Searching Inventory...

Order your 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe for Import / Export with Nationwide Delivery!

2015 S-Class Coupe Body:

The flagship Mercedes-Benz coupe returns to the S-Class, drawing a line to its rich heritage and a bold trajectory into the future. Sweeping and sleek, it is also a sculpture of tensed muscle from its expressive headlamps to its new horizontal taillamps, all rendered in LED. Its iconic wide grille presents a modern new texture and chrome frame, luring the eye along the twin power-dome hood and over the roof, much as the wind is quickly swept past the coupe’s flowing shape.2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-Pillarless Export

Pure Pillarless Profile:
A signature of Mercedes-Benz coupes since the early 1960s, the pillarless profile of the S-Class Coupe presents an uninterrupted span from the windshield to the rakish rear roofline. It’s more than a detail of panoramic elegance. It’s also symbolic of the unimpeded passion and seamless engineering advancement that make such an aesthetic triumph possible, even as structural integrity increases and weight diminishes. In fact, it’s the only coupe to have remained pillarless for more than 50 years.

2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-interior Import Export

Handcrafted 4-passenger cabin:
A showcase of advanced technology, the cabin’s exquisite craftsmanship and design raise modern art and timeless comfort to new pinnacles. Four individual seats are swathed in supple Nappa leather and surrounded by topstitched upholstery on nearly every surface. Exotic, handcrafted wood trim, in a delectable array of options, is accented in satin aluminum. And every surface is rendered in three dimensions, to envelop the four seats in a way that is at once invigorating and relaxing.

2015-S-CLASS-COUPE-All LED Exterior Lighting Export Import Rates

All-LED exterior lighting:
The S-Class is the first car without a single lightbulb since the advent of electric lighting in automobiles. From its headlamps to its distinctive horizontal taillamps, nearly 200 long-lasting and energy-efficient LED’s accomplish every exterior lighting function with distinctive style. LEDs also offer quicker illumination, offering other drivers more time to react to your brake lamps and other signals.

2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-Advanced Instrumentation and Controls Export Import rates

Advanced Instrumentation and Controls:
A pair of 12.3-inch high-resolution screens use a variety of re-configurable displays to unify every function of traditional gauges and advanced in-car technologies with exceptional clarity. The elegant analog-style gauges, as well as the realistic illustration and animation of driving systems, vehicle settings and convenience features are all brought to life with intuitive visuals that make even the most advanced features quickly feel like second nature.

2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-Panorama Roof Import Export

Panorama Roof:
Offering all four passengers sweeping skyward views, this transparent roof treatment features a fixed panel of heat-rejecting tinted glass. An interior power shade allows the driver to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the cabin.

2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-Nappa Leather Steering Wheel Import Export

Multi-function Sport Steering Wheel wrapped in Nappa Leather :
Hand-sewn in supple Nappa leather, the sport steering wheel features three spokes, perforated side grips and a flattened lower section. It also includes power tilt and telescopic adjustment. Fingertip-convenient buttons let you adjust the audio, access your Bluetooth® phone and activate the voice control. You can also scroll through the features of the illustrated multi-function display in the instrument cluster, with a “home” button further enhancing its ease of use.

2015-S-CLASS-COUPE-LED Interior Lighting Import Export

Multi-color/multizone LED ambient lighting:
A network of hundreds of LED’s and fiber-optics can create not just a soothing ambience in the cabin, but one you can alter to suit your mood, or even create one. Seven selectable colors, adjustable brightness, and three lighting zones let the driver control the atmosphere like never before. In the front cabin, LED underlighting of the sweeping “waveform” dash and subtle backlighting of the in-dash displays elevate the cabin’s finely crafted beauty while highlighting its fascinating technology.

2015-S-CLASS-S550-COUPE-side export import rates

Order your 2015 Range Rover Evoque SW1 for Import / Export with Nationwide Delivery!

