• The first Volante to feature a full carbon fibre body
• 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 573 PS; 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds (estimated)
• Multi-layer lightweight fabric roof folds in 14 seconds

Aston Martin today unveils the Vanquish Volante – a stunning new luxury sports car that brings the thrill of open top motoring to the super GT class.

Alongside its coupe sibling, launched to worldwide acclaim last autumn, the Vanquish Volante sits at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker’s sports car line-up.

Benefitting from all of the technical, engineering and design advances present in the Vanquish coupe, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting convertible driving.

Instantly becoming one of the most beautiful cars in its class, Vanquish Volante crucially retains the coupe’s dynamic character and sporting capability. It boasts the same new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine as the coupe and the same blistering performance figures, meaning the 0-62 mph sprint is despatched in just 4.1 seconds (estimated) while the top speed stands at 183 mph.

Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brand’s 100-year history, while also being the stiffest Volante body structure yet created by the engineering team at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The new car’s triple-skin lightweight fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to fold.

Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package.

“Aston Martin is celebrating 100 years of excellence in 2013, and the arrival of this new sports car – our ultimate Volante – underlines that our mission to make the next 100 years even more successful is starting perfectly.”

The design of Vanquish Volante represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar while the folding fabric roof sits beneath a tonneau and decklid that have been aerodynamically tuned for optimum performance.

The windscreen, meanwhile, is now full height – a first for Aston Martin – which means that the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thereby achieving a particularly clean transition.

The Vanquish Volante’s ‘suit’ of carbon fibre panels cloaks a cabin that is both sophisticated and comfortable. The 2+2 cabin is elegantly attired in authentic and luxurious materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim underscore the car’s well-appointed nature.

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre not just because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, but also for its flexibility of form. This not only reduces mass but means that fewer individual body panels are required – reducing joints and contributing to a more coherent and svelte shape.

As practical as it is well-dressed, the Vanquish Volante boasts a boot that’s fully 50% larger than that of the previous DBS Volante. It measures 279 litres – roof up or down – and makes the new Aston Martin the perfect choice for continent-crossing grand tours as well as daily drives.

Perhaps one of the most striking interior design elements is the centre stack with refinements providing a more elegant form that is also more intuitive and accessible for both driver and front seat passenger.

A direct descendent of the One-77 centre stack, the Vanquish and Vanquish Volante’s set-up retains familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button and glass gear selection buttons while featuring a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

The facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

The user interface boasts a simple, ergonomically efficient layout as well as technological updates that make it the brand’s most advanced in-car system available today.

Capacitive glass buttons with illumination and haptic feedback feature in the rest of the centre stack’s switchgear. Haptic feedback is more commonly found in touch-screen mobile phones and Aston Martin became among the first significant luxury car manufacturers in the world to use the technology in a series production model when it debuted on Vanquish coupe in 2012.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: “Vanquish Volante is a sports car, of course, but more even than that it is the ultimate Volante. A car which follows a long line of elegant Aston Martin convertibles, this super GT is sculpted to convey sophistication as much as raw power.

“The aerodynamically shaped tonneau, the proportions of the folding fabric roof, the luxurious nature of the cabin – these elements have been pored over by the Design team, working with our Engineering colleagues, to ensure we deliver the aesthetic appeal for which Aston Martin is renowned around the world.”

Under its curvaceous carbon fibre bonnet the Vanquish Volante comprises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine which drives the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox.

The V12’s power peak of 573 PS (565 bhp) arrives at 6,750 rpm while the torque peak of 620 Nm (457 lb ft) is available at 5,500 rpm. These numbers translate into performance that matches the Vanquish coupe’s and ensures the new car supports its Super GT billing.

The dynamics have been tuned precisely, with new springs and damper settings calibrated to deliver the same crisp handling yet compliant ride as the coupe.

Strenuous efforts have been made to limit the new car’s weight; contributing to its impressive performance, agile handling and compelling power-to-weight ratio. The combination of controlled weight, near-perfect 51:49 weight distribution, a powerful V12 engine and a performance-honed six-speed transmission unite to make the Vanquish Volante as rewarding on the move as it is beautiful standing still.

