The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Stallion Motors partners Diamond Bank on centenary bonanza

    Stallion Motors partners Diamond Bank on centenary bonanza

    Stallion Motors Limited in collaboration with Diamond Bank Plc has inaugurated new sales offer for customers to discover the uniqueness of precision engineered Volkswagen and Skoda passenger cars in a commemorative sales bonanza – tagged ‘Nigeria Centenary Celebration Bonanza.’

    Announcing the scheme in Lagos, Volkswagen Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Manish Daryanani said the offer is designed with a seamless repayment sequence to ease the process of vehicle ownership.

    The bonanza, which offers for sale a select Volkswagen and Skoda models, including Volkswagen Polo, Jetta, Passat and CC variants as well as Skoda Rapid and Octavia models.

    Daryanani said customers can walk into any of Stallion Motors’ Volkswagen and Skoda showrooms nationwide to place their orders.

    Volkswagen and Skoda are part of the Volkswagen Group marketed in Nigeria under the Stallion Motors franchise.

    Skoda World Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Sanjay Rupani said the scheme is open to all customers including those with or without functional account at Diamond Bank PLC.

    He said the trio of Volkswagen, Skoda and Diamond Bank PLC have cautiously designed the scheme to enable beneficiaries’ access interest free funds without necessarily paying processing fees or showing collateral.

    And as part of the bonanza, “customers will be eligible to one year free service and one year comprehensive insurance cover couple with other benefits as special anniversary pricing, free registration and one free Samsung Galaxy Note 3 NEO phone for any Volkswagen and Skoda cars purchased during this campaign,” Rupani explained.

    While also adding that successful customers could spread payment tenure over a period of up to 48 months in affordable monthly installments, the Skoda World sales and marketing coordinator said the evolving needs and preferences of prospective vehicle buyers prompted this campaign, which essentially seeks to change the predisposition of car buyers to embrace tried and tested European brands that are durable and serviceable.

    “Our objective is to provide the best products and services to our customers and enable them to enjoy value-added experience in line with Volkswagen clear value for customers – affordability, reliability and German engineering,” he said.

    The auto marketing concern has announced starting monthly installment of N66, 000 for Volkswagen Polo; N76, 000 for Jetta; N110, 000 for Passat; N114, 000 for the CC while Skoda Rapid and Octavia start from N71, 000 and N81, 000 monthly installments respectively.

  • Kia expands ‘Green Light Project’

    Kia expands ‘Green Light Project’

    Kia Motors Corporation has announced the expansion of its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, the ‘Green Light Project’, during celebrations for the grand opening of a new Green Light School in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

    Kia’s Green Light Project – a global social mobility programme started by the corporation in 2012 – strives to improve access to healthcare and education for disadvantaged children in some of the poorest regions in the world, hoping to help them turn around their lives from ‘red light’ to ‘green light’. At present, the programme is working with local people on projects in three neighbouring South Eastern African countries – Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi.

    In Lilongwe, the new secondary school’s opening ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 local residents and a host of dignitaries, including Malawi’s Congressman, principal education officer, and Mr. Rev Kang, representative of MFHI (Malawi Food for the Hungry International). Also present were key Kia executives behind the Green Light Project, including Mr Chang-Muk Choi, Kia Motors Corporation’s Head of CSR Management Team.

    Choi said: “The global Green Light Project which has helped to create the new school we are opening in Malawi, adopts all of Kia’s corporate social responsibility values. Here in this poorer district of Lilongwe, the majority of the residents receive little medical care and secondary school enrollment rate is under 30 percent.

    “Kia views people around the world as ‘one family’ and the programme aims to provide local communities with the means to ensure that young people can achieve independence and build better lives in future. Looking forward, Kia is planning to expand the Green Light Project to other countries and regions through the cooperation of its global network.”

    As well as investing in the construction of the Lilongwe educational facility, Kia plans to support the students and members of the local community by operating after-school programs for a further five years.

