Stephen Hector

Enterprise Holdings Partnering With ATL Automotive/Sandals in Jamaica

Enterprise Holdings today announced that Jamaica’s leading automotive company, ATL Automotive – an affiliate of the family-operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Group – will serve as the franchisee for its Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in Jamaica.

The agreement will bring all three Enterprise Holdings brands to tri-branded facilities throughout the island starting in late 2016. Locating all three brands in one facility will offer customers easy access to a wide range of rental options.

Read more

New Audi Q7 is “2016 AUTO TEST WINNERS”

Audi produces 200th R8 LMS

• Successful in two generations: many titles on international race tracks
• Unbroken worldwide demand for GT3 race car

Ingolstadt, July 19, 2016 – Neckarsulm is delighted: The Audi Sport customer racing team has completed the 200th Audi R8 LMS. Since 2009, the brand with the four rings has been involved in international GT3 racing with a race car for
customers and developed a sales and service network around the globe, numerous
supporting services and technology offerings.
If all of the 200 Audi R8 LMS cars produced to date were lined up directly behind
each other the line would be more than 900 meters long. 136 models of the firstgeneration
race car and 64 of its successor launched in 2015 have been delivered by
Audi around the world. “We’re proud of this mark of 200 cars,” says Stephan
Winkelmann, Managing Director of quattro GmbH that develops and produces the
race car. “With more than ten manufacturers offering their products, including
many premium sports car brands, the GT3 market is fiercely competitive in many
countries. The demand shows that both our product and our services are focused on
the customer and absolutely competitive.” To date, both generations combined
have won 28 overall championship titles worldwide. In addition, there are 34 class
titles, nine overall victories in 24-hour races, plus four successes in 12-hour
competitions.
Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing, says: “When our new model was
launched last year, many teams opted for the Audi R8 LMS – and inquiries from
many parts of the world continue to be received in large numbers. Our teams and
drivers have been battling for victories and championship titles around the globe
ever since the new race car’s first full season.”
The 200th Audi R8 LMS was built at the Neckarsulm site in July and goes to Team
“Montaplast by Land-Motorsport.” Wolfgang Land’s squad, after six single events, is
leading the ADAC GT Masters with Christopher Mies/Connor De Phillippi (D/USA).
Not only teams in Germany and Europe benefit from the services and personal
consultancy provided by Audi Sport customer racing. The Melbourne Performance
Communications Motorsport
Virginia Brusch
Tel: +49 841 89 41753
E-mail: virginia.brusch@audi.de
www.audi-mediacenter.com/en
2/2
Centre (MPC) in Australia, Audi Sport customer racing Japan, Audi Sport customer
racing China and Audi Sport customer racing North America form a global service
and sales network.
The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS is produced at the “Böllinger Höfe” site on the same
manufacturing lines as the Audi R8 production model. There is a close kinship
between the two sports cars as the race car uses 50 percent of the components and
component assemblies of the production model, including the near-unchanged V10
FSI engine.

DRIVE IN STYLE THIS SUMMER WITH NO PAYMENTS UNTIL 2017!

Jamaica’s leading automotive company ATL Automotive, in partnership with First Global Bank, makes owning the car of your dreams an exciting reality with the launch of an exclusive summer auto finance promotion.

The all new summer promotion, set to be the most attractive in the market, offers customers the chance to drive away in a brand new car with up to 100% financing and no payments until 2017, with the best rate of 8.35%, up to 8.5 years payment terms and fixed, low commitments fees.  Visit or call ATL or FGB for details on terms and conditions.

Chief Executive Officer of ATL Automotive and ATL Autobahn Adam Stewart commented, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience that incredible new car feeling; the smell, the touch, the first drive out; the whole buying experience. This is a game changing promotion that makes those dreams more realistic than ever.” It’s fair to say that we’ve seen plenty of financial promotions over the years in all shapes and sizes but none, we believe, comes close to this in terms of its attractiveness and sustainability.”

Motorists have the choice of over 35 different models across all of the ATL Automotive and ATL Autobahn portfolio including leading brands Honda, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and MINI each of which come with added peace of mind in the shape of ATL’s sales and service Gold Standard. “At ATL Automotive, we have an unmatched range of vehicles to suit any desire, need or budget. This summer promotion, coupled with our inclusive service packages, warranty and roadside assistance, means they just got more affordable than ever.” added Matt Cripps, Group General Manager for ATL Automotive.