Like its coupe counterpart, the Vanquish Volante uses the latest generation of Aston Martin’s class-leading VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In this iteration, the Vanquish now includes the addition of significant semi-structural carbon fibre components, as well as the use of bonding derived directly from the latest aerospace technologies.

As well as being light, strong and flexible in its application, the gen4 VH architecture is also extremely rigid. The new Vanquish Volante is, in fact, 14% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante which preceded it, making it highly resistant to flex and allowing for responsive and predictable handling.

This rigid structure also provides an ideal foundation from which the suspension can control the vehicle effectively, further highlighting the importance of the body structure and the effect it has on the dynamic performance of the car.

Aston Martin’s engineering teams have worked particularly hard to minimise the weight outside the wheelbase of the new car to reduce yaw inertia. As a result, carbon fibre has been used extensively in the rear structure and the weight of the aluminium front structure has been limited.

To take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the Vanquish Volante employs a battery of sophisticated technologies including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Positive Torque Control (PTC).

Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes available help significantly broaden the Vanquish Volante’s character, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s mood and requirements. Thus it can be a cruising GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into an assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Steering, too, is crisp, precise and communicative. The rack’s quick 15:1 ratio – 2.6 turns lock-to-lock – is allied to speed sensitive power assistance that’s tuned to deliver optimum assistance.

The car’s braking system features third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) parts to deliver shorter stopping distances with resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

The front brakes use 398 mm x 36 mm CCM discs with larger front pads and six-piston callipers from the One-77, while the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM discs with four-piston callipers.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez added: “Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level.

“This is not simply a great-looking car – this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters.”

Priced from £199,995 RRP in the UK; €264,995 RRP in Germany; $297,995 MSRP in the United States and $323,974 RRP in Dubai, first deliveries of the new sports car are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2013.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot, lifted the veil on the Copacabana in the presence of an impressive array of celebrities and hundreds of media attending the ceremony.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Today, 12 June 2013, Messieurs Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General, Pelé, football legend,ambassador to the UN as well as UNESCO and Hublot Ambassador for the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, Aldo Rebelo, Brazilian Minister of Sports, Luiz Fernando Pezão, vice-governor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, Mayor of the City of Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Niemeyer, grandson of Oscar Niemeyer, Ana Lucia Niemeyer, Oscar Niemeyer’s grand-daughter and President of the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, and Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot, came together on the most famous of waterfronts, the Copacabana, to jointly unveil one of the event’s stand-out symbols: the official countdown clock of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ – today at exactly T minus 365 days to the kick-off of the world’s largest single-sport event.

The clock in Rio is one of three countdown clocks which will grace Brazil for the next year. They as they represent the eager anticipation not only of the people of the Host Country but all over the world of the first FIFA World Cup™ to take place in Brazil for 64 years.

These clocks, commissioned especially from Hublot for Brazil, are also the last project to have been personally led by Oscar Niemeyer, the great Brazilian architect – an iconic presence in the country’s culture and one of the most renowned architects of the 20th Century – prior to his passing in December 2012.

At the time, in late 2011, a first meeting was arranged between Oscar Niemeyer, FIFA and Hublot in the architect’s studio on the Copacabana. The chemistry was there instantly and it was with great enthusiasm that Oscar Niemeyer outlined the involvement he was looking forward to having with a project directly related to the FIFA World Cup being held in his country. As a tribute to the great man, Hublot created a Limited Edition Big Bang Oscar Niemeyer watch following this first encounter.

The clocks are installed at the heart of Brazil’s three largest cities to symbolize a welcome to the world and the pride of hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. They are situated on the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro; on the prestigious Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima in Sao Paulo; and right next to the famed TV tower in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil and the city that is a testament to Oscar Niemeyer’s architectural design.

Hublot is the Official Timekeeper and the Official Watch of the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup Brazil – as well as of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil, which will be held from 15 to 30 June. Hublot will always and mainly visible on the referee boards.