    In addition to Kia Motors’ construction of a secondary school and the donation of Kia K2700 trucks in Nagashanqui, Tanzania in 2012, Kia has funded the construction of a secondary school in Mozambique and several health clinics in Malawi. Kia plans to continue its investment in its Green Light Project until 2018, making a total investment of $14 million in the project.

  • Range Rover Evoque gets more awards

    The Range Rover Evoque has won three more awards, taking its global haul of accolades to a total of 161 in just over three years.

    Already widely acclaimed by journalists, critics and owners, the most recent successes have come from the readers of key global titles. In one recent survey, the Evoque scored  94 per cent when participants were asked to rate their cars’ audio and entertainment systems as well as other technology, such as phone connectivity and the user-friendliness of on-board computers.

    Director, Land Rover Programmes, Murray Dietsch, said: “To be recognised by magazine readers is a great honour. It confirms the success of our efforts in building a unique premium SUV that buyers find truly desirable. Land Rover has raised the standard of  in-car technology to class-leading levels.”

    The Range Rover Evoque includes a suite of customer focused in-car technologies and safety features with some dedicated purely to off-road capability.

    The 4x4i system monitors the vehicle dynamics continuously, providing illustrated information through the infotainment display on the centre console. In addition to this, the Land Rover off-road navigation system provides a comprehensive aid to driving in unmapped areas.

    Land Rover Wade Sensing™ uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide the driver with information when driving through water, which is particularly beneficial when visibility is poor and at night. A visual display and warning chimes alert the driver as the water level rises around the vehicle. Maximum wading depth for the Evoque is 500mm.

    Surround Cameras improve visibility and driver awareness using five digital cameras, discreetly placed around the vehicle, providing a near 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area.

    Blind Spot Monitoring uses side-mounted radar sensors to survey potential blind spots behind or either side of the vehicle, whilst Closing Vehicle Sensing detects vehicles which are closing quickly from behind and could cause a threat during a lane change manoeuvre.  Drivers are alerted by a rapid flashing of the Blind Spot warning light in the corresponding door mirror helping to improve awareness for faster reactions.

    Reverse Traffic Detection is an additional enhancement to these systems and monitors traffic approaching from either side of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre (e.g. reversing out of a parking space). If a hazard is detected, the driver is swiftly informed via both audible and visual warnings.

    The ECO-Drive feature provides a continuous flow of information and feedback via the 8-inch touchscreen, including instantaneous fuel consumption readings, historical data comparisons as well as tips on improving driving styles.

    Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 161 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, in car technology and off-road capability.

  • 20 for Ranger Odyssey Challenge

    After three days of intense Boot Camp training and evaluation, 17 South African finalists have emerged for the epic 12-day 2,500 km Ranger Odyssey in Namibia.

    Forty contestants arrived at De Rust, Ford’s 4×4 training centre at Hartbeespoort Dam, penultimate Friday after being chosen from over 8 000 online entries and 1, 600 candidates who completed the finals.

    The contestants were given comprehensive training on 4×4 driving and vehicle recovery techniques, and this was followed by their first outings in 10 identical Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT Double Cab 4×4 Automatics on the steep 25 and 33-degree gradients.

    Day two began with a hike to the base camp and a session of convoy driving. Next was punishing trail run with a series of challenging obstacles that required a high level of teamwork. It also put each contestant’s physical and mental endurance as well as inter-personal communication under scrutiny.

    Undoubtedly the most arduous task of all for the off-road novices was the teeth-clenching 4×4 trail that often had the Ford Ranger straddling deep dongas with just two wheels touching the ground.

    However, under the expert guidance of the De Rust instructors, and the exceptional capabilities of the Ranger, everyone made it through the obstacles with amazement and excitement.

    In line with the tough 2 500 km route laid out for Ranger Odyssey  in north western Namibia’s rugged Kaokaland, vehicle maintenance and preparation also formed a crucial part of the Boot Camp training schedule. Aside from regular vehicle checks, the contestants were tasked with preparing the fleet of Odyssey Rangers for the expedition.

    The final day kicked off at sub-zero temperatures and focused on the final assessments and scoring by the judges. The panel included three contestants from last year’s Ranger Odyssey alongside the De Rust crew.

    Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly, said: “The Ranger Odyssey is bigger, better and much tougher than last year, yet the 40 high-calibre Boot Camp contestants impressed us throughout the weekend, they showed tenacity and enthusiasm under even the most challenging conditions, and it was an exceptionally tough task for the panel to choose the 17 South African finalists.”

    For the year, the Ranger Odyssey will incorporate three contestants from Sub-Saharan Africa, including one each from Angola, Nigeria and Mozambique – each of which were selected by the respective Ford distributors in those countries.

    “We have a superb group of 20 diverse and enthusiastic individuals that have been chosen based on merit, and embody the true spirit of the Odyssey,” he said.

  • Jeep Cherokee SRT still dazzling

    Jeep Cherokee SRT still dazzling

    Early this year, Jeep – the legendary off-road and sports utility vehicle, had its Grand 2014 Cherokee SRT launched in Nigeria by Weststar Associates Ltd, the authorised general distributor of Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram in Nigeria in collaboration with one of its dealers – M-B Automobile Services Ltd.

    The event ushered the brand, with the leading SRT into the auto industry.

    Enhanced lighting, front fascia and wheels are the first exterior design elements noticed on the new Grand Cherokee SRT, making it distinctively aggressive and athletically stylish. Blackened bi-xenon headlamps give the SRT an intimidating look by day, and a signature LED treatment broadcasts its presence by night.

    The interior of the Grand Cherokee SRT is an amazing blend of fabric and hide, style and function that inspires confidence in every move one makes. Style, functionality and authenticity were the main ingredients used during the interior design process of the new jeep.

    The SRT comes with an eight-speed transmission that delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. (630 N•m) of torque at 4,300 rpm power from the 6.4-litre HEMI engine via an electronic automatic mode, or through redesigned steering-wheel paddle controls. The new package delivers improved acceleration of 100 km per hour in 4.8 seconds with quicker shift speeds. Fuel Saver Technology deactivates four cylinders when full power is not required.

    There is also the famous ‘Launch’ control button in the SRT. Its main function is to allow for maximum acceleration and traction off the line. It is located behind the new T-handle shifter on the centre console and a redesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke steering wheel.

    The steering wheel consists of more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters, which feature a host of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls e.g. U-connect Access with voice activation. Available Green-Edge technology from Harman Kardon provides SRT vehicle owners an audio system as precise as the cars they drive. Its Green-Edge employs efficient speaker and amplifier engineering to improve sound quality while diminishing energy consumption.

    Jeep Grand Cherokee other attractive features include: the Selec-Track system which provides drivers with the ability to dial in precise driving settings. Numerous SRT-specific components give the Grand Cherokee SRT a distinct handling advantage, and a large number of available shift maps allow more customised responses available than ever before; plus the one-touch Liftgate which delivers improved customer convenience, and features a new SRT badge. The lift gate is operated electronically with the push of a button, and standard four-inch dual exhaust tips integrated into the lower fascia, deliver the throaty exhaust note the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT enthusiasts expect.

  • Here comes Nigerian-made Nissan Patrol

    Here comes Nigerian-made Nissan Patrol

    The new Nissan Patrol assembled in Nigeria by Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria is the Nissan’s latest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is packed with the most technologically imbued gadgets  that wields significant quality and performance, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    Car buffs waiting to catch a glimpse of the latest Nissan Patrol would have every reason to celebrate the quantum of transformation in one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the  4WD (four-wheel drive) globe

    Now redesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than six decades old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA.

    Assembled in Nigeria by Stallion NMN plant in Lagos, the new Y62 Patrol as it is fondly called, epitomises Nissan’s tagline: ‘Innovation that excites.’

    The new Patrol adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its ‘proper off-roader’ status to become urbane-friendly Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor.

    Compared with Toyota’s Land Cruiser, the new Patrol offers substantial ground clearance of 283mm which is 58mm greater and the Patrol matches competition’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, but breathes through the left-side guard vent, simplifying the fitment of an aftermarket snorkel.

