Used cars are not a dirty word | Bill Carter

We are now at the start of the 'Discount Season'.
The recent levels of advertising from the vast majority of the dealers signify that the industry is gearing up for the full range of summer activities.
Image credit: www.autodata.ae
Summer surprises usually kicks the proceeding off and this nicely coincides with the model year change by a large number of manufacturers. This year, with the holy month of Ramadan starting towards 21st July, means that the offers will them continue into the normal Ramadan and Eid campaigns. The number of residents who leave the Emirates to escape the summer heat will offset this prolonged spell of activity. However, we still believe that it is a golden opportunity for the industry to tidy its stock cupboards and prepare for the influx of the new model year inventory that tends to arrive from this month onwards.
So, while the new car market readies itself for the summer, it is also a great opportunity for the used car departments. There will always be customers who will opt for a used car over a new model. This may be due to budget constraints or the fact that they can get a higher grade of car in the used market.
The used car departments need to work closely with their new car colleagues to ensure that every part exchange gets a serious bid to make sure a competitor does not benefit from your loss. It will also mean customer retention. As the market place becomes more and more competitive, customer service and therefore retention, is the only way to stay ahead of the pack. Most dealers are waking up to the fact that used cars are not a dirty word! Retain the customer and maximise the opportunity.
The author Bill Carter is the Head of Valuations Autodata Middle East
Autodata is the leading provider of vehicle and pricing information in the Middle East. For more information www.autodata.ae

Toyota Motor Corporation joins Al-Futtaim Motors and UAE govt. departments in nation-wide raids on counterfeit parts trade

-Sweep raid actions carried against 27 shops-Over 30,000 pieces of counterfeit Toyota parts seized
September 28th October 2011: Toyota Motor Corporation, through Al Shaali amp; Co., Advocates amp; Legal Consultant and its UAE exclusive distributor Al-Futtaim Motors and Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have recently joined efforts to combat the menace of counterfeit auto parts trade in the UAE.
At a press conference held at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, the Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced the results of a triple sweep raid mission executed last week on a number of auto part retailers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah over 10 days. The sweep raid actions in the 3 emirates had been a success.
The conference was opened by Hatem Abdel Ghani, Director amp; Head of IP Enforcement in Al Shaali amp; Co, Advocates amp; Legal Consultants and featured an anti-counterfeiting presentation by Sajjad Pasha, National Sales amp; Marketing Manager Parts and Distribution Al-Futtaim Motors.
It was reported that the most common origins of illegal parts seized within the UAE were from China, Taiwan, Turkey, Korea and Malaysia.'The sweep raid actions are aimed at demonstrating Toyota Motor Corporation’s eagerness to work with the authorities in the UAE and its local distributors, Al Futtaim Motors to take actions against counterfeiters' said Hatem Abdel Ghani.
Sajjad Pasha also stressed on the negative impact the counterfeiting trade has on the brand image saying: 'These illegal activities put both our brand and the consumers in danger. Auto part purchasers are being cheated and misled and end up with a hazardous part in their vehicles, which compromises their safety and the wellbeing of their families.'
Al-Futtaim Motors last year spearheaded the formation of a Dealer Council to safeguard the interest of the company’s 125-strong authorised dealer network. The Dealer Council has helped combat parallel imports of genuine Toyota parts in the UAE, and is working with government institutions to identify traders of counterfeit goods. It also serves as formal platform for all Al-Futtaim Motors dealers to share insights to further improving customer service, sales and marketing.
In 2008, Toyota Motor Corporation carried out similar sweep raid actions in a large scale fashion in the Sharjah market. The sweep raid actions assisted by Al Shaali amp; Co, resulted in seizure of counterfeit Toyota auto spare parts wherein many retail companies were raided against.
UAE has seen a tremendous growth in the auto spare parts trade since 2003. According to a study by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Trade, the automotive market in the UAE has grown by 19.7 % in 2010. The counterfeiting activities concerning the auto spare parts industry enjoyed simultaneous growth with the automotive and auto spare parts industry and trade in the UAE.
Hatem Abdel Ghani said Toyota Motor Corporation expressed its satisfaction and appreciation to the authorities in the UAE for their readiness to cooperate with the brand owners and the support from the Economic Development Departments in the 3 emirates is shown through the smooth completion of the sweep raid actions that were recently carried out and the good results from the sweep raid actions. Toyota Motor Corporation had also expressed its intentions to continue to battle counterfeits in this region.
'The Dubai Department of Economic Development leads the way in the fight against counterfeiting. It is committed to taking all corrective measures according to the laws that deem it illegal for wholesalers who deal with counterfeit products. We are keen to provide greater support to owners of global brands by doing whatever it takes against companies that carry out such illegal acts' said Abdulla Mohammed Al Shehhi Commercial Protection Director Dubai Department of Economic Development.???????
'The vision of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi is focused on addressing counterfeit issues which reflect negatively on the UAE economy' said Mr. Ali Fahd spokesman of the Economic Department in Abu Dhabi. He stressed the department was following this campaign closely and has already taken all legal actions against illegal traders in collaboration with the brand owners. He assured that the department will continue its efforts to prevent and protect consumers of the dangers of counterfeit products.
'Due to the efforts done by the Government of Sharjah in the fight against counterfeiting we have observed that counterfeiting activities have considerably decreased. This is mainly due to the sweep raids and legal actions conducted by the Department of Economic Development on behalf of international companies' said Mr. Khalifa Misbah Al Kutbi from Economic Development Department of Sharjah. He added that the department will not hesitate to take any action against the merchants who deal with counterfeit goods and who violate the UAE laws in that regard.
The success of the market sweep raids carried out by Toyota Motor Corporation and concerted efforts by all parties involved have amply demonstrated the willingness and common aims of all parties to fight this menace. The efforts and investment by Toyota Motor Corporation in continuously fighting counterfeit in this country should set a good example to all brand owners around the world to follow suit. With the support and commitment of the authorities in the UAE, in particular the Department of Economic Development, it is important that brand owners in the automotive industry continue their efforts to protect their brands, as it will go a long way to ensuring lives of vehicle owners are not put at risk, while protecting the legitimate rights of the brand owners.

