Black or Blue??

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Black or Blue??

Black or Blue??

About these ads

Black or Blue??

Overlook 50 shades of grey vehicles – white is the new black

If, like me, you own a grey car, you might have felt a wave of despair when trying to find it in a crowded car park.

Sometimes it seems ever car you see is grey (or ‘silver’, if you’re posh; ‘charcoal’ if you live in the Home Counties; or ‘pearl’ if you work in advertising).

Fobbed off

I’ve even got as far as cursing my key fob for failing to open the doors, only to realise it’s not actually my Golf I’m trying to get into (that was at Milton Keynes railway station, so it’s probably on film somewhere).

But all this could be about to change. Thanks to a surge in popularity in recent years, white is the UK’s favourite colour for people buying new cars.

White out

Of the 2,476,435 new cars registered in 2014, 22.2% were white, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This is the biggest percentage since records began, and it’s the second year running that white cars have topped the popularity polls.

In second place were black cars with 19% of the total market, followed by grey in third at 14% (so they’ll be with us for a few years yet).

Blue, red and silver cars each accounted for 13% of new car registrations.

Forecourt appearance

So what’s changed? White cars used to sit on the forecourts for days, weeks, even months, prompting car dealers to come up with the term ‘60-day white’.

In fact, white cars accounted for less than 1% of new car purchases a mere decade ago.

There are various explanations for the recent boom in white car sales.

Some put it down to the release of aspirational models in white, such as the Audi TT and the BMW M3. Then there’s the change in car design from fussy details to sleek lines, which look good in white.

Hot and cool

Of course, white cars will always sell well in the hotter climates of the Middle East, but let’s not forget the ‘Apple effect’.

Apple products are the ultimate in cool design and could also explain the popularity of the colour white.

It’s not all about looking good. White has other advantages, too. Contrary to popular opinion, white cars don’t show up the dirt any more than the next colour. They are also easy to clean, or at least it’s easy to make a white car look clean.

Black marks

Then there’s the safety aspect. It turns out that black cars are more likely to be involved in an accident than cars of any other colour – almost 50% more likely according to some studies.

White cars, on the other hand, are one of the safest shades.

They also hold their value well. CAP, the valuation experts, reckon white cars hold about 5% more of their value than the typical used car, which is handy if you want to sell the car on.

It’s all very well and good – and the record-breaking statistics speak for themselves. But I’m not convinced. Isn’t driving around in a white car a bit like driving around in a fridge or washing machine?

Or maybe I’m just not cool.

But what do you think? How important is your car’s colour? Let us know in the box below.

Overlook 50 shades of grey vehicles – white is the new black

Infiniti QX70S Black to première at the 2014 Paris Motor Show

Dark chrome is the new black for the Infiniti QX70S Black which will have its première at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Adding a definite bad-boy spirit to the already elegant and imposing QX70, the new S-Black edition builds on the provocative, design-led ethos of the standard QX70 – the original full-size luxury crossover to embody the athletic dynamism of a sports car.

The antidote to SUV boxiness and blandness, the QX70 in new S-Black form features everything that has made the QX70 such a global hit – including its long-bonnet proportions, flowing lines and powerful stance – but with a designer twist for a bespoke new look.

Dark chrome is the key to unlocking the QX70′s dark side. It is used for the grille, foglight surrounds, side air scoops, side sills and rear numberplate surround, endowing the shapely body with a technical finish that perfectly complements the car’;s seductive character. The headlights have a new smoked finish while wheels for the S-Black are 21-inch 6-spoke alloys finished in black, to match the black roof rails and black mirrors.

In S-Black form the Infiniti QX70 is more head-turning than ever, making a striking and very singular SUV statement.

The S-Black theme continues in the cabin with black lacquer finish on the centre console and purple stitching for seats, steering, wheel, armrest and door trims. With the lavish equipment of the S-Premium model included as standard in every S-Black version, the cabin’;s luxury character is enhanced while retaining all the driver focus and intuitive control for which the Infiniti QX70 is known.

Power, response and agility characterise how the QX70S Black is to drive, its athletic bearing extending to a real athlete’;s ability on the most demanding of roads. Powerful V6 engines, in either petrol or diesel forms, advanced chassis, balanced handling, and precise steering and gear control – the latter via Infiniti’;s much imitated but never bettered magnesium paddle shifters on the steering column - guarantee every drive is a rewarding drive.

