Kia is positioning the Mohave in the opposite fighting corner to the likes of the Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Land Cruiser and Volvo XC90, and at first glance, if price is your primary reason for buying, then the Mohave will suit you well as Kia have pledged to undercut the Japanese makers, although no pricetag has yet been announced.

So what does the Mohave offer? From the outside the angular face reminiscent of some of the Stateside 4x4s feels a little out of place on a Kia, but once you get used to its broad and gently sloping chrome grin and wrap-around headlamps, there is something quite forward-looking and simple about it, based as it is on the MESA concept first shown in Detroit in 2005. It’s not really until you look beyond the rear wheel-arch that the rear three-quarter window and sloping rear pillar giveaway that it is a Kia, but even then these characteristics are subtle. Once you move around to the rear once again there is a simplicity and a modernism about the wide tailgate window and the wrap-around LED brake lights that is appealing.

One assumes that Kia expect the Mohave to be used at least in some degree for rugged duties as it features a sump guard, as well plastic wheel-arch and lower door guards which lack subtlety and mimic again many US 4x4s, but do make the Mohave appear slightly longer.

The interior of the Mohave shouldn’t really be a surprise by now. Kia have ploughed a lot of research and effort into refining the quality that the customer can expect for the amount of money they spend, and it seems that they have come up trumps with the Mohave. OK, the leather is not of the highest quality and the interior materials are not up to the standard of premium quality SUVs, but for perceived quality, texture, fit and finish, you really cannot complain.

The Mohave features most mod cons that you would expect in vehicles of higher spec, including 8-way adjustable driver and passenger seats, electronic reach and rake adjustable steering, keyless entry, push button start/stop, HID headlamps, electronic pedal adjustment, satnav with integrated entertainment system with USB, iPod and AUX compatibility, cruise control, hill decent assist, fully independent front and rear suspension with electronic height adjustment, and 2H/4H/4L gearing selection.

As the driver, the first thing you notice is the innovative design of the instrument cluster and the red backlighting when you switch on the lights. You also notice the subtle design elements such as the matt wood veneer or brushed aluminium effect inlays common to executive vehicles, as well as a quality of fit and finish that exceeds many of the Kia’s competitors.

To drive, the Mohave feels fairly sure-footed and as responsive to inputs as you would expect a 5m long, 2m wide 7-seater SUV to be. The 3.8-litre V6 engine has a surprisingly throaty voice and with 270bhp and 362Nm of torque on call, it is also nimble off the line, reaching 100km/h in a respectable 8.5 seconds. Kia is also proposing to introduce a 4.6-litre V8 which should be even more impressive and will feature a 6-speed automatic box as opposed to the V6’s 5-speed auto.

Highway driving is very comfortable in the Mohave although there did seem to be a low hum at 120km/h which sounded like it was coming from the transmission on the vehicle we had, and the side curtain airbags deployed for no reason on another vehicle. But these are teething problems we are assured.

Off-road the Mohave could be quite adept. Unfortunately, Kia had obviously requested that the organisers make sure their new ‘tough guy’ SUV was treated gently with just a few light log obstacles, a run up a gentle dune and down again and a 50 metre slalom course. Not really what you would call a thorough test, but nevertheless the Mohave didn’t embarrass itself.

After four years in development the Mohave looks set to be a serious contributor to Kia’s fortunes, especially in this region. Global sales are projected to be around 60,000 by the end of this year and 80,000 by the end of 2009. With Kia currently riding a wave of popularity with a range of new models due to be launched in the near future, of which the Mohave is just one, the company looks set to continue challenging several of the Japanese and US carmakers, especially with their very attractive servicing and warranty packages, not to mention the pricetag.

With Kia you always used to get what you pay for: now you get even more. Expect to see it Kia showrooms by mid July.

