TMC, expecting hybrid vehicle use to become widespread in the second half of the 2010s, developed the FT-Bh as a B-segment, ultra fuel-efficient concept car under the theme of “ecomotion” (eco + emotion). In addition to high environmental performance, the FT-Bh aims to provide an enjoyable driving experience through highly responsive and nimble operability.

By pursuing weight reduction, a more-efficient powertrain and reduced air resistance, the FT-Bh boasts a fuel efficiency of 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km—less than half the current average for B-segment cars.

Adopting a small fuel tank placed under the rear seat together with the hybrid system’s lithium-ion battery gives the vehicle a low center of gravity, thus contributing to improved driving performance, which is the basic appeal of any car.

In addition to the FT-Bh on display, TMC has conceived two alternative versions: a compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid version with CO2 emissions of 38 g/km and a plug-in hybrid version with CO2 emissions of just 19 g/km.

Vehicle Outline

Five Elements of Ultra-Low Fuel Consumption

1.        Reduced mass
The curb weight3 of the FT-Bh is a mere 786 kg. Assuming a mass-produced fuel-efficient vehicle, the FT-Bh body structure makes greater use of high-tensile-strength steel and does not require expensive materials such as carbon fiber for weight reduction. In addition, a new high-expansion foam material is used inside the vehicle to improve interior thermal management and reduce the weight of interior components. This allows other components, including the body frame, chassis and powertrain, to be made lighter.

2.        Reduced road and air resistance
The FT-Bh seats four adults comfortably in a body that is less than four meters long and that achieves an outstanding drag coefficient of just 0.235. The newly developed Michelin 145/55R18 tires feature a large diameter for effective road resistance reduction, and a narrow width for substantial air resistance and weight reduction.

3.        Highly efficient powertrain
For a high level of fuel efficiency, TMC developed a new, long stroke 1.0-liter, two-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine that achieves high environmental performance with CO2 emissions of only 49 g/km under the NEDC, along with improved hybrid system efficiency.

4.        Effective thermal energy management
Through the application of high-expansion foam material to interior and weight reduction in the materials used for the seating and interior, the thermal capacity4 necessary for controlling cabin temperature is reduced. In addition, comprehensive thermal management measures have been implemented, such as “air-zoning” that adjusts temperature only in necessary areas depending on the number of passengers. Due to small amount of heat generated by high-efficiency engines, heat from both the engine and exhaust is used for heating the interior.

5.        Reduced power consumption
Power consumption in the FT-Bh has been cut to half that of standard B-segment cars. The adoption of LEDs in the head, tail and room lights, and reduction of standby power requirements necessary for electrical components such as power windows has substantially reduced overall power consumption.

Exterior and Interior Design

Styled under the theme “ecomotion”, the FT-Bh boasts a new design that evokes an image of the flowing wind and realizes a high level of aerodynamic performance.

1.        Exterior
The form of the FT-Bh pursues aerodynamic performance. The bullet-shaped body features sleek, tapered proportions achieved by merging the long roof seamlessly with the protruding windshield, along with narrow pillars that maintain high visibility.

Inheriting elements of Toyota’s next-generation “Keen Look”5 styling, the vehicle’s front features vertical lamps integrated into the fenders and a large lower grille that has both streamlining and cooling effects. The tapered rear body and slightly concaved rear-end further reduce air resistance.

2.        Interior
The interior design concept features air zoning as well as an emotionally expressive design produced through the “tensional force” of tautly stretched fabric.

Interior upholstery makes use of light and breathable materials, contributing to effective interior temperature management. The ultra-thin shell seats bring a more comfortable ride along with more rear legroom.

Safety-enhancement features include a center display located deep in the dashboard that shows rear views from three body-mounted cameras, and a rear-view mirror with an ambient superimposed display6 that provides information and warnings concerning vehicles reflected in the mirror and also other driver-targeted information.

FT-Bh Main Specifications
Length    3,985 mm
Width    1,695 mm
Height    1,400 mm
Wheelbase    2,570 mm
Curb weight    786 kg
Tire size    145/55R18
Seating capacity    4
Powertrain    THS II with 1.0-liter two-cylinder gasoline engine
Driveline    Front-wheel drive
Battery    Lithium-ion battery
In addition to the FT-Bh world premiere, the Toyota booth at the Geneva Motor Show features four vehicles in their European premiere: the next-generation four-door “Toyota NS4″ concept, the “FCV-R” next-generation fuel-cell hybrid sedan concept, the “Toyota diji” mobile-information-hub concept, and the rear-wheel-drive compact sports car “GT 86″. Also on display are vehicles soon to be launched in the European market, including the “Yaris Hybrid” and “Prius Plug-in Hybrid”.