Source Hublot

On August 9th-11th, Heidelberg celebrates one of the greatest 17th century love stories and a special Jubilee: THE WEDDING. 400 years ago, Frederick V. – later to be known as the „Winterking“ – married the English Princess Elizabeth Stuart in London. Upon their return to Heidelberg, its citizens welcomed the bride and the groom with lavish festivities that continued for several days. What was then a prime social and political event, will now be celebrated as a dream wedding with extensive cultural city festivities. With regards to the historic significance of this marriage, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. has granted her patronage for the Jubilee celebrations. Elizabeth Stuart is viewed as the ancestress of today’s British monarchy.

„Marriage of Thames & Rhine“ inspires THE WEDDING 2013

In early August, the city of Heidelberg will be dedicated to the jubilee celebrations of THE WEDDING. The event’s varied three-day programme combines courtly brilliance of past times with special contemporary attractions.

400 years ago, Heidelberg witnessed the first firework display the city ever saw. In 2013, it is time for another premiere: A fascinating light show and illuminations on the first day of the celebrations will shed new light onto the city. Historic fireworks are part of the anniversary weekend’s further spectacular programme with a grand castle firework as the glowing finish on Sunday night.

On all three days of celebration, THE WEDDING provides exciting entertainment for adults and children alike. A historic camp acts as a “live museum” and grants insights into the daily life of the past. The wine village, crafts fair, fun with historic toys, stage programmes, and festive banquet are among the many attractions that visitors are able to discover and enjoy. The river Neckar will also be a showplace of events with festivities on the river banks, a rowing regatta, and a sparkling boat parade.

One of THE WEDDING’s highlights is the triumphal procession of the couple through the city, leading to a wedding party. On Sunday, a colourful pageant of local associations honours the bride and groom.

Royal Jubilee brings wedding sentiments to Heidelberg

As 400 years ago, the entire city of Heidelberg is involved in the preparation and celebration of THE WEDDING. All participating partners will present themselves and their many activities at www.thewedding2013.de.

The „Heidelberg Love Story“, for instance, is a selected edition of specially created chocolate truffles and other gourmet products in reminiscence of the wedding of Frederick V and Elizabeth Stuart.

Cultural highlights around THE WEDDING

The „Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft Rhein-Neckar” will organise many presentations and events to accompany the wedding jubilee. Its chairman Nichola Hayton had presented Dr. Eckart Würzner, the mayor of Heidelberg, with the British ambassador’s official statement that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would act as the patron of the jubilee festivities.

Multiple exhibitions such as „The Rose“ will complement THE WEDDING. Work by artists from Heidelberg will be shown in the convention centre “Kongresshaus Stadthalle”.

Join the celebration and make this a unique Heidelberg experience

Heidelberg expects many guests for THE WEDDING from near and from far places, from Germany and England, from Europe and overseas. To those interested in experiencing THE WEDDING, the website www.thewedding2013.de offers further information and special travel arrangements for individuals, groups or day trips. As of now, visitors can also book THE WEDDING-themed guided tours of the city and the castle.

Source Heidelberg Marketing GmbH

Errant Surf Travel will become a part of the Ticket to Ride Group’s expanding portfolio of adventure sports, travel and lifestyle organisations. Key benefits immediately include greater financial security for both customers and suppliers, an enlarged UK head office team, an extended customer base and an enhanced global network of operational staff and suppliers. On the supplier side, many of Errant’s travel partners have already worked with companies involved in the Ticket to Ride group, and will now benefit from working with this larger organisation.

Errant Surf was set up in 2006 by Chris Thomson who saw the potential market for independent surfers searching for exciting new surf locations whilst enjoying insider knowledge and the guarantee of professional surf schools and quality accommodation. The company expanded quickly with 450 holiday options in 30 countries across the world. Due to the relocation of the founding director, increased pressure on the travel market and the recent collapse of a key supplier, Errant has recently gone into voluntary administration.

Chris Thomson said, “The past 8 years has taken us all on an incredible journey however due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control the last 18 months have been really tough for us as a small independent company. We are grateful of course to the Ticket To Ride Group and delighted that a company with such a similar ethos and product is able to take the valuable assets of Errant Surf Travel forward. I look forward to seeing everything that we have built up flourish as part of this larger group structure.”

