Logo 1907

Logo 1907

vineri, 26 februarie 2016

Abarth 595 Wins "Best Cars 2016" Competition in Spain


  • The small Abarth triumphs in the "Best City Car of 2016" category.
  • The prestigious title was bestowed by readers of Motorpress Ibérica magazines.

In Spain, the Abarth 595/695 was awarded the prestigious title of "Best Cars 2016" thanks to votes from readers of magazines Autopista, Automóvil, Coche Actual and Autovía issued by publishing company Motorpress Ibérica.

The awards ceremony was held at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid in the presence of the most important figures of the Spanish automotive industry.

Divided into 11 categories, the contest is considered a benchmark by authorities for everything regarding the image that customers have of automobile manufacturers. And in the "Best City Car 2016" category, the jury awarded the Scorpion's small size car that allows all its customers to experience exhilarating driving.

Available in sedan or convertible, the Abarth 595 range features three trim levels ("Elaborabile," "Turismo," and "Competizione"), three power levels of the 1.4 T-jet engine (140 HP, 160 HP, and 180 HP) and two transmissions (five-speed manual or robotised sequential). The Abarth 695 Biposto, the "smallest supercar," completes the line-up. Delivering 190 HP, the car secures the thrills and technology of a real racing car on everyday roads.

The Spanish award joins the shelf alongside the German trophy recently won by the Abarth 595/695.

 Turin, 25 February 2016






Spectacular simultaneous European reveal of New Giulietta


  • Alfa Romeo has chosen an innovative, exciting way to reveal New Giulietta.
  • The latest addition to the Alfa family features a refreshed style, a new engine (1.6 JTDm turbo diesel with 120 HP and Alfa TCT gearbox) and an even sportier attitude.
  • The New Giulietta was presented simultaneously yesterday in Turin, Arese, Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt.
  • British star Skin was the guest of honour in Milan.
  • Over 10,000 people participated at the five European locations with music, DJ-sets and international guests.
  • Alfa Romeo has chosen to celebrate its employees by staging a preview reveal and actively involving them in the launch of New Giulietta.



The official debut of New Giulietta was staged simultaneously yesterday with an international event in five cities across Europe: the central event was held in Arese along withTurin, Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt. A special reveal with which Alfa Romeo chose to celebrate its employees by inviting them to enjoy  the preview reveal of the new car and an unforgettable evening of music, fun and "Alfa" spirit by involving them as ambassadors of the brand for launching the new model. The videos employees  made with New Giulietta have taken Facebook and Instagram by storm and turned the employees into the faces of the new model.

The latest addition to the Alfa Romeo line-up will be the star with its even sportier attitude and its compelling family feeling bond with the other models of the range. In addition to these distinguishing features, the car has the new 1.6 JTDm turbo diesel with 120 HP and Alfa TCT gearbox, exclusive Live services on the Uconnect system and a line-up optimised to make choosing a car even more straightforward. In brief, New Giulietta is ready to pick up where its predecessor left off, with the goal of winning over even more Italian design enthusiasts with its unmistakable style and even bolder sporty character.

The Arese event was held in the revamped Alfa Romeo Museum, dubbed "La Macchina del Tempo" (The Time Machine). Guest of honour was the British singer-songwriter Skin. The many celebrities and guests danced to her DJ-set joined by a high number of FCA employees on the floor. There could be no better location for the Milan debut of New Giulietta: the brand's "home" has recently reopened to the public and showcases some of Alfa Romeo's most famous, innovative creations. For the occasion, guests also visited the annexed Arese Motor Village. The brand's futuristic showroom is an integral part of the new polyfunctional centre which comprises a bookshop, a cafeteria, a documentation centre, a test track and an event hall in addition to the mentioned museum.

At the same time, an equally spectacular and thrilling event was being held at the FCA headquarters in Turin for over 5,000 FCA employees. Guest stars of the level of Piero Pelù, DJ Ringo and Marky Ramone, drummer of the legendary band The Ramones, staged an unforgettable performance all revolving around New Giulietta. The two winning bands of the company's most recent contest also took the stage: the only requirement to enter was that at least one band member had to be an FCA employee.

The same spirit of the Arese and Turin events was the ingredient of the other New Giulietta reveal events in Madrid, Frankfurt and Paris. Star of the evening at the Teatro Barceló in the Spanish capital was DJ Nano with the partnership of Los 40 Principales, the most popular radio station in the country that sent one of their official voices. At the same time, the windows of the FCA Motor Village in Frankfurt lit up bright Alfa red. Two New Giulietta models were placed at the showroom entrance to welcome guests together with DJ Teddy O and King Kamehameha Club Band, the group that performs in some of the best-known clubs in Germany. Lastly, the Champs Elysées MotorVillage in Paris opened to welcome guests to the sound of DJ Cédric Couvez, in a party atmosphere with a variety of entertainment.

The "Fuel your Instinct" project has a digital side too: a special operation that unites the passion, creativity and style of our extraordinary international Contributors with the values of the Alfa Romeo brand.
On the website http://www.fuelyourinstinct.com/ a video is available that is inspired by New Giulietta's personality and the free artistic spirit of the Contributors. In addition, an ad hoc tool was created that allows each user to create and share a personalized video on the most important social networks.