1Derived from “Future Toyota B-segment Hybrid”
2Press days: March 6 and 7; public days: March 8 to 18
3Vehicle weight excluding additional weight such as cargo and passengers
4The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of an object by 1°C
5Toyota’s new way of thinking for front-end design, which three-dimensionally emphasizes the brand emblem while the inverted-”U” shape open bumper combines with the lower grille to create a keen, sharp look
6Based on images obtained from the vehicle’s externally mounted cameras of such objects as nearby vehicles, facilities and road signs, essential information can be provided to the driver in an easy-to-understand manner

Article written by Birchwood Infiniti Nissan Intern, Emily Bashford.

Please excuse us while we practice our Feng Shui.

Birchwood Infiniti Nissan officially began exciting renovations in October 2011 adding 12,000 square feet to an already existing 15,500 for an all new Infiniti dealership and a completely renovated Nissan showroom to better serve you in the Pointe West Autopark.

Birchwood Infiniti Nissan is proudly the first retailer in Canada to adopt the new, modern look designed by R.H. Carter Architects in Toronto. Green initiatives include installation of energy efficient T5 lighting in the technician work bays, and plans to install several electrical outlets on the lot are even in the making to accommodate the all-new, highly anticipated Nissan Leaf scheduled to arrive this summer. The expansion will allow for a more diverse inventory selection to serve Winnipeg’s growing market for luxury vehicles.

While the dealership currently serves all the automotive needs of customers in sales, service, and parts departments, a multiple service drive-thru in the new layout will provide faster and more reliable service. By next fall, Infiniti and Nissan customers can relax comfortably in one of the all new customer lounges with their favourite shows, a refreshing beverage, and snacks, or get some work done with unlimited Wi-Fi access while their vehicle is pampered.

Construction of the all-new Infiniti dealership is scheduled for completion in June 2012 and renovations for Nissan are scheduled to finish in late August. Birchwood Infiniti Nissan will be open during its regularly scheduled hours and all efforts will be made to lessen any inconvenience to customers throughout the renovation.

Birchwood Infiniti Nissan is Manitoba’s only official authorized Infiniti retailer and continues to be the number one Nissan retailer in Winnipeg. The Birchwood Automotive Group has grown to become Winnipeg’s largest network of automotive dealers. With over 45 years of experience in the business, Birchwood offers a wide selection of vehicles and services through sixteen authorized retailers including Birchwood Infiniti, Birchwood Nissan, Birchwood Chevrolet Buick GMC, Birchwood Truck Store, Birchwood BMW, Birchwood Honda West, Birchwood Honda on Regent, Birchwood Kia West, Birchwood Kia, Birchwood Hyundai, MINI Winnipeg, Land Rover Winnipeg, Jaguar Winnipeg, Volvo Winnipeg, Woodhaven Lexus, Woodhaven Toyota, and the most recent acquisition Birchwood Keystone Ford.

Photos taken Thursday, February 16th, 2012.

“We previously owned the Jaguar and Volvo franchises in Winnipeg and are delighted to acquire this interest in Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Winnipeg.  Said Bob Kozminski, newly appointed Director of Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Winnipeg.  “We look forward to greeting our old friends and customers of years gone by at the dealership located at the Pointe West AutoPark.”

The prestigious luxury and performance of Jaguar’s lineup of vehicles, Volvo’s unparalleled safety features and redesigned styling, and the Land Rover’s Evoque being named the “Sports Utility of the Year” have made for exciting times at Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Winnipeg.

The Kozminski Family has operated several automotive retail operations, most notably Keystone Ford at 1300 Regent Avenue West for over 25 years.

The Birchwood Automotive Group is Manitoba’s largest network of automotive retailers.  They now represent 16 automotive manufacturer’s brands and are the recognized leader in the Winnipeg automotive retail marketplace.

Keystone Ford has operated as a Ford Dealership at 1300 Regent Avenue West since 1985, offering new and pre-owned vehicle sales, parts and service as well as a collision centre.

“We are extremely pleased that we were able to work out this mutually beneficial agreement and to once again own a Ford Dealership in the Winnipeg marketplace,” said Steve Chipman, President and CEO of the Birchwood Automotive Group. “We look forward to working with a motivated group of employees, providing a high level of customer service to Ford customers, and to represent Ford’s complete line-up of quality products. The addition of Ford also enhances the choices we can offer all our Birchwood Automotive Group customers.”

The Birchwood Automotive Group is Manitoba’s largest network of automotive retailers.  They now represent 16 automotive manufacturer’s brands and are the recognized leader in the Winnipeg automotive retail marketplace.

More information can be found on the official Birchwood Keystone Ford web site under the FAQ section.

