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Volvo to cut top speed on vehicles

Source: Volvo

At a time when automakers are pushing speed and acceleration to make their vehicles more appealing, Volvo is taking a different approach. The Swedish carmaker is cutting the top speed for all of its new models to 112 miles per hour starting next year.

Currently, the top speed for Volvo's is 130 mph.

“While a speed limitation is not a cure-all, it's worth doing if we can even l save one life,” Volvo President and CEO Hakan Samuelsson said in a statement announcing the decision.

The move is part of Volvo's Vision 2020 initiative to eliminate fatalities or serious injuries by next year.

It's unclear how much limiting the top speed to 112 mph might curb accidents or fatalities given the speed is still high. Still, Volvo is venturing into an area automakers have been hesitant to approach: reducing the speed of cars and trucks.

The automaker is considering other possibilities to limit how fast its models travel in certain areas. For example, the company is looking at ways to use software and geofencing technology to limit the speed of Volvos when they drive by schools and hospitals.

“We want to start a conversation about whether car makers have the right or maybe even an obligation to install technology in cars that changes their driver's behavior, to tackle things like speeding, intoxication or distraction,” said Samuelsson.

Safety advocates are increasingly warning higher speeds are a factor behind traffic and fatalities staying at high levels. The National Safety Council estimates 40,000 people were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. last year.

Subaru recalls 1.3M vehicles in US for brake light problem

Original Article

100 Years of Extraordinary: 2019 Calendar of Heritage Events showcasing the best of Bentley past and present

100 Years of Extraordinary – 2019 Calendar of Heritage Events showcasing the best of Bentley past and present

CREWE, 1-Feb-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — In 2019, Bentley enters its Centenary year. The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few companies – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting future. For the occasion Bentley is organising a series of classic and heritage events through out the year to mark its 100th anniversary. The year begins with a VIP event: the oldest remaining and first racing model – EXP 2 – will be shown at Retromobile, between 6-10 February at Salon des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.

Bentley’s stand in Paris will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and the innovation of the British luxury car manufacturer.

The historic EXP 2 will be accompanied by the all-new Continental GT Convertible at the Retromobile show in Porte de Versailles.

The two models, separated by 100 years of automotive evolution, share fundamental Bentley characteristics: both are genuine Grand Tourers; both offer sector-defining levels of performance; and both feature innovative technology at their core.

In 2019, Retromobile celebrates its 44th anniversary and is expecting well over 120,000 visitors to attend from all over the world.

During the first years of its existence W.O. Bentley made three prototypes:

EXP 1 (EXPerimental No.1)
EXP 2
EXP 3 – better known as ‘The Cab’ and W.O.’s personal car

Bentley EXP 2 is actually the oldest Bentley in existence, which debuted at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show. The EXP 2 is a landmark car in the Bentley’s 100-year history.

2019 Calendar of Heritage Events showcasing the best of Bentley past and present

44th Salon Rétromobile, 6-10 February, Paris, France
13th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance, 22-24 February, Boca Raton, Florida, US
W.O. Bonhams exhibition, 11 April, London
Bentley Drivers Club Centenary Extraordinary Drive, 15-31 March, Castle of Mey – Crewe – London
Benjafield Racing Club, W.O. race, 13 April, Silverstone race track
Mille Miglia, 15-18 May, Brescia – Rome – Brescia, IT
24 Hours of Le Mans, 15-16 June, Le Mans, France
RREC Annual Rally & Concours, 21 June, Burghley house, England
Chantilly Arts & Elegance, 30 June, Chantilly, France
RROC National Meeting, 22-27 July, Detroit, US
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, 18 August, Carmel, California, US
Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance, 6-8 September, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

SOURCE: Bentley

MORE ON BENTLEY, RETRO CARS, MOTOR SHOW:

Bentley launches the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system – Bentley is today announcing the launch of Advanced Connectivity – the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system…

Bentley and Royal College of Art present the future of British luxury – The students were challenged to imagine how – in an increasingly virtual and digital world – elements of physical materiality, technology and craftsmanship can be curated to create a truly luxurious Grand Touring experience…

Bentley welcomed 83 new trainees to its strong workforce as it prepares to celebrate its centenary year – Bentley Motors has welcomed its new intake of apprentices, undergraduates and graduates to its 4,000-strong workforce as the company prepares to celebrate its centenary year…