The 2015 Range Rover SW1 is set to debut at the Paris Motorshow next week and is just the 1st of many “Inspired by Britian” special editions set to be released from what Jaguar Land Rover say.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 Import Rates

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 Import Rates

The 2015 Range Rover Evoque SW1 is built on the same Land Rover / Range Rover platform and will be available in 5 different color or “colour” choices which are among some of the most popular color choices our clients at ImportRates.com request, Firenze Red, Fuji White, Loire Blue, Santorini Black and Corris Grey. No matter which color you pick for your Special Edition 2015 Range Rover Evoque SW1 by Land Rover it will come standard with a Fuji White roof and 20″ wheels that are finished in Fuji White as well.

Import Export 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 ImportRates.com

Import Export 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 ImportRates.com

 

Some neat features of the Range Rover SW1 are a stand-out anodized red finish is applied to the rotary shift controller and shift paddles, Headrests are finished with tags bearing the Union Flag color graphic, and this is repeated on the carpet mats with Ebony binding. As a finishing touch, the same motif, rendered in monochrome, is etched into the sill plates and vehicle key. The 2015 Range Rover Evoque SW1 also is in adoption of an advanced head-up display system. According to Land Rover, this particular system features laser holographic techniques which result in better color saturation, brightness and contrast.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 Import Rates

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evouque SW1 Import Rates

Call Us today to order your 2015 Range Rover Evoque SW1 by Land Rover. Nationwide Delivery and all colors and options available! Give us a call today so we can place your order (866)596-2008 or (310)860-8986.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic Debuts at 2014 Geneva Auto Show

Land Rover’s Autobiography trim level makes its way onto the smallest Range Rover this year with the new 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic that will make its debut at the 2014 Geneva auto show next month. This special-edition Evoque is outfitted with some exterior design tweaks along with some fairly significant performance upgrades to set it apart from the standard Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

All Evoques come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the Evoque Autobiography Dynamic is upgraded with a power boost from the standard car’s 240 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque up to 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This upgraded engine continues to route through a nine-speed ZF transmission and standard four-wheel drive, although Land Rover says the transmission has been tuned for more responsiveness in the Autobiography Dynamic model. This special edition also has different chassis tuning to give it a sportier feel, including firmer spring rates, recalibrated dampers, and more precise steering. The front brakes are slightly larger as well, and there is a standard torque-vectoring system that makes use of these upgraded brakes to reduce understeer in corners.

The Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic is also set apart from the standard car with numerous exterior upgrades, like a new grille, jewel-look headlights and taillights, 20-inch wheels, and a newly available color called Phoenix Orange. On the inside, the Autobiography Dynamic has a special leather interior with six color options, along with an embossed Autobiography logo on the headrest and illuminated side sills that also display the Autobiography name.

Land Rover is also rolling out a new smartphone integration system on this model called Land Rover InControl Apps, which connects to various iPhone and Android apps to display them on the car’s central infotainment screen. This system will be available on other Land Rover models going forward.

The Autobiography Dynamic edition will be available for both two-door and four-door versions of the Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover has not yet released pricing for the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic, but expect a significant premium over the standard Evoque’s starting price of $41,995 with destination. Look for more information about the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic closer to its debut at the 2014 Geneva auto show.

New Porsche Macan poised to be a hot-seller

 

Springtime in Europe usually means a driving enthusiast’s thoughts turns to sports cars. This year’s Geneva Motor Show had plenty of those, but the burgeoning small crossover segment was also front and centre at this year’s Swiss event, with debuts of small utility vehicles popping up from one end of the Palexpo’s exhibition halles to the other. One automaker counting on this relatively new segment for substantial growth is Germany’s preeminent sports car maker: Porsche.

Although Porsche’s headline unveilings in Geneva were its new 24 Hours of LeMans 919 Hybrid LMP1 and 911 RSR racecars, the automaker is also in the midst of launching its second crossover production model — the four-door, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive Macan. As a smaller rendition of its popular mid-sized Cayenne, the compact Macan is being counted on for never-seen-before sales growth from the Volkswagen Group’s sports car brand. And based on Porsche’s recent sales success, the odds are in the Macan’s favour to accomplish its mission.