2008 Kia Mohave Technical Specifications - 4 Door Mid-Size SUV
Engine - 3.8-litre V6
Power - 270 Bhp
Torque - 362 Nm
0-100km/h - 8.5 secs
Transmission - 5-speed automatic
Price Range (unofficial) - AED 92,000 to AED 138,000

Key Competitors
Toyota Land Cruiser
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan Pathfinder
Hyundai Veracruz
Volvo XC90

[Source : Auto MidlleEast via KIA World]

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DETROIT, USA -- Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, will sell 61 million shares valued at 31.1 billion yen ($293 million) to Toyota Motor Corp., boosting Toyota's stake to 16.61 percent.

Toyota, the world's largest automaker by sales, currently holds a 9.5 percent stake in Fuji Heavy, making it the company's top shareholder.

The strengthened ties between Toyota and Fuji Heavy come as a number of major automakers are looking to strike partnerships to offset the cost of developing new cars and technology and to boost production in factories facing slack demand.

Subaru and Toyota are already cooperating in hybrid technology, an area where Toyota leads the market.

The increased investment by Toyota also highlights the auto industry's changing fortunes as General Motors, Toyota's largest rival in global sales, faces increasing pressure to shed assets and raise capital to restructure.

GM sold a stake of just over 20 percent in Subaru in 2005, one of string of asset sales by the automaker over recent years that also included stakes in Suzuki Motor and Isuzu Motors.

The sale of shares to Toyota is expected to be completed on July 14, Fuji Heavy said in a statement released in Tokyo.

[Source : Reuters via Automotive News]

Volkswagen chairman and CEO Prof. Martin Winterkorn and German Federal Environment Minister (Bundesumweltminister) Sigmar Gabriel introduced a prototype VW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle—the Golf TwinDrive—at the launch of a four-year PHEV fleet and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) demonstration project supported by the German Federal Government.

Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive PHEV..Click to enlarge

Twin Drive under the hood..Click to enlarge

The project will demonstrate the use of electricity generated by renewable energy such as wind and solar for powering up to 20 PHEVs in a fleet trial under real-world conditions. The project will also evaluate the use of various vehicle-to-grid (V2G) methods of integrating these vehicles into the electric power grid for stabilization purposes.

At the present time the automobile is unthinkable without a highly efficient diesel or gasoline engine. The future however, and that is certain, will belong to the electric motors fueled by the wall power plug. On this way to the future, our innovative motors (TDI/TSI) combined with electric motors and highly efficient battery systems create advanced propulsion systems.

In the framework of the fleet test, we will be deploying up to twenty vehicles with the newly developed drive concept. Different than today’s hybrid vehicles, it should be emphasized that TwinDrive—and this is decisive—enables long ranges in the city in electric mode. While the E-motor on a typical hybrid model just supplements the combustion engine, the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the E-motor.

“In the framework of “Fleet test: electric drive vehicles”, Volkswagen will be investing double-digit millions in advanced development of this technology.

—Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG

On a typical commuting route of 100 km (62 miles), the Golf TwinDrive consumes 8 kWh of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel. Together, the electric motor and engine provide output of up to 130 kW (174 hp).

Lithium Technology Corporation’s (LTC) German subsidiary, GAIA Akkumulatorenwerke GmbH (GAIA), will deliver a total of seven lithium-ion battery packs based on iron phosphate cathode chemistry with energy capacity of about 12kWh for the project.

In 2006, LTC said that it was developing, in conjunction with a then-unnamed automaker (VW), a 12 kWh Li-ion battery system that should support a plug-in hybrid application in a four-passenger vehicle.

[Source : Greencar Congress]

The new Audi V6 3.0 litre TFSI with Supercharger Engine .. click to enlarge

• Compressor and direct injection – a compelling duo

• 213 kW (290 hp), 420 Nm and outstanding efficiency

• Superb power from idle speeds up, spontaneous torque buildup

Powerful, spontaneous and ultra-efficient: this is the new top version in Audi’s V6 engine range. The 3.0 TFSI develops 213 kW (290 hp) and a huge 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque. It combines two state-of-the-art technologies in perfect style – gasoline direct injection and compressor supercharging. The hi-tech V6 will go into production later in the year.