“First Global Bank and ATL Automotive have been long-time partners; but this summer deal is the best yet!  Customers can drive off in the car of their choice this summer with no payments until 2017!  The interest rate is perhaps the most competitive in the market and the terms are excellent.  The sales team at First Global is really excited and we’re committed to a speedy process so customers won’t have to wait long to get into the car of their dreams!” remarked,

Bernadette Barrow, First Global’s Senior Vice President, Personal & Business Banking.

To celebrate the promotion, teams from ATL Automotive and First Global are hitting the streets for a summer-long roadshow campaign held at select First Global locations island-wide. The roadshow will provide people with the opportunity to not only test drive their favourite cars but discuss their financial arrangements with First Global’s expert team.  The promotion runs until 30^th September 2016.

ATL Autobahn Promotes Best Customer Practices at Regional BMW Conference

ATL Autobahn, exclusive distributors of the world’s leading Luxury car brands, BMW and MINI provided a riveting presentation on the company’s best customer service practices, at the annual BMW Importers conference held in Lima, Peru this past Wednesday. The executive team, led by Chief Executive Officer   at ATL Automotive and Sandals Resort International, Adam Stewart represented the Caribbean region at event, which hosted 100 of the top BMW importers in Latin America.

“We were proud and humbled to be invited to represent Jamaica amongst such esteemed company and perhaps share some of our successes. Jamaica is renowned throughout the world for not just the warmth of its people but also the high level of customer service available in our country.” Stewart commented.

Stewart maintains the weight of digital marketing platforms in the new age customer experience, but asserts that it commands much more than just being present stating “speed and resolution matter – that should be standard, but it’s the personal touch and accuracy of information that turns an average experience into an exceptional one” Stewart affirmed. Stewart also highlighted that “while much of our interaction with our customers has transitioned to online communication, the  need to provide better human service and that is truly, wholeheartedly what we set out to achieve and we do it through firstly recruiting the right people, incorporating the latest systems and then training, training and more training!”

Co-presenter Dr. Philip Brown, Group Director, Training Standards at Sandals Resorts International who enlightened the audience with a presentation that covered Sandals Resorts and the much-lauded Sandals Corporate University also offered insight to some of the secrets behind the Group’s leading customer service practices. Brown attributed much of the difference in the ATL/SRI approach to the sheer passion for meeting the changing needs of its customers. “Our customers are no longer confined to a single means to connect with us and our brands. While we realise how important it is to evolve with them by being more present online and implementing more innovative ways to enhance their digital customer experience, the human touch and the will and ability to do what you’ve got to do to satisfy will never be replaced however the world changes.” said Dr. Brown. ATL Automotive and ATL Autobahn’s integration of the video presentation software, CitNOW serves as a testament to this commitment. CitNOW videos are used in Jamaica exclusively by ATL Automotive and ATL Autobahn as a best practice tool that offers a more tailored customer experience through personalised sales and service video messages that cater to the unique needs of each customer.

ATL Autobahn opened its showroom doors earlier this year as the first Jamaican automotive company to earn the exclusive BMW dealership for 8 other territories within the Caribbean region.  The accomplishment also provides ATL Autobahn with a unique opportunity to share its best practices with its regional counterparts and further enhance the auto industry by developing distinctive customer experiences through state of the art facilities and gaming changing training initiatives.

The new Audi RS Q3

The new Audi RS Q3*, the dynamic spearhead of the Q3 model series, is now even more distinctive and powerful. Its 2.5 TFSI engine satisfies the Euro 6 standard and produces 250 kW (367 hp) and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque, the latter between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes just 4.8 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph). Average fuel consumption is 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers (28.0 US mpg), corresponding to 198 g CO₂ per kilometer (318.7 g/km). The start stop system and the regulated oil pump contribute to this good value.  4.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph): the Audi RS Q3
The Audi RS Q3* was updated concurrent with the Q3*. The compact performance SUV is now hotter and more dynamic than ever. Its 2.5 liter, five-cylinder engine now produces 250 kW (367 hp) and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. It also now satisfies the Euro 6 standard. The top model in the series now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). An RS exhaust system with a switchable flap adds even more volume to the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine.

The seven-speed S tronic, which transfers the power to the quattro drivetrain via a new hydraulic multi-plate clutch (5th generation), has also been refined for even faster gear changes. The lower gears are closely spaced for sporty response while the seventh gear is tall to save fuel.

The chassis of the Audi RS Q3 is also impressive. 19-inch wheels are standard; 20-inch wheels are optionally available. Thanks to the wave design, the large brake discs on the front axle are now one kilogram (2.2 lb) lighter. They are gripped by eight-piston calipers. The standard RS sport suspension is also available with optional adaptive dampers. The steering is tuned for sporty driving, and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard.