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta
  • Family feeling with Giulia: shared appearance and line-up logic.
  • Even sportier: specific new exterior details and the new Veloce pack available on all petrol and diesel engine versions.
  • Making its debut is the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP turbo diesel with Alfa TCT.
  • Always connected with the new Uconnect system LIVE services.
  • Rational line-up: three trim levels (Giulietta, Giulietta Super and Giulietta Veloce), two new packs (Veloce and Lusso), nine engine versions, eleven body colours and twelve different 16" and 18" alloy rims with three exclusive designs.

To keep on playing a leading role in the segment, Alfa Romeo Giulietta has been refreshed with a bolder sport characterisation, new specific elements and an unmistakable family feeling shared with the fascinating Giulia, which is the new Alfa Romeo paradigm and ultimate expression of the meccanica delle emozioni - or mechanics of emotions - concept.

New Giulietta comes with important innovations, like the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP turbo diesel engine paired with the Alfa TCT and the extremely useful Live services on the Uconnect system available on the entire range. In addition, the line-up has been rationalised and now features three trim levels (Giulietta, Giulietta Super and Giulietta Veloce), two packs (Veloce and Lusso) and nine engine versions (petrol, diesel and LPG) so customers can more simply and quickly pick the version most suited to their inclinations and needs and then customise it with optional equipment and accessories.

Ready to face future challenges, New Giulietta embodies the unrivalled "Alfa Spirit", which for over one century has typified the cars made by Alfa Romeo. They are light and efficient - resulting from the choice of materials and the correct weight-to-power ratio - and are the perfect expression of the care for detail typical of only the very best Italian designs. Additionally, they are agile on the road with responsive steering, evolved suspensions and balanced weight distribution.

Finally, New Giulietta fits a host of features developed by Magneti Marelli - from lighting devices to powertrain, suspensions and exhaust systems - as further confirmation of the consolidated and mutually profitable collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the well-known international leader in the design and manufacturing of high-tech automotive systems and components.

Refreshed looks and sportier characterisation
Today, the family feeling of New Giulietta with Giulia, which is the new Alfa Romeo paradigm, is enhanced and embodied by several exterior style elements, such as the one-of-a-kind honeycomb grille and the new front bumper which recalls the shape of the legendary front trefoil, arguably one of the most famous and recognisable symbols in the automotive world. Similarly, the lettering of the name "Giulietta" and its position on the back wink to those of Giulia. The new model also sports the refreshed logo, which has been modernised preserving the distinctive style elements which have made it an emblem known and cherished worldwide. Not by chance, only who has a great past can face the challenges of the future.

Burnished headlights, new bumper inserts, one-of-a-kind alloy rims and new oblique tailpipes complete the new look. The Giulietta Veloce trim level - the sportiest of the line-up - is even bolder featuring new sports bumpers with Alfa Red profiles, new carbon look treatment headlights, glossy anthracite accents on mirror caps, handles and on the grille and fog light surrounds.

The exclusive sporty outfit corresponds to an exclusive interior ambience packed with premium quality accents in which all details are carefully picked: New Giulietta is the most developed expression of Italian style. On the inside, the sportiest Giulietta Veloce trim level has new leather and Alcantara sports seats with integrated head restraints embellished with contrasting red stitching and "Alfa Romeo" written on the head restraints. Standard are also the contoured leather steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and the carbon look finish dashboard surround and door panels, all complemented by specific matte grey inserts.

The sports characterisation is equally strong on the Giulietta and Giulietta Super versions. The first has grey and black fabric seats, a one-of-a-kind matte black dashboard, leather steering wheel and new black inserts on the tunnel and door pulls. Even bolder is the Super trim level with new Alfa Romeo trademark grey and black fabric "cannelloni" seats. Premium leather seats are available on both trim levels on demand.

New 1.6 JTDm 120 HP TCT engine
The 1.6 JTDm 120 HP debuting on New Giulietta is paired with Alfa TCT to combine the well-known, typical advantages of a turbo diesel engine with the comfort that only an automatic transmission can offer and the responsive shifting of a twin clutch, for top efficiency and driving pleasure.
Equipped in this way, the new car delivers excellent performance - top speed of 195 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds - while being fuel-efficient and environment-friendly at the same time: 3.8 l/100 km and just 99 g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle with the ECO version.

New addition to the second-generation MultiJet turbo diesel family, the 1.6 litre engine of New Giulietta delivers a top power of 120 HP at 3750 rpm and fits a small-size turbocharger capable of expressing top-in-class torque (320 Nm at 1750 rpm) for the best flexibility. A peculiarity of the 1.6 JTDm is certainly the third-generation Common Rail injection system which uses innovative injectors and balanced hydraulic servo valves to control very accurately the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber in a particularly quick and flexible injection sequence.