Just last year, Porsche saw its global sales rise by 15 per cent, to a record 162,145 vehicles sold. With the new Macan set to go on-sale around the world later this year, Porsche’s board member for sales and marketing, Bernhard Maier, is feeling good that the brand will continue its meteoric sales growth.

“We are looking ahead to the coming year with optimism and are anticipating new growth with the Macan and the new variants of the 911,” Maier said during an interview with Driving in Geneva.

Maier’s optimism is well founded. Utility vehicles have become a big part of the sales mix for any automaker; even one that’s built its brand on the back of sports cars. The Cayenne — that shares a platform with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg — adds over half of all Porsche’s sales and profits, and ostensibly pays for the development of the niche 911 variants that otherwise may not be built. The Macan — that was developed off the Audi Q5 chassis — is expected to help with Porsche’s profits in a similar manner.

(In Canada, initially there will be the 340 horsepower, $54,300 Macan S and the 400 hp $82,200 Macan Turbo — about 25% less than comparably equipped Cayenne models.)

As the Macan seeks customers in the already crowded luxury compact crossover segment, with the likes of the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLK, Porsche is anticipating selling 50,000 copies on an annual basis, pushing its overall sales well past the 200,000 annual rate for the first time ever. While that sounds ambitious for a company that some may still only think of as a low-volume sports car maker, the fact is that Porsche has been on this growth path since the arrival of the Cayenne over a decade ago.

Maier, appointed to Porsche’s Board of Management in 2010 as its head of sales and marketing, seems like the right person in the right place to shepherd Porsche’s continuing sales growth.

Unlike some automotive executives, Maier’s been a “car guy” his whole life, first completing his training as a car mechanic and then, after obtaining his full qualification as a master mechanic, studying business management in Germany. In 2001, Maier joined Porsche, where he successfully managed the automaker’s German sales subsidiary, overseeing the successful introduction of two groundbreaking new models: the Cayenne in 2002 and the Panamera Gran Turismo sports sedan seven years later.

Beyond jumping into a market that Porsche has never been in before, the Macan will also affect the automaker’s sales and marketing strategies. Maier says Porsche expects younger buyers with the Macan, many of which will also be new to the brand. As such, the Porsche executive says, more than ever, Porsche will use social media to market to these new customers. As well, the entire Porsche dealer network is preparing for the added sales and servicing volumes with upgraded facilities and practices. Despite the changes, Maier says to expect the same type of intimate sales atmosphere from Porsche dealers as in the past.

“Regardless of our expected sales growth, we will deliver the same type of boutique sales experience we always have,” Maier says.

While there have been rumours that Porsche will also add an entry-level sports car below the Boxster/Cayman and a crossover smaller than the Macan to its lineup, Maier quashed those ideas speaking to Automotive News earlier this year at the Detroit auto show.

“We’ve decided not to build a roadster below the Boxster [and] we will not offer an SUV below the Macan because it will not be a perfect fit,” he said. “We have a lot of ideas and a lot of opportunities. But whatever we do has to clearly fit with the brand.”

Porsche on a collision course with BMW

BERLIN, Jan 18 — The German sportscar company is considering a move into the premium mid-size executive sedan market where the BMW 5-series is currently king.

In fact, it is one of the most competitive market segments in the automotive world. As well as the 5-Series, the Porsche would have to do battle with the Mercedes E Class, Audi A6, a host of Lexus models and the new Maserati Ghibli.

However the company has never been scared of a challenge and has been debating a move into the segment since 2012. As Porsche boss Matthias Muller told Autocar: “Speaking very frankly, I can say this is one of many ideas we have, to build a car below Panamera.”

Porsche is playing its cards close to its chest and makes it clear that as well as a car to match the 5 Series, it is also considering a host of different markets.

However, making a car similar in status to its Panamera sedan but smaller seems the most logical next step for the company. Also adding weight to the rumours is the fact that as part of the Volkswagen group, Porsche is currently helping to develop a new platform that will support rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles and that will be used for the next-generation Bentley.