The Infiniti QX70S Black range goes on sale in selected countries in West Europe immediately following its première at the Paris Motor Show, putting Infiniti on course to set more sales records this year.  The Infiniti S-Black model will be available in South Africa from 01 October 2014.

Recommended Retail Pricing on the QX70S BlackEdition is as follows:

• 3.7 V6 Petrol – R777, 630 (incl. VAT)


• 3.0 V6 Diesel – R799, 700 (incl. VAT)

Infiniti QX70S Black to première at the 2014 Paris Motor Show

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

Chevrolet has enhanced its passenger car line-up with the addition of 2 new ‘Black & White’; Spark and Sonic special edition models. The vehicles, which will be available in limited numbers, bring sporty visual upgrades and enhanced specifications to the Chevrolet portfolio, adding extra value and appeal.

“Chevrolet is well known for offering great value to our customers and we are confident that with these distinct new special versions we will delight Chevrolet buyers through exclusivity in limited numbers and with additional standard features,” says General Motors South Africa’;s Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon.

“The modifications on the Spark Black & White edition in particular have been developed by our local engineers and are factory-approved and fitted, for peace of mind to go along with the limited availability and unique South African flavour,” said Hendon.

Sonic and Spark Black & White Editions

Based on the popular Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 LS 5-door hatchback, the new Sonic Black & White Edition is available as a limited run of 200 units exclusively in Carbon Flash Black or Snowflake White Pearl, with side mirrors and the rear spoiler painted in contrasting ‘Orange Rock’;. Value-adding standard features include the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and black 16-inch alloy wheels.

The new Chevrolet Spark Black & White Edition is based on the mid-range Spark 1.2 LS. Available exclusively in Thunder Flash Black or Athenian White in a limited production run of 300 units, the Spark Black & White Edition features the addition of black 15-inch alloy wheels, contrasting black or white decals, light titanium upholstery, glossy black interior detailing, sports pedals, stainless steel door sill plates, unique side skirts and an exterior chrome detail package.

Both the Spark and Sonic Black & White Editions come standard with Chevrolet’;s 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan. In addition, the Sonic Black & White Edition carries a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan as standard.

The Sonic Black & White Edition will be available at dealers in August followed by the Spark Black & White Edition in September this year.

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

Chevrolet has enhanced its passenger car line-up with the addition of 2 new ‘Black & White’; Spark and Sonic special edition models. The vehicles, which will be available in limited numbers, bring sporty visual upgrades and enhanced specifications to the Chevrolet portfolio, adding extra value and appeal.

“Chevrolet is well known for offering great value to our customers and we are confident that with these distinct new special versions we will delight Chevrolet buyers through exclusivity in limited numbers and with additional standard features,” says General Motors South Africa’;s Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon.

“The modifications on the Spark Black & White edition in particular have been developed by our local engineers and are factory-approved and fitted, for peace of mind to go along with the limited availability and unique South African flavour,” said Hendon.

Sonic and Spark Black & White Editions

Based on the popular Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 LS 5-door hatchback, the new Sonic Black & White Edition is available as a limited run of 200 units exclusively in Carbon Flash Black or Snowflake White Pearl, with side mirrors and the rear spoiler painted in contrasting ‘Orange Rock’;. Value-adding standard features include the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and black 16-inch alloy wheels.

The new Chevrolet Spark Black & White Edition is based on the mid-range Spark 1.2 LS. Available exclusively in Thunder Flash Black or Athenian White in a limited production run of 300 units, the Spark Black & White Edition features the addition of black 15-inch alloy wheels, contrasting black or white decals, light titanium upholstery, glossy black interior detailing, sports pedals, stainless steel door sill plates, unique side skirts and an exterior chrome detail package.

Both the Spark and Sonic Black & White Editions come standard with Chevrolet’;s 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan. In addition, the Sonic Black & White Edition carries a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan as standard.

The Sonic Black & White Edition will be available at dealers in August followed by the Spark Black & White Edition in September this year.

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

Chevrolet has enhanced its passenger car line-up with the addition of 2 new ‘Black & White’; Spark and Sonic special edition models. The vehicles, which will be available in limited numbers, bring sporty visual upgrades and enhanced specifications to the Chevrolet portfolio, adding extra value and appeal.