The Alfa TCT, now also with 1.6 JTDm 120 HP engine, can work in fully automatic or sequential mode. The up and down positions of the accurate and ergonomic gear stick are controlled manually by the driver. Shift paddles on the steering wheel can be chosen as an alternative. The Alfa DNA selector can also be used to select the dynamic performance of the car by operating on engine torque, brakes using the Pre-Fill function, TCT shifting logics, accelerator response, ESC control system, the Alfa Q2 electronic self-locking differential and the ASR traction control. The driver can activate three driving modes according to road conditions and driving style.

In brief, the engine line-up of New Giulietta now features four turbo petrol engines (1.4 Turbo Petrol 120 HP, 1.4 Turbo Multiair 150 HP, 1.4 Turbo Multiair 170 HP TCT and 1750 Turbo Petrol 240 HP TCT) and four turbo diesel engines: 1.6 JTDm 120 HP with manual transmission or TCT, 2.0 JTDm 150 HP and 2.0 JTDm 175 HP TCT. Finally, there is the bi-fuel (LPG and petrol) 1.4 TB 120 HP.

Uconnect system with the new LIVE services
The innovative Uconnect with 5" or 6.5" touchscreen is set proudly in the middle of the dashboard of New Giulietta. The multimedia device has Bluetooth connection for hands-free phone use and audio streaming, Aux-in connector, USB port, voice controls, SMS Reader and DAB device for listening to the radio with digital quality. Both the 6.5" and the 5" Uconnect systems are developed in collaboration with partners of excellence, such as Harman and Here Auto (the first) and Continental (the latter). Debuting on New Giulietta are the new UconnectTM LIVE services for staying connected while driving using a smartphone.

By downloading the free app from App Store of Google Play Store to a smartphone, Uconnect LIVE offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news with Reuters, connected navigation with TomTom LIVE and the opportunity to keep in touch with friends on Facebook Check-In and Twitter. Savings, eco-friendliness and control are also guaranteed everywhere with eco:Drive and my:Car.

Also debuting on New Giulietta is Alfa Performance, the exclusive service specifically created to enhance the driving experience. Using an array of digital gauges and instruments, drivers can control the main parameters of the car, measure their performance using special timers and see driving statistics on their smartphone, in addition to receiving real-time driving tips. The service is available on Uconnect 6.5" Radio Nav LIVE".

Other features on the 6.5" Uconnect LIVE include satellite navigation function with 3D bird's-eye view maps, sequential route instructions and One Step Voice Entry Destination.

Complete, rational line-up for easy choices
In Europe, the New Giulietta line-up features three trim levels (Giulietta, Giulietta Super and Giulietta Veloce), two new packs (Veloce and Lusso) and nine engine versions, including the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP TCT turbo diesel, which will be particularly appreciated by business customers. The palette to choose from includes eleven body colours, comprising the new Alfa White and Lipari Grey, twelve different alloy rims (each size with one new pattern) and two more packs (Comfort and Visibility) to satisfy all customer needs.

The entry level Giulietta has a new front - with a new honeycomb grille and new bumper inserts - embellished by headlights with burnished treatment, satin handles and new oblique tailpipes. Inside, the new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, new matte black dashboard insert with matte black finish and velvet mats. The refreshed style elements are accompanied by comprehensive standard equipment which includes leather steering wheel, climate control, 5" Uconnect with Uconnect Live services, Alfa DNA selector (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), innovative ESC (with ASR and Hill Holder), six airbags and front and rear electric windows. Giulietta customers can pick from the following engine line-up: 1.4 Turbo Petrol 120 HP, 1.4 Turbo Petrol 150 HP, 1.4 Turbo Petrol 170 HP TCT, 1.6 JTDm 120 HP with manual gearbox or TCT, 2.0 JTDm 150 HP and bi-fuel (LPG and petrol) 1.4 TB 120 HP.

Available on all engine versions (except for the 1750 Turbo Petrol 240 HP TCT), the Giulietta Super trim level adds an array of very interesting features to the entry level, such as two-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and front armrest. From the appearance point of view, it comes with 16" alloy rims, fog lights, chrome-plated details and the one-of-a-kind grey and black fabric seats with the Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints. They can also choose to customise their New Giulietta Super further by picking the Lusso or Veloce packs to enhance the elegant or sports attitude of the car. The Lusso pack includes height-adjustable leather seats, front and rear armrests, aluminium kick plate and 6.5" Uconnect Radio Nav. The Veloce pack, instead, includes all the aesthetic contents of the Giulietta Veloce described below.

Giulietta Veloce - the best expression of the sports character of New Giulietta - completes the line-up and is packed with standard equipment and specific elements for an even bolder look and technical-racing features for a no-compromise stance on the road. These include sports suspensions with specific set-up, side skirts, sports bumpers with exclusive red Alfa profile, 17'' alloy rims, oversized Brembo brake system with red callipers and four master cylinders and oversized tailpipes. Other interesting features include the exclusive "Veloce" badge, tinted windows, headlights with carbon look treatment, glossy anthracite finish on mirror caps, handles, grille and fog light surrounds. On the inside, the sports vocation of the New Giulietta Veloce is reasserted by new leather and Alcantara seats with contrasting stitching and by the words "Alfa Romeo" written across the integrated head restraints, the aluminium pedals, the matte grey moulding, the contoured sports steering wheel with red stitching and the carbon look effect dashboard surrounds and door panels. As can be expected, this high-performance version of New Giulietta comes exclusively with the powerful 1750 Turbo Petrol with direct injection and aluminium crankcase which delivers 240 HP at 5750 rpm.