That said, if Porsche does decide to build a BMW beater, the car will have to be incredible. The current 5-Series is pound-for-pound the best car that money can buy. It offers an unequalled mix of performance, practicality, comfort, quality, and high-tech active driver assistance features. — AFP-Relaxnews

Jaguar Land Rover sales rise to record on Asia Pacific, China

NEW DELHI, Jan 12 — Jaguar Land Rover, the luxury- vehicle division of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., reported record global sales last year, driven by growth in the Asia Pacific and China region.

Jaguar Land Rover’s total worldwide sales rose 19 per cent last year to 425,006 vehicles, according to an e-mailed statement. Jaguar brand sales jumped 42per cent to 76,668 vehicles, the most since 2005, while Land Rover increased 15per cent for an annual record of 348,338 vehicles, the company said.

Jaguar Land Rover, which Mumbai-based Tata Motors bought from Ford Motor Co. in 2008 for US$2.5 billion (RM8.1 billion), accounted for 72 per cent of group revenue and 88 per cent of operating profit for the year ended March 31. In the quarter ended in September, Tata Motors posted profit that beat analyst estimates as rising Jaguar Land Rover sales outweighed a loss at the parent company’s Indian business.

“It’s more of a Jaguar Land Rover story now for Tata Motors,” Ronak Sarda, Mumbai-based research analyst at Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd., said by phone. “This provides a good time for investors to make use of the JLR story as Tata Motors is not generating anything positive in India.”

Sales in Asia Pacific and the China region jumped 30 per cent during 2013, North America rose 21 per cent, the UK grew 14 per cent, Europe 6 per cent and other overseas markets increased 23 per cent, according to the statement.

Emerging markets

Under Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover have targeted emerging markets such as China and Russia for growth. In 2013, Jaguar Land Rover had record sales in 38 markets, including Russia, Brazil, Korea and Canada.

The sales growth in 2013 was driven by Jaguar’s F-Type convertible and Land Rover’s Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque models, it said. The F-Type began shipping in May.

It was “a great year in which we have seen some incredibly exciting new models launched to customers across the world,” Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Group sales operations director, said in the statement. “The Range Rover Sport, F-Type, new engines and drivetrains, and a number of 14 Model Year enhancements to our existing lineup have seen Jaguar Land Rover continue to build strong sales momentum in every global region.” — Bloomberg

Top Luxury Brands For China’s Millionaires Revealed

BEIJING, Jan 22 — China’s super-rich might have cut back on spending by 15 per cent last year, according to the tenth annual Hurun Report, but the country has not lost its appetite for luxury brands.

According to the Hurun Report Chinese Luxury Consumer Survey and the Hurun Best of the Best Awards 2014, Chinese millionaires prefer to wear Cartier jewellery, Patek Philippe watches and Hermès accessories, while the wardrobes of the wealthy are stocked with Armani outfits for the men and Chanel for the women. Burberry was the children’s clothing brand of choice among the privileged demographic.

When it came to choosing a car, the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Mercedes-Benz S-class are the top choices for executive vehicles, while the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover Range Rover are deemed the best SUVs. Top sports cars are the BMW M3 and the Porsche 911 Carrera, and the most popular ‘roadster’ is the Mercedes SLK.

Around 40 per cent of the nation’s super-rich now own a yacht — a 10 per cent increase since last year. The favourite brand is Ferretti. Meanwhile Gulfstream, the Embraer Legacy 650 and the Dassault Falcon 7x are the most popular business jets.

Chinese millionaires are most likely to drink Royal Salute whisky, Martell or Hennessy Cognac XO, although Macallan is the single malt whisky of choice and Louis XIII is the most popular imported spirit. Moutai is the Chinese spirit of choice amongst luxury consumers. When it comes to champagne they’ll take a glass of Perrier-Jouët over Moët, and smokers will opt for a Chunghwa cigarette or a Davidoff cigar.

The top choice of private members’ club is the Chang’an Club in Beijing and the preferred luxury hotel brand is the Shangri-La. When flying business or first class, the country’s millionaires chose Air China for domestic trips and Singapore Airlines for international travel.

