MOTOR

BMW Group emerges most successful auto manufacturer

Four award-winners spanning a displacement range of 1.6 to 4.0 litres – BMW Group again emerges as the most successful auto manufacturer in the internationally renowned engine contest.

Munich/Stuttgart. Unbeaten titleholders and triumphant newcomers have secured the BMW Group’s renewed pre-eminence at the 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards. Powerplants guaranteeing efficient power delivery in current BMW and MINI models topped no fewer than four out of eight displacement categories. The quartet of trophy-winners comprised two four-cylinder engines, a straight-six and an eight-cylinder.

Scooping up best-in-class wins were the 1.6-litre turbo unit of the MINI Cooper S, the four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that drives the new BMW 328i, among others, the straight-six with M TwinPower Turbo of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, and the V8 under the bonnet of the BMW M3. This year’s winners were selected by an international panel of judges made up of 76 motoring journalists from 36 countries. The Engine of the Year Awards were presented against the backdrop of the Engine Expo trade fair in Stuttgart.

With these latest accolades, the BMW Group continues its winning streak in the world’s foremost engine competition.

Thanks to the Group’s outstanding development expertise in this area, it has managed to notch up more than 50 class and overall wins at the International Engine of the Year Awards since 1999.

In 2012, yet again, engines of widely differing design created for BMW and MINI models dominated a large number of displacement categories.

Moreover, the latest title-winners span an unusually broad output spectrum ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 309 kW/420 hp. The 2012 competition saw the prize in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre displacement class handed to the engine that drives the MINI BMW Cooper S, in a reprise of its success last year.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder develops peak output of 135 kW/184 hp with the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control based on the BMW-patented VALVETRONIC technology. Among the key attributes of this unit are not only its eager power delivery but also exemplary efficiency for its class.

Likewise providing enhanced driving pleasure coupled with extremely low fuel consumption and emission figures is the new 2.0-litre engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The

180 kW/245 hp four-cylinder turbocharged unit with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC instantly won over the judges to capture the trophy in the 1.8-litre to 2.0-litre category. This engine is currently powering the new BMW 328i Sedan, BMW 528i and BMW

Z4 sDrive28i, as well as the BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i models.

The top accolade in the 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre class went to a six-cylinder in-line engine whose technology has already wowed the judges several times previously. Both in 2007 and in 2008, this 3.0-litre powerplant with twin turbochargers, High Precision Injection and Double-VANOS took the overall prize in the Engine of the Year Awards. It serves as the basis for both the M TwinPower Turbo unit inside the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is. Delivering 250 kW/340 hp, this thrillingly high-revving straight-six has reached its highest output level. The upshot is truly outstanding performance that has garnered it a further Engine of the Year Award.

An achievement of this calibre is only exceeded by the string of successes claimed by the fourth BMW Group award-winner in 2012. For the fifth time in a row, the V8 engine of the BMW M3 high-performance sports car provides the measure of all things in the 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre displacement class. Bolstering the undiminished appeal of the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine are its hallmark M high-revving concept, peak output of 309 kW/420 hp and outstanding thrust. Beyond this, the eight-cylinder is compelling for its remarkable efficiency thanks to the Auto Start-Stop function,

Brake Energy Regeneration and other Efficient Dynamics technologies.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about 1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.

Suzuki Swift Dzire at Colombo Motor Show

The recently concluded Motor Show held at BMICH played host to the launch of the Suzuki Swift Dzire Automatic claiming 150 improvements in features and modifications and the title of most improved vehicle of the year.

Indeed, the manufacturers claim appears justified by its distinctive styling, powerful performance and thoughtful features. Powered by the now famous K series engine comes with VVT technology. The new Suzuki Dzire has added several engineering and performance improvements and a full array of luxury and lifestyle enhancements.

Among them, the energy efficient performance of the BS IV (Similar to euro 4 standards) emission compliant engine comes in for high praise by experts. Delivering 86 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 4,000, the power train of this remarkable engineering feat gains from Variable Valve Timing resulting in 2 bhp of extra power.