Jeep® at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show








  • Presentation of 75th Anniversary special edition line-up
  • Overland new trim debuts in EMEA on Cherokee
  • Grand Cherokee SRT Night new Special Edition of the fastest and most powerful Jeep® ever
  • Premiere of Renegade Dawn of Justice Special edition
  • Garage Italia Customs reinterprets Cherokee with a one of a kind showcar

Jeep® and its legendary spirit are returning to the 86th Geneva Motor Show with a stand "packed" with history and excitement where the models of yesterday will meet those of today to celebrate the brand's 75th Anniversary. More than just an important achievement, this is also a milestone on the brand's ambitious future faced with the same determination which made 2015 the third consecutive year of sales success for the brand in the EMEA region and the fourth consecutive globally.

The history of Jeep is strewn with remarkable records and legendary models, starting from the unstoppable 1941 Willys-Overland MB and the famous 1945 CJ-2A (Civilian Jeep), which created the modern mass production off-road vehicle. Jeep also pioneered the Sport Utility Vehicle segment in 1946, with the launch of the Willys Wagon, featuring versatility and room for 7 persons. In addition, Jeep brand pioneered, as early as 1963, the "Premium Large SUV" class with the Jeep Wagoneer, and then again revolutionized the SUV segment with the introduction in 1984 of the Jeep Cherokee, the first SUV ever with a Unibody frame design.

To celebrate these and other Jeep milestones, visitors to the Motor Show will be shown three outstanding classic models: a 1941 Willys-Overland MB, a 1946 Willys Wagon and a 1963 Jeep Wagoneer. As further confirmation of Jeep's path from past to present, the new 75th Anniversary special editions will be showcased on the stand and available at dealerships across the region starting from the second quarter of 2016, featuring an exciting new livery, celebratory badge and exclusive interiors and equipment.

The Jeep legend continues with the debut of Cherokee Overland priceclass, the new top-of-the-range model that combines the brand's legendary off-road capabilities and even more sophisticated and elegant features. The spotlight will also be on the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition starring in the upcoming "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" movie, and the exclusive Grand Cherokee SRT Night, the most recent example of the fastest and most powerful Jeep vehicle ever. The display at the stand (5130, Hall 5) will be complemented by an exclusive one of Cherokee showcar designed by Garage Italia Customs.

Jeep History and Milestones
Tracing the 75 years of history which connect today's Jeep range to the first original 4x4 of 1941 means browsing some of the most legendary pages in books of the modern automotive industry.

It all started in 1941 with the production of the unstoppable Willys-Overland MB. In 1945, at the end of the war, it was transformed into the first non-military Jeep named CJ-2A ( "CJ" stands for Civilian Jeep), which became the first modern off-road vehicle.

The legendary US brand also pioneered the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) segment, one which is particularly appreciated by the public. It was 1946 when the Willys Wagon, a station wagon with a closed body entirely made of steel, rolled off the lines (its four-wheel drive version dates back to 1949). Since then, Jeep has led the evolution of this category by continuously introducing innovations, like the Jeep Wagoneer, the forerunner of today's Grand Cherokee,  which created the "Premium Large SUV" segment in 1963. Peculiarities of this model included an automatic transmission (fitted for the first time on a 4WD) and a modern, functional body suited for city streets and dirty trails.

Two decades later, in 1984, the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was launched. With this model, that was the first SUV with a unibody, Jeep introduced a further innovation and created a new category of SUVs . The new chassis allowed for increased rigidity, considerably decreased weight and improved fuel efficiency. A similar leap forward was made by Jeep in mid 1992 with the first generation of the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee, which over the years would define the new reference standard in terms of style, quality and performance in the Premium SUV segment. The flagship would be enhanced over the next three generations with new technological features to perfect the car's on- and off-road handling capacities and achieve unprecedented levels of excellence.

Another Jeep milestone was in 2007 with the launch of the Wrangler Unlimited, the only open air 4 doors 4x4. The Wrangler - first launched in 1987 and currently in its third generation - is the direct descendant of the original 1941 Willys-Overland MB and the expression of the most authentic Jeep values. The success of the model is due to many factors, but above all its natural flair for customization, as demonstrated by the sequence of special versions, some in limited edition, that have been launched over the years. Each one celebrates an important anniversary or grueling location where Wrangler is known to show off its best attributes, while ensuring a peerless driving experience every time.

Another key year was 2013 when rear axle disconnect - engineered to reduce wasted energy when 4x4 mode is not in use - debuted on the Jeep Cherokee for the first time in the "Mid size SUV" segment. But that was not all. The new Jeep Cherokee was also the first "Medium SUV" to fit an automatic nine-speed transmission to give excellent performance, low emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

A new chapter in the brand's legendary history was opened in 2014 with the launch of Renegade, the first Jeep to enter the increasingly relevant "Small SUV" segment. Built in Italy and sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, Jeep Renegade was the first in its category to fit a nine-speed automatic transmission for superior performance both on- and off-road. And, it was the first SUV in its segment to come with rear axle disconnect combined with state-of-the-art 4x4 Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low.