The Hurun report surveyed 393 mainland Chinese millionaires between June and December 2013 with a wealth of RMB10 million or more (approximately RM5.32 million). — AFP/Relaxnews

Mercedes-Benz U.S. Boss Expects GLA to Be Even More Successful than CLA

Mercedes’ front-wheel drive compact range will grow this year with the GLA crossover, which is tipped to become an even bigger success than the CLA sedan.
Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon said dealers should probably count on GLA shortages after the crossover debuts in the U.S. this fall – something that is happening now with the CLA. The compact sedan debuted in September 2013 in the U.S. and sold faster than Mercedes expected, leading to tight inventories. As for the GLA, Cannon said waiting lists could be even longer.

“Dealers feel there is a lot more potential in that car. It could be hotter – the feedback is phenomenal,” Cannon told Automotive News. The executive added that he expects the GLA’s conquest rate to be higher than the GLK’s 60 percent rate when it debuted in 2009.

Mercedes-Benz has not announced U.S. pricing for the GLA, but the crossover is expected to be more expensive than the CLA, but several thousand dollars less than the GLK, which starts at $38,405, including shipping. The CLA is priced from $30,825, including shipping.

The GLA will launch in the U.S. with all-wheel drive and will be offered later on with front-wheel drive as well.

Mercedes’ FWD range of vehicles, which includes the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA, is in high demand, with Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche admitting the company is looking for ways to increase production. The carmaker is likely to add a third shift at its plant in Hungary that builds the CLA.

By Dan Mihalascu

Early 2015 launch for Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid, C-Class Plug-in Hybrid to follow

Green-car fans with chauffeurs will be happy to know that the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid is slated to go on sale in the United States next year.

During a roundtable interview at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler’s R&D chief for Mercedes, told Green Car Reports that the S-Class Plug-in Hybrid will hit showrooms in Europe later this year, and will make it to the U.S. in early 2015. That’s around the same time as the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.

Announced last summer, the S500 Plug-in Hybrid features a 328hp 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-six and and a 80kW electric motor, which combine to get the car from 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds. Electricity comes from a lithium-ion battery pack, which provides 19 miles of range on the European cycle. Expect US-cycle efficiency numbers to be a little lower.

The big news, however, is that Mercedes will follow up the S500 Plug-in Hybrid with a C-Class Plug-in Hybrid, with an electric-only range closer to 31 miles. Mercedes will offer a plug-in and a normal hybrid, both of which will be based on the redesigned 2015 C-Class unveiled last week in Detroit.

The C-Class Plug-in Hybrid may use the same powertrain as the bigger S500 Plug-in Hybrid, as Mercedes attempts to modularize components used in its rear-wheel drive sedans.

Meanwhile, Mercedes will launch a C300 BlueTEC diesel-hybrid in Europe later this year.

As for the gasoline hybrid and plug-in, it’s a question of when, not if. Mercedes is reportedly committed to both models, but will decide when to launch them based on demand. Like most German carmakers, Mercedes has traditionally emphasized diesel cars. However, it’s hedging its bet with these plug-in hybrids, as well as the upcoming B-Class Electric Drive electric car.

Buyers most interested in BMW X5

CAR buyers are more interested in the ownership of a BMW X5 than any other car on the market, according to CAP.

Data revealed that new car buyers researched the long-term ownership costs of a total of 256 different models using CAP’s Total Cost of Motoring tool in December 2013.

Out of the 256 models searched for by consumers, BMW’s X5 topped the list for the most investigated cars, making up four per cent of all queries.

Following the luxury 4×4 was the Ford Fiesta, making up three per cent of all Total Cost of Motoring investigations by motorists.

A number of premium models made their way into the top 10 including the Porsche Cayenne, BMW 5 Series and the Lexus IS.

The rest of the top 10 is made up by mainstream models commonly associated with economical running costs, including the Fiesta in second and Volkswagen Golf in third.

CAP’s Philip Nothard said: These figures are surprising because we would not expect imminent buyers of large 4x4s or luxury cars to be as conscious of predicted long-term ownership costs as motorists on a small budget looking into more obviously economical cars.

