Evaluate.com Confirms Partnership with Google Insurance Comparison Site

Online auto insurance comparison site compare.com is now working with Google on its auto insurance compare and buy platform, Google Compare, in California.

Andrew Rose, CEO of Virginia-based compare.com, said the search engine giant approached the company because it was having trouble attracting carrier partners to its search panel and wanted to offer more carrier options to users.

The partnership will work by giving Google Compare users access to some of Compare.com’s 41 carrier partners through the Google Compare site.

“They ultimately made the decision that we were a short cut to building a panel themselves,” said Rose.

Google is offering compare.com’s providers in addition to forming their own carrier panel, said Rose. However, all of compare.com’s carrier partners are not available through the Google Compare site.

“Google Compare will collect user info and forward that information to us and we will forward it on to any of our participating carriers that want to have their rates shown on Google [Compare],” he said.

Rose said not all of compare.com’s carrier partners wanted to participate in the new Google Compare venture as some had concerns. He wouldn’t name or give an exact number of compare.com’s carriers that agreed to participate, but did say it is “somewhere in between” its 41 partners.

“In some ways, this is quite scary for insurance companies. There is concern among them about what happens if Google controls one of the avenues where they get their business,” he said.

The relationship is also non-reciprocal, meaning Google Compare opted not to share its carrier partners with compare.com. Rose said that was Google’s decision.

The partnership will work by showing Google Compare users multiple insurance quotes after they input their information – some quotes will come from compare.com’s carrier partners, and some from Google.com’s partners. Quotes may also be provided by Google’s other partner, CoverHound.com. When a user chooses to purchase an auto policy on Google’s site from a compare.com carrier they leave the Google site and go to that carrier’s webpage to finish the transaction, just as it works on compare.com’s site. Customers can also choose to call and purchase their policy over the phone.

Compare.com is compensated by the carrier just as they would be if they went straight to compare.com.

“From the carrier’s standpoint, the policy still came from compare.com and they will compensate us. Then we pay Google a share of what we were compensated by the carrier,” said Rose.

Compare.com doesn’t charge customers to use its site and the same is true on the Google Compare platform. Compare.com charges carriers a flat fee per sale that is based on the segment of business. Carriers are only charged if a customer actually buys the policy from the company. Compare.com then uses that money to advertise on behalf of the carriers.

Also just like the compare.com site, the rate doesn’t change when the customer leaves the Google Compare site or calls the listed phone number to purchase. Rose says this has been a critical part of his company’s success so far because the consumer can finish their transaction without any other costs.

Compare.com was established in 2013 and is the U.S. version of confused.com that started back in 2002 in the UK and is also owned by parent company, Admiral, the former owners of esurance.com. Compare.com began writing business in the U.S. market in 2014 with auto insurance and just recently changed its name from comparenow.com, which Rose said was unrelated to the partnership.

Rose said compare.com partnered to power the back-end of Google Compare because they thought it was a good opportunity for compare.com’s insurance company partners and would help elevate comparison sites like compare.com.

“This creates a big win for the insurance company. They can integrate with us once and then can also get Google’s traffic as well,” he said. “It was a very big decision for us to say yes we want to partner with them, but we think that the more consumers that use comparison shopping for insurance the better it will make it for us all.”

Rose says it will also help compare.com enhance and build its brand, as compare.com will be mentioned with each rate that is returned by them.

“We are going to be the brand name that consumers actively choose,” he said. “It’s a different strategy and we would rather be a part of it than not.”

Rose said it is possible that compare.com’s carriers could eventually choose to work directly with Google Compare rather than go through compare.com, but he doesn’t see that happening because, “Our current panel members value their relationship with compare.com and we value them.”

His message to agents is also one of optimism – he encourages them to work with compare.com because the company accommodates agents through its process, saying, “We know how important and powerful they are.” He says agents shouldn’t consider comparison sites a death to their business and rather find ways to work with them.

“This is a reality you are not going to be able to stop, so work with a partner that knows the insurance business and values the agency proposition,” he said.

