FREIGHTLINER AND FUSO STAY ATOP SALES CHARTS

The Freightliner and Mitsubishi FUSO divisions of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) have ended the first four months of 2010 with a volume increase of more than 27 % over sales compared to year-to-date 2009.  These sales of 731 units contribute to MBSA’s market dominance of 34.7 % market share year-to-date.

“We are generally pleased with our sales growth, although our stock availability could have been more favourable, which would have led to increased sales.  Taking into account limitations with both capacity and supplier turnaround time in the United States, we are doing our utmost to remedy the situation,” says Ian Riley, Divisional Manager, Freightliner/FUSO.

NEW BENCHMARK BMW 5 SERIES NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

“7 Series at the front, 3 Series at the rear”. My first visual impression of the all-new BMW 5 Series (codename F10) which was launched in South Africa this week. And that’s not a bad thing at all, considering the 3 is one of the best-designed cars on the road today, while the 7 exudes presence and mad respect. While the word “elegant” has not been used to describe any BMW for years (except the current 3 Series Coupe/ Convertible), the 5ver comes pretty close, especially at the rear.

At just under five metres long and 1.6m wide, the car has piled up dimensions considerably. As a result interior comfort levels are unprecedented, perhaps for the segment, but certainly for the model range. Motoring scribes don’t often spend time at the back seat of any car, so when I was ushered into this largely unfamiliar territory, I almost lost my breath. That particular model was fitted with the optional DVD screens for passenger entertainment, along with other goodies. Eat your heart out 7 Series!

MAZDA POPS CHAMPAGNE AFTER 90 YEARS OF LIFE

This year Mazda celebrates nine decades of inspirational advancements by people, who dared to be innovators, who were uncompromising in their approach to revolutionary design and engineering.

“Many people view Mazda as a young brand,” explains Doreen Mashinini, Mazda Marketing Manager. “But in truth Mazda has a seasoned heritage. The company has a legacy of breaking new ground and leading innovations in the fields of aerodynamics and engineering. The brand's success with rotary engine technology is an example of the cutting edge advancements pioneered by Mazda.”

FERRARI HITS RECESSION SPEED BUMP, PLANS JOB CUTS

Ferrari SpA, owner and manufacturer of Ferrari sports cars, is cutting down production and staff in a bid to stop a slight downslide in sales. A report from Bloomberg cited company spokesman Stefano Lai who apparently said they were planning on lowering the number of people working for Ferrari. He didn’t mention any numbers but Bloomberg understood a figure of around 120 office and 150 factory positions are on the line.

Ferrari supplies sister brand Maserati with engines and delivered 9 000 of these in 2008. Last year only 4 500 were built, obviously affecting production capacities, factory workers, sales and ultimately profits. Lai said there is no way Ferrari is slashing its annual production number of 6 000 cars after a union spokesman claimed the company would reduce production from 20 000 to 10 000.

While these production numbers appear miniscule (Volkswagen South Africa alone sells over 11 000 Polos every year, just in Mzansi), consider that the average Ferrari has a price tag well over R2 million.

SOURCE: Bloomberg via WCF