Co-Founding Director of the Ticket To Ride Group, Will Hayler said, “Errant has an extremely powerful brand and a loyal following hence the enhanced opportunity now that it is part of our larger Ticket To Ride family and network of companies and suppliers. Working within our organisation, the costs of running Errant will be dramatically reduced, giving customers the chance to get even better value for money with additional support before, during and after their holiday.”

Will continues, “Further customer benefits include greater financial protection through the group’s ATOL and TOPP (Tour Operator Protection Policy) licences. We are certainly excited to be in the position to ensure the continuation of the Errant Surf journey and looking forward to the prospect of driving this company and its potential to the next level.”

Source Ride Group byExcess Energy Communications

This once more reflects the huge and remarkably swift success of the British premium brand as it advances into a new segment, extending the model range to include automobiles with all-wheel drive. “Off Road” readers have clearly got wind of the fact that the MINI Countryman’s hallmark brand driving fun is to be had beyond the urban environment, too – and even away from asphalted roads. Their positive vote demonstrates not least an appreciation of the MINI Countryman’s drive and suspension technology. Powerful engines of exemplary efficiency, precise steering and specific suspension settings guarantee superb agility.

Then there is the permanent all-wheel drive system specially developed for MINI which uses an electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. Its electronic management system is integrated directly in the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) control unit, enabling ALL4 to vary drive torque quickly and precisely. The result is not just optimised starting on snow or loose sand and improved forward thrust on slippery surfaces but also enhanced sports-style driving fun on bends.

The MINI Countryman’s growing popularity is also reflected in its market success, with over 102,000 sold worldwide in 2012 alone. In fact the successful launch of the 3-door MINI Paceman in March 2013 even gave the brand’s all-wheel drive offensive an additional boost. The distinctive Sports Activity Coupé is likewise available with ALL4 as an optional extra. When the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4 line up for the start as of July 2013, there will be two petrol and two diesel engines for each model available in conjunction with all-wheel drive, with output ranging from 82 kW/112 bhp to 135 kW/184 bhp. Then there are the two extreme sports models MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman, each of which transmits its outstanding engine output of 160 kW/218 bhp to all wheels as standard. The all-wheel drive MINI models are all available as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and optionally with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Presented annually since 1982, the “Off Road Award” is one of the most tradition-steeped prizes in the automotive sector. This year there were a total of 128 current models to choose from in 13 categories.

Source BMW AG

The assignment was announced at the DSA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, following a vote for new Officers and Directors that took place in the Annual Business Session. Bianca will join a small group of executives from world-leading companies who have received a three-year appointment over guiding the efforts of the DSA.

The DSA works with Congress, numerous government agencies, and consumer protection organizations to lobby on behalf of its member companies, ensuring appropriate representation under the law. The DSA Board of Directors is a group of distinguished executives who share a three-year term to guide the efforts of the DSA.

“I am honored to have been elected to serve our industry in this capacity,” said Bianca. “One of the unique characteristics about direct selling is how industry executives unite to represent the best interests of our distributors in the field.”

As a long-time member of the DSA, 4Life pledges to follow the DSA’s ethical business practices as set forth in the Code of Ethics. The DSA’s mission strives to “protect, serve, and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent.”

4Life is good standing member in more than a dozen Direct Selling Associations around the world, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, the Philippines, Colombia, Taiwan, Ecuador, Mexico, Thailand, Chile, Spain, and Indonesia.
Additionally, David Lisonbee and Steve Tew participate on The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) CEO Council. The WFDSA is a non-governmental organization that represents the direct selling industry as a federation of national Direct Selling Associations. Membership consists of 58 national Direct Selling Associations and one regional federation, the Federation of European Direct Selling Associations.

Steve Tew: “Bianca will do an excellent job on the DSA Board of Directors. In addition to many years of professional experience, she has a deep understanding of the relationships that distinguish 4Life and our industry as one-of-a-kind opportunities. We look forward to her leadership.”

