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Vivre L’Automobile!

04 October 2016

Well October is just about upon us and so the Car industry’s great and good descend on Paris for the annual International Motor Show (1st - 18th October).  One thing you can’t deny this year’s show for is having choice, with more than 60 world premiere’s being launched; there is something to suit every budget.

There is also no denying the growth in the activity vehicle market, or SUV/Crossover if you prefer?  This area of the market grew by 22% in Western Europe (*) in the first quarter of this year and manufacturers are keen to jump in to our buying trends and so Paris will see the launch of a plethora of new SUV vehicles which will soon be hitting our shores and company car choice lists over the next few months.

New iterations of the popular Audi Q5 and Land Rover Discovery will be shown featuring new design and technology focusing on communication and reducing their environmental impact, whilst the French are keen to show their hand with the all-new 3008 and 5008 models from Peugeot, now bona-fide SUV’s alongside Renault’s new Koleos.  Hot on the heels of VW’s Tiguan comes the larger 7-seat Kodiaq from Skoda seeking to usurp the status quo with more space, more equipment and lower prices.  Whilst BMW are playing to the sporty driver appeal of their low-roofed coupe-esque X2 based on the recent X1 model and seen as a direct competitor to the established Range Rover Evoque.

Gone are the days of the utilitarian, agricultural, smoke bellowing SUV, these cars are now becoming abundant sights on our roads and company car choice lists due to their raised driving position, increased space, safety and technology and with the growing trend for plug-in hybrids they are giving company car drivers the best of both worlds.

Article written by Christian Sawyer, Marshall Leasing

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