Mercedes-Benz’s cabriolets and roadsters to be presented at the Retro Classics in Stuttgart – The dream of open-top driving is closely linked with the 130-year history of the motor car. Sporty roadsters and luxurious cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz play a pivotal role in this respect…

Volkswagen to celebrate the world premiere of its innovative pickup concept at the São Paulo International Motor Show – At the São Paulo International Motor Show on 6 November, Volkswagen will celebrate the world premiere of an extraordinary pickup concept1, which fuses the features of a digitally networked SUV and the versatility of a consistently well-thought-out pickup to form a new, urban-oriented vehicle…

ENGIE an official partner and the exclusive provider of electric charging stations at the Paris Motor Show – ENGIE’s presence at this year’s Paris Motor Show will be multifaceted, and will include demonstrations, vehicle test drives, sales offers, informative talks, etc…

ŠKODA to present a second new variant of the compact SUV KAROQ at the Paris Motor Show 2018 in October – With the new ŠKODA KAROQ SPORTLINE, ŠKODA will be presenting a second new variant of the compact SUV KAROQ– an even sportier version in terms of design and driving dynamics – at the Paris Motor Show 2018 in October…

SEAT debuts the world’s first 100% electric touring race car at the Geneva Motor Show – SEAT’s global sales continue to post double digit growth. In February, the company successfully maintained the sharp increase in sales at the beginning of the year with 39,900 vehicle deliveries…

More news stories and press releases on Bentley…
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New Ghosn lawyer optimistic on client’s release in ‘near future’

Junichiro Hironaka says he will undertake a completely new defence strategy Go to Source

Japanese firms to trial location-tracking car loans in Indonesia

(Image: NTT) NTT DoCoMo and Mizuho Bank will conduct a trial in Indonesia until the end of November that will see a device be attached to a car — to track its location — as part of what the Japanese pair labels an advanced financial service in the form of a “network-connected auto loan”. The… Continue reading Japanese firms to trial location-tracking car loans in Indonesia

Bollinger Motors selects Ricardo as braking supplier for all-electric sport utility trucks – Automotive World

Ricardo Defense, Inc., has been selected for production supply of the braking system including Antilock Brake System and Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) for the world’s first all-electric sport utility trucks, the Bollinger B1 and B2 models This announcement of Ricardo as the supplier to Bollinger Motors follows the development of the Ricardo ABS/ESC system for… Continue reading Bollinger Motors selects Ricardo as braking supplier for all-electric sport utility trucks – Automotive World

Mercedes-Benz Vans: The new V-Class – now available to order

04.

March 2019

Stuttgart/Geneva

Stuttgart/Geneva – The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class will celebrate it fair premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show from 7 to 17 March 2019. A week earlier the biggest member of the Stuttgart-based passenger car family with the new front-end design, engine and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is already available to order. Prices in Germany start from 39,631.80 euros (including 19 percent VAT).