4Life held a Platinum sponsorship at this year’s DSA Annual Meeting. 4Life has offices on five continents to serve a global network of independent distributors through science, success, and service.

Source 4Life Research USA, LLC

A symbolic watch: available in King Gold, Titanium or black PVD Titanium, only 41 of each of the three watches presented today will be produced in honour of the Brazilian icon’s 41 victories and 3 championship titles.
Act IV in the long history of friendship that links Hublot and the Senna family, including Ayrton’s sister Viviane: today at the Hublot factory in Switzerland was unveiled the most complicated watch produced by Hublot in the Senna edition. The event was in the presence of her son Bruno, nephew & heir of Ayrton Senna’s family, and Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Following on from the phenomenal success of the first Big Bang Senna presented in 2007, the Big Bang Foudroyante Senna presented in Tokyo in 2009 and the King Power Ayrton Senna presented at the São Paulo Grand Prix in 2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the driver’s birth, we can now celebrate Ayrton’s 41 victories and 3 championship titles with a super limited edition of 3 models with only 41 pieces each.

Ricardo Guadalupe welcomed Bruno, a professional driver himself who had made the journey especially for the occasion. He was given a tour of the workshops, where he saw the very first MP-06 Senna models in production. He showed considerable interest in the processes, asking the watchmakers technical questions about the design of the watches. This piece, produced in honour of the Brazilian icon, is the most complicated Hublot watch to date.
Bruno Senna said: “We are so proud of having Hublot as one of our long lasting partners and extremely honoured that they chose the SENNA collection to present their new special watch design and technology. Celebrating Ayrton’s victories and titles with such a beautiful and special collection is outstanding.”

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, completed: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Bruno to our manufacture in Switzerland. He is a fine spokesman for the magnificent work being done in Brazil by his mother Viviane and the entire Senna family. We are delighted that our support, as well as that of many friends and partners, is helping to sustain their commitment to give millions of children the education they need to build a future and a better life.”
Only 3 models with 41 numbered pieces each will be produced – a mark of exclusivity to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Hublot and the Senna family. As ever, a large part of the sales revenue will go directly to the family.

Stylish and powerful, in King Gold or Titanium or black PVD Titanium, the MP-06 Senna has a tonneau case. Its expertly openworked sapphire dial reveals the manufacture tourbillon movement, which is entirely designed, developed and produced by Hublot’s engineers and watchmakers. 155 components with 5-day power reserve. The Senna brand logo (in yellow, green or red depending on the version) appears as a transfer at 9 o’clock on the sapphire dial. The watch comes in a special Hublot presentation case with a perfect miniature reproduction of Ayrton Senna’s helmet design in 88, 89 and 91.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
References 906.NX.0129.VR.AES13 (Senna Titanium, limited edition of 41 pieces)
906.OX.0123.VR.AES13 (Senna 18K King Gold, limited edition of 41 pieces)
906.ND.0129.VR.AES12 (Senna All Black, limited edition of 41 pieces)
Case MP-06 – Titanium, 18K King Gold or black PVD Titanium
Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Case-back Titanium, 18K King Gold or black PVD Titanium with sapphire crystal
Interior anti-reflective coating
Crown Titanium, 18K King Gold or black PVD Titanium with black rubber insert
Water resistance 3 ATM, i.e. approx. 30 metres
Dial Sapphire with rhodium-plated satin-finished indexes and hands, green SuperLuminova™ (titanium version),
Sapphire with gold satin-finished indexes and hands, red SuperLuminova™ (King Gold 18K version)
Sapphire with black satin-finished indexes and hands, yellow SuperLuminova™ (All Black version)
Senna logo transfer at 9 o’clock, green, red or yellow depending on the version
Movement HUB9006.H1.1 (Titanium and All Black versions)
HUB9006.H1.8 (18K King Gold version)
Hand-wound skeleton tourbillon movement produced by the Manufacture
No. of components 155
Jewels 19
Frequency 3 Hz (21,600 Vib/h)
Power reserve Approximately 120 hours
Strap Black perforated Schedoni leather with green, red or yellow decoration depending on the version. Black stitching.
Clasp Black micro-blasted and satin-finished titanium (Titanium version)
Black micro-blasted and satin-finished King Gold (18K King Gold version)
Black micro-blasted PVD titanium and black ceramic (All Black version)