The new Swift Dzire has a 40mm longer wheel base, a square boot lid designed to make loading and unloading convenient, and has a hold up of 316 litres.

Associated Motorways (Pvt) Ltd., local agents for this brand indicates high expectations and confidence in the marketability of the model, which is expected to compete against others categories.

“The new Suzuki Dzire is designed and built with a wider market in mind, particularly with the intent to compete against brands in the semi-luxury category.

The Suzuki Dzire automatic petrol version is available in several variants (some variants offer manual transmission too) through AMW branches islandwide.

AMW launches all-new Nissan Juke

Associated Motorways Private Limited (AMW) announced the launch of the all-new Nissan Juke.

The dramatically styled JUKE, which joins Nissan’s popular Patrol, X-trail & Murano, is now available at AMW’s Nissan showroom, at Union Place, for test drives.

Along with its bold deign inside and out, the JUKE brings levels of performance beyond belief from a 1.6-litre DOHC engine which incorporates Nissan’s “Pure Drive” technology that simultaneously reduces CO2 emissions and substantially improves fuel economy.

Yohann de Zoysa General Manager of AMW said, “The JUKE has the convenience, versatility and high seating positioning of a traditional compact SUV but has styling that truly sets it apart from any other.”

JUKE with its combination of striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure and user-friendly technology will have a unique set of loyal customers among the rapidly expanding market for SUV’s in Sri Lanka.

The JUKE interior offers bolstered premium leather seats and a centre console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a two-coat high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits on top of the console, with a short shifter lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provides passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.

Available features range from a DVD player with a touch panel display and rearview camera and monitor to Nissan’s Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, speed sensing steering and door locking system and USB & Bluetooth connectivity.

A long list of standard safety features is also available, including six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

The transmission system offered is a Xtronic CVT (tm) (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic which provides smooth and "stepless" ratio changes, unlike conventional transmission systems that use sets of fixed gears. Another new-to-Nissan technology debuting on JUKE is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. The I-CON system functions in one setting as a controller for the automatic climate control system, and in the other offers a drive mode selector with three different throttle/transmission (CVT)/steering response settings - Normal for everyday driving, Sport for intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency.

Grand Cherokee, Wrangler Rubicon unlimited jeep in SL

The new Jeep Compass 4x4, which goes on sale in July 2012, heralds an exciting future for the iconic Jeep brand. Along with the introduction of the much talked about all new Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, Jeep enthusiasts in Sri Lanka can now enjoy the comfort and the splendour of the all new Jeep Compass 2012.

Chairman of Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC, Ranjith Pandithage commented “the all new Jeep Compass offers a credible 4x4 to buyers who are downsizing from larger models. The Jeep name has unrivalled credentials in foreign markets and the Compass now has a true premium feel thanks to the improved quality of its new interior and the Grand Cherokee inspired looks. Throw in the high levels of specification you’d normally expect in larger cars, plus a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, and the competitively priced Compass makes owning a Jeep not only attractive but also accessible.”

The 2012 Jeep Compass has undergone a comprehensive redesign inside and out to appeal to a wider customer base. It blends strengths from the previous model such as high equipment levels, affordability, interior flexibility and economy, with a sophisticated design, revised chassis, and a completely revised cabin. As the firm’s first ever compact SUV, the Compass brought the authentic Jeep experience to a new type of buyer.

The Jeep Compass is equipped with 4 speakers, 6 CDs changer, MP3 compatibility, Audio Jack input for mobile devices. The 6.5-inch Uconnect touch screen sound system is available as an option on limited, featuring a 30-gigabyte hard drive which can store thousands of songs and allow operators to format playlists, and view picture files and videos. Voice command feature on the Jeep Uconnect sound system simplifies the driving experience by letting you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

The all new Jeep Compass 2012 comes with a 2.4 Litre Petrol engine featuring dual variable valve timing on the twin overhead camshafts. The electronically controlled timing produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation. Proving their cutting edge credentials, the engines also features an aluminium block, four valves per cylinder, forged crankshaft and connecting rods, and intake manifold and exhaust flow control valves. Providing a 172 Break Horse Power and 224 N.m of Torque the Compass is equipped with Jeeps Freedom Drive I. This is a full-time active four-wheel drive system featuring a locking mode that gives owners reassuring performance in low traction conditions.