New design and even greater comfort
The style and value appeal of the V-Class lead the way in the MPV segment. The V-Class designers in Stuttgart have used a series of targeted measures to give the MPV a new look which follows the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continue to exist, while the AMG Line will become visually more powerful: it features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and thus delivers a sporty note.
New paint colours in graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the spectrum of the well-received black/white tones. Equally new is the optional paint colour steel blue. With the new colour hyacinth red metallic, the new V-Class also optionally makes an especially emotive statement. At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avantgarde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheels portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.
In the interior, too, the designers have been busy, transposing the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models into the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the V-Class presents itself with new air vents in a more sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours is available. Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and in the side trim elements. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.
As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first rear row are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation. A journey in the new V-Class, for example as a VIP shuttle, thus turns into a spa like treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting.
New engine, new transmission – powerful and efficient
In line with the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is equipped with the four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine in three output variants including:
The V 220 d with 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 166-156 g/km)1 The V 250 d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 440 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)1 And – with new top value in its segment – the V 300 d with 176 kW (239 hp) and 500 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)1 In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30 Nm of torque (“overtorque”) in addition to its 500 Nm of torque. The V 300 d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
The new engine generation is even more efficient and clean and offers further improved noise and vibration characteristics. It is pleasantly quiet inside the vehicle and annoying vibrations have been reduced.
Among the innovative characteristics of the new engine generation are the combination of an aluminium housing and steel pistons, the stepped recess combustion process and NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating for reducing friction within the engine. How efficient these measures are can be seen on the basis of the fuel savings of around 13 percent which the new V 250 d can boast in comparison with its predecessor model2.
The majority of components relevant to reducing emission are directly installed on the engine. The integrated technological approach comprising a new stepped recess combustion process, dynamic multiway exhaust gas recirculation and close-coupled exhaust gas aftertreatment facilitates low consumption with low emissions. Thanks to the near-engine, insulated position of the components, the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system enjoys low heat loss and advantageous working conditions. The measures include:
High and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation including cooling A diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) reduces the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) A particle filter with SCR catalytic converter functionality (sDPF) An SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for reducing nitrous oxides. Plus, ammonia is mixed into the exhaust gas upstream of the sDPF in the form of AdBlue® An additional Selective Catalytic Reduction catalytic converter (SCR) with ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust gas duct The facelift also sees the V-Class equipped with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission for the first time. The particularly comfortable and efficient converter automatic transmission replaces the 7G-TRONIC and is available as standard for the V 300 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)1 and V 250 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)1. It is optionally available for the V 220 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 166-156 g/km)1. The driver can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select the drive programs “Comfort” and “Sport” and thus influence the shifting behaviour. Alternatively, “M” mode allows the driver to shift manually using the DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles.
All engine variants of the new V-Class are equipped as standard with rear-wheel drive, but 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option. In this way, the new V-Class can move agilely on various types of terrain. The vehicle height remains under the two-metre mark even when equipped with all-wheel drive. Thus the new V-Class does not lose any of its daily usability and can still fit in regular garages as well as multi-storey and underground car parks problem-free.
New V-Class, even safer
The standard features Crosswind Assist, which supports the driver in keeping the vehicle on track even in the case of heavy crosswinds, and ATTENTION ASSIST put the V-Class in a league of its own for safety standards in its segment five years ago. The facelift continues to build on this position.
In this respect, the new Active Brake Assist can now detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving in front and initially initiates a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver reacts, Active Brake Assist increases the brake pressure to suit the requirements of the situation. If the driver fails to react, the system initiates autonomous braking. In urban traffic the Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. In this way, accidents can be avoided or, at the very least, the consequences thereof reduced.
Another new safety feature is the optional Highbeam Assist Plus which is available for the first time in the V-Class. In main-beam mode, Highbeam Assist Plus allows the driver to enjoy a permanent, broad illumination of the roadway without dazzling other road users. In the event of vehicles in front or oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated and thus create a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light. The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam).
Facelift also for Mercedes-Benz campers and leisure vehicles
Be it in terms of style or value appeal, performance and efficiency or safety, the Marco Polo family based on the V-Class benefits from the first facelift to the Mercedes-Benz MPV. The compact Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON campers and leisure vehicles also feature the new front-end design, the new paint colours and light-alloy wheels, as well as the new air vents and upholsteries. They are joined by the new diesel engine with a new peak of 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.8-6.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 180-160 g/km)1 as well as Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus.
The new Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission have been available to order since 1 March 2019 alongside the new V-Class. Prices in Germany start from 61,990 euros (including 19 percent VAT) for the Marco Polo and from 58,060.10 euros (including 19 percent VAT) for the Marco Polo HORIZON.
Expansion of the eDrive@VANs strategy
In the MPV segment, Mercedes-Benz Vans will soon be taking the next step and will be the first premium manufacturer to offer a fully-electric model. Thus Mercedes-Benz Vans will consistently expand its comprehensive eDrive@VANs strategy. With the eVito already available and the eSprinter due for market launch in the second half of 2019, the range of fully-electric vehicles will then be extended to include a model series for private use.
Mercedes-Benz Vans will provide an initial outlook on the electric future of its MPV at the Geneva International Motor Show with the near-series study „Concept EQV“, which will celebrate its premiere there.
1 The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the “NEDC CO2 figures” according to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures. Further information on the vehicles on offer, including the WLTP values, can be found for each country at www.mercedes-benz.com
2 Information refers to V 250 d (140 kW), rear-wheel drive, automatic, left-hand drive.