Source:  http://www.autonews.com/article/20120205/BLOG06/120209871/land-rover-dealers-want-more-evoques&SectionCat=BLOG06

It looks like that Land Rover has a hit on their hands.  Not only did the Range Rover Evoque win 2012 North American Truck Of The Year, the  demand is so great that there is a shortage of Evoques.  This shortage is also aggravating a conflict between big dealers in the East coast and  smaller dealers in the West who fight over existing Evoque stock.

“There have been public cries of ‘not fair.’ Land Rover management thought the issue was hot enough that it tried to quiet dealer worries about East Coast dealers getting more than their fair share in Las Vegas at the dealer meeting this weekend at the National Automobile Dealers convention.” [Read More]

The shortage is so bad, one particular dealership has a two-month order backlog.  On the flip side, it is better to have a shortage and high demand rather than excess inventory and low demand. 

January rolled in and the numbers were added up. Not only did we reach our goal of 700 satisfied customers, we shattered it at Steve’s laughable 1,041 cars.

From Steve Chipman and all of us from the Birchwood Automotive Group family want to thank all our customers. We hope you enjoy your new wheels and look forward to continuing to build our relationship.

When out on the road, you’ll know that you are protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Whenever you travel, you’ll enjoy the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by Birchwood Roadside Assistance.

Call any of our dealers to learn more about how you can benefit from this exclusive offer.

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

You are covered for emergency road service throughout Canada and the United States.

24-Hour Towing Service

We will tow you up to 80 km to the nearest Birchwood Automotive Dealership or up to 8 km to the nearest service station. Extended distance will be an additional expense.

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

You will be provided with any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

24-Hour Tire Change Service

You may have your tire changed with your inflated and functional spare tire.

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. You will only pay for the cost of the supplies.

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

You are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

24-Hour Lost Key Service

If keys are locked inside your vehicle, you will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at your expense for labour and key making.

Rental Car Discounts

You are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout Canada and abroad.

Map Routing Service

We will, at no charge, provide you with four-colour mapping and travel route information.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing your vehicle.

I’ve received a code, how do I use it?

Your code needs to be registered on our Roadside Assistance web site at www.birchwoodroadside.ca. Once you’ve registered your vehicle, you’ll be provided with a print out form which includes your 24-hour emergency toll free phone number, the claims and customers service number, and the date your roadside assistance expires.

Pat Bednarski with Birchwood Honda On Regent's Jocelyn Santos-Edic.

You must have heard the expression “It’s better to give than to receive.”   Here at the Birchwood Automotive Group, we love to do that – especially when involving highly-priced, highly-coveted hockey tickets.  Pat Bednarski knows that first hand.   She  is our second winner (for the month of December) of hockey tickets to the MTS Centre.

Enjoy the tickets, Ms. Bednarski!

John says he enjoys “working with people/team members” and finds this to be the most enjoyable part of his current role. While selling he felt he was working on his own and he is happy to once again be working on a team where he is assisting in helping and moulding their team. He said that this component of his current job is also what he enjoyed most in his previous role with Giant Tiger. He believes there are similarities to all management roles and it is in how you deal with the “ups and downs” and working through them appropriately with your team.

When I asked John how he would describe his leadership style, one word came to mind – “fair!” When I asked John to elaborate, he explained that it is important to come to a mutually-beneficial (win-win) agreement for all those involved. It is important that whoever you are dealing with feels like they have come away with something that matters to them while at the same time balancing what matters to the team and the dealership.

“We are a team” – is what John attributes to the success of the sales team at BHW. “Our floor really melds together.” Everyone on the team works together, no one works against each other. John feels this is very important, as it is not something that is common on all sales floors, especially in the automotive industry. He feels his team is successful due to the environment that has been created; no one feels that they must be there 6 days a week, it is a less stressful and allows the sales consultants to be less worried when they come to work.

The sales team have created their goals for 2012 and John emphasized that the store will be focusing on volume for the upcoming year with the goal of each team member selling a minimum of 10 cars per month. They also have a team member bonding event coming up in the first part of the new year.

John and his wife Lee Ann live in Southland Park (near the Mint) with their 3 children (and one on the way!!). Son John Jr (18) is a team member at BHW, working as a Detailer in the Service Department; daughter Alyssa (12) is active in figure skating and dance and their son Liam (11) is a goalie for the Dakota Lazers and recently did a photo shoot for a local Yoga company (you can see the ad on John’s computer screen in his photo.)

In his (limited) spare time, John like to golf, spent time at his wife’s family cottage in Sandy Hook and he also helps out on his son’s hockey team, as their Manager.

For more info on our company and people, check out our YouTube channel.

Jean Paul Lefloch (right) with Sean Cornborough (left)

Congratulations to Jean Paul Lefloch who bought a vehicle from Birchwood Chevrolet Buick GMC’s Sean Cornborough last December.  Because of that, he won a pair of tickets  to nine home games at the MTS Centre!  Enjoy the games, Jean Paul!