‘So while the Fiesta’s two appearances in the most popular 10 cars being investigated by people looking closely at their motoring budget is entirely predictable, the appearance of the Porsche Cayenne at number seven is much less expected.’

He added: ‘We know that large 4x4s have been one of the largest growth sectors in recent years – even during the recession – and this data shows that many people have a luxury SUV in mind for their next car.

‘But most interestingly it also shows that the buyers of larger, more prestige cars as just as eager to know how much the vehicle will cost them to own over time as the less well-off consumer who is looking for a small, inexpensive runabout.’

Porsche on collision course with BMW?

German sports-car company Porsche is considering a move into the premium mid-size executive sedan market where the BMW 5 Series is currently king.

In fact, it is one of the most competitive market segments in the automotive world. As well as the 5 Series, Porsche would have to do battle with the Mercedes E Class, Audi A6, a host of Lexus models and the new Maserati Ghibli.

However, the company has never been scared of a challenge and has been debating a move into the segment since 2012. As Porsche boss Matthias Muller told Autocar: “Speaking very frankly, I can say this is one of many ideas we have, to build a car below Panamera.”

Porsche is playing its cards close to its chest and makes it clear that as well as a car to match the 5 Series, it is also considering a host of different markets.

However, making a car similar in status to its Panamera but smaller seems the most logical next step for the company. Also adding weight to the rumours is the fact that as part of the Volkswagen group, Porsche is currently helping to develop a new platform that will support rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles and that will be used for the next-generation Bentley.

That said, if Porsche does decide to build a BMW-beater, the car will have to be incredible to usurp the current 5 Series.

AFP-Relaxnews

New Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Brings High-Performance to Compact SUVs

What Mercedes-Benz called a concept at last November’s LA Auto Show is being fashioned as the new limited production GLA 45 AMG Edition 1 at this week’s Detroit motor show where the series is making its world premiere.
The white colored Edition 1 with the flashy red and silver livery maintains the regular GLA 45 AMG’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 355hp (360PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports dual clutch transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, adding styling and aero mods.

Among other things you get with this package is a high-gloss black Aerodynamics kit with larger front splitter, additional flics in the front fascia, and rear airfoil, silver gray/red AMG racing stripes complemented by red highlights on radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and rear wing. The Edition 1 rides on special 20-inch alloy wheels mounted on 235/40 R 20 tires all-round.

Exterior color options for this model are restricted to four options, the cirrus white seen on the display car, cosmos black, polar silver and mountain gray, while the interior is finished in red and black, with exclusive trims.

Both the base GLA 45 AMG and the Edition 1 will go on sale in the USA in the fall of 2014 with prices to be announced.

BMW Targets Record 2014 Sales as German Rivals Take Aim

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Audi and Mercedes-Benz are targeting at least a fourth consecutive year of record sales in 2014 as new compacts tighten the race among the German rivals for the luxury-car industry’s lead.

BMW, the No. 1 seller of premium cars, delivered just 79,600 vehicles more than Volkswagen AG (VOW)’s Audi last year, versus 85,000 in 2012, while the gap with Daimler AG (DAI)’s Mercedes narrowed to 193,500 from 220,000.

A sedan version of Audi’s A3 hatchback and the addition of the CLA coupe to Mercedes’s A- and B-Class compact line-up are part of those companies’ plans to beat sales at BMW by the end of the decade. The Munich-based manufacturer will seek to keep its edge in the stiffening competition by adding the 2-Series coupe. The three manufacturers are battling for new customers in the growing Chinese and U.S. markets as economic woes in Europe hamper demand in their home region.

VIDEO: BMW Unveils 2-Series Coupe, New M Cars at Auto Show
“The luxury-car makers will continue to grow over-proportionally in 2014,” said Sascha Gommel, a Commerzbank AG analyst in Frankfurt. “The U.S. is helped by cheap financing options, and in China the regional expansion of dealerships and the general economic growth supports demand.”