“Chevrolet is well known for offering great value to our customers and we are confident that with these distinct new special versions we will delight Chevrolet buyers through exclusivity in limited numbers and with additional standard features,” says General Motors South Africa’;s Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon.

“The modifications on the Spark Black & White edition in particular have been developed by our local engineers and are factory-approved and fitted, for peace of mind to go along with the limited availability and unique South African flavour,” said Hendon.

Sonic and Spark Black & White Editions

Based on the popular Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 LS 5-door hatchback, the new Sonic Black & White Edition is available as a limited run of 200 units exclusively in Carbon Flash Black or Snowflake White Pearl, with side mirrors and the rear spoiler painted in contrasting ‘Orange Rock’;. Value-adding standard features include the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and black 16-inch alloy wheels.

The new Chevrolet Spark Black & White Edition is based on the mid-range Spark 1.2 LS. Available exclusively in Thunder Flash Black or Athenian White in a limited production run of 300 units, the Spark Black & White Edition features the addition of black 15-inch alloy wheels, contrasting black or white decals, light titanium upholstery, glossy black interior detailing, sports pedals, stainless steel door sill plates, unique side skirts and an exterior chrome detail package.

Both the Spark and Sonic Black & White Editions come standard with Chevrolet’;s 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan. In addition, the Sonic Black & White Edition carries a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan as standard.

The Sonic Black & White Edition will be available at dealers in August followed by the Spark Black & White Edition in September this year.

Black & White editions set new tones for Sonic and Spark

MAN in Black – Element Deux

I featured this little MAN TGL the other week after @steviebloke met him at Bestlogs yard in Chichester. The truck belongs to a German Bestlog subbie by the name of Patrick Pralat, so I emailed him to ask a few concerns and I got just a couple of answers. Here’s his reply

Danke for the compliment. Sorry, I’m not by twitter. Stevie can make much more images if he want, I have no new pictures. Inside appears the MAN typical. Original Radio blaupunkt 2x 5w speaker is out. Now is a multi media Alpine inside, small workplace with internet, GPS, printer, scanner, laptop/television and so on. The Alpine has 300w, 6 speaker, 1 woofer with bluetooth handsfree. Sorry for me poor english.

Best Regards
Patrick
PRALAT – Vehicle – Performance.

Even although it’s a brief answer it provides the concept that it is not just another run of the mill 12 tonner. I’m shocked none of the Photographers in Dover and the Kent region have spotted it however, not that I’ve observed anyway. In MAN in Black I talked about that Patrick can winch the trailer up inside the truck body when not required to save length and much more importantly road tolls. This photo was taken by another Bestlog driver @patsmithf1. If you spot a Bestlog truck or the black 1 then please send me a photo to ben@truckblog.co.uk or tweet me @truckbloguk. There is much more Bestlog action to come in the subsequent week or so.

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MAN in Black – Element Deux

MAN in Black

Attempting to believe of a title with the words “black” and “M.A.N.” In the title was no straightforward activity I can inform you. In the finish I’ve gone for the song title selection courtesy of Johnny Cash.

These photographs how ever are courtesy of @steviebloke on Twitter. Mr Bloke is a expert driver working for Bestlog UK delivering cars across the UK and Europe in his tiny green MAN TGL. There is also a Bestlog GMBH, the German parent firm if you like. As you’d envision between the 2 companies there are a fleet of leading specced trucks and on the German side there is also a subbie or 2. Now as it stands I can’t inform you anything about this German subbie that Steviebloke saw in Bestlog UK’s yard this week but actually what else do you need to know?? A image tells a 1000 words and all that.

Just appear at the shine on the bodywork. The truck is a Euro 5 MAN TGL LX 12.250. It should be Euro 5 as it’s not got the Euro 6 grill. So for a truck that is a year or 2 old to have such a shiny paint job is fairly impressive. The truck has an internal ramp that can lift a vehicle enabling a second car to be place on the decrease deck, or even his trailer can be place on the ramp to stay away from paying road tolls on 4 axles. Even with painted wheels it tends to make for a truck that delivers the sort of influence and professionalism you’d want the driver to have when delivering supercars. Hopefully we will see or even hear from this truck/driver once again in the close to future but in the mean time I’ll thank @steviebloke again for the photographs.

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MAN in Black