The 75th Anniversary Special Edition
It is a Jeep tradition to celebrate key anniversaries or the conquering of inaccessible places with special editions. And today, to celebrate its 75 years of history, the legendary brand is introducing the 75th Anniversary special edition offered on all models of the lineup and available in dealerships from the second quarter of 2016.

Produced in limited quantities - 8.000 units only for the entire EMEA region - all celebratory models are distinguished by a new livery, a 75th Anniversary badge, Low gloss bronze rims, bronze and orange exterior inserts and exclusive interiors with seats sporting the 75th Anniversary logo in relief.

Visitors to Geneva will see four examples, such as the Renegade 75th Anniversary sporting a unique Jungle Green livery and equipped with a 1.4-liter Turbo MultiAir II 170 horsepower engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the class exclusive Active Drive 4x4 system. The equipment includes 18-inch Low Gloss Bronze rims, the exclusive MySky sunroof with removable panels and new, specific fabric seats with Tangerine stitching.

The spotlight will also be on the Jeep Cherokee 75th Anniversary with a Brilliant Black livery, the new MultiJet II 2.2-liter 200 horsepower turbo diesel engine with Jeep Active Drive II 4x4system with two speed power transmission units and low mode, Nappa leather seats with dual tone Tangerine/Pearl stitching, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio, bi-xenon headlamps and dual pane panoramic sunroof.

The 75th anniversary version will be available with both Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II systems.

The iconic Jeep Wrangler has received similar treatment. The 75th Anniversary edition for this model boasts a Sarge Green body and comes equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine. Standard equipment includes body-colour grille with slots and low gloss bronze headlamp surrounds and grille throats, Power Dome hood with functional air vents, limited slip differential, navigation system with premium sound system, Ombre Mesh leather seats and body-colour dual top.

The lineup is completed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary featuring a Brilliant Black livery and powerful 3.0-liter V-6 MultiJet 250 horsepower engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Equipment is comprehensive, and includes 20-inch light alloy rims, navigation system, and Quadra-Lift air suspension that adjusts ground clearance to five different levels for improved driving dynamics on and off-road.

Jeep Cherokee Overland

Jeep Cherokee Overland, the new top-of-the-line model that combines sophisticated style, elegant interiors, premium equipment and the brand's legendary off-road prowess, is making its debut in Geneva.

The showcased model has a new Light Brownstone livery and comes equipped with a 2.2-liter MultiJet II 200 horsepower turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior of the new Cherokee Overland features a polished bright front grille, new body-colour door cladding and wheel flares, new 18-inch polished bright aluminium wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps and Overland badge on the tailgate. Its refined looks are complemented by a rich host of premium enhancements, including a leather-wrapped instrument panel (optional), power front driver and passenger seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, a new steering wheel with wood inserts, anodized silver trim, Nappa leather ventilated and heated seats with the Overland logo, Berber mats, Alpine Premium sound system, Uconnect radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, GPS navigation  and memory driver's seat, radio and exterior mirrors.

Standard on the Overland are also panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Crosspath Detection and ParkSense front and rear backup assist system.
Jeep Cherokee Overland will be available in markets across Europe starting this summer.

Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition
The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition pays homage to the model's silver-screen debut in the "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" to be released in March. Based on the Longitude trim level, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition has a bold appearance, a stunning Granite Crystal livery and a host of polished black painted accents, like the 18-inch alloy rims, the fog lamp and rear light cluster surrounds, the grille and the Jeep badge. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter MultiJet II 120 horsepower engine with six-speed transmission.
The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition will be available in selected markets across Europe starting this month.
The Limited-edition Jeep Renegade is part of a broader partnership between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the Warner Bros. Studios film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" that will allow the vehicle to be exposed to an incredibly vast audience, thanks also to its unique and dark appearance package.

The Renegade presence at the motorshow will be completed by a Trailhawk version fitting Jeep Active Drive Low traction system and equipped with an efficient 2.0-liter MultiJet 170 horsepower turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Coming with a Solar Yellow livery and black leather interiors, the car has 17-inch alloy rims, tinted windows, skid plates, Hill Descent Control, tow hook, TPMS, two-zone climate control and a selection of Mopar accessories.
Key Mopar equipment includes specific bright black elements, such as the sticker on the door, the grille and mirrors, and an extreme off-road stance.
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night
In Geneva, Jeep will be presenting a new limited edition of the fastest and most powerful Jeep ever, the  Grand Cherokee SRT Night. It features a stealth-like appearance with the front grille bezels, B and C pillars and side window surrounds all adorned in Matt Black. The front applique is Satin Black, as is badging on the bonnet and rear lift-gate. 20-inch wheels are also finished in an exclusive Satin Black and are designed to showcase the Grand Cherokee SRT Night standard Brembo brakes. Unique interior appointments include the luxurious Black Laguna leather seats with Silver accent stitching, leather covered door armrests and centre console including light Black Chrome bezels. Available colors for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night include Velvet Red, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.