The brand with the four rings has a long tradition of supercharged engines. The legendary Grand Prix racing cars built by Auto Union back in the 1930s already featured compressors, which coaxed as much as 440 kW (around 600 hp) out of the mighty 16-cylinder and 12-cylinder engines. From the late 1970s on, Audi focused its attention on the exhaust turbocharger, which helped it to a succession of noteworthy triumphs in the world of motor sport. It was at this time that Audi’s turbo engines began to enjoy resounding market success.

The compressor is now staging a comeback. It is the ideal supercharging technology for the new three-liter V6, the 3.0 TFSI; the T in Audi engine designations consequently no longer exclusively denotes turbo versions.

Extensive comparative tests revealed the mechanical supercharger to be superior to a biturbo concept for this engine. In conjunction with direct injection, its packaging, starting performance and dynamic response were far superior.

The compressor is so compact that it easily fits inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, in place of the intake manifold. Because it is driven by the engine via poly-V belt, its full thrust is available from idle speed upwards, producing huge pulling power when driving off. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) at only 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm.

The gas paths after the compressor are very short; this means that the torque is built up extremely quickly, even more dynamically than on a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement. The 3.0 TFSI responds sportily to the throttle, with exceptional agility and bite. And it revs up to the maximum of 6,500 rpm with playful ease, achieving its rated output of 213 kW (290 hp) at just under 5,000 rpm.

Top marks for fuel efficiency

The 3.0 TFSI without question earns top marks for fuel efficiency, too. And its pulling power enables it to extend the transmission ratio, further adding to its already superior efficiency. The new 3.0 TFSI will achieve an average fuel consumption of well under 10 liters per 100 km (23.52 US mpg) in virtually all longitudinally engined Audi models, the concept for which it is envisaged. It is designed to run on either premium or regular gasoline and already complies with the future emission standard Euro 5 – a question of honor for every new Audi engine.

The Audi technology of gasoline direct injection according to the FSI principle was what made this trailblazing efficiency possible in the first place. Unlike conventional concepts, it allows the compressor to be located behind the throttle valve. In view of the low density of the intake air at loads below supercharging level and when coasting, its rotors are free-running and the amount of power required to drive them is low.

The engine’s high compression ratio of 10.5:1 also plays a big part in its efficiency. The direct injection principle is once again the key, because the intensively swirled fuel cools the combustion chamber, reducing the tendency to knock.

The compressor of the new 3.0 TFSI is what is known as a Roots blower. Inside it, two four-vane rotary pistons counter-rotate at a speed of up to 23,000 rpm, with an air gap between them measuring just a few thousandths of a millimeter. The rotors can deliver 1,000 kilograms (2204.62 lb) of air per hour and force it into the combustion chambers at a boost pressure of up to 0.8 bar.

Two water-to-air intercoolers made from aluminum and connected to a separate coolant circuit are integrated into the housing. Here, the compressed and therefore heated intake air is cooled down again in order to boost its oxygen content for the combustion process. An extensive package of measures reduces the level of noise generated by the compressor to a minimum.

The engine itself belongs to Audi’s family of ultramodern V engines. In addition to the standard cylinder angle of 90 degrees, their attributes include systematic lightweight construction – the three-liter version’s crankcase, which is made from cast aluminum/silicon, tips the scales at just 33 kilograms (72.75 lb). The entire engine, including the compressor, weighs 189 kilograms (416.67 lb). The bore measures 84.5 millimeters (3.33 in) and the stroke 89.0 millimeters (3.5 in), producing a swept volume of 2,995 cm3.

Reinforcements on the crankcase

Audi has included a whole array of refined hi-tech features on the 3.0 TFSI. The crankcase has been adapted to the higher prevailing pressures and all components are frictionally optimized. The two intake camshafts can be adjusted through 42 degrees crankshaft angle. In the intake ports, tumble flaps induce movement in the incoming air to promote optimum mixture preparation.