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet | Road Test

Audi has witnessed a phenomenal growth in sales over the last decade and the German carmaker announced plans of having a 35-model line-up by 2015 to cater to all kinds of car buyers. The A5 Cabriolet, launched in 2009, is among the first models in the company’s grand plan to expand its line-up and it is also the only compact executive convertible in the company’s product portfolio.

Even though the A5 was launched a few years ago, it still looks fresh and I must admit it looks much better than many newer cars on the road today. Audi has always been good with their designs and the A5 cabriolet is one of their best looking cars ever. With or without the roof, the A5 Cabriolet attracts a lot of attention. The futuristic headlights, the large trademark grille and the low profile definitely work their magic in drawing green-eyed glances from almost everyone who isn’t in the car.

 Opting to drive a soft-top convertible in summer might not seem like a bright idea but since this car is designed with European summer in mind, we wanted to try one in our Arabian summer as well. We weren’t that keen on getting baked in 40-degree weather but all our doubts about the fabric soft-top’s ability to maintain an ambient temperature inside the car were quickly eliminated. The air-conditioning is quick in cooling the car with the top left on and even though road noise was a little higher than a conventional hard top there is no substitute for the fun factor in driving a soft top. The test car came with the optional acoustic roof that comes standard on S-line. This acoustic roof has additional insulation to keep the noise down.