Numerous design details illustrate the special status of the dynamic top-of-the-line model. On the exterior, the distinctive bumpers are particularly eye-catching. The color black dominates the interior. The sport seats are optionally available in Fine Nappa leather with diamond quilting; red needles sweep across gray dials in the instrument cluster; and the driver information system offers a special RS menu with lap timer and displays for both oil temperature and boost pressure.

The base price in Germany for the generously appointed new top model is 56,600 euros. LED headlights, among other features, are standard. Deliveries of the RS Q3 will begin in the first quarter of 2015.

At a glance

• 2.5 TFSI with 250 kW (340 hp) and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft): 0 – 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds
• Seven-speed S tronic with shortened shift times and quattro all-wheel drive standard
• 19-inch wheels, large brakes and RS sport suspension standard
• Distinctive interior and exterior design details

Propulsion: 2.5 TFSI, S tronic and quattro all-wheel drive
Audi is bringing the performance philosophy to the compact SUV segment with the RS Q3. Its engine, whose 2,480 cc displacement results from a stroke of 82.5 millimeters (3.2 in) and a bore of 92.8 millimeters (3.7 in), is a modern classic. An international jury of journalists has named the five-cylinder unit International Engine of the Year in its class five years in a row since 2010. With its ample pulling power, free-revving character and inimitable sound, the 2.5 TFSI is guaranteed to cause goose bumps. At higher loads and rpm, a flap in the exhaust system opens to provide an even more voluminous sound.

The five-cylinder turbo’s power flows to a modified seven-speed S tronic. Audi used optimized fine-tuning to further improve the seven-speed S tronic transmission’s shift times. The driver can let the dual-clutch transmission do all the work in modes D and S, or can shift gears himself. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are standard. The lower gears are closely spaced for sporty response while the seventh gear is tall to save fuel. A launch control system manages full-throttle acceleration from a standing start.

The primary component of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is an updated multi-plate clutch. The hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled unit is mounted in front of the rear axle. Its electronic controller brings stability, traction and driving enjoyment into perfect harmony.

Ever more powerful performance:

The RS sport suspension plus with damper control
The updated Audi RS Q3 offers impressively dynamic and safe handling. The taut RS sport suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) versus the Q3. Audi also offers the RS sport suspension with optional damper control. The adaptive dampers can be set to one of three modes using the standard Audi drive select system. The system also influences the accelerator, steering, S tronic, exhaust flap and the adaptive light (optional).

The Audi RS Q3 comes standard in Germany with 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option. The front brake discs, which measure 365 millimeters (14.4 in) in diameter, have a weight-saving wave design and are gripped by black eight-piston calipers bearing RS logos. The electronic stabilization control offers a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Differentiated: the design
Sharp visual accents demonstrate the potential of the new Audi RS Q3. The Single frame grille – with a matt aluminum-look frame and high-gloss black honeycomb grille – has been redesigned, and a quattro logo adorns the air intake in the front bumper. The aluminum roof rails, long RS roof spoiler, updated LED taillights and xenon headlights, the modified rear bumper and the long, elliptical exhaust tailpipe complete the dynamic look. Four appearance packages, two each in matt aluminum-look and glossy black, provide for further customization. Sepang Blue pearl effect is available as an exclusive exterior color.

The dynamic line is echoed in the car’s interior. The sport seats with embossed RS Q3 logos are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, with Fine Nappa leather and Fine Nappa leather with diamond quilting available as options. High-gloss black, bright red and subtle aluminum applications set additional accents. The inlays come standard in black piano lacquer, and optionally in aluminum or carbon.

The instrument cluster has gray dials with white numbers and red needles; the multifunction steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. The color DIS display shows the boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer in a separate RS menu. The Audi RS Q3 also comes standard with the parking system plus, MMI radio, Audi sound system, sport seats and deluxe automatic air conditioning. The base price in Germany for the generously appointed new top model is 56,600 euros. LED headlights, among other features, are standard. Deliveries of the RS Q3 will begin in the first quarter of 2015.

 

Audi RS Q3: Fuel consumption figures

 

Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8,6 – 8,4; Combined CO₂-emissions in g/km: 203 – 198.
Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions data as well as the efficiency classes are dependent on the choice of wheels and tyres.