The injection system is a fundamentally new design. A common rail system with six-hole injectors injects the fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 150 bar. The injectors’ highly dynamic response permits up to three fuel injections per operating cycle across an extensive range of the characteristic map. They, too, optimize the combustion process and therefore contribute to the impressive performance of the new 3.0 TFSI.

Ford Motor is in negotiations with a Chinese company to sell its Volvo cars division, the Swedish business publication Dagens Industri reported today on its Web site.

A Russian investor is also believed to be interested in acquiring the division, the report said.

Media reports have suggested that the Chinese company involved in talks is Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.

A Ford spokesman said: "We have been consistently saying since the end of last year that Volvo is not for sale. We are focused on improving Volvo's business results."

Ford's new major shareholder Kirk Kerkorian, with a 6.49 percent holding, has stated he would like to see the cash strapped U.S. automotive giant divest itself of Volvo which it acquired for 50 billion Swedish crowns in 1999.

Ford's CEO Alan Mulally began a strategic review around a year ago with the sale of Volvo thought to be among his goals. However the company has denied this.

A number of automotive companies have been connected with a purchase of Volvo over the last year, including Germany's BMW and Japan's Mazda.

The Volvo brand has shown good growth over the last few years in Europe, and has a revamped model line-up.

However, in the U.S. market, Volvo has skidded under exchange rate pressures, triggering several years of sales declines. Rather than reaching for a hoped-for goal of 200,000 North American sales by 2010, Volvo is instead trying to stop a slide below 90,000 units.

In response, Volvo calling on many unprofitable U.S. dealers to walk away from the franchise, an effort expected to cut about 20 percent of the dealerships by the end of the year.

[Source : Automotive News (Subscription required)]

Negative currency effects, mainly due to the weak US dollar, and increasing raw material prices, have for a long time had a significant impact on Volvo Cars' financial situation. Previously, this had been balanced with the help of cost reduction and efficiency programmes. However, with a continued declining US market, continued price increases on raw materials, and weaker market conditions in Europe, the situation has deteriorated. This resulted in a financial loss for the first quarter of 151 million US dollars.

In order to improve the business, Volvo Cars is implementing a cost reduction programme which is estimated to reduce the total cost level by 4 billion SEK (approx. 700 million USD). Staff reductions are a part of this cost saving programme.

"This is an unfortunate but necessary action if we are to achieve a better financial position", says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
"We must tackle the difficult marked conditions, most of all in the US market. The market contribution to cover Volvo Cars' costs is very small", Arp continues.

The third shift at the Volvo Cars Torslanda plant, with 600 employees, is part of the redundancy notice. The company has recently initiated negotiations with the union representatives. These negotiations are ongoing.

The formal notice to the authorities today marks the start of a process of reviewing the organizational structure which will continue throughout the autumn, and which will be in place by the end of the year. A number of activities will be carried out with various business partners to assist employees in finding alternative employment.

The purpose of these actions is to return to profitability. Volvo Car Corporation continues to invest in its leadership in safer cars with improved environmental performance, and with an attractive modern Scandinavian design language that meets the expectations of customers. The investments will be focused on a concentrated model lineup with, among other innovations, even more fuel efficient engines.

The strategy is to continue the successful growth in markets like Russia, China and Eastern Europe, but also maintain a strong position in the established European markets. For the US market, a selective strategy will be used in order to ensure improved profitability.

- Hybrid system enhances power by 40 percent and doubles hydrogen fuel range to 200 km -

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today received permission from Japan’s Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads. Mazda’s newest hydrogen rotary engine vehicle features a hybrid system that increases the vehicle’s power by 40 percent and doubles the hydrogen fuel range to 200 kilometers. Mazda aims to complete the road trials and start commercial leasing in Japan during fiscal year 2008. The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is the world’s first hydrogen hybrid car with a dual-fuel system that enables the car to run on either hydrogen or gasoline.