Press Contact

Diana Boch

V-Class and Travel Vans

diana.boch@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)711 17-52406

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

Andreas Leo

Mercedes-Benz Vans Sales Germany

andreas.leo@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)30 26943017

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

Ingeborg Gärtner

Private Vans (V-/X-Class and Travel Vans)

ingeborg.gaertner@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)711 17-49784

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

Press Contact Overview

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Marshall buys Progress Group, adds more Skoda dealerships

Marshall Motor Holdings is claiming the title of the UK’s largest Skoda dealer after its takeover of Progress Group. Having recent added two outlets representing the Czech brand of Volkswagen Group from Sandicliffe Motor Group, it has now added four more Progress Skoda dealerships at Bedford, Harlow, Letchworth and Northampton. Once rebranded, these take the… Continue reading Marshall buys Progress Group, adds more Skoda dealerships

LADA cars participate in the state programs «The First car» and «The Family car»

New Granta

New Granta sedanNew Granta liftbackNew Granta hatchbackNew Granta SW

Vesta

Vesta sedanVesta CrossVesta SWVesta SW CrossVesta CNGVesta Sport

XRAY

XRAYXRAY Cross

Largus

Largus UniversalLargus CrossLargus wagon

4×4

4×4 3 door4x4 Urban4x4 5 door4x4 Urban 5 door4x4 BRONTO

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04.03.19
LADA cars participate in the state programs «The First car» and «The Family car»

LADA cars became participants of the state programs of demand support «The First car» and «The Family car», which were developed by the Ministry of industry and trade of the Russian Federation and were restarted from March 1, 2019.
According to the rules of the programs, cars worth up to 1 million rubles are available for purchase on preferential terms, and the benefit when buying a car will be 10% of its value. All LADA models take part in the program.
The program «Family car» can be used by those, who have two or more minor children, and the program «First car» – by the Russians who buy their own car for the first time.
One of the conditions of the state subsidy schemes is that the benefit of 10% of the cost of the LADA model is provided when buying a car under the loan program. Savings of 10% of the cost can be combined with an additional benefit of 40 thousand rubles, which is provided when buying LADA Granta, LADA Vesta, as well as LADA Largus van or wagon using the trade-in scheme.
To remind, state programs «The First car» and «The Family car» were first launched in the summer of 2017 and were actual until the end of May, 2018. The programs have shown their high efficiency and were demanded by the buyers of new cars. Thus, during the period of work of the programs in 2018 (from January to May), 40% of LADA buyers concluded bargains with their use.
«Introduction of the programs to support demand, worked out by the Russian Ministry of industry and trade, from March 1, 2019, will have a positive impact on consumer activity and will sustain the domestic market growth. These measures have shown their high effectiveness in the past years. State support programs, that can be combined with exclusive LADA special price benefits, will grant to LADA customers exceptional conditions to buy our cars in March», – said AVTOVAZ President Yves Caracatzanis.
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04.03.19
LADA cars participate in the state programs «The First car» and «The Family car»

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LADA to conquer Moscow and St. Petersburg

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LADA Granta became a sales leader in January

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AVTOVAZ signed agreements with St. Petersburg Polytechnic University of Peter the Great

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30.01.19
LADA Vesta Sport – sales start

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Grammer AG: Further increase in revenue but exceptional effects and weaker passenger vehicle sales exerted pressure on Group earnings in the third quarter

13. November 2018
Grammer AG: Weiterer Umsatzanstieg, aber Einmaleffekte sowie Pkw-Absatzschwäche belasten Konzernergebnis im dritten Quartal -Anstieg des Konzernumsatzes um 1,5 Prozent auf 1,36 Milliarden Euro
-Operatives EBIT nahezu auf Vorjahresniveau
-Starke Entwicklung des Segments Commercial Vehicles kompensiert marktbedingte rückläufige
Entwicklung im Automotive Segment
-Anpassung der Prognose für das Gesamtjahr 2018

Amberg, 13. November 2018 – Das dritte Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres der Grammer AG war insbesondere durch den Abschluss der Übernahme durch die Jiye Auto Parts GmbH sowie die Absatzschwäche der Pkw-Hersteller in Europa geprägt. Das Übernahmeangebot der Jiye Auto Parts GmbH – ein verbundenes Unternehmen des strategischen Partners Ningbo Jifeng – an die Aktionäre der Grammer AG führte dazu, dass der chinesische Automobilzulieferer mit 84,23 Prozent nun größter Ankeraktionär ist. Im Automotive-Bereich ist die saisonale Belebung nach dem Ende der Sommermonate im September nicht erfolgt, so dass die Umsatz- und operative Ergebnisentwicklung von Grammer dadurch negativ beeinträchtigt wurde.