Things get even better when you stow away the roof at the touch of a button. It takes only 15 seconds for the roof to fold and hide away neatly in the boot consuming 60-litres of boot space. There is absolutely no buffeting with the roof down. If you are planning to buy this car, I recommend you drive it around with the roof down and every possible opportunity. Driving this car along the sodium lamp lit landscape at night was a surreal experience. This is the most ideal car to have if you don't feel like spending a bomb and still want to appear trendy, classy and sophisticated.
The interior is identical to the A4 and the whole package is well put together. Quality is top of the line and so is the finish. The best thing about an Audi’s cabin is how everything is placed with the sole priority being the driver. The buttons and knobs feel very intuitive and a few hours are all you need to get used to the layout. The centre mounted screen and Audi’s trademark MMI also find their way onto this model. The black finish with brushed aluminium touches is a personal favourite. The only thing I wasn’t so satisfied with was the audio quality which was below par. I’ve experienced much better quality in cars costing half as much. The test variant came with the optional style package and equipment package along with 19-inch alloy wheels and pand prospective buyers can visit the online configurator to fine-tune the A5 according to their needs.

The A5 has plenty of space for the front passengers and accommodating four full sized adults is not a problem as long as the front passengers aren’t too tall and the rear passengers are there just for a short while.
The same 3-litre TFSI V6 engine that we saw in the A6 we drove earlier this year was installed in the Audi A5 Cabriolet. This 3-litre engine produces 272bhp at 4,780-6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,150-4,780rpm. Other engine options include a 1.8-litre TFSI unit that produces 170bhp at 3,800-6,200rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1,400-3,700rpm. You can also buy the A5 with a 2-litre TFSI motor with a maximum power output of 211bhp at 4,300-6,000rpm and a maximum torque output of 350Nm at 1,500-4,200rpm. A seven-speed double clutch Quattro transmission comes standard in the 2-litre and the 3-litre variants while the 1.8-litre gets an 8-speed multitronic CVT gearbox with front-wheel-drive only.

The 3-litre engine in the A5 Cabriolet produces less power and torque than the A6. Power delivery is linear but there is a slight pause when you floor the pedal right off idle. Once the revolutions cross the 2,000 mark, things get a bit more dramatic. The A5 Cabriolet accelerates from 0-100kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and in the real world we could achieve that figure in 6.8 seconds. The optional equipment package allows you to toggle between driving modes and the car switches characters at the touch of a button.
In Comfort mode, the A5 Cabriolet goes about its business in a calm and demure manner, it changes gears early and the engine hardly revs over 1,700rpm. In Sport mode, the engine is allowed to rev much higher and the gearbox shifts with more zest refusing to shift to seventh gear and sticks to the sixth gear. The steering mounted paddle shifters also come in very handy if you want to take matters in your own hands. The dual clutch box is known for its instant response but you will find an uncomfortable lag if you downshift a couple of cogs waiting for the same clutch to reengage with the right gear.

The drive select modes, along with altering engine and gearbox response also initiates the adaptive damping suspensions. In Dynamic mode, the car firms up a few notches and the improvement in handling is instantly noticeable. You really have to drive this car along twisties in Dynamic mode with the roof down to truly enjoy the performance and handling. Weighing in at about 1.9 tons, the A5 cabriolet is not exactly light and it definitely isn’t sports car like in its demeanour but the Quattro drivetrain and the Dynamic driving mode certainly don't leave much to be desired.
Standard safety features on the A5 cabriolet includes a two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, active headrests, electronic stability control, ABS, EBD and tire-pressure monitors. Audi has also added a start/stop system to the 2012 model that helps reduce fuel consumption by killing the engine at red lights or traffic jams but we hardly saw it in action when we had the car.