Audi increases sales by 5.6 percent in the first half of the year

Positive sales result for the Four Rings for the half year: With around 953,200 units delivered, AUDI AG increased its sales since January by 5.6 percent, growing in all regions. The brand recorded strong growth especially in Europe. Sales in that region increased by 8.4 percent since the beginning of the year, topping 450,000 cars for the first time. Worldwide, especially the new models Audi A4 (+12.3%) and Audi Q7 full size SUV (+73,6%) pushed the sales performance. Deliveries across all models increased by 7.4 percent in June to around 169,000 units with Audi surpassing its performance from the same month last year in all top ten sales markets.

“Despite persisting challenges in key markets, the first half of 2016 was mainly characterized by globally balanced growth. We reinforced our market leadership in Europe and China and are performing better than the overall market in the United States,” says Dietmar Voggenreiter, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “In the upcoming months, we will continue to strengthen our model portfolio with new technologies and concepts like the Audi Q7 e-tron*, the A6L e-tron, the SQ7 TDI* and the Q2.”

With the European market launch of the new Audi A5 in the fall and the updated Audi A3 this month, a generation change is in store for the already successful key models.

In June, Audi handed over around 78,700 (+9.8%) cars in Europe across all models. The company thus set new records for deliveries in each of the six months in this region. Cumulatively, sales increased by 8.4 percent to around 455,250 cars. New models, above all, provided a boost in Audi’s largest sales region: Sales of the Audi Q7 full‑size SUV more than doubled, while demand for the new Audi A4 climbed by almost 20 percent. The brand posted significant growth primarily in Germany (+12.4% to 166,154 units), Italy (+14.6% to 32,124 units) and Spain (+14.5% to 28,803 units). The manufacturer also made further gains in its largest European export market, the UK: up 4.1 percent to 89,935 cars. This increase was fueled in particular by strong demand for the Audi TT, which saw a 36 percent increase in deliveries in the United Kingdom. With sales of around 17,650 since January, the Audi TT secured its position as the top‑selling compact sports car in the premium segment.

On the American continent as well, deliveries of the Ingolstadt‑based brand increased in the last six months: up 3.5 percent to around 131,450 units. Of those, 96,934 were sold in the United States, also representing an increase of 3.5 percent. Nearly every second US customer chose an SUV. Cumulative sales of the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7 thus climbed by 24 percent to 45,195 cars. Audi continued its successful course in the US market in June. A one percent increase marked the 66th month of growth in a row. Canada once again proved to be an important growth driver in the region. In the first half of the year, the company sold 15,614 units there, 16 percent more than in the same period last year.

Sales continued to develop positively in the Asia‑Pacific region as well. Compared to the deliveries in the first half of 2015, sales increased by 3.9 percent to around 339,300 premium cars sold. In recent months, Audi made gains in China primarily with its compact models: In the first six months, the company handed over 81,083 units of the Audi A3 and Q3 to customers, corresponding to an increase of 21.7 percent. Across all models, sales in China increased by 5.9 percent to 290,126 units. Demand increased by 6.6 percent in June. In addition to China, Australia also showed strong growth in the region: Since the beginning of the year, 12,155 units have entered the Australian market, up 7.2 percent.

HEAD OF THE RACING PACK!

Jamaican automotive company, ATL Autobahn has announced the appointment of Matthew Stevenson to the position of BMW and MINI Head of Business.

Stevenson joins the ATL Automotive team with a wealth of experience spanning over six years in the industry, where he most recently served as Brand Manager for Jaguar Land Rover at Stewart’s Auto Sales Limited. He will be based from the company’s temporary Orchard Road location while the state-of-the-art BMW and MINI facilities are created in Kingston and Montego Bay.

Chief Executive Officer of ATL Automotive Adam Stewart commented, ”Aside from a brief spell away, Matthew has spent several years in and around our group companies starting with Sandals Resorts International then cutting his automotive teeth at ATL Automotive. Individuals like Matthew are the future of the automotive industry in Jamaica; young, expert, hungry and dedicated to providing exemplary customer service – that’s what potential BMW and MINI owners demand and that’s what we provide. But there’s more to it than that. Our customers not only want great customer service, they want expert counsel based around their needs and desires which isn’t as common as one would think. “Taff” comes from a big automotive family so joins us with tremendous heritage in the industry. As many will know, His father Brian was hugely influential in making ATL Automotive the company it is today so it obviously runs in the family!”

Matt Cripps, Group General Manager of ATL Automotive said “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew back into the fold. He brings great energy, creative thinking and the insatiable love of cars that we look for in all of our team members.”

