FUSION HELPS FORD SET NEW RECORD FOR HYBRID SALES, BUCKING INDUSTRYWIDE DIP IN HEV DEMAND

• Ford Motor Company has already set a record for annual hybrid sales of 31,000 hybrids through November, eclipsing the previous high in 2007. Ford hybrid sales are up 67 percent this year while overall industry hybrid sales were down 11 percent through November


• Ford’s hybrid sales were strengthened by the debut of the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans on the road at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway


• Fusion Hybrid has received numerous third-party endorsements including Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award and Car and Driver “10 Best” cars for 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2009 – What do a global engineering and consulting company, a Michigan technical university, and a 91-year-old Texas man have in common?



Answer: All three are “greening” U.S. roadways with Ford hybrid vehicles – and helping Ford set a new record for hybrid sales in a year in which overall industry demand for the gas-electric vehicles was down.



Ninety-one-year-old Bill Casselberry, of San Angelo, Texas, is living proof that it’s never too late to go green. In September, he traded in his 2006 Toyota Camry for a 2010 Fusion Hybrid.



“The main reason I wanted to buy the Fusion Hybrid is that I’m concerned about all the greenhouse gases we’re putting into the air, and I wanted to do my part to reduce the negative effect on our atmosphere,” he said. “If we don’t do something now, future generations are not going to have a world to live in.”



Casselberry says he’s thrilled with his new car.



“I love it,” he exclaimed. “The only problem is that I’m 91 years old, and I don’t get to drive it as much as I’d like to.”



Strong sales of the Fusion Hybrid show that many customers share Casselberry’s enthusiasm for Ford’s newest addition to its hybrid lineup. Introduced in March of this year, the new Fusion Hybrid represents 45 percent of all Ford hybrid sales for 2009.



In addition to the Fusion, Ford’s longest-running hybrid nameplate – the Escape Hybrid – continues to attract customers to the Ford brand.



Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, operates a North American fleet of approximately 300 vehicles, which includes 22 Escape Hybrids.



“Our company is always looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rod Cramer, fleet manager, Black & Veatch. “The Escape Hybrids also play a major role in showing our employees and clients how serious our commitment is to the environment that we all share.”



According to Cramer, the Escape hybrids enable the company to save money through greater efficiency. The vehicles also have had a positive impact on employees.



“The excitement we caused throughout the company when we started to place them out in the field was electric,” he said. “Our professionals really like the versatility the vehicle provides with features like a comfortable seating compartment, user-friendly equipment and the ability to handle off-road requirements.”



Michigan Technological University (MTU) recently replaced four gas-powered SUVs in its 70-vehicle fleet with new Ford Escape Hybrids.



“Our goal is to go green one vehicle at a time,” said Pete Pelissero, manager of MTU Fleet Services, adding that MTU plans to replace five more gas SUVs with Escape Hybrids in the next 12 months and swap all of the university’s sedans, SUVs and minivans for hybrids within the next five years.



“The issue to go with the Escape hybrids was to make our point of talking the talk and walking the walk,” he said. “We want to lead by example, and show the rest of the country that we are serious about going green. It won’t happen overnight, but we will get there.”



Ford hybrids on track for record sales for 2009

Despite a 11 percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry, Ford’s year-to-date hybrid sales are up 67 percent over the same period last year. And the company is on track to set a new hybrid sales record for 2009.



“Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “And we are seeing a growing number of conquest sales, many of them from customers coming from import brands, mostly Toyota and Honda.”



According to Pipas, the fuel economy message associated with hybrid vehicles resonates well with import customers.



“That, to me, is the significance of offering such high quality, fuel-efficient vehicles,” he said.

“The hybrid technology is introducing us to a whole new community of customers who might have otherwise never visited a Ford showroom.”



The newest additions to the Ford hybrid stable – the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids – are strengthening sales. Both vehicles deliver an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway and making them the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road.



And the Fusion Hybrid has received a number of important third-party endorsements. The entire Fusion lineup – including the hybrid model – won this year’s prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year^® award. The Fusion Hybrid also was honored as one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best” cars for 2010.

View The Ford Range

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THREE BLINKS AND IT'S OFF; NEW FORD LANE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY HELPS EASE DRIVER PET PEEVES•Ford’s new three-blink lane change technology gives drivers a

THREE BLINKS AND IT'S OFF; NEW FORD LANE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY HELPS EASE DRIVER PET PEEVES•Ford’s new three-blink lane change technology gives drivers a way to avoid an annoyance on the road with a simple flick of the indicator that turns off automatically
•A recent driving survey puts people who leave their turn signals on for miles in the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list
•The new feature appears on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, which goes on sale in summer 2010 with a projected best-in-class fuel economy of 40 mpg highway and an expressive and vibrant design
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2009 – Does the sight of a blinker flashing on the car in front of you for miles and miles drive you crazy? You’re not the only one.

This annoying habit is so frustrating to drivers that it made the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list by a leading vehicle insurance company, which surveyed thousands of drivers nationwide. Nicknamed Morse Coders in the survey, these drivers often cruise for miles without realizing their blinker is on. Meanwhile, they are annoying everyone behind them.

With tongue in cheek, Hagerty Insurance Agency, which conducted the survey, suggested that Morse Coders are leaving their blinkers on for a reason: “Now let’s be fair. Perhaps these Morse Coders are part of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, their turn signals beaming out across the galaxies in search of other life forms – or not.”

On a more serious note, national research by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., found that consumers are confused by turn signals that are left on.

“Most drivers have found themselves behind cars that have their signals on after changing lanes,” said Jim Thomas, senior vice president of RDA Group. “This can be confusing because there is no way of knowing if the signal is a real indication of an upcoming turn or not. To reduce this confusion, drivers want vehicles to automatically disengage the turn signal after making a lane change.”

New Ford technology, coming this summer on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, does exactly that.

Ford’s three-blink lane change technology is simplifying the way drivers maneuver on the road. With a simple flick of the switch – either up or down, depending on which lane the driver is moving into – the turn indicator will blink three times and automatically shut off. The switch can be held in the lane change position longer for additional blinks beyond the three minimum.

To engage the turn signal, drivers move the switch into the standard position, one more press past the lane change mode.

“This allows the driver to let go of the switch and concentrate on driving,” explains John Murphy, Core Switch Product Engineer. “Instead of holding down the switch, they can give a quick tap, show a three-blink warning that they are about to merge and change lanes. It’s that simple.”

For motorists who drive behind the Morse Coders, this is welcome news: “Driving behind a car that’s blink, blink, blinking is enough of a driver annoyance that we’re putting the technology in our full Ford line going forward,” said Murphy. “Customers say this is confusing – and it bugs them. So we’re doing something about it.”

Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta is among the first vehicles in the Ford lineup to receive the new three-blink technology. The “annoyance avoidance” feature is yet another technology going into the expressive, fun-to-drive Fiesta that makes perfect sense.

With a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta is designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.

The 2011 Ford Super Duty is also set to receive the three-blink turn signal technology when it goes on sale in 2010.

View the Ford range Here

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Saab Has decided to Wind down

Saab Has decided to Wind down

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Opel Adaptive All-Wheel Drive with Early Warning System

Opel Adaptive All-Wheel Drive with Early Warning System

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  • Intelligent controls defuse critical situations at their onset
  
  
  • Sets new standard for reaction time of torque distribution
  
  
  • Insignia’s Adaptive 4x4 conquers customers in new Opel segment
  
  
  
  

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Insignia is breathing new life into the mid-size segment with its breathtaking design and leading technology. The Car of the Year 2009 features innovations such as Opel’s new Adaptive 4x4 system which have previously only been available in much more expensive sports cars or luxury sedans. Together with the FlexRide premium chassis and the electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4x4 system sets new standards for reaction time of the controls in the Insignia. When the sensors detect a critical situation, it only takes around 80 milliseconds – or the blink of an eye – for the system to send the required power distribution to the wheels. The power can be distributed seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle or between the rear wheels. In contrast to conventional mechanical all-wheel drives, the hydraulic controls enable lightning-quick intervention.

Already about five percent of the 177,000 Insignia’s ordered in Europe are equipped with all-wheel drive. The new Adaptive 4x4 system is available with the 2-liter gasoline turbo and is standard in the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models. In Germany, prices begin at 35,685 euros for the 162 kW/220 hp Opel Insignia 2.0 turbo Edition.

All-wheel drive electronics designed as early-warning system

The adaptive all-wheel drive system receives information from three modules: BCM (Body Control Module), ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the ESP module. This information is sent to the control module, analyzed and then torque is distributed individually to the wheels. The Insignia 4x4’s power distribution travels from the front axle differential over the cardan shaft to a hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch, which electronically distributes the torque from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle. At rear axle, power distribution is also controlled by a hydraulic multi-disk clutch, where nearly 100 percent to power can be transferred to one of the rear wheels if required. This gives drivers the confidence that their Insignia 4x4 can still maintain safe traction even if three wheels are on ice and only one of the rear wheels can find grip.

The modules receive their signals from sensors that capture yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, gas pedal position, engine speed and torque, and adapt power distribution to the driving situation based on this information. Even before take-off, the control module receives information on gas pedal position and engine speed and is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axle to prevent the car losing traction. This means before a racing start, a proportionate amount of propulsion power is already sent to the rear wheels. Andreas Holl, head of Insignia chassis development, says, “A big advantage of the new Opel all-wheel drive system is that a critical situation such as spinning front wheels doesn’t have to occur before the proper corrective measures are introduced.”

Bad roads, rain and snow call for stability and control

Particularly in hazardous weather conditions like heavy rain, snow and sleet, poor quality roads with potholes put extreme demands on chassis technology. Advanced chassis systems are designed to recognize and avoid dangers as early as possible, as well as support the driver in critical driving situations. As a consequence, driving the Opel Insignia 4x4 is delightful, even more so when the wintery driving conditions are appalling.

An example of this is driving in snow. Many drivers have experienced the feeling of picking up a too much downhill speed, taking their foot off the gas pedal and realizing that their vehicle is struggling to follow the steering direction. The Insignia’s adaptive 4x4 system also comes to drivers’ aid in these types of dangerous situations. With its complex sensor system, the all-wheel drive technology can not only distribute torque but also redirect it to individual wheels in the case of braking on the engine (drag torque) as a result of releasing the accelerator thereby increasing the steer ability and their control of the vehicle.

Thanks to the many control options available such as torque and braking torque distribution as well as FlexRide damper control, the adaptive all-wheel drive system handles many critical driving situations without the need for ESP to intervene. ESP stays in the background as a guardian angel.

Automatic fuel-saving mode and sport mode at the push of a button

The Opel Insignia Adaptive 4x4 system is not only useful in critical safety situations – it also detects when there are no external conditions that require special intervention, such as travelling on a highway. In this situation the system switches off the rear-wheel drive system and reverts to front wheel drive to reduce friction losses and save fuel.

The driver can also steer power distribution at the push of a button. By choosing the sport mode, more power is sent to the rear axle to increase traction and achieve a more agile driving performance. This makes it easier for sporty drivers to maintain complete and active control even as the driving safety limits are pushed out a bit further. The Adaptive 4x4 system stabilizes up to the tires’ grip limit, at which point ESP intervenes if necessary.

See the Opel range here

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2010 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW DEBUT FOR NEW FORD S-MAX AND NEW FORD GALAXY•Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models get a fresh new look for 2010, a range of efficient new powertrains and technology for comfort and safety

2010 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW DEBUT FOR NEW FORD S-MAX AND NEW FORD GALAXY•Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models get a fresh new look for 2010, a range of efficient new powertrains and technology for comfort and safety

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Used cars at your service

Are you all set to accelerate and gear up yours car to hit the roads? If you think that a brand new car offered by car dealers is in your budget and you can survive this economic burden even after purchasing a first-hand car, then go for it. But, if you are skeptical of the cost, then you can still consider purchasing a car.

How? Many dealers have started offering cars for cheap.

They trade in used cars (very popularly known and second hand cars) so that they can profit the buyers as well as the sellers. This proves that, even in the hard economic situation, it is possible to do quite well and become a fighter. In Ireland, major car dealers got affected due the economic downturn. They have considered this option and have succeeded in making great deals.

They have also made an online presence to make their deal easy and effective. Both the parties contact the dealers either to purchase the cars for sale or to get guidelines on ‘sell my car’. So, now you are just a few clicks away from finding thousands of used cars online in various countries like Ireland. Like shopping for clothes, the purchase of cars follows the same conception that more websites you visit, more knowledge about the product and current market condition will be available.

For better understanding, the car dealers post detailed pictures of cars, giving you a vague idea of how well the car is maintained or looks. If the pictures are satisfactory, then you can plan a visit to the store to personally check out a particular car.

Once you have found a feasible deal, you can even get a car insurance quote for the car you are interested in. Again, the online terrain will be of great help in this case as well – thanks to the possibility of obtaining almost every detail with ease. Buying used cars online is now easier and cheaper than ever before.

Before you plan to book it, do consider the price range. Some car dealers tag a price to make sales, whereas others have a price label to make a customer. Now, it’s up to you to choose; you either want a reliable dealer or a money-maker.

Other than that, it is also essential to mark that the deal not only provides you with basic services but also offers some extra value for your benefit like after sales services, car insurance, 24 hour recovery service, full crash repairs, replacement vehicles supplied at special rates - to build a name.

In addition to used cars, these car dealers also offer brand new cars. So, if you think that you can survive this economic burden even after purchasing a first-hand car, then one more option is open for you.

Volvo XC60s and C30s Awarded To Winners of Volvo Cars' "What Drives Edward" Contest

Volvo XC60s and C30s Awarded To Winners of Volvo Cars' "What Drives Edward" Contest
The Twilight Saga: New Moon comes alive for winners of Volvo Cars' What Drives Edward online contest when they drive off in shiny new Volvo's, just like what Edward drives in the Twilight movies, courtesy of Volvo Cars. The winners were the first eligible entrants to complete all the puzzles at http://www.whatdrivesedward.com/. More than 370,000 people in the US, Canada, Germany, UK and France participated in the online contest.
Given the overwhelming response in the US - close to 300,000 participants - Volvo Cars of North America decided to award two winners with new Volvo's. Beth Gleason, 18 and Jeannette Lee Underwood, 19, were the first two persons to complete the game and will soon drive off in shiny new Volvo XC60s. Also 22 year old Canadian Christopher Johnstone won a XC60 just like the one that Edward drives in the movie.
In France, Gaël Retho, 29, beat over 11,000 other contestants and won a brand new Volvo C30 R-Design.
In Germany, 13,000 people competed, 850 solved the complete puzzle but 25 year old Sebastian Ecker was first and was awarded a new Volvo C30.
The UK winner is David Inglis, 21, who beat his 24,000 competitors which gave him a brand new Volvo XC60.
"More younger people think that Volvo is 'cool' because Edward drives one and this will impact on their future car buying decision making - Volvo is now on the radar; and in fact their 'moms' think the same" says Paul Walder, Global Marketing Manager at Volvo Cars. "Volvo is truly delighted to be part of the New Moon experience and nothing beats being authentically linked to a phenomenon like this. People really liked the fun of the challenging puzzles, and we are delighted with the reactions we are getting."
Players who did not win and want their own new Volvo XC60 can visit a local Volvo retailer or go to http://www.volvocars.com/ to build their own. Edward's XC60 features a Saville Grey metallic exterior, a sandstone beige/espresso interior, a cream leather steering wheel, 19-inch Achilles diamond cut wheels and exterior accessories such as side scuff plates, front bumper bar and rear skid plates.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the second film in the series, opened to record-breaking grosses around the world. In the film directed by Chris Weitz and starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of - only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Following Edward Cullen's (Pattinson) departure from Forks, Wash., Bella discovers his image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. In time, Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob Black (Lautner) who has a supernatural secret of his own.
The third film in the franchise, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, is due in theatres on June 30, 2010.

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New Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop Named Green Car of the Year

New Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop Named Green Car of the Year
The new Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop has been awarded TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk's Green Car of the Year 2009. The Volvo C30 DRIVe stormed ahead in the online poll beating rivals such as the Toyota Prius and BMW 316d to receive the accolade.
Emitting only 99g/km of CO2, the new Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop not only qualifies for free annual Vehicle Excise Duty, but also offers up to 74.3 mpg on a combined cycle resulting in around 850 miles on one tank of fuel. These eco credentials make it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class without compromising on style and comfort.
On top of receiving an overwhelming majority of votes from visitors to the site, the Volvo C30 DRIVe was also unanimously voted green car of the year by the motoring journalists behind TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk's editor, Faye Sunderland said: "The C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop technology is genuinely a fantastic addition to the ‘green scene' this year. In such a short space of time, Volvo successfully slashed its emissions and as a relative newcomer in the green car market, it is impressive to see the Swedish carmaker make such strong progress in such a short time. A deserved winner, Volvo can afford to be very proud of the C30 DRIVe as its flagship green model."
Peter Rask, managing director for Volvo Car UK added: "We are honoured and delighted that the new Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop has been named TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk's Green Car of the Year. Volvo Cars' vision is to develop cars that are entirely free from harmful exhaust emissions and environment-impacting carbon dioxide. Emitting only 99g/km of CO2 the Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop shows how Volvo are well on their way to achieving this vision."

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.Buying from a registered Car dealer offers you protection

Buying from a registered Car dealer offers you protection. We believe that the better alternative to buying a secondhand car privately is to buy from a registered dealer. There are many reasons why buying used cars from a registered dealer is safer for consumers. Only Dealers Offer These Services – A Dealer’s Warranty – After Sale Service – Choice of Used cars – Recourse – Guarantee Against Stolen Vehicles – Financial Assistance – Extended Warranties – Accept trade-ins All of these factors make the advantages of buying used cars from registered dealers clear. When one adds up all of these positive reasons and considers the hazards of buying secondhand cars privately, the obvious choice is a used car from a registered car dealer. Reputable car dealers offer the best deals When you buy a used car from a Car dealer, do you really pay more than you would if you bought it privately? Probably not!! There are two important considerations, when
buying a used car or anything else. Quality and Price! Consider The Quality Buying privately is simply buying “as is”. When you purchase privately, you’re buying a car exactly as you see it .. any problems the car has become your problems. When someone’s about to sell their used car, it’s usually because they’re buying another one. That raises the question …. why? Does it need extensive repairs? Has it been giving the owner frequent problems? If so, there’s little likelihood that they’d spend the money to have it fixed … and then sell it. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good deal when you buy privately. There’s certainly a chance that the car has been well maintained. Why consider Car dealers then? What does a dealer offer you, if he purchases that same used car from the customer and then sells it to you? First of all, he’s going to have the used car thoroughly inspected and refurbish it both mechanically and, in the case of stains, rust, etc., appearance wise as well. It may need a complete respray, if it’s an older vehicle, or it might just need a quality touch-up. Most importantly, when car dealers sell you the second hand car it’s his responsibility to ensure that it’s reasonably fit for your use. With a dealer, you have recourse. With a private purchase you have little or none. What About Price? It’s true that car dealers expect to make a profit on their sale ….. if not, they’d soon go out of business, wouldn’t they? But what about the private sale. How does the private seller determine the price they want for their car? More often than not, they check to see what car dealers are charging for a comparable
used cars and try to get as close to that price as possible. Often times they might even ask for more because, they may claim, they looked after the car with Tender Loving Care. The TLC may be true or it may not! Only a good mechanical inspection will determine that. Regardless, they’re going to try to get as close to what a car dealer would ask for the secondhand car as they possibly can. That’s just human nature. Everyone wants to try to get the best advantage they can. The private seller isn’t selling the secondhand car to become your best friend. In fact, you’ll probably never hear from the person again. That’s not true of Car dealers thow. He not only wants you as a happy purchaser of that car … he also wants you to spread the word to your friends and relatives that he’s a Car dealer that you’re pleased with Nothing beats a referral from a satisfied customer! So, back to the question. Is it cheaper buying privately? In the final analysis, it might even be more expensive. A dealer’s cost to repair a car, will be well below what the average person will pay. This allows a dealer to refurbish a vehicle, make a profit and still be competitive with a private seller.

DUSTER, THE NEW CAR FROM DACIA

DUSTER, THE NEW CAR FROM DACIA THAT
REWRITES THE 4x4 RULEBOOK
· Following the successive launches of Logan, Sandero and Logan MCV, plus Logan van and Logan
pick-up, Dacia is today poised to take on the 4x4 market with Dacia Duster.
· Dacia Duster is a tough, reliable, easy to use 4x4 aimed at motorists looking for a daily driver with
real off-road ability.
· Dacia Duster is economical both to buy and to run:
- economical to buy: an unbeatable performance/equipment/space package for its price.
- economical to run: available with a choice of thrifty engines featuring low fuel consumption and
low CO2 emissions. The 4x2 diesel versions of Dacia Duster will emit less than 140g of CO2/km,
making them eligible for the Dacia eco² signature, while the 4x4 diesel versions will emit less than
150g of CO2/km.
· Dacia Duster is proof that it is possible to produce an all-terrain vehicle that is not only functional
and affordable, but also respectful of the environment. Dacia, which pioneered a fresh approach
to the way consumers view the automobile following the launch of Logan in 2004, has once again
showcased its ability to think outside of the box with Duster.
· Dacia Duster will be manufactured at the brand's Pitesti plant in Romania. The Pitesti factory will
manufacturer both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions for the European, Turkish and Maghreb markets, with
sales scheduled to begin next spring (2010).
· Duster is a truly international vehicle, both in terms of its markets and production. It will gradually
become available across the world, badged as either a Renault or a Dacia, following the example
of Logan and Sandero.
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THE GENESIS OF THE DUSTER PROJECT: A RESPONSE TO AN UNMET DEMAND
The Duster project was born out of the simple premise that a real need existed in the world for a comfortable,
strong and affordable 4x4, a category of vehicle which is currently not well served. Aware of this gap, the
Renault group decided to develop an all-terrain vehicle aimed initially at emerging markets. The needs of
European customers were also taken into account from the very start of the project.
- In emerging markets (Russia, Brazil, etc.), the middle classes aspire to owning a modern car that reflects their
social status. At the same time, they want a strong car that is reliable, versatile and capable of standing up to
climatic demands and conditions that can be both tough and varied (long distances, rugged, difficult terrain, use in
built-up areas, often within large conurbations, etc.). The current offer is largely dominated by imported SUVs,
which are often priced beyond the means of these middle classes.
- In Europe, Dacia's success has highlighted the demand for modern, reliable and affordable cars. Although the
current range of 4x4s and SUVs is quite extensive, it neglects the call for a functional, affordable all-terrain
vehicle, favouring instead showy SUVs that are expensive and often ill-suited to the needs of all-terrain motoring.
DACIA DUSTER, EVERYTHING A 4x4 SHOULD BE
Indisputable 4x4 looks…
At first glance, Dacia Duster is clearly a 4x4. Its front end exudes a sense of ruggedness, and the wide wheel
arches, imposing chromed grille and sump guard all point to Dacia Duster 4x4 credentials. Seen from the side, its
high ground clearance, clearly-defined wheel arches and body protection are an open invitation to take on even
the toughest roads and tracks.
Today's all-terrain vehicles are often synonymous with bulk, a preconception which Dacia Duster sweeps aside.
Standing at a length of just 4.31 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, Dacia Duster is very compact, making it as
at home in built-up areas as it is when taken off the beaten track. Although it clearly demonstrates that it
belongs to the world of all-terrain motoring, Dacia Duster boasts attractive, yet unostentatious lines.
…with genuine go-anywhere ability
Dacia Duster was designed to tackle all types of roads and tracks, all over the world. In order to meet these
varied needs, Dacia Duster will be available in all markets in both 4x2 form (for customers looking for high
ground clearance, high driving position but who have no real need for a four-wheel drive daily driver) and
with 4x4 transmission for off-road driving.
Dacia Duster's strengthened underside is suitable for dirt roads and all-terrain use thanks to its high ground
clearance (more than 200mm) and big clearance angles (approach angle: 30 degrees; departure angle: more
than 35 degrees).
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Dacia Duster is easy to drive and not only aimed at all-terrain aficionados. The combination of its low unladen
weight (1.180kg in 4X2 - 1,280kg in 4X41) and compact proportions ensure particularly agile handling. In the 4X4
version, thanks to the unique and intuitive control (sourced from Nissan) located in the cabin at the foot of the
central column, Dacia Duster drivers can easily adapt the vehicle's transmission configuration to meet
their needs of the moment. This control allows one of three modes to be selected:
- When the AUTO mode is selected, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available
grip. This system is aimed at providing optimal traction, however much grip is available, and gives Dacia Duster
genuine 4x4 ability. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost,
or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. In extreme conditions, the torque
is split equally front and rear. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.
- In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks it into 4x4 mode, whereby 50 per cent of torque is consistently fed
through the rear axle. This mode is recommended in low grip conditions (snow, mud, dirt, sand) at low speeds.
- In 4x2 mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and
reduces fuel consumption.
A DACIA 4x4 WHICH DELIVERS ALL THE STRENGTHS EXPECTED OF THE BRAND
Duster, the sixth vehicle in the Dacia range, remains true to the brand's philosophy by offering unbeatable
cabin space for its price, plus low running costs thanks to its thrifty fuel consumption, as well as a high standard
of security and reliability whatever the conditions.
Unbeatable cabin space for its price
Although Dacia Duster's price is comparable with that of a city car, its exterior and interior dimensions are more
akin to those of a compact car from the next segment up.
Dacia Duster comfortably seats up to five adults. Both front and rear occupants enjoy the same amount of
space as Dacia Logan passengers.
Dacia Duster's boot capacity is unbeatable, too, with a volume of up to 475dm3 ISO (depending on version).
With the rear benchseat folded and tipped forward, Dacia Duster offers impressive carrying ability which can
exceed 1,600dm3 ISO.
1 Average Unladen kerb weights figures for all models, without options and drivers.
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Reliable engines with good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions
Both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Dacia Duster will be available with either a 1.6 16V 110hp petrol engine or with
85 dCi or 105 dCi diesel power. All three powerplants have already demonstrated their efficiency under the
bonnet of a number of Renault group models.
These engines are perfectly suited to the criteria of cost, strength and ease of maintenance that are a hallmark
of the Dacia range. Combined with Duster's low weight, they ensure that Dacia's newcomer returns low fuel
consumption and boasts impressive ecological credentials, with the dCi diesel versions emitting less than
140g of CO2/km in 4x2 form (qualifying Duster for the Dacia eco² signature) and less than 150g of CO2/km in
the case of the 4x4 versions.
Safety: an absolute priority
Dacia Duster benefits from Renault's acclaimed expertise in the area of safety.
Dacia's 4x4 features Bosch 8.1 ABS, as well as EBV electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake
assist.
On the passive safety front, Dacia Duster comes as standard with two front airbags (depending on market) and
three-point seat belts with load limiters for the front seats. Depending on version, two lateral head/thorax
airbags are fitted in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags to provide additional protection in the case
of an impact from the side. Pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seats (depending on version) complete Dacia
Duster's retention system. In addition to holding the thorax firmly in place, they limit forward movement of the
body in the case of a frontal impact by tightening the belt around the thorax and the lap.
Reliability and strength: Dacia fundamentals
Like all the vehicles based on the B0/Logan platform, Dacia Duster has been engineered to deliver the hallmark
strength and reliability motorists have come to expect of the brand.
Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several precautions:
- wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections,
- mastic sealing of exterior joints,
- additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components,
- stone-chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.
Similar care has been paid to the electrics and electronics, with an installation already seen on several Renault
models.
To back up its high build quality, Dacia Duster comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty in the majority of
its European markets.
5
A TRULY INTERNATIONAL CALLING
Duster is a truly international vehicle, both in terms of its markets and its production. It will gradually become
available across the world, following the example of Logan and Sandero.
Dacia Duster to be released in the brand's main markets from the spring of 2010
Dacia Duster will be launched in the spring of 2010 in Europe, Turkey and the Maghreb region (Algeria, Morocco).
It will round off the Dacia model line-up, which is expanding in the majority of these markets. In addition to the
three vehicles aimed at the private sector (Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero), Dacia has staked its claim, too, in
the LCV sector with Logan van and Logan pick-up.
From June 2010, Duster will also be available in the Ukraine, the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and
Lebanon) and in some African countries badged as a Renault.
The Pitesti factory, which is the principal production facility for Entry-range models, will supply all these markets
with both Dacia- and Renault- badged versions. The Romanian plant has an annual production capacity of
350,000 vehicles and will continue to produce the brand's other models.
Renault Duster in Russia, Brazil and the Gulf States in 2011
Duster will expand into other parts of the world in 2011. It will be distributed in the Gulf States, supplied from
Pitesti, and will also be built alongside Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway in Curitiba, Brazil, for distribution in
Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Chile. At a later date, Duster will go on to be manufactured at the Avtoframos plant
in Moscow, Russia.

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Book your car and hit the roads



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