Base pricing for the A5 cabriolet starts at AED 195,000 for the 1.8-litre variant, AED 213,000 for the 2-litre variant and AED 238,000 for the top of the line 3-litre variant. At that price, you miss out on the Style package and the Equipment package. For the fully loaded 3-litre version you will have to shell out AED 259,000. That might seem a lot but lets not forget the advantages the Audi A5 Cabriolet offers over its rivals. It is the only all-wheel-drive in its segment and then there is that priceless look…
Specifications
Price as tested: AED 259,000
Price range: AED 195,000 – AED 259,000
Drivetrain
Engine: 3-litre V6 TFSI (turbocharged, direct injection)
Layout: Front engine, all wheel drive
Max power: 272bhp @ 4,780-6,500rpm
Max torque: 400Nm @ 2,150-4,780rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch with paddle shifters
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4626
Width: 1854
Height: 1383
Wheelbase: 2751
Curb Weight: 1850kg
Fuel tank capacity: 61 litres
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Tyre size: 245/40 R18
Competitors
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible, Mercedes-Benz E Cabriolet, Infiniti G Convertible

Chevrolet Cruze sedan facelift revealed in Busan

The initial images and video of the Chevrolet Cruze facelift have been posted on the internet following the vehicle's launch at the Busan Auto Show. For the Cruze range, the facelift operation was executed first on the wagon that premiered at the Geneva Motor Show this year. We now see the new face featured on the hatch and sedan body styles as well.

The Cruze's facelift features horizontal front slabs that replaces the mesh type grille. Designers have redesigned the lower air intakes and peeled-back the fog light enclosures.

Subtle changes have been made to the car's rear that is reminiscent of the outgoing model. The mildly transformed Cruze sits on new 17-inch alloy wheels. Surprisingly Chevrolet has not infused the lights with LED strips or added an extra dash of chrome that's almost a norm for a cosmetic makeover.

The interiors are similar to the current model featuring a cockpit that was designed to provide the feel of driving a sports car. It is adorned with blue background lighting.
Through the new Cruze, Chevrolet is introducing a new 1.7-liter diesel engine for its European customers. Here in the Middle East, the company is expected to continue selling the Cruze sedan with the 1.6- and 1.8-liter petrol motors, paired to 5 and 6-speed automatic transmissions

Ferrari SP12 EC commissioned by Eric Clapton detailed

Penned by the Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with designers in Pininfarina and engineers in Maranello, the Ferrari SP12 EC bespoke model commissioned by acclaimed musician Eric Clapton has been revealed. Ferrari have not described the model in detail as it is an exclusive creation.
The SP12 EC is a product of Ferrari's One-Off program that is credited with projects such as the Ferrari Super America 45 and the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta. It sits on the 458 Italia platform and is designed around the 512 BB, a car Clapton had the chance to cherish.

 Ferrari have not revealed the technical specifications of what is driving this model. Speculations point to a 4.5-liter V8 engine with 560bhp and 540Nm of torque, lurking under the bonnet. With these outputs, it should rocket the SP12 EC from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.4 seconds accelerate it past 325 km/h.

 The world famous guitar player said the project was 'essentially, a blank canvas,' and was 'one of the most satisfying things I've ever done.'

Revealed: Abarth 695 Maserati Edition

180hp Abarth 695 Maserati Edition convertible r

 Abarth-Abarth has announced a 180hp version of the 500C convertible called the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition. It follows on from the previous Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari hatchback, as an officially endorsed homage to one of Italy's most famous sporting marques.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

How powerful is the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition? 

Abarth-180hp is quite a hike over the standard Abarth 500C's 135hp - but the 695 Maserati Edition is still powered by a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet petrol engine. A new 'dual-mode' exhaust means it should really sound the part once you hit 3,000rpm.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

How fast is the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition?

Abarth-Complete with an Abarth Competizione paddleshift gearbox, a first for the convertible, the 695 Maserati Edition goes 0-62mph in less than 7 seconds, and has a top speed in excess of 140mph. Koni suspension and Brembo brakes complete the performance makeover.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

What's special about the Abarth 695 Maserati Edi

 Abarth-On the outside, the new model has Maserati-influenced 17-inch 'Neptune' alloy wheels, Maserati 'Pentevecchio Bordeaux' paint and tailpipes with a hexagonal finish - apparently in Maserati tradition. CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

What's special about the Abarth 695 Maserati Edi

 Abarth-On the inside, Abarth has turned up the style with lashings of beige leather, carbon-look trimmings and flocked dashboard sections. There's also a special Jaeger instrument cluster and loads of 695 badging.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

Is the Abarth 695 Maserati a limited edition?