As you would expect of a car designed from the ground up to cope with the everyday rigours of family life, the Compass has safety built in. It is constructed around a safety cage structure with an ultra high strength roll-formed steel cross beam and front crumple zones.

Side impact beams are built into the doors for improved protection and there are advanced multi-stage front airbags.

The all new Jeep Compass 2012 is now available from DIMO, the authorized distributor for Jeep and Chrysler vehicles in Sri Lanka. The vehicle starts from Rs. 13.6 Mn upwards and can be checked at the DIMO Duplication Road Showroom.

The Jeep Compass carries a 2 year comprehensive warranty with unlimited mileage. With DIMO’s unmatched fully fledged after sales service coupled with its 24 hour Roadside Assistance to ensure peace of mind, Jeep owners can enjoy the splendour and adventure of the all new Jeep Compass 2012.

Mobil lubricant for Ceylon Motor Show

Mobil lubricant partnered the Sri Lanka’s biggest motor show, Ceylon Motor Show 2012, organised by Ceylon Motor Traders Association in collaboration with Classic Car Club of Sri Lanka.

McLarens Lubricants Ltd, the local distributor for ExxonMobil displayed their complete range of Mobil lubricants at the stall. The key attraction of the display was the fully synthetic Mobil1 automobile engine oil which has different viscosities for many different applications.Mobil Lubricants offers a wide range of vehicle lubricant brands excelled in performance and innovation. Mobil provides different solutions in the areas of car engine oils, heavy-duty engine oils, industrial and specialty lubricants. Mainly synthetic lubricants are not only for cars and it is cover industrial, marine and aviation sector as well. These synthetic oils are far more superior to the conventional lubricants due to highly advanced distilling, refining and purification process. The magnitude of superior performance of Mobil lubricants has proved by many racing teams like Vodafone McLarens Mercedes, Corvette Racing and Porsche choosing to use Mobil and NASCAR partnering Mobil as the official Motor Oil.

At the exhibition McLarens Lubricants Ltd conducted a comprehensive vehicle maintenance clinic and advised many visitors on the correct lubricant to use and other aspects of vehicle maintenance.

Going another step ahead, McLarens Lubricants Ltddisplayed the Mobil branded racing cars and the visitors had the rare chance of experiencing the best machines.

On this occasion Director of McShaw Automotive Ltd/McLarens Lubricants Ltd, Hemantha Varnasooriya said; We are proud and honored to associate one of our major brands – Mobil as the lubricant partner at Sri Lanka’s biggest motor show,Ceylon Motor Show – 2012.

NEM Constructions receives award from India

The VE Commercial Vehicles Limited of India, manufacturers of Eicher trucks and buses, recently awarded NEM Constructions Limited, Chairman/Managing Director, Raja Nanayakkara, for purchasing the highest number of Eicher tipper trucks from Associated Motorways (Private Limited (AMW), which imports and markets Eicher commercial vehicles in Sri Lanka.

NEM Constructions Limited, a leading organization in the road construction field of Sri Lanka, has purchased 100 Eicher tippers from AMW. AMW is the sole distributor in Sri Lanka authorized to import and market Eicher commercial vehicles manufactured by the VE Commercial Vehicles Limited of India.

VE Commercial Vehicles Limited was incorporated in 2008 as a technical and business alliance between the world renowned Volvo Company of Sweden and the Eicher Motor Company Limited of India.

According to the Sales Manager (Eicher) of AMW, Mahendra Rajapaksa, the reasons for NEM Constructions Limited purchasing such a large number of Eicher tipper trucks are, their advantages such as fuel efficiency, long life, strength, minimum repairs, superior technology and prompt after sales service.