduction laws in place for purchasers of very low- or zero-emissions vehicles.  The car will be released on the rest of the European market before the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD'S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE

Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

• Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
• Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
• Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
• Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
• All prices include battery
• Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
• Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets - about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan International SA.

In the United Kingdom, the purchase price of the Nissan LEAF would be 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros)after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is 28,350 Pounds (33,353 Euros) before incentives. The UK government recently announced that it will refund 25 percent of the purchase price of a pure electric vehicle, up to a limit of 5,000 Pounds. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in the UK in February 2011.

An array of other incentives can further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning the Nissan LEAF. In the UK, EV customers benefit from advantages including zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years. This, combined with significant savings in fuel costs of about 600 Euros (513 Pounds) on average annually in Europe versus a traditional car, makes the Nissan LEAF an affordable and compelling proposition.

The purchase price in the Netherlands will be 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Here, subsidies will take the form of zero vehicle registration and road taxes, resulting in tax savings of 6,000 Euros for private car owners and 19,000 Euros for company car owners over five years. Sales in the Netherlands begin this December.

The price in the Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Buyers will be exempt from vehicle registration tax, which can amount to as much as 3,800 Euros on a C-segment car. Sales in Ireland begin in February next year.

The price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Portuguese customers owning the Nissan LEAF benefit from road tax exemption. Sales in Portugal begin this December.

Nissan has decided to launch in these countries first due to significant government incentives for electric cars, and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure for their successful adoption. By the end of next year, Nissan LEAF will be available in every major Western European country.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing over four billion Euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," said Simon Thomas. "This investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly plants, including Sunderland in the UK. This reflects the strong commitment the alliance has made to electric vehicles and our determination to lead the market."

To ensure a place in line when Nissan begins taking reservations in the four initial markets, customers in those countries should pre-register on their local Nissan consumer website.*

In addition to purchasing the car outright, customers will also be able to buy the car on a Nissan finance plan. Details of the all-inclusive acquisition method will also be released in July.

2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo

Suzuki has premiered the 2010 Kizashi Turbo Concept on the 30th of April.

The concept was born out of the designs of Suzuki tuner Road Race Motorsports working with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Road Race Motorsports added its own 16G turbocharger, high-flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow-off valve and a velocity air intake. All that takes the Kizashi up to a competitive 290 bhp (216 kW).

The power will be set to 216kW in a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine. The base power for the GTS is only 138kW, therefore the Road Race upgrade is quite hefty in the power department.

Other goodies include the custom fuel management, Road Race’s Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector as wel as a custom crafted turbo manifold and a 38 mm wastegate supplied by Tial. With all these installed, the car carries now an impressive 290 hp, more than enough we’d say to deliver impressive performances via 19-inch Dunlop tires. Also, for better stability, a new set of Road Race sport springs were installed as well as a rear-mounted spoiler delivered by Delta Tech Engineering
Source: Suzuki





Press Release

SUZUKI'S CONCEPT TURBO KIZASHI ‘BLOWS' DOORS OFF MIDSIZE COMPETITION

Blower heightens the excitement with lowered, tuned Kizashi

BREA, Calif. (April 30, 2010) - After an impressive performance preview of Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi at last fall's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the heightened fun (on closed course, with professional driver) continues with the debut of Kizashi's concept turbocharged variant. As seen - beginning this month - with racer Tommy Kendall and his Speed Channel program "Test Drive," this newest Kizashi concept morphs the intended definition of Kizashi from the Japanese - "something great is coming" - into "what might be coming next?"

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi's lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports' own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race's Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

The enhanced power bumps the Kizashi's already impressive engine to 290 hp and is connected to the track pavement via 19-inch Dunlops. Those are kept connected to the course by Road Race's own sport springs, working in combination with Kizashi's ultra-rigid unibody and all-independent suspension. High-speed stability is enhanced with the addition of a rear-mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech Engineering. The end result on the track - with either Road Race founder Rob Tallini, Tommy Kendall or the Suzuki enthusiast behind the wheel - is the need for speed suddenly and fully satisfied.

Air dates for the newest edition of Speed Channel's "Test Drive" begin on April 30, 2010. For a complete schedule, visit the Speed Channel website.

Fiat launches new Diesel edition 500C in Japan

The Fiat 500C by Diesel makes its formal debut in Japan on April 12.


All engine choices will have five or six-speed manual tranmissions while for the exterior customers are able to choose three body and top colour combinations for their Fiat 500 by Diesel.

The interior also gets denim-like upholstery with yellow top-stitching. Yellow brake calipers peer out from behind the 16" alloys finished in dark satin like the rest of the muted brightwork.

The Fiat 500 by Diesel price starts at 18,000 Euro and Italy will be the first to ge the limite-edition cabriolet starting from May. The automaker says they have allready sold 6,500 exemplars Fiat 500 by Diesel ans the car will be marketed worldwide.





Press Release:

Fiat 500C by Diesel debuts in Japan

Fiat 500C by Diesel, the new cabriolet version of the model jointly created in 2008 by Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing and lifestyle brand, will debut in Japan on 12 April. The Fiat Café in Aoyama (Tokyo) – an exclusive location, which has become a byword for sociability and Italian style – has been chosen for the prestigious event, which will be attended by representatives of the establishment, the world of culture and the press, in addition to Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and the top managers of Fiat Group Automobiles Japan. The car will then make its European debut on 15 April at the Milan Furniture Fair in front of the splendid Diesel flagship store in the renowned Piazza S. Babila.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel will be marketed worldwide - in Italy from May, with an on-road price starting from 18,000 euros. Nearly 6,500 units of the already available limited-edition saloon version have already been sold. The new cabriolet "by Diesel" confirms the extraordinary capacity of the "500 Project" to continuously evolve with the addition of new versions. This is precisely one of the secrets of the undisputed success of the Fiat 500, a genuine pop icon and expression of the concept of "massexclusivity" ("non-exclusive exclusiveness"), which a few days ago reached the target of 500,000 units produced in only 31 months after having been launched.

In detail, the 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16" alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin finish chrome painted details, including the mouldings which with their bosses evoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world. The interiors are also highly customised, sporting a dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, a fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome coloured dashboard.

Just like the saloon, theFiat 500C by Diesel also combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. In fact, they have some important concepts in common, such as talent, creativity, charm and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous worldwide.

Finally, according to markets, the Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions (1.2 69 HP, 1.4 16v 100 HP, 1.3 Multijet 75 HP with DPF and 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP); manual 5 or 6 speed gearboxes (petrol engines can be fitted with a Dualogic 5 speed robotised gearbox); and three body and top colour combinations: the distinctive green with black top, the elegant black with black or red top and the original "Midnight indigo" blue with ivory top. The latest two innovations of the Fiat 500 by Diesel stand out: a second-generation 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) turbo diesel with Start&Stop system as standard, with emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 and "Midnight indigo" blue, an intriguing metal-flake body colour which - with a finer paint texture and almost 3D effect - is reminiscent of the look of stone-washed fabrics.

Turin, 9 April 2010