 Abarth-Further touches include the Italian tricolore steering wheel centre-point, special Scorpion stainless steel pedals and a plaque that notes the build number of this limited edition.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

How many Abarth 695 Maserati Edition cars are be

 Abarth-The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is restricted to just 499 examples, and is set to be revealed duing the 30th anniversary running of the Mille Miglia, taking place this weekend.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

How much is the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition?

 Abarth-Abarth has not said how much it will cost. But judging by the roughly €38,000 Abarth 965 Tributo Ferrari, the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is likely to cost roughly twice the €22,000 of the standard Abarth 500C.CREATED BY: MSN UK Cars 

180hp Abarth 695 Maserati Edition convertible re

180hp Abarth 695 Maserati Edition convertible re

2012 Toyota 86 | First Drive | Middle East Launch

I drove over a hundred kilometres in one of Toyota’s best selling cars to drive another car that has the potential to be a future best seller for the Japanese giant. That’s right, I drove from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in a Toyota Camry to get a first hand experience of the all new 2012 Toyota 86 on Yas Marina Circuit.

UAE national drift champion Ahmed Al-Amri going sideways in a manual transmission Toyota 86

I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t eagerly looking forward to driving the new Toyota 86. Since the production version was unveiled in 2011, I have been closely following everything that’s going in in the Toyaburu camp with respect to this jointly developed car. Ever since it was unveiled as the FT-86 G Sports in Tokyo back in 2009, I was secretly hoping for a Supra successor, a car that was one of the most accessible sports cars of its generation and also one of the best when it came to tuning prospects.

The Supra is a car I’ve always wanted but never had. Production ended in 2002 and that pretty much wrapped up the sports car business for Toyota. The last decade has seen Toyota mellow down with no proper rear wheel drive sports car in its portfolio. The 86 was desperately needed, it was something Toyota owed to the current crop of teenagers. The 86 is to my younger brother what the Supra was to me and the Celica to my father.

Another very interesting and appealing thing about the Toyota 86 is its development process and the mild controversy surrounding this car. Both Toyota and Subaru want maximum credit for this product and discreetly accuse the other of just swapping the badges. The truth regarding the development process is shrouded in secrecy and getting it out of two honourable and proud Japanese carmakers will be impossible.
What we do know for a fact is that the Toyota 86 is built in a Subaru factory and the boxer engine is a hallmark Subaru product. Toyota has added its D-4S that features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high 12.5:1 compression ratio that enhances performance and fuel efficiency. Then there is the ambiguity surrounding the gearbox with Toyota claiming it’s a modified version of the Lexus IS200 gearbox and Subaru claiming it’s a modified version of the Impreza gearbox. All this hints at how good this car is and its potential to become a runaway best seller with either manufacturer wanting most credit for it.

I couldn’t have asked for a better setting for a first drive in the Toyota 86. A racetrack was the best place Toyota could have chosen to launch this car. I looked forward to an entire day of driving a FR (front engine rear wheel drive) car like it was supposed to be driven and I was never going to get an opportunity to do that on public roads.
To be honest, the moment I saw it in flesh, it was love at first sight. It was the kind of love a millionaire would feel when he looked at the latest hyper car that he could just walk over and buy. Toyota has made it very clear that this is a car is built for youngsters and it certainly looks like something every youngster will fall in love with and is very affordable too. It’s low, has that beautifully sculpted body and just the right proportions. There is no ambiguity over who designed this car, it was Toyota and I must admit they have done an impressive job. The 86 measures 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and 2,570mm wide, which make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today