When it comes to performance, the SRT Night is powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 that delivers 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 624 Nm of torque. Performance includes 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than 5 seconds, quarter mile (400 meters) in the mid-13 second range and a top speed of 257km/h.

The 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT and SRT Night come standard with exclusive Performance Pages which have been revised with an expanded array of performance timers and gauge readouts, while all-new drive modes allow Grand Cherokee SRT owners the ability to personalize their driving experience both on-road and on-track.

In addition, standard launch control mimics a professional driver's inputs to optimize Grand Cherokee SRT's performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control, and suspension in line for a textbook launch.

The Selec-Track system on the Grand Cherokee SRT uses performance-tuned software to distinguish the five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions.

Jeep Stand
The Jeep stand at the Geneva Motor Show is typified by clean-cut geometries. The simple yet contemporary space is divided into various thematic areas to showcase the models on display and represent all the expressions of the brand. Selected natural materials - such as wood and stone - are finely worked and blended to create a setting that combines nature and urban landscapes through a parquet catwalk. The idea is to reassert the brand's extreme off-road vocation combined with its premium DNA. The use of curved led wall surfaces reasserts the technological and innovative attitude of Jeep.

The Swiss event will also be the ideal opportunity to announce the prestigious partnership, for the second year running, between Jeep and the Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the most important music events in the world, which has an extensive music library of over 5,000 hours of live performance recordings and is listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Program. The partnership is even stronger considering that this year will be the 75th anniversary for Jeep and the 50th for the Montreux Jazz Festival. The double anniversary underscores a shared history of innovation, evolution readiness and attitude to anticipate trends while remaining authentic and true to themselves.

Three models of the past will be telling the history of the Jeep brand, its development and its records on the stand: a 1946 Willys Wagon, a 1963 Jeep Wagoneer and a 1941 Willys- Overland MB, the latter placed on an amazing platform made with real logs of various sizes and heights. A dedicated station will be set up to allow visitors to travel on the Jeep Time Machine through the Oculus technology and get close to the models that made the history of the US brand.

An area dedicated to Mopar, the FCA reference brand for services, customer care and accessories, will be set up in the stand and showcase merchandise. Finally, by handing out informative leaflets and providing dedicated material on the stand, visitors will be introduced to the products of FCA Bank, the financial company specializing in the automotive sector. The company operates on the main European markets - and in Switzerland through FCA Capital Suisse SA - with a sole mission: to support the sales of all Fiat and Chrysler Automobiles brand vehicles through innovative financial products and high added value services dedicated to dealer networks, retail customers and companies.

Follow Jeep EMEA news and video on:

Brand blog: www.jeep-people.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeepOlllllllOpeople
Instagram: www.instragam.com/jeeppeople
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jeep_People
YouTube: www.youtube.com/JeepOlllllllOPeople


Turin, 24 February 2016

sâmbătă, 20 februarie 2016

2015 Financial Results FCA Bank



FCA Bank reaches unprecedented € 249.1 million net profit for the year on the back of record financed volumes

Profit before tax for the year totaled €359.4 million and the net profit reached €249.1 million, up 40% and 36% over prior year, respectively. The increase being driven by the portfolio growth, which rose to €17.2 billion compared to €15.3 billion at year-end 2014, The increase in new car registrations and FCA Bank's growing support to FCA (with a commercial penetration of 47%, up 4 p.p. on 2014) resulted in total financed volumes of €9.6 billion, up 25% on 2014. FCA Bank has been one of the enablers of the improved commercial performance of the automotive manufacturer.
The reduction in the cost of risk continued also in 2015, down to €70 million at 0.44% of the average portfolio amount, compared to 0.57% in 2014.

"Yearly results benefited from the excellent commercial performance in Italy and in the rest of Europe and from the further diversification of the funding sources, by leveraging our full banking license granted in 2015" said the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of FCA Bank, Giacomo Carelli.



New business
Total FCA Bank Group new financed volumes in 2015 amounted to €9.6 billion including the long-term rental activities. FCA Bank supported FCA's new car sales, with an increased 47% penetration rate on total registrations (43% in the previous year). FCA Bank has been one of the enablers of the improved commercial performance of FCA.
The average outstanding portfolio for the period also grew to €16.1 billion, with an increase of 9% on 2014.

Net Banking Income and Rental Margin
Net banking income and rental margin for the half-year increased by 18% compared to 2014, to €667.4 million, driven by portfolio growth (from an average portfolio of €14.7 billion in 2014, to €16.1 billion in 2015, reaching €17.2 billion as at 31th December 2015) and increasing profitability, which rose from 3.8% last year to 4.1% in 2015.

Expenses
Management's continued focus on the operational efficiency is reflected in the decreasing of the net operating expenses over revenues that reached the ratio of 35.3%, an improvement of 5 percentage points compared to the previous year, despite a slight increase in the overall overheads, mainly due the strong growth in the portfolio.