    Naturally aspirated, the Y62 Patrol comes equipped with a big V8 engine that delivers 298kw of power and 560Nm of torque – 90 per cent of which is available from just 1,600 rpm that makes 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds.

    According to Nissan, the Patrol engine is undeniably a driver’s delight with an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission and sophisticated and electronically controlled all-mode 4X4 system.

    Mr Amit Sharma, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (NMN) Head of Sales and Marketing, attested to the Patrol’s expediency, saying: “the new Y62 Patrol isn’t the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the practicality of a luxury sedan.

    “And just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque, so does its multi-mode grip compensates for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water,” Sharma explained.

    He said the new vehicle is undoubtedly one of Nissan’s most revolutionary designs ever in the Patrol’s 62-year history and it incorporates the most innovative highest quality, and highest value luxury SUV in Nissan history.

    The Patrol SUV is certainly a fun to drive. It offers four terrain options: Sand, Snow, Rock and On-road – at the touch of a button. This feature makes it unique in its segment as competition does not offer this feature.

    At  city speeds and crawling around off-road, the broad spread of ratios is perfectly matched to the smooth delivery of torque from the 5.6-litre V8 while on the highway, the Patrol lopes along at 110km/h with the engine seemingly only a tick above idle. And when stoked, it responds with a throaty induction-snarl matched by impressive acceleration, particularly when overtaking.

    In a world’s first, the Patrol employs advanced HBMC (Hydraulic Body Motion Control) System with 4-wheel independent suspension that works with the chassis and body frame to give the vehicle superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while also delivering comfortable ride in the city. This has greatly enhanced the vehicle’s 3500kg towing capacity that could be employed in towing a luxury cruise boat around town.

     

    Features

    Standard in both variants of the Nissan Patrol range are Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; large format front DVD player; a 2GB hard drive music server with 13 speakers; USB and iPod connectivity; steering wheel audio controls; intelligent key access; eight-way power assisted driver’s seat; drive computer, three-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags with active front headrests. In addition are around view camera, 600ml cool box with dual side openings. The Patrol LE however gets separate seven-inch DVD screens in the rear of the front seat headrests with power operated tailgate.

    Compared to its luxury rivals, the new Patrol has much off-road capability. And in crowded motor parks, one can be rest assured it won’t bump into other cars with dedicated parking aids such as a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors and a 360 degree around-view monitor. This again is a unique feature, which gives absolute peace of mind.

     

    Interior

    The  Patrol is one of the largest cars in the luxury SUV category. It’s bigger in all exterior dimensions when compared to competition. There are plenty of interior space and comfort levels that you can expect including wood grain finishes, and up-market dash layout and high quality finishes. The Patrol is also functional. With all three rows of seats occupied, there is still 550 litres of storage space and when the second and third row seats are folded, the new Patrol can provide 3100 litres with a virtually flat floor.

     

    Driving

    The big V8 engine is beautifully quiet and smooth on the road especially in an ideal long-distance journey, where one needs to transport up to eight occupants. And at highway speeds, the Patrol’s excellent wind and tyre noise insulation is apparent. No doubt, the Patrol is generally quiet and refined. The Patrol is in spite of this enhanced by Nissan’s new Hydraulic Body Motion Control on the suspensions to reduce body roll and give an exceptional ride comfort for the driver and passengers. You only need to sit in the rear seats to feel the comfort level compared to competition due to most ergonomically sitting posture in which one is comfortable even on long distance drives due to the thigh and back support provided by the Zero gravity seats.

    Suffice to say the Patrol is absolutely unique in all attributes and totally unmatched by competition. These offerings make it a class above the rest of the SUV’S in its class in technology, comfort and luxury.

    President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged the beauty and adroitness of the made-in-Nigeria Y62 Patrol when he, in company of some government officials, took delivery of the Patrol in Abuja.

    He said: “I’m quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated the reality of exporting cars from Nigeria is possible which suggests we can soon as a nation export vehicles to other parts of the world.”