Stevenson commented, “It is a tremendous honour not just to return “home” to the ATL Group but to be given the responsibility of iconic brands such as BMW and MINI too. BMW is a hugely revered brand in Jamaica and rightly so, it’s been a top choice for car aficionados for decades and now boasts a diverse model line-up that offers something that will get everyone’s pulse racing. As it relates to MINI, we’ve got exciting plans for this marvelous brand in Jamaica; few people realise that MINI is one of the top five premium brands in the world and has some exciting launches coming this year. We expect it to really take off here.”

 

Mr. Stevenson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organisational Psychology & Human Resource Management as well as a Master of Business in Enterprise Management from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Audi Q5 Reaches New Heights

JAMAICA’S leading automotive group, ATL Automotive created big waves both on and offline this week after unveiling one of the most creative marketing blitz ever. It featured an Audi Q5 driving 40 feet up the wall of Wyndham Kingston hotel, in the city’s financial district.

The awe-inspiring installation — conceptualised by Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart with the company’s marketing team — was created to demonstrate the legendary gripping power of ‘quattro’, the all-wheel-drive system perfected by German car makers Audi, and to coincide with the arrival of 2017 Audi Q5 units, Jamaica’s number one premium mid-size SUV. “This strategy was so fitting for Audi. Not only did it show off the greater traction and dynamic ability of Audi’s unique quattro AWD feature, but stayed true to the company’s ethos of progression and creativity in design.

At ATL Automotive, we like to push the boundaries too. Anyone can take a standard billboard, and we do, but the buzz we’ve seen since on the streets and on social media since we executed this has been incredible.

The term ‘raising the bar’ never seemed so appropriate, and I congratulate my marketing team on continuing to disrupt and challenge the norm. Watch what we’ve got up our sleeves next!” said Stewart. “The Audi view is that it doesn’t matter how big the engine is: its power first has to be channelled via the wheels before reaching the road. What quattro does is send power to the wheels that need it the most at any given time. Basically asking the question, why power just two wheels when a car has four?” the CEO continued.

The six-month project saw the ATL team fibreglass an existing Audi Q5, paint and brand it before engaging expert local sign company, Signarama, to build a specially reinforced bracket on the unit itself before fixing it 40 feet up the exterior of the hotel. Over seven million models with quattro® technology have been built to date, making Audi the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars with permanent all-wheel drive. From compact cars to saloons to supercars, quattro is synonymous with legendary traction, sure handling and a unique and exclusive brand of driving pleasure. The quattro, permanent, all-wheel-drive system splits drive power between the front and rear wheels to optimum effect.
This enables an Audi fitted with quattro to keep making safe progress with ease in situations where two-wheel drive vehicles no longer have any forward traction, such as on slippery surfaces or loose terrain. “Special mention and thanks must go to the Kevin Hendrickson and his management team at the Wyndham Kington hotel, who immediately bought into what we were trying to achieve and supported us every step of the way,” Stewart added. The latest delivery of 2017 Audi Q5 models is expected to land in Jamaica at the end of May. Starting price $8,795,000.00.

Honda’s Record Success

Honda, the brand Jamaica knows and continues to love, sold a record-breaking 118 units in April; a first without a major sale involved. The popular CR-V and its sister model, the HR-V, were the most popular models with a combined total of 109 units. Other units sold were the Civic, City and Fit.

With achieving almost 50% over target, Sam McKenzie, Head of Business commended his team “Here at Honda, it’s a team effort that is driven by passion. From the sales team to the finance advisors to our after sales group at the service, parts and body shop – they all create magic by working closely together as one unit to ensure our customers know they are our top priority. It’s more than just a job for us; at the end of the day, when we assist our customers achieve their dream car, its sheer joy”.

Honda has maintained prominent brand presence in the automotive market as Jamaica’s leading premium Japanese brand thanks to unbeatable service, top-notch aftersales service, easy access to parts, and models maintaining the industry’s best resale value. In 2015, Honda had a 30% increase in sales compared to the previous calendar year.
“Our customers know that when they’re buying a Honda, they’re investing in reliability, safety and resellability for them and their families. It’s the brand Jamaicans have trusted for decades.” McKenzie continued.

Group General Manager, Matthew Cripps, expressed his gratitude to the Honda team for their hard work in growing the brand to where it is now. “Not only is it our team who’s exceptional, but our customers as well. It’s their trust in us and with Honda that inspires us to continue to serve them better”.

Honda’s showroom, located at 47-49 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10 is currently undergoing renovations to upgrade the location with new state of the art facilities to ensure customers receive first class comfort during the sale and aftersales of their vehicle.