Cost of risk
The cost of risk of FCA Bank recorded another decrease, confirming the trend already seen in 2014. In absolute terms, the cost of risk amounted to €70 million, equal to 0.44% of the average portfolio.

II. Refinancing
Financial indebtedness of the group was in excess of €16 billion in December 2015.
In 2015 the Group strengthened its funding diversification policy, accessing the Capital Markets with a combination of secured and unsecured transactions. Specifically, the Group issued debt under its MTN Notes Program on the public market for a total value of €1.9 billion, and accessed the ECB refinancing scheme (TLTRO) for € 1 billion.

III. Capitalization
FCA Bank maintains a good level of capitalization, also having distributed dividends to shareholders for €91.6 million. As at 31th December 2015, the Shareholders' Equity was at €2.1 billion, with a Core Tier 1 Ratio1 at 11.2%.

IV. Rating
In 2015, a number of positive rating action were taken by the Rating Agencies, on the back of the positive trend of the FCA Bank Group and of its new banking status, which allows the application of the respective Banking methodologies:
  • Moody's upgraded the long-term rating to Baa2 with Stable Outlook on 26th June 2015 (moreover an upgrade of the Deposit Rating to Baa1 was made in January 2016);
  • Fitch upgraded the long-term rating to BBB with Positive  Outlook on 8th July 2015;
  • Standard&Poor’s changed the Outlook from Stable to Positive on 9th September 2015.

Turin, 19th February 2016


1 CET 1 includes the yearly profit net of assumed dividends pay-out ratio of 50%.


FCA Bank
FCA Bank is a bank mainly operating in the motor financing sector, aimed at satisfying all mobility requirements and is a joint venture between FCA Italy, part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the global automotive group, and Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance, a major player in the consumer finance market. The company manages most of the financial activities to support the sales of prestigious automotive brands in Europe. Financial and leasing programs are operated by FCA Bank and specifically designed for the dealer networks and private customers as well as for business fleets. FCA Bank SpA is present in 16 European countries either directly or through its subsidiaries. At the end of December 2015 FCA Bank reported a portfolio of outstanding loans worth €17.2 billion.

For further information:
+39.011.0063088
mediarelations@fcagroup.com
www.fcagroup.com

 

 



sâmbătă, 13 februarie 2016

Autobest 2016: Fiat Tipo rules Europe


























The coveted accolade was awarded during a spectacular ceremony yesterday in Milan. According to the jury, Fiat Tipo is an outstanding product able to satisfy the average customer of Europe in terms of design, engines, perceived quality, comfort, versatility and excellent price-to-quality ratio.

The Autobest 2016 award ceremony was staged in the Teatro Vetra in Milan yesterday evening. The winner was the new Tipo, the most recent addition to the Fiat line-up which maximises value for money - this being a crucial concept in the Fiat functional family - and is packed with what customers genuinely appreciate, with a simple range and a transparent commercial offer. The remarkable potentials of the new model are confirmed by the over 15,000 orders received in little more than two months since its launch.

The new Fiat Tipo was elected by the Autobest international jury of 26 motoring journalists representing 26 European countries and covering 91% of the continent's total population. The jurors of the independent organisation established in 2001 awarded 1,492 points to the car for thirteen different parameters, including design, comfort, running cost-effectiveness, driveability, price, service network, spare parts distribution, versatility and buy-back value. In brief, a car must be the best buy for most European customers in order to win the coveted accolade.

The new Fiat Tipo came first ahead of the other four finalists - the new Opel Astra, the new Hyundai Tucson, the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3 - making it the third Fiat model to win the award, which is a record among the brands assessed by Autobest: the first was Panda (in 2003) and the second was Linea (in 2008).

The Autobest 2016 award ceremony is the first after the jury was expanded to include eleven new members representing Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.


Turin, 12 February 2016

miercuri, 10 februarie 2016

Abarth stars at “Automotoretrò 2016”




















  • The 34th edition of the international vintage motor show is scheduled to take place at the Lingotto Fiere exhibition centre in Turin from 12th to 14th February.
  • The Abarth stand in hall 2 will be showcasing a 1970 Abarth 595 Esseesse and the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing special series.
  • The public will also be able to feast their eyes on a 1975 Fiat 124 Abarth Rally Gr. 4.
  • Anneliese Abarth, brand ambassador, is set to be guest of honour on Friday and Saturday.

From 12th to 14th February, Abarth will be taking part in the 34th edition of "Automotoretrò" and "Automotoracing" with three cars that will without a doubt captivate the attention of an expert and passionate public from across Europe. The brand's presence at this prestigious event celebrates a story of performance, sporting grandeur and records achieved by the Scorpion. Heritage is a vital element for the brand, as demonstrated by the ambitious "Abarth Classiche" initiative, which safeguards the authenticity of past models and consistency with current ones, in a leitmotif between past and future which is fully represented by the cars on exhibit.