Separately, Mazda has also announced that it will display and demonstrate its hydrogen rotary vehicles at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July 2008. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will debut alongside the previously released RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the summit’s Environmental Showcase

Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda’s program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, said, “We are committed to improving the performance of our hydrogen rotary engine vehicles to help promote a more eco-friendly place for the automobile in society. Getting permission from the transportation authorities in Japan to begin public road testing the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in time for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit is extremely significant, because the eyes of the world will be focused on Japan’s environmental technologies. Going forward, we will continue to advance our development program and strive to start commercial leasing during this fiscal year.”

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid incorporates the acclaimed dual-fuel system from the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which became the world’s first commercially available hydrogen rotary engine vehicle in 2006. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid also features a hybrid system that combines an electric motor with Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine to realize significantly enhanced performance. Mazda’s other environmental technologies showcased on the vehicle include “Mazda Biotechmaterials.” Used for some of the vehicle’s interior plastic parts and seat covers, these plant-derived materials contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

Under its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom environmental plan, Mazda is dedicated to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, while working toward an advanced Zoom-Zoom future by developing vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive again.”

The Roewe 550 officially jumped onto the Chinese market place earlier today, pricing was announced, as were specifications of the car. Now all we have to do is test drive the car, or at least buy one!

The 550 is China’s first ‘international car’, the car which will clearly shape China as a make it or break it car producing country. The car was designed in the UK, by the hands of Ricardo 2010 who eventually became under SAICs control. From what we believe, the Roewe 550 will eventually be branded as an MG, and then sold into overseas markets, we have heard rumors of the Roewe brand actually being launched in overseas markets, but we cant say for sure.

The Roewe 550 is available in four different packages:

• 550 Standard - 140,280rmb (manual trans)
• 550D - 150,280rmb (manual trans)
• 550S - 150,680rmb (auto trans)
• 550D - 160,680rmb (auto trans)
• 550G - 180,980rmb (auto trans)

Tomorrow we will translate the Roewe 550’s spec sheet, although its looking like the 550G is the model with all the trimmings (airbags in every place possible) and the others only lacking certain items, which is reflected by the minor differences in the price range. The prices are a little higher than earlier pricing expected, but not by much. We really cant wait to get behind the wheels of a Roewe 550 and tell the world what the ride is like.

[Source : China Car Times]

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Acura announced pricing for the 2009 RDX crossover SUV on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide started last week.

The smartly designed RDX will be available in two versions: the generously appointed RDX and the fully-featured RDX with Technology Package. MSRP pricing for the RDX is $33,695 and the RDX with Technology Package is $36,995. Pricing for the 2009 model represents a modest 1.08 percent sales weighted average price increase. Destination and Handling fee is $760 and is not included in MSRP.

The Acura/ELS® audio system is tuned by 6-time Grammy® award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio (that is 500 times clearer than traditional CD) delivers studio quality.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

[Source : Acura]

Image Gallery : 2009 Acura RDX

2009 Ford Mondeo

"We will launch Mondeo in September this year. We don't have further plans but if the market increases we want to participate," Vice-President of Ford Europe Wolfgang Schneider told reporters.

Ford currently makes the popular Focus models at what is its only Russian plant, near the country's second-biggest city of St Petersburg.

Schneider said Ford planned to make around 72,000 Focus and 1,000 Mondeo vehicles this year. He said Ford planned to boost the plant's total annual capacity to 125,000 from the beginning of 2009.

[Source : Reuters via Automotive News Europe (Subscription required)]

2009 Mercedes Benz B-Class

Daimler has chosen the city of Kecskemet, central Hungary, for its new plant as it expands its lineup of entry-premium cars to four models from two.

Company insiders say that the new Hungarian plant will build an SUV variant that would rival BMW's planned X1.

The German automaker said it would invest 800 million euros into the new plant, which will be 80km from Budapest. The plant will create 2,500 jobs.

"We are planning a new plant in Hungary to boost our competitiveness and to gain access to potential of the Eastern European markets," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said in a statement.

The carmaker also will invest 600 million euros in its plant in Rastatt, Germany, which currently builds A- and B- class cars.

There is also speculation that a coupe model will be added to the model lineup.

Daimler said there would be a high level of technical integration among the four entry-premium cars, which would share a modular system used by other Mercedes models such as the new generation four-cylinder diesel engine making its debut later this year.

The carmaker expects to sign a memorandum of understanding in the coming weeks regarding the new plant in Kecskemet.

Kecskemet beat rival sites in Poland and Romania.

[Source : Automotive News(Subscription Required)]

Image gallery : 2009 Mercedes Benz B-Class

A Great Wall passenger car engine factory was completed and two new engine models were launched on May 13,2008. More than 100 first class domestic and overseas suppliers witnessed the start of this advanced engine factory as well as the launching of the new outcome innovated and developed by the independent brand.

Power project department, a newly set up engine group, is consisted of 400 employees. More than 45% of them are engine experts and R&D experts.

Over 700 million RMB was invested on the new factory, covering an area of 30,000sq.m, including five production lines, i.e. cylinder block, cylinder cover, crankshaft, assembly and heat testing. The annual capacity reaches 300,000 units. This start is the first stage of the project with 100,000 units of capacity.

The newly launched two engines are GW4G15 and GW4G13, introducing international advanced technologies. Their emission is easy to meet Euro IV standard.

[Source : Great Wall Motor, China]

2009 Volvo C30

Irvine, Ca (June 17, 2008) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced pricing for its 2009 model year lineup today. The announcement continues to illustrate the tremendous value across the Swedish automotive manufacturer's entire line of cars, wagons and SUVs.

The 2009 Volvo vehicle line has undergone many enhancements to its model mix with significant standard-content increases to the S40, V50 and S60. Other highlights include the addition of the new R-Design variants of the C30, S40, V50 and XC90. Later in 2008 Volvo will announce pricing for the all-new XC60 premium crossover which will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009.

Model MSRP

2009 C30

C30 T5 $23,800

C30 T5 R-Design $25,950

2009 C70

C70 T5 $39,800

2009 S40

S40 2.4i $28,550

S40 T5 R-Design $32,350

S40 T5 AWD R-Design $33,800

2009 V50

V50 2.4i $29,800

V50 T5 AWD R-Design $35,500

2009 S60

S60 2.5T $32,800

S60 2.5T AWD $34,600

S60 T5 $36,400

2009 V70

V70 3.2 $32,900

2009 XC70

XC70 3.2 AWD $37,250

XC70 T6 AWD $39,500

2009 S80

S80 3.2 $39,600

S80 T6 AWD $42,050

S80 V8 AWD $51,850

2009 XC90

XC90 3.2 $37,000

XC90 3.2 R-Design $41,450

XC90 V8 AWD $49,550

XC90 V8 AWD R-Design $50,800

Prices do not include a destination charge of $795 per vehicle.

[Source : Volvo]

Infiniti G37 Sedan

Confirmed via a dealer ordering guide sheet leak today is a G37 coupe all-wheel-drive, which will be known as the G37x AWD Coupe. Pricing of course will be different for the G37x AWD Coupe.

Infiniti just released the 2009 G37 Coupe Ordering Guide. It includes the following :

Models : G37x AWD Coupe
Mechanical : Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching
Exterior : Scratch Shield paint
Interior : Dial-type seat heater switches
Color and Trim : Add Moonlight White (QAA) / Delete Ivory Pearl (QX1) / Washi-finish trim replaces aluminum trim for driver and passenger interior door pull handles (does not apply for vehicles with African rosewood interior trim)
Convenience : Power door locks with automatic locking

[Source : MotiveMag]

MG TF -- Made in China

Shanghai, China - June 17,2008 -- SAIC Motor plans to resume production at its British plant in August making MG-brand sports cars, its president said today.

All new MG TF ( Illustrated)

SAIC will start selling British-made MG TF