Geely terminates its multi-brand strategy
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- The multi-brand strategy of Chinese groups is today questioned by most independent carmakers. The relevance of this strategy was analyzed by Inovev in March 2013, when Chery decided to no longer produce its brands Rely , Riich and Cowin (see analysis "The Chinese groups' multi-brand strategy called into question").
- At take-off of the Chinese automobile market, independent Chinese carmakers had the idea of creating sub-brands to increase sales in a booming market with the hope to reach multiple audiences.
- Actually Chinese brands marketed very similar models at very similar price. The sales figures of these brands have never really taken off. In addition, they cannibalized the parent brands.
- Geely Group, Chery’s competitor, has carried out the same analysis as Chery and decided to act accordingly. The Emgrand , Gleagle and Englon brands that were born in 2009, will disappear by the end of 2014. Geely will focus its attention on a single brand, Geely brand.
- This policy will enable Geely Group to provide a simplified and more consistent range. The Swedish brand Volvo, owned by Geely, is not affected by this change.
BMW unveils its new compact MPV
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- While production of MPVs in Europe has declined for several years (-35 % between 2005 and 2013 ) in favor of the SUVs, BMW has unveiled its first MPV.
- This new model, called Series 2 Active Tourer is a C -segment vehicle, positioned as Premium. Therefore it competes directly with the B-Class Mercedes (whose first generation has been launched in 2005 and the second in 2011).
- Within the BMW range, the Series 2 Active Tourer belongs to the Series 2 family, based on the platform of Series 1 (segment C). First front-wheel drive of the brand, the MPV will be powered, in its gasoline version by a 3-cylinder engine (which has been launched on the Mini) and a 4-cylinder, while in its diesel version, only one 4-cylinder engine is announced for the moment.
- The Series 2 Active Tourer is launched as a 5-seater, but will be supported by a 7-seater version with a lengthened body, like a Renault Scenic.
- The model will be produced in the BMW Leipzig plant alongside the coupe and convertible Series 2, and next year could be accompanied by a future sedan series 2 (Gran Coupe) .
- Inovev forecasts a production of around 80,000 units in 2018, for a vehicle designed primarily for Europe.
Asia (including China) and North America are not growing markets for MPV segment C.
The Fiat-Chrysler Group sold 4.35 million PCs + LCVs
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Read more... The Fiat-Chrysler Group sold 4.35 million PCs + LCVs
Peugeot unveils its new A segment car, the model 108
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Read more... Peugeot unveils its new A segment car, the model 108
Renault unveils the third generation Twingo
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- Renault has unveiled its third generation Twingo a small car (segment A). It succeeds the latest generation released in 2007 that also succeeded to the generation of 1993.
- The first generation Twingo was produced at 2.4 million copies over 14 years (1993-2007) and the second generation was sold at 900 000 copies in 7 years (2007-2014).
- The engine located at the rear rather than at the front. This was technically imposed by the common platform Renault-Daimler planned for the new Twingo and the new five-door Smart (which will be launched this year). The two models will be produced jointly in the Renault plant of Novo Mesto in Slovenia, which has been producing the Twingo since 2007.
- The new Twingo is only available in a five-door version and no longer in a three door version, this choice may have been taken so that the Twingo doesn’t compete with the Smart Fortwo.
- According to the manufacturer, the Twingo is expected to enter the Premium market in segment A, the same as the Fiat 500 or Opel Adam.Inovev expects the new Twingo to be produced at around 150 000 units per year on the site of Novo Mesto, that has a production capacity of 200 000 vehicles per year.