Operative Profitabilität trotz schwieriger Marktbedingungen im Automotive-Bereich nahezu auf hohem Vorjahresniveau
In den ersten neun Monaten des laufenden Geschäftsjahres steigerte der Grammer Konzern seinen Umsatz um 1,5 Prozent auf 1,4 Milliarden Euro (Vj. 1,3). Maßgeblich verantwortlich für das Wachstum war die anhaltend starke Entwicklung im Segment Commercial Vehicles, die den marktbedingten Umsatzrückgang im Segment Automotive kompensierte.

Das operative EBIT, bereinigt um Währungs- und Einmaleffekte, lag in den ersten neun Monaten mit 56,6 Millionen Euro nahezu auf dem hohen Vorjahresniveau von 58,6 Millionen Euro. Die operative EBIT-Rendite blieb mit 4,2 Prozent fast konstant (Vj. 4,4).

Das Konzernergebnis vor Zinsen und Steuern (EBIT) lag im Zeitraum Januar bis September 2018 mit 27,9 Millionen Euro allerdings deutlich unter dem Vorjahreswert von 45,8 Millionen Euro. Die EBIT-Rendite reduzierte sich dementsprechend auf 2,1 Prozent (Vj. 3,4). Das dritte Quartal 2018 war stark geprägt von den veränderten Rahmenbedingungen der Automobilbranche und der damit verbundenen allgemeinen Absatzschwäche der Pkw-Hersteller vor allem in Europa. Außerdem belasteten einmalige Sondereffekte in Höhe von insgesamt 27 Millionen Euro (Vj. 6,9) das Ergebnis von Grammer im dritten Quartal, im Wesentlichen typische einmalige Transaktionskosten im Rahmen der Übernahme der Grammer AG durch ein verbundenes Unternehmen von Ningbo Jifeng sowie Restrukturierungs- und Akquiseaufwendungen. Entsprechend lag das Ergebnis nach Steuern bei 14,9 Millionen Euro (Vj. 25,7) und damit deutlich unter dem Vorjahr.

Starkes Umsatzwachstum im asiatischen Markt
Auf regionaler Ebene verzeichnete Grammer im Heimatmarkt EMEA einen Umsatzrückgang in Höhe von 1,2 Millionen Euro auf 918,2 Millionen Euro, der hauptsächlich auf den im Vergleich zum Vorjahreszeitraum verringerten Umsatz im Segment Automotive zurückzuführen war. Durch das Wachstum des Segments Commercial Vehicles kompensierte der Konzern diesen Rückgang jedoch nahezu vollständig. In der Region Americas konnte Grammer den Umsatzrückgang des ersten Halbjahres weitgehend aufholen und liegt mit 215,0 Millionen Euro nur noch leicht unter dem Vorjahresniveau von 216,6 Millionen Euro. In der Region APAC erzielte Grammer hingegen einen deutlichen Umsatzanstieg von 11,4 Prozent auf 226,0 Millionen Euro (Vj. 202,9). Die hohe Nachfrage in den wichtigen Teilmärkten Deutschland, USA und China wirkte sich im Wesentlichen sehr positiv auf das Segment Commercial Vehicles aus.

Anhaltend hohe Umsatzzuwächse im Segment Commercial Vehicles
Aufgrund steigender Absätze in den Märkten Landtechnik, Baumaschinen und Truck erzielte Grammer in den ersten neun Monaten im Segment Commercial Vehicles einen erfreulichen Umsatzanstieg um 14,6 Prozent auf 456,0 Millionen Euro gegenüber dem Vorjahreszeitraum (Vj. 397,8). Bedingt durch die positive Marktentwicklung in allen Regionen erhöhte sich das operative Segment-EBIT im Berichtszeitraum von 34,3 Millionen Euro auf 43,5 Millionen Euro. Aufgrund der Umsatzsteigerung stieg auch die operative EBIT-Rendite auf 9,5 Prozent (Vj. 8,6).