BMW has been the top luxury-vehicle seller worldwide since dethroning Stuttgart-based Mercedes in 2005. Last year was the third in a row of all-time high deliveries at both carmakers, while Ingolstadt-based Audi has reported annual vehicle-sales records since 2010.

Maserati Growth

VW’s Porsche sports-car unit, which sold a record 162,145 vehicles in 2013, is also targeting further growth this year as the new Macan compact SUV wins first-time customers, Bernhard Maier, the brand’s sales chief, said yesterday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

VIDEO: Audi’s Keogh Sees Record Sales for Brand in 2014
Maserati, owned by Fiat SpA (F), expects record demand in 2014 pushed by a “significant” increase in the U.S., Chief Executive Officer Harald Wester said in an interview yesterday.

The Italian luxury-car maker, which started deliveries of $65,600 Ghibli sedan in the U.S. at the end of 2013, will add 20 dealers in the country this year, he said.

Maserati is “on pace” to boost sales eightfold to 50,000 in 2015 on deliveries of new models, including its first ever SUV to be introduced next year, Wester said.

Demand for BMW’s mid-sized 3-series sedan, the premium segment’s best-selling model, and the X1 compact SUV propelled the German company’s delivery gains last year. Ian Robertson, BMW sales chief, said in Detroit yesterday that Chinese sales may rise at a “double-digit” percentage rate this year, while the U.S. is returning to pre-recession growth trends.

Mercedes Challenge

BMW is displaying the 2-Series compact in Detroit. Starting in the first quarter, the car will replace the company’s 1-Series model in the U.S., where the company lost its first-place sales rank to Mercedes last year.

Other Mercedes challengers to BMW models in 2014 will include a new version of the C-Class sedan, which will take on the 3-Series, and the GLA compact SUV, intended to counter the X1. Both vehicles will enter German showrooms in March.

“We finished 2013 with a lot of momentum and expect this to continue this year with our new models,” Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said yesterday at a Detroit press conference. The full year of the revamped flagship S-Class sedan’s availability and the compact-car lineup will probably drive demand in 2014, while sales of the C-Class will “experience some effects from the model changeover.”

Audi Gains

Audi is introducing the A3 sedan in the U.S. this year following a rollout in Europe in 2013, and also plans to begin selling a revamped version of the TT coupe. Over the next five years, Audi has budgeted 22 billion euros ($30 billion) in investments to expand its lineup to 60 models from 49 and add production capacity in China, Brazil and Mexico.

Audi predicts “consistent” gains in 2014, CEO Rupert Stadler said yesterday at the show.

VW’s Bentley Motors brand plans to build this year on last year’s record sales of 10,120 vehicles, CEO Wolfgang Schreiber said yesterday in an interview. Bentley sold 2,005 of the new Flying Spur in the last four months of 2013 after it became available in all markets, the Crewe, England-based automaker said last week.

Lamborghini SpA plans to start deliveries of the new Huracan sports car in the second half of this year, Stephan Winkelmann, head of VW’s Italian marque, said in Detroit. Supercar market conditions in 2014 involve “light and shadow,” with North American demand probably growing and European sales stable or showing a “slight decline,” he said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Christoph Rauwald in Detroit at crauwald@bloomberg.net; Dorothee Tschampa in Frankfurt at dtschampa@bloomberg.net

Add Us on WeChat!

WeChat ID: Importrates

Add Us on WhatsApp
whattaapp
Warehouse

Alibaba

Alibaba
 ,
Alibaba

Twitter

New LC Program ~ Lower Rates - 🔥Sizzling Price Reductions🔥 - $29,500 Over - 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury - Caviar on Black Leather - MSRP $131,605 - TT Sale Price $161,105 ~ PAW Sale Price $163,937 - LC Sale Price $169,685 - Plus Shipping -…lnkd.in/ezDQv8K8

About 11 months ago from ImportRates's Twitter via LinkedIn

Contact Us!

National Toll-Free:
1-800-851-9000
Local:
1-561-862-5657
International:
0015618625657
Email:
sales@importrates.com