Source Hublot

L-R: Paul Bulcke, Nestlé CEO; Gerhard Berssenbrügge, Market Head Nestlé Germany; Angela Merkel, German Chancellor; Erwin Sellering, Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Harry Glawe, Minister for Economics, Construction and Tourism of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined Nestlé Chief Executive Paul Bulcke at a ceremony to lay a foundation stone for the company’s EUR 220 million Nescafé Dolce Gusto site in Schwerin in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern today.

The factory is expected to create about 450 new jobs by the time is fully operational.

Continuous growth

“In spite of the difficult economic environment, we believe in Europe’s strength,” said Mr Bulcke.

“We are convinced that growth is possible. This is why we are not only investing right now, but continuously, in the European market and in convincing innovations, modern technology, and highly qualified employees.

“This factory is not only our biggest investment in Germany, but one of our biggest-ever investments in Europe,” he continued.

“It reflects our long-standing commitment to Germany and illustrates our deep trust in a country where we have had successful operations for 110 years.”

Number one

Germany is Nestlé’s fourth biggest market worldwide and its number one market in terms of sales of Nescafé Dolce Gusto.

The factory in Schwerin will be the company’s third fully-dedicated Nescafé Dolce Gusto site, after Tutbury in the United Kingdom and Girona in Spain.

It will produce around two billion capsules per year for the German, Scandinavian and Eastern European markets.

Source Nestlé

This means that ALL4 can be selected in four model variants of both the MINI Countryman and the MINI Paceman while the two top sports models MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman will continue to have all-wheel drive fitted as standard. In the new additions to the range – the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4 – the power generated by the 90 kW/122 bhp 4-cylinder engine is distributed between the front and rear wheels not only to enhance traction on slippery surfaces but also to increase sporty fun on bends. The two new all-wheel drive MINI models are also available as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and optionally with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

From July 2013 there will be a wider range of options allowing owners who are motor racing enthusiasts to express this through a series of options under the John Cooper Works brand. The new John Cooper Works Exterior Package is available for all engine and drivetrain variants of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman. It comprises sport suspension settings, 18-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design and – as an addition for the model variants MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD – the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit, consisting of a front apron with integrated air ducts for brake cooling, model-specific side sills and a rear bumper with diffuser. In addition to bonnet strips in black or white, the Dark Style design package also emphasises the defiantly sporty character of those models fitted with the John Cooper Works Exterior Package. It comprises exterior mirror caps and turn indicator surrounds in Black Checkered, anthracite-coloured roof rails and – as an additional feature in the MINI Countryman – radiator grille ribs in anthracite.

Inside the car the John Cooper Works Interior Package includes sports seats Diagonal Track fabric in John Cooper Works Carbon Black, the John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, Sport Button, Dynamic Traction Control, John Cooper Works door sill finishers and an anthracite-coloured roof liner.

Also available from July on the MINI Countryman and Paceman the John Cooper Works Chili Package offers an attractive combination of racing-oriented flair and high-quality comfort features. It comprises all the elements of the John Cooper Works Exterior Package and the John Cooper Works Interior Package along with the following additional options: fog lamps, rain sensor, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer, lighting package, storage package, height adjustment for the passenger seat and velour floor mats. Another special feature of the John Cooper Works Chili Package is the sports seat finish in the Parallel Lines Light Tobacco fabric/leather combination for the MINI Countryman, and the Hot Cross Carbon Black fabric/leather combination for the MINI Paceman. The package is also supplemented with xenon headlights in the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD models.

New paintwork finishes also provide an attractive fresh touch for these models. In combination with the John Cooper Works Exterior Package or the John Cooper Works Chili Package, the Countryman and Paceman are now also available in Chili Red, which was previously reserved exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman models.

Source BMW AG