Der Umsatz im Segment Automotive lag in den ersten neun Monaten 2018 mit 942,7 Millionen Euro leicht unter dem Vorjahresniveau von 973,9 Millionen Euro. Diese Entwicklung war hauptsächlich auf die hohe Anzahl von Neuanläufen und den damit einhergehenden geringeren Umsatzvolumina in der Hochlaufphase sowie dem modellbedingten Absatzrückgang in der Region Americas zurückzuführen. Hinzu kam gegen Ende des dritten Quartals die sich verstärkende Absatzschwäche der Pkw-Hersteller in der Region EMEA. Das operative EBIT im Segment Automotive lag in den ersten neun Monaten mit 24,6 Millionen Euro unter dem Vorjahresniveau (Vj. 33,1). Ergebnisbelastend wirkte sich in diesem Segment neben dem geringeren Umsatz im Vergleich zum Vorjahr die damit verbundene Minderauslastung in den betroffenen Produktionswerken aus. Die operative EBIT-Rendite des Segments lag bei 2,6 Prozent (Vj. 3,4).

Übernahme der Grammer AG durch strategischen Partner Ningbo Jifeng
Die Jiye Auto Parts GmbH, ein verbundenes Unternehmen von Ningbo Jifeng, hält nach dem Abschluss der Übernahme insgesamt 84,23 Prozent des Grundkapitals und ist damit der Mehrheitsaktionär des Amberger Automobilzulieferers. Durch die hohe Annahmequote des Übernahmeangebots haben sich die Eigentumsverhältnisse in der Aktionärsstruktur deutlicher verschoben als erwartet.

Anpassung der Gesamtjahresprognose
Für das Gesamtjahr 2018 geht der Grammer Vorstand weiterhin von einem sehr herausfordernden konjunkturellen Umfeld aus. Vor allem im Bereich Automotive wird die verstärkte und sich weiter fortsetzende Absatzschwäche vor allem im europäischen Pkw-Markt die Geschäftsentwicklung auch im vierten Quartal beeinflussen. Unter Berücksichtigung der Effekte aus der Erstkonsolidierung der US-amerikanischen TMD Gruppe zum 1. Oktober 2018 erwartet das Unternehmen einen Konzernumsatz von rund 1,85 Milliarden Euro für das Gesamtjahr 2018. Ausgelöst durch die im Jahr 2018 entstandenen signifikanten Sonderbelastungen erwartet der Vorstand des Grammer Konzerns im laufenden Geschäftsjahr ein weiter deutlich positives EBIT von nun in etwa 50 Millionen Euro und ein operatives EBIT leicht unter dem Niveau des Vorjahres. Für das Folgejahr 2019 geht Grammer ohne Sonderbelastungen bei einer Fortsetzung der stabilen gesamtwirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen von einer positiven Entwicklung von Umsatz und Ergebnis aus.

Die vollständige Quartalsmitteilung des Grammer Konzerns zu den ersten neun Monaten 2018 steht auf der Unternehmenswebsite unter folgendem Link zur Verfügung:
https://www.grammer.com/investor-relations/publikationen/finanzberichte.html

Unternehmensprofil

Die Grammer AG mit Sitz in Amberg ist spezialisiert auf die Entwicklung und Herstellung von Komponenten und Systemen für die Pkw-Innenausstattung sowie von gefederten Fahrer- und Passagiersitzen für On- und Offroad-Fahrzeuge.
Im Segment Automotive liefern wir Kopfstützen, Armlehnen, Mittelkonsolen, hochwertige Interieur-Komponenten und Bediensysteme sowie innovative thermoplastische Lösungen für die Automobil-Industrie an namhafte Pkw-Hersteller im Premiumbereich und an Systemlieferanten der Fahrzeugindustrie. Das Segment Commercial Vehicles umfasst die Geschäftsfelder Lkw- und Offroad-Sitze (Traktoren, Baumaschinen, Stapler) sowie Bahn- und Bussitze.
Mit rund 15.000 Mitarbeitern ist Grammer in 19 Ländern weltweit tätig. Die Grammer Aktie ist im Prime Standard notiert und wird an den Börsen München und Frankfurt sowie über das elektronische Handelssystem Xetra gehandelt.

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