Author Archive: Dan

Global sales of BMW Group’s core brand rose faster in June than at Audi and Mercedes-Benz as demand from China and the United States helped the premium carmaker to extend a lead over the two rivals in the first six months of the year.

Sales at the brand were up 9 percent last month to 153,075, the group said today, compared with growth of 5 percent to 140,300 and 8 percent to 131,609 at Audi and Mercedes respectively.

Six-month sales at BMW brand rose 8 percent to 804,000 cars, expanding the lead over runner-up Audi to 24,000 from 11,000 after five months. Half-year sales at Audi and Mercedes rose 6 percent each to 780,500 and 694,000 respectively.

“BMW has stronger momentum than Audi and Mercedes, that won’t change in the second half,” said Hanover-based NordLB [...]

Fiat today exercised an option to raise its stake in Chrysler by 3.3 percent.

The move is part of CEO Sergio Marchionne’s step-by-step purchases intended to lead to full control of Chrysler and the creation of a merged company that would be able to compete better with industry leaders Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen.

Fiat has been exercising options since mid-2012 to buy holdings of about 3.3 percent from the VEBA, a medical-benefits trust for the U.S. carmaker’s retirees.

Including today’s purchase, Fiat has exercised three of its six-monthly options, increasing its stake to 68.49 percent.

Fiat has said it wants full control of Chrysler, which would give it access to some of Chrysler’s cash flow for investments in new models.

Chrysler has become Fiat’s most reliable profit generator as the Italian company struggles to [...]

Aesthetics and dynamics in a cutting-edge interpretation: the BMW 3 Series Touring impresses with consistently well-conceived design. Clearly recognisable as a member of the BMW 3 Series family, it has its own authentic and convincing personality. From every perspective.

Thanks to its powerful front, the BMW 3 Series Touring stands dynamically on the road, conveying agility even when standing still. The contours run clearly and precisely, creating a three-dimensional impression in an interplay with the convex surfaces. Combined with the headlights, the broad BMW kidney grille forms a single visual unit and can therefore even be recognised from the side.

Extended proportions and short overhangs radiate sporting elegance. The elongated roof line lends the silhouette an air of dynamism and self-assurance. A sloping rear windscreen and large windows also give the passenger compartment a spacious and light appearance. The sill ascends to the tail, thus underling the dynamic wedge shape that transforms fluidly into the [...]