  • Kia to build $1b plant in Mexico

    Kia Motors Corporation has signed an investment deal with the Mexican government to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Monterrey, northeastern state of Nuevo León.

    The signing held at the Technological Museum of the Electricity Federal Commission (MUTEC) in Mexico City. It was attended by top executives of Kia Motors, led by Hyoung-Keun (Hank) Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors Corp.

    Mexican President, Enrique Peña Nieto,  and Governor, State of Nuevo León, Rodrigo Medina de la Cruz also attended .

    Construction on the Kia Motors Mexico plant is scheduled to begin  this month. When completed in the first half of 2016, it will boast of  a yearly production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, thereby boosting Kia’s total global manufacturing capacity to 3.37 million vehicles, including 1.69 million vehicles at domestic Korean plants and 1.68 million at overseas plants. Kia plans to produce a range of yet-to-be confirmed compact models at the new plant.

    Representing an investment of about US$1billion by Kia Motors, the new, highly automated manufacturing plant will be situated on a 500-hectare (53.8 million square foot) site that will also be home to numerous supplier companies’ facilities.

    As one of the world’s fastest growing automakers, Kia Motors has been evaluating various options for entering new overseas markets to secure future growth for the brand. With its strong growth forecasts for new vehicle demand, Mexico was chosen as the site for Kia’s next overseas plant given that it is one of the few remaining major markets of the world in which Kia does not have a sales presence.

    For Korean automakers to competitively enter the Mexican market, the establishment of local production facilities is pivotal as Mexico imposes high tariffs on imported cars from Korea. Moreover, Mexico is well-known for its skilled, low-cost labour force and numerous free trade agreements (such as NAFTA) with about 40 countries.

    Meanwhile, Kia expects the Mexico plant to play a major role in alleviating global supply issues thanks to its strategic geographic location. Namely, its proximity to the USA will enable the company to better address the ongoing supply shortage situation that has arisen due to the dramatic growth of the Kia brand in the US market. Furthermore, Kia plans to utilise the plant as a foundation for strengthening the brand’s sales presence throughout the entire Central and South America region while freeing up supply from Kia’s domestic plants to address supply shortage issues in other regions of the world.

    Lee said: “All of us at Kia Motors are proud to signal in a new era for the brand with the announcement of our first manufacturing plant in Mexico. We are committed to producing world-class quality vehicles here in Mexico that feature industry-leading styling and high-tech convenience and safety features that customers have come to expect from Kia, while making significant contributions to both the economic growth of the State of Nuevo León and the future development of the Mexican automotive industry.”

  • Jaguar XE offers internet connections

    With the new Jaguar XE, users can comfortably enjoy a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet – the vehicle antenna provides the best possible signal.

    A smooth, supple ride, exceptionally sharp steering, quiet, luxurious cabin and seamless connectivity – the new Jaguar XE delivers in all respects and is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the art technologies designed to make every journey an even more enjoyable experience.

    The new XE’sInControlinfotainment system is designed around an 8-inch touchscreen. A clear, intuitive user interface gives quick, easy access to all features and functions, and voice control using plain speech means that drivers can keep their eyes on the road at all times.

    “In-car technologies in this ever-more connected and fast-paced world are an integral part of driving experience. With the all-new XE, we are introducing an entire suite of cutting-edge driver aids and entertainment systems. Designed and developed from scratch, they will ensure that every journey take is simpler, more relaxing, safer, and effortlessly enjoyable,” Dr Mike Bell, Jaguar’s Global Connected Car Director said.

    Smartphones, he said, are changing the way people interact with the world around them and the new XE ensures drivers stay connected.

    He stated: “Jaguar InControl Remote allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car from wherever they are and control a range of vehicle functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE’s climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine.

    “Jaguar InControl Apps allows users to seamlessly access smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen, making it easy to do everything from make a conference call, find a parking space or book a hotel room.”

    The sophistication of the infotainment system is matched by the array of advanced driver assistance systems available in the new XE: the laser head-up display (HUD) is an industry-first. Projecting sharp, high-contrast colour images onto the windscreen, the technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions with maximum clarity and minimum distraction. As well as better image quality, the laser HUD is smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems.

    Designed and engineered in the United Kingdom, the aluminium-intensive XE will be the first Jaguar manufactured at a new purpose-built production facility at the company’s Solihull plant in the West Midlands in the UK.

  • Road safety: Unemployment and terror attack victims’ funding

    How tell me, how many jobs have been created as claimed by these Government Agencies? Where are the people the jobs were created for so that we can visit them to see if they were truly and genuinely empowered.

    The Honourable Minister for youth development recently announced that the Ministry has empowered about 10,000 (ten thousand) youths in the past 14 years. Is there anything to boast about in this record? Industrial Training Fund (ITF) that empowered over 40,000 (forty thousand) youths in less than 2 years is currently taking steps to improve on the record. Let someone ask the Honourable Minster how many youths have remained unemployed in the past 14 years in Nigeria?

    Secondly, what is the percentage of those they claimed to have empowered to the number of youths currently unemployed and underemployed in Nigeria? Nigeria Universities and other educational institutions churn out millions of youths annually to join this long list of unemployed and underemployed youths. What happened to the Dangote job creation committee’s blueprint?

    Whether we believe it or not, the terror attacks in Nigeria no matter the name it is called is a product of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop and an idle hand is a ready tool in the hands of the devil.

    My candid advice to the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Private Sector Organizations, Religious Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and High Networth Individuals in Nigeria is to join hands to set the priorities right and address the root cause of the problem of insurgency and allied vices in Nigeria. No matter the billions of naira spent on addressing the effects, it will make no meaningful impact until the root causes are objectively and effectively addressed once and for all.

    What is the Government doing about the increasing rate of drug addiction in Nigeria?

    What is the Government doing about ethnicism and religious discrimination even in the civil service system? Attention is shifting to Ebola virus again now.

    I hereby advice the Government to wake up and decisively deal with the Ebola of Road Infrastructure decay, Unemployment and Drug Addiction among others in Nigeria to avoid situations worse than terror attacks in the country.

    The fact still remains that the terror of today could have been avoided several years ago if the appropriate proactive actions have been taken.

    The Government at all levels need to be more proactive now than ever before. A stitch in time saves nine.

  • Porsche posts mid-year profit

    Porsche AG can look back on a very successful first half of  2014. Deliveries covering the period from the beginning of January to the end of June rose by eight percent compared to the same period last year to 87,803 vehicles. Revenue went up in the first six months by 16 percent to 8.2 billion euros. Operating profit grew by eight percent to 1.4 billion euros, which is equivalent to a return on sales of 17 percent. Jobs as at June 30, reached the record number of  21,326 employees. This is 18 percent or 3,178 persons more than a year ago.

    Lutz Meschke, member of the Executive Board Finance and IT at Porsche AG, emphasised the efficient organisation and the high cost awareness within the company. This is the only way to sustainably achieve a return on sales of at least 15 percent. In his outlook, Meschke pointed out the rising burden caused by the ambitious investment programme which Porsche is implementing in its Strategy 2018.

    “The resulting depreciation and rising labour costs pose an ever increasing burden on our results. Add to this the very high expenditure for research and development, in particular in connection with reducing fleet carbon emissions,” he said.

    Despite all this, Meschke confirmed that Porsche intends to achieve at least the same level of results in fiscal year 2014 as in the previous year.

    The extensive investment programme  was visible at all locations in the first half of 2014. In February, the sports car manufacturer opened a comprehensive factory in Leipzig with its own paint shop and body assembly line for production of the Macan. Porsche invested over 500 million euros here. Total investments at Porsche’s main plant, which includes a new body assembly line, will amount to over 700 million euros in the coming years.

    Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Matthias Mueller, said the sports car manufacturer is keeping solidly to its course of value-creating growth.

    “We are investing in ground-breaking future technologies such as the plug-in hybrid drive and in promising market segments,” Mueller said.

    Mueller is convinced that Porsche is “absolutely on the right path with its enormous efforts”.