Currently, the partnership between compare.com and Google Compare is just for auto insurance in California, but Rose says they are open to working with Google in other states when it expands, though nothing has been decided on now. Compare.com currently offers auto insurance comparison quotes in 48 states and plans to expand into homeowners and renters insurance later this year.

Rose said some of his carrier partners are taking a wait-and-see approach to the Google Compare platform and the companies that have opted to participate can change their minds at any time or just not return a rate – they are not locked in to participating. But he thinks as time goes on more carriers will become comfortable and want to take part in comparison model platforms.

“Just as with our business, it took some time to get the first 5 carriers and now we are on our way to 4 dozen. Once you start gaining momentum the insurance carriers don’t want to be left out,” he said.

Compare.com isn’t locked in to the Google Compare deal either – while they have a contract, which details cannot be disclosed, Rose said they can get out of the deal “in a reasonable period of time, like with any contract.”

He doesn’t expect that will be the case, however.

“We all have spent a lot of time and effort to make it work and are invested in it and want to see it succeed. And we did it because we want to see comparison models succeed,” he said.

Related:

• Google Compare for Car Insurance has Arrived


• Google to Face Same Obstacles Selling Insurance Online, Says Overstock’s Byrne


• Walmart Begins Selling Auto Insurance Online


• Insurance Agents Urged to Follow Overstock.com, Insuritas Online Sales Model


• Buying Insurance Is Like Online Dating? Or Loving a Local Agent?


• Has Online Shopping for Auto Insurance Peaked?


• UK Online Aggregators Now Have 40% of Personal P/C But Not Commercial

Evaluate.com Confirms Partnership with Google Insurance Comparison Site

Examine.com Confirms Partnership with Google Insurance Comparison Website

On-line auto insurance comparison web site examine.com is now working with Google on its auto insurance compare and buy platform, Google Evaluate, in California.

Andrew Rose, CEO of Virginia-primarily based examine.com, said the search engine giant approached the firm simply because it was obtaining problems attracting carrier partners to its search panel and wanted to supply far more carrier alternatives to users.

The partnership will perform by giving Google Compare customers access to some of Examine.com’s 41 carrier partners through the Google Evaluate site.

“They eventually made the selection that we have been a quick reduce to constructing a panel themselves,” said Rose.

Google is providing examine.com’s providers in addition to forming their personal carrier panel, said Rose. Even so, all of evaluate.com’s carrier partners are not available by way of the Google Evaluate internet site.

“Google Compare will gather user information and forward that info to us and we will forward it on to any of our participating carriers that want to have their prices shown on Google [Evaluate],” he said.

Rose stated not all of compare.com’s carrier partners wanted to participate in the new Google Compare venture as some had concerns. He wouldn’t name or give an exact quantity of compare.com’s carriers that agreed to participate, but did say it is “somewhere in between” its 41 partners.

“In some methods, this is fairly scary for insurance coverage firms. There is concern amongst them about what happens if Google controls a single of the avenues exactly where they get their enterprise,” he said.

The relationship is also non-reciprocal, meaning Google Compare opted not to share its carrier partners with examine.com. Rose said that was Google’s selection.

The partnership will operate by showing Google Compare users numerous insurance coverage quotes right after they input their info – some quotes will come from evaluate.com’s carrier partners, and some from Google.com’s partners. Quotes might also be offered by Google’s other partner, CoverHound.com. When a user chooses to obtain an auto policy on Google’s site from a evaluate.com carrier they leave the Google website and go to that carrier’s webpage to finish the transaction, just as it functions on evaluate.com’s web site. Buyers can also pick to contact and obtain their policy over the phone.

Examine.com is compensated by the carrier just as they would be if they went straight to examine.com.

“From the carrier’s standpoint, the policy still came from evaluate.com and they will compensate us. Then we spend Google a share of what we were compensated by the carrier,” stated Rose.

Compare.com doesn’t charge consumers to use its web site and the same is correct on the Google Compare platform. Evaluate.com charges carriers a flat fee per sale that is based on the segment of company. Carriers are only charged if a buyer actually buys the policy from the company. Compare.com then uses that cash to promote on behalf of the carriers.

Also just like the evaluate.com website, the price does not modify when the consumer leaves the Google Examine internet site or calls the listed phone quantity to obtain. Rose says this has been a crucial element of his company’s good results so far due to the fact the customer can finish their transaction with out any other costs.

Examine.com was established in 2013 and is the U.S. version of confused.com that began back in 2002 in the UK and is also owned by parent company, Admiral, the former owners of esurance.com. Evaluate.com began writing enterprise in the U.S. marketplace in 2014 with auto insurance coverage and just not too long ago changed its name from comparenow.com, which Rose said was unrelated to the partnership.

Rose mentioned compare.com partnered to energy the back-finish of Google Examine simply because they believed it was a very good chance for compare.com’s insurance coverage business partners and would help elevate comparison internet sites like compare.com.

“This creates a large win for the insurance coverage business. They can integrate with us when and then can also get Google’s site visitors as properly,” he stated. “It was a quite huge selection for us to say yes we want to companion with them, but we feel that the far more customers that use comparison purchasing for insurance the far better it will make it for us all.”

Rose says it will also help evaluate.com boost and build its brand, as evaluate.com will be mentioned with every price that is returned by them.

“We are going to be the brand name that shoppers actively select,” he mentioned. “It’s a distinct technique and we would rather be a element of it than not.”

Rose mentioned it is possible that compare.com’s carriers could eventually decide on to work straight with Google Examine rather than go through examine.com, but he does not see that taking place simply because, “Our present panel members worth their relationship with examine.com and we worth them.”

His message to agents is also a single of optimism – he encourages them to operate with examine.com simply because the firm accommodates agents via its method, saying, “We know how important and strong they are.” He says agents shouldn’t contemplate comparison internet sites a death to their enterprise and rather find ways to operate with them.

“This is a reality you are not going to be able to cease, so function with a partner that knows the insurance coverage organization and values the agency proposition,” he stated.

Currently, the partnership in between examine.com and Google Examine is just for auto insurance in California, but Rose says they are open to working with Google in other states when it expands, even though nothing at all has been decided on now. Evaluate.com presently provides auto insurance coverage comparison quotes in 48 states and plans to expand into property owners and renters insurance later this year.

Rose stated some of his carrier partners are taking a wait-and-see strategy to the Google Compare platform and the companies that have opted to participate can modify their minds at any time or just not return a price – they are not locked in to participating. But he thinks as time goes on a lot more carriers will become comfortable and want to take part in comparison model platforms.

“Just as with our business, it took some time to get the very first 5 carriers and now we are on our way to 4 dozen. When you start off gaining momentum the insurance carriers do not want to be left out,” he mentioned.

Compare.com is not locked in to the Google Examine deal either – even though they have a contract, which information can not be disclosed, Rose said they can get out of the deal “in a reasonable period of time, like with any contract.”

He doesn’t count on that will be the case, nevertheless.

“We all have spent a lot of time and work to make it operate and are invested in it and want to see it succeed. And we did it since we want to see comparison models succeed,” he said.

Related:

• Google Compare for Vehicle Insurance has Arrived


• Google to Face Exact same Obstacles Promoting Insurance Online, Says Overstock’s Byrne


• Walmart Starts Selling Auto Insurance coverage On-line


• Insurance coverage Agents Urged to Comply with Overstock.com, Insuritas Online Sales Model


• Buying Insurance coverage Is Like On the internet Dating? Or Loving a Neighborhood Agent?


• Has On the internet Shopping for Auto Insurance coverage Peaked?


• UK On-line Aggregators Now Have 40% of Personal P/C But Not Industrial

Examine.com Confirms Partnership with Google Insurance Comparison Website

Rolls Royce Confirms SUV—Or, Its “Everywhere” Vehicle—Will Get Distinctive Platform

Surprising no 1, Rolls-Royce has confirmed that it is joining rival brands in providing an ultra-luxe, SUV-like product in coming years. We say “SUV-like” due to the fact Rolls is referring to it as an “everywhere” vehicle—cue collective eye-roll—and claims that it is absolutely not a tit-for-tat answer to the Bentley Bentayga SUV that will debut a couple of weeks from now at the Geneva motor show.

Substantially, the new, “high-bodied” Roller will be built on a fresh, all-aluminum platform that is distinctive to Rolls-Royce, dispelling rumors that it would be an offshoot of the upcoming BMW X7. And as with its stablemates, energy will come from a fat V-12. Our sources inside Rolls-Royce also told us that it would not appear like a Ghost station wagon—and that it “will be huge.” We expect it to be larger and most likely more strong than the Bentley, and we also wouldn’t be surprised to see other Rollers—including the Phantom replacement—to be constructed on the same bones.

The look of this 4th Rolls-Royce solution should enhance R-R production to record levels, but do not count on it to turn out to be as frequent as a Honda Civic, as our sources assure us that, as opposed to Ferrari, Rolls-Royce is hellbent on remaining “elusive” (which, apparently, is even far better than being “exclusive”).

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As for the “everywhere” car factor, mincing of words is not entirely baseless in this case, as to describe a vehicle like this as a “sport-utility vehicle” could constitute nothing short of mockery of the word “sport.” It’s also worth remembering that Rolls-Royce is not new to semantic diversions only recently did the organization commence stating horsepower and torque figures for its behemoth engines, previously declaring them only to produce “sufficient” or “adequate” output in each regards. No word on when or whether or not the new car may possibly be previewed in idea form at an auto show, but watch this space for the inevitable spy shots of improvement mules—that is, unless they prove just as well elusive.

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Rolls Royce Confirms SUV—Or, Its “Everywhere” Vehicle—Will Get Distinctive Platform

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

While a refreshed, more potent Lotus Evora returns to the U.S. late subsequent year, the firm is also planning a crossover variant meant to make the wee British-Malaysian automaker lucrative for the 1st time in practically 2 decades.

Whilst we broke the news back in October that Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales was considering sedans and crossovers, we thought he was referring to new models based on more affordable Protons, the Malaysian automaker tied with Lotus under Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom. But in a new interview with Britain’s Vehicle, Gales stated the crossover would be based on the Evora and compete with a production version of the Audi TT Offroad Notion unveiled at Beijing in April. Plus, Gales said there would be a successor to the 2-Eleven, the mad, track-only Elise without having a windshield that blew us away when we tested one in 2007. He also all but confirmed to Car that there would be an Evora roadster, “which is the easiest factor in the planet to do.”

For months, Lotus will have nothing to peddle in the U.S. but the track-only Elise S Cup R and Exige V-6 Cup. The feds told the Evora, the only street-legal Lotus on sale right here, to promptly GTFO subsequent year due to an expiring sensible-airbag waiver. From Gales himself, the next Evora—which will meet all U.S. security regs when it debuts at Geneva subsequent March—will be a refresh and not a top-to-bottom redo. The supercharged Toyota V-6 will breathe through an intercooler for “substantially much more horsepower” and Lotus will reduce and thin out the door sills to make getting into an Evora simpler than, say, a kayak. It will also grow to be even far more pricey.

“Lotus cars will be sharper than ever prior to,” Gales told Vehicle. “We will tip the balance toward handling. The ride will remain excellent, but the handling will be even greater.”

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Gales, who took more than in May, mentioned he plans to make Lotus profitable by 2016 (the first such occasion in 17 years, he stated) and could break even with 3000 vehicles per year, much more than double the 1263 vehicles sold in 2013. In between 2017 and 2020, when a Lotus sedan may well launch, Gales desires Lotus to strategy 10,000 vehicles. This is all pleasant to hear, but we’re so utilised to Lotus emitting vapor of late—absolutely nothing promised below CEO Dany Bahar’s bizarre 3-year stint hit the pavement—that we remain skeptical. Lotus is in the procedure of firing a couple hundred employees, and until that dust settles, a lifted, mid-engine Lotus 4×4 will not drive off a PowerPoint slide.

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

• Ford is launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate


• Focus RS will be made available globally for first time


• Ford bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally

• Ford uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, sooner

PRETORIA, South Africa, Dec. 11, 2014 - Ford today confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate.* The company announced that the all-new RS will be made available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time.

Ford also announced that the all-new Focus RS is one of more than 12 new performance vehicles coming for global enthusiasts through 2020. This is part of the company’;s plan to deliver more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world – more quickly – through a new global Ford Performance team.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” says Raj Nair, Ford’;s group vice president, Global Product Development. “Through our global Ford Performance team that ties together racing, performance vehicles, and parts, we can more quickly bring to market products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track.”

Focus RS, which builds on a pedigree of driving excellence dating back to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’;s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” Nair said.

In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, vehicles such as Focus RS help deliver the company’;s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business. Performance vehicle sales are growing around the world – with sales in Europe and the U.S. up by 14 percent and 70 percent respectively, since 2009.

Powering performance vehicles, such as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST, is Ford’;s award-winning EcoBoost engine range. Since the introduction of the EcoBoost engine in 2009, Ford has produced more than 2 million EcoBoost engines globally.

“EcoBoost is a strong example of how we are migrating technology and engineering across our line-up, ensuring our vehicles are fun to drive – not just our Ford Performance line-up,” Nair said. “From our most nimble Fiesta to our hard-working full-size pickups and racing vehicles, our line-up benefits from the innovations we deliver at the track and at the limit.”

New global team

The new Ford Performance organisation unifies Team RS, Ford SVT, and Ford Racing globally, serving as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’;s product portfolio.

In addition to race tracks around the world, the team also will develop new vehicles and technologies at Ford’;s engineering centres globally and at a new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility helps the team deliver racing innovations as well as advancing tools for use in performance vehicles and daily drivers alike.

The Ford Performance organization is led by Dave Pericak, who has been appointed director, Global Ford Performance.

Heritage of Performance Innovation

Performance and racing are deeply embedded in Ford’;s DNA, dating back 113 years ago when Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Race against Alexander Winton – then America’;s greatest racer.

Following a remarkable upset victory in front of Detroit’;s business elite, some of whom immediately came forward to back whatever automotive venture Henry had in mind, Ford Motor Company opened 18 months later.

“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901 – to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world,” Nair said. “The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world.”

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

• Ford is launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate


• Focus RS will be made available globally for first time


• Ford bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally

• Ford uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, sooner

PRETORIA, South Africa, Dec. 11, 2014 - Ford today confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate.* The company announced that the all-new RS will be made available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time.

Ford also announced that the all-new Focus RS is one of more than 12 new performance vehicles coming for global enthusiasts through 2020. This is part of the company’;s plan to deliver more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world – more quickly – through a new global Ford Performance team.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” says Raj Nair, Ford’;s group vice president, Global Product Development. “Through our global Ford Performance team that ties together racing, performance vehicles, and parts, we can more quickly bring to market products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track.”

Focus RS, which builds on a pedigree of driving excellence dating back to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’;s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” Nair said.

In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, vehicles such as Focus RS help deliver the company’;s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business. Performance vehicle sales are growing around the world – with sales in Europe and the U.S. up by 14 percent and 70 percent respectively, since 2009.

Powering performance vehicles, such as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST, is Ford’;s award-winning EcoBoost engine range. Since the introduction of the EcoBoost engine in 2009, Ford has produced more than 2 million EcoBoost engines globally.

“EcoBoost is a strong example of how we are migrating technology and engineering across our line-up, ensuring our vehicles are fun to drive – not just our Ford Performance line-up,” Nair said. “From our most nimble Fiesta to our hard-working full-size pickups and racing vehicles, our line-up benefits from the innovations we deliver at the track and at the limit.”

New global team

The new Ford Performance organisation unifies Team RS, Ford SVT, and Ford Racing globally, serving as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’;s product portfolio.

In addition to race tracks around the world, the team also will develop new vehicles and technologies at Ford’;s engineering centres globally and at a new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility helps the team deliver racing innovations as well as advancing tools for use in performance vehicles and daily drivers alike.

The Ford Performance organization is led by Dave Pericak, who has been appointed director, Global Ford Performance.

Heritage of Performance Innovation

Performance and racing are deeply embedded in Ford’;s DNA, dating back 113 years ago when Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Race against Alexander Winton – then America’;s greatest racer.

Following a remarkable upset victory in front of Detroit’;s business elite, some of whom immediately came forward to back whatever automotive venture Henry had in mind, Ford Motor Company opened 18 months later.

“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901 – to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world,” Nair said. “The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world.”

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

• Ford is launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate


• Focus RS will be made available globally for first time


• Ford bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally

• Ford uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, sooner

PRETORIA, South Africa, Dec. 11, 2014 - Ford today confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate.* The company announced that the all-new RS will be made available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time.

Ford also announced that the all-new Focus RS is one of more than 12 new performance vehicles coming for global enthusiasts through 2020. This is part of the company’;s plan to deliver more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world – more quickly – through a new global Ford Performance team.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” says Raj Nair, Ford’;s group vice president, Global Product Development. “Through our global Ford Performance team that ties together racing, performance vehicles, and parts, we can more quickly bring to market products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track.”

Focus RS, which builds on a pedigree of driving excellence dating back to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’;s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” Nair said.

In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, vehicles such as Focus RS help deliver the company’;s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business. Performance vehicle sales are growing around the world – with sales in Europe and the U.S. up by 14 percent and 70 percent respectively, since 2009.

Powering performance vehicles, such as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST, is Ford’;s award-winning EcoBoost engine range. Since the introduction of the EcoBoost engine in 2009, Ford has produced more than 2 million EcoBoost engines globally.

“EcoBoost is a strong example of how we are migrating technology and engineering across our line-up, ensuring our vehicles are fun to drive – not just our Ford Performance line-up,” Nair said. “From our most nimble Fiesta to our hard-working full-size pickups and racing vehicles, our line-up benefits from the innovations we deliver at the track and at the limit.”

New global team

The new Ford Performance organisation unifies Team RS, Ford SVT, and Ford Racing globally, serving as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’;s product portfolio.

In addition to race tracks around the world, the team also will develop new vehicles and technologies at Ford’;s engineering centres globally and at a new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility helps the team deliver racing innovations as well as advancing tools for use in performance vehicles and daily drivers alike.

The Ford Performance organization is led by Dave Pericak, who has been appointed director, Global Ford Performance.

Heritage of Performance Innovation

Performance and racing are deeply embedded in Ford’;s DNA, dating back 113 years ago when Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Race against Alexander Winton – then America’;s greatest racer.

Following a remarkable upset victory in front of Detroit’;s business elite, some of whom immediately came forward to back whatever automotive venture Henry had in mind, Ford Motor Company opened 18 months later.

“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901 – to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world,” Nair said. “The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world.”

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

• Ford is launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate


• Focus RS will be made available globally for first time


• Ford bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally

• Ford uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, sooner

PRETORIA, South Africa, Dec. 11, 2014 - Ford today confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS – the ultimate performance version of the world’;s best-selling global nameplate.* The company announced that the all-new RS will be made available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time.

Ford also announced that the all-new Focus RS is one of more than 12 new performance vehicles coming for global enthusiasts through 2020. This is part of the company’;s plan to deliver more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world – more quickly – through a new global Ford Performance team.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” says Raj Nair, Ford’;s group vice president, Global Product Development. “Through our global Ford Performance team that ties together racing, performance vehicles, and parts, we can more quickly bring to market products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track.”

Focus RS, which builds on a pedigree of driving excellence dating back to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’;s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” Nair said.

In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, vehicles such as Focus RS help deliver the company’;s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business. Performance vehicle sales are growing around the world – with sales in Europe and the U.S. up by 14 percent and 70 percent respectively, since 2009.

Powering performance vehicles, such as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST, is Ford’;s award-winning EcoBoost engine range. Since the introduction of the EcoBoost engine in 2009, Ford has produced more than 2 million EcoBoost engines globally.

“EcoBoost is a strong example of how we are migrating technology and engineering across our line-up, ensuring our vehicles are fun to drive – not just our Ford Performance line-up,” Nair said. “From our most nimble Fiesta to our hard-working full-size pickups and racing vehicles, our line-up benefits from the innovations we deliver at the track and at the limit.”

New global team

The new Ford Performance organisation unifies Team RS, Ford SVT, and Ford Racing globally, serving as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’;s product portfolio.

In addition to race tracks around the world, the team also will develop new vehicles and technologies at Ford’;s engineering centres globally and at a new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility helps the team deliver racing innovations as well as advancing tools for use in performance vehicles and daily drivers alike.

The Ford Performance organization is led by Dave Pericak, who has been appointed director, Global Ford Performance.

Heritage of Performance Innovation

Performance and racing are deeply embedded in Ford’;s DNA, dating back 113 years ago when Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Race against Alexander Winton – then America’;s greatest racer.

Following a remarkable upset victory in front of Detroit’;s business elite, some of whom immediately came forward to back whatever automotive venture Henry had in mind, Ford Motor Company opened 18 months later.

“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901 – to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world,” Nair said. “The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world.”

Ford Confirms All-New Ford Focus RS; More Than 12 Vehicles Coming from New Global Team

Naamsa vehicle sales report for August confirms pressure on domestic passenger vehicle sales

“The domestic passenger vehicle sales will continue to show pressure for the duration of 2014 given interest rates and car price increases which are above inflation. As a result, the expected reduction in the petrol price by 67c a litre on Wednesday will not have any impact on vehicle sales. However, the good news is that the export market will continue to be the star performer in the motor industry given the stability going forward post the wage settlements.”

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General Comments on August 2014 NAAMSA sales:

• The month of August 2014 experienced a (-3.25%) decrease in sales compared to July 2014.


• Month on Month both Passenger (-4.96%) and Light Commercial Vehicles (-0.88%) experienced negative growth.


• Year on Year monthly comparison shows a decrease of -1.37% in August 2014 compared to August 2013.


• Year to date (January – August 2014) comparisons shows that vehicle sales are down by -4.33% in the first 8 months of the year when compared to last year.


• Month on month Exports increased in August (10.08%) with Passenger vehicles increasing by 31.09% and Light Commercial Vehicles growing by -17.10%.


• Year on year monthly comparison shows an improvement in exports of 18.52% in August 2014 compared to August 2013.


• AMH & AAD saw an increase in August 2014, 26.35% month on month.

General Comments on August 2014 Standard Bank VAF Personal Applications:

• In August 2014 applications for both new and used vehicles experienced negative month on month growth of -11.8% and -8.3%, respectively.


• Year on year monthly comparison on applications shows a decline in both new (-39.3%) and used (-8.5%) vehicle market applications in August 2014 compared to August 2013.


• Applications in both Passenger Vehicles (-9.5%) and Light Commercial Vehicles (-10.5%) in the Personal market had negative month on month growth in August 2014.


•  Year on year monthly comparison shows negative growth for both Passenger Vehicles (-2.2%) and Light Commercial Vehicles (-1.3%) in August 2014.


• The proportion of applications with RV’s stayed at 18.7% in August 2014 (6.3% year on year increase in RV’s).


• The proportion of applications with deposits decreased by -6.3% year on year in August 2014 compared to August 2013.


• The Average Contract Term on applications increased from 66.6 months to 66.8 months (August 2013 to August 2014).


• The average application size increased to R207 612.

Nicholas Nkosi – Head of Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets

General Comments on August 2014 Standard Bank VAF Personal New Business:

• In August 2014 Personal new business experienced negative month on month growth in both new (-5.5%) and used (-11.6.9) vehicle markets.


• Personal new business year on year comparisons shows a decline in both new (-35.0%) and used (-33.9%) vehicle markets in July 2014 compared to August 2013.


• Passenger vehicles had negative month on month growth of -9% while Light Commercial had positive growth of 1.0%.


•  Personal new business year on year monthly comparison shows a decline for both Passenger Vehicles (-45.3%) and Light Commercial Vehicles (-47.1%) in August 2014 compared to August 2013.

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

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Naamsa vehicle sales report for August confirms pressure on domestic passenger vehicle sales