The Toyota 86 is built on a completely new platform with a Subaru engine mounted as low and as close to the centre as possible. Subaru even bolted on a shallower oil pan to ensure optimum closeness to the ground. MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear provide ensure a well balanced handling and Toyota has opted for a softer front and a stiffer rear setup while Subaru has gone for the opposite with a softer rear and a stiffer front. Toyota has made no noise about this car’s straight-line performance because outright speed and mind numbing acceleration was never a priority and it was obvious on the long straight at Yas Marina.
Exiting the long sweeping right-hander onto the main straight, I followed the Toyota Aurion which was the pace car and that left the 86 biting the dust. The guys behind me thought I was slow and no good but to be honest, I had the pedal floored. The 2-litre boxer engine has its limitations and they were glaringly obvious on the track. It produces 200bhp at 7,000rpm and just 204Nm of torque at 6,400-6,600rpm. With peak power and torque being delivered such high up in the rev range, you really need to push the engine for any kind of serious drama. There is lots of noise from the engine and in the back of your mind you know you are in a sports car that has to perform but on the track, the stock setup isn’t all that mind blowing as you would expect.

The low centre of gravity at just 475mm off the ground and impressive grip from the 215/45 R17 tyres ensure that the 86 corners with minimal fuss and goes where you point it but somehow, the engine just doesn’t feel up to it. If I bought this car, I’d find ways to increase horsepower and torque and I’d do it fast.
We had a go on the track with traction control (VSC) in sports mode. What this mode does is lets you lose the tail a bit before applying corrections. With the default mode being super intrusive, those who want to exploit this car should familiarise themselves with the sport mode VSC. Six laps, each progressively faster than the other revealed a lot about this cars handling. The small (365mm) steering wheel is the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota and the whole steering setup feels well weighted and feedback is impressive. It’s not ultra-responsive but it feels reasonably precise and makes the whole car very flickable. Braking is sharp and there was no sign of fading under constant heavy braking. I did manage some sideways action with VSC in sports mode and the sport seats did a good job of holding everyone in place.
The transmission felt a bit lethargic on the track, especially while downshifting. There was this noticeable delay that you need to get over. Shifting via steering mounted paddles was fun but the slow response does bother you a bit. I wonder why Toyaburu didn’t opt for a dual clutch setup. Maybe it was the development cost or maybe it would ruin the setup but faster shifting would have certainly helped this car on the track. Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited slip differential and six-speed manual with a short throw is also available and future drift kings should take note of this.
There isn’t anything lacking in the interior in spite of this car’s ‘affordable’ tag apart from a large centre mounted screen that Toyota says will be added in the future. If you can’t wait then you can certainly go the aftermarket route. However, I think the top of the line variant should have had it along with navigation. The interior layout and build quality is top notch, business as usual at Toyota. The whole black leather with red stitching concept really works well to lend that air of sportiness. Carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight, aluminium pedals feel very upmarket. I particularly loved the centre console. It has that charming old school look to it.

 The Toyota 86 will have people, young and not so young, queuing outside the dealerships for hours. There is no denying that this car goes up head to head against the American muscle cars, the European hot hatches and the very lively Mazda MX-5. Most of its rivals boast of heritage and character which the 86 lacks as it’s a new entrant. However, what this car has going for it is the price, the look and the impressive handling. Toyota will also sell TRD upgrades that should ideally see a turbocharger added to the mix along with body kits and other cosmetic upgrades. Also, lets not forget the whole Subaru connection.

Priced from AED 95,000 to AED 125,000 the Toyota 86 is a steal. For most, this will be their first rear wheel drive car and I doubt it will be just the youngsters. Maybe its time I start thinking of those track days…
Specifications
Price as tested: AED 125,000
Price range: AED 95,000 – AED 125,000
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder Boxer
Layout: Front engine, rear wheel drive
Max power: 200bhp @ 7000rpm
Max torque: 204Nm @ 6400-6600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic / 6-speed manual
Tyre size: 215/45 R17