Visitors to the stand will be able to feast their eyes on a 1970 Abarth 595 Esseesse. The ancestor of a series of successful models in terms of sales and competitions, the car debuted in 1963 and it was subsequently upgraded together with the Fiat 500, fitting windproof doors in 1966, for example. The model on show is fitted with the Esseesse kit, which has both increased the power of the engine and implemented a number of technical modifications to make it unbeatable in its category.
Every enhancement of the power train, chassis and suspension was painstakingly devised based on experience in records and on the track, in order to make the cars not only highly performing but also reliable. While the Fiat 500 then reached a top speed of 95 km/h with 17.5 HP at 4,400 rpm, the Abarth 595 touched on 130 km/h with the "Esseesse" kit.

Alongside its ancestor, from which it copies the white livery with red stripes on the doors, the limelight is set to be cast on the Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing. This is a special series which is the result of a prestigious partnership between the Scorpion brand and the Movistar Yamaha Team: indeed, for the second year running, Abarth will be the Official Sponsor and Official Car Supplier of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in its endeavours at the FIM MotoGP 2016 World Championship. To build the car, Abarth and Yamaha worked together on devising a plan, as one would usually do when designing a racing motorbike. The improvements concerned the power of the engine (up from 140 HP to 160 HP), the BMC filter, the suspension and the shock absorbers (Koni front and rear shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach springs), 17" matt black alloy wheel rims and Monza Record exhaust.

Another vintage car will be on show at the ACI Torino stand, to symbolise the renewed sponsorship on the part of the FCA Group of the Cesana-Sestriere. The car in question is the 1975 Fiat 124 Abarth Rally Gr. 4 with red and yellow livery. Fitted with a 200 HP 1,756 cc engine, this car reaches a top speed of 170 km/h, depending on the gearbox ratio, and it claimed two victories at the European Rally Championship (in 1972 and 1975), grabbing second place in the manufacturer's championship title for four seasons in a row, from 1972 to 1975.

On Friday 12th and Saturday 13th, guest of honour at the stand will be Anneliese Abarth, chairwoman of the Carlo Abarth Foundation and brand ambassador. The lifelong companion of the ingenious car manufacturer and brand founder, Ms. Anneliese today continues to represent the Scorpion at a large number of vintage car events and international meetings for a variety of clubs, as a salute to her deeply-rooted personal and professional relationship with Abarth. There is nobody better than Anneliese, who has experienced the Abarth story first-hand, to express the founder's achievements through the performances of his vehicles.

Turin, 9 February 2016



marți, 9 februarie 2016

Jeep® Brand Celebrates 75 Years With Two Commercials Honoring the Brand’s Anniversary During the Super Bowl 50 Broadcast







 
 








 
 Jeep® brand debuts :60 "Portraits" and :60 "4x4ever" videos highlighting the brand milestone

 

February 8, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Jeep® brand celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and it is highlighted by two new distinct videos launched during the Super Bowl 50 broadcast that recognize the brand milestone, both paying tribute to its legacy and looking ahead to its future.

The first :60 video "Portraits" is a nod to the past, an acknowledgment to the many people, faces and moments that have shaped the history of the brand beginning in 1941. "We don't make Jeep, you do" recognizes the global truth that the rightful ownership of the brand resides within its worldwide community of fans, followers and drivers. From the brave soldiers of World War II, to boundary-breaking mavericks of the past and the trailblazers of the present, every person has an incredible story to tell about how Jeep has enabled them to see, feel and do. Set behind an original music score, "Portraits" uses more than 60 carefully curated images from around the world, including famous icons (Marilyn Monroe, Jeff Goldblum, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Jones, Steve McQueen, Amelia Earhart) and pop culture moments ("Jurassic Park," "The Terminator"), linked together with iconic Jeep vehicles to bring to life and pay tribute to both the true spirit and humanity that has come to embody the brand.

The :60 "Portraits" spot can be viewed/embedded here.




If "Portraits" pays homage to the brand's past and the people who have formed it, the :60 video "4x4ever" is the battle cry meant to bind its global community and drive Jeep brand followers toward the future. In a custom music track created specifically for the brand and performed by Sony Music artist Morgan Dorr, "4x4ever" brings to life in song the idea that 4x4 goes beyond solely representing those who blaze the Trails of the Rubicon and Moab to living a life that is without boundaries, with lyrics conveying the attitude that embodies the vehicles' off-road soul and on-road performance, all while fueling the dreams and aspirations of all adventurers around the globe. "4x4ever" is the cornerstone of the brand, telling the formidable story of capability that has transcended time and designs while providing a glimpse into the breadth of what it means to live 4x4 today, tomorrow, and to never say "never".

The :60 "4x4ever" video can be viewed/embedded here.

The Jeep brand's "Portraits" was created in partnership with iris New York; "4x4ever" was created in partnership with DDB Chicago.

About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

The Jeep brand recorded sales of more than 1.2 million units worldwide in 2015 - the highest total in its 75-year history - setting a global sales record for the fourth consecutive year. Sales of 1,237,583 Jeep vehicles improved upon the brand's 2014 global record of 1,017,019 by 22 percent. In the U.S., sales of 865,028 units bettered the 2014 total of 692,348 units by 25 percent.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

Follow FCA US news and video on: