May 2010 Editorial

 

It’s been a lightning quick year so far. We’re almost at the halfway mark and the automotive industry seems to be recovering well from the economic slump. Many companies over the past month have published their first quarter report and most of the major European manufacturers have held their own, Audi on the one hand gained a place in the premium segment over Mercedes with BMW left in their sights.

 

Kia was the biggest surprise of all with a staggering 40+% increase in sales year on year, with the month of March performing exceptionally well. However, the Japanese manufacturers weren’t all that excited about their fiscal year’s closing numbers; Mazda has witnessed a step back and Toyota is still suffering from the backlash of the 8 million+ vehicle recall. And to make matters worse, the Prado/GX460 offerings of both the Toyota and Lexus brand have proven a bit unstable and a voluntary recall is in the works. Porsche even had to recall its Panamera to modify the front driver seatbelt mountings after some anomaly was discovered.

 

But in the West, General Motors made big news by repaying a large chunk of the bailout money it received from the government of the U.S. and Canada, with the rest due for payment when the company’s stock goes back to public offering on the stock market. Ford also published a profit for the 2009 year and an up-to-expectations first quarter worldwide, with a specific gain in Europe thanks to the Fiesta.

 

A lot has been happening, and most of it positive. While the ghosts of recession past are still lurking in the background, that is not true of China, the market which acted as the savior for most of the companies stated above.

 

The Beijing Auto Salon opened for business towards the end of April showcasing some very important models, both global and local to the country. Lamborghini, the authors of our Cover Car were there with a few special limited models that we will review in future issues - but for now, enjoy our Superleggera outing in the south of Spain. We also bring you our Jaguar XJ experience from the suburbs of Paris, as well as write up on the Volvo C70, Range Rover Sport and Jeep Patriot.

 

Don’t miss the review of the Ferrari 599GTO, the Italian firm’s fastest car ever, and our feedback from our visit to Volkswagen’s Glassern Manufacture in Dresden, home of the Phaeton, which also witnessed a launch of its rejuvenated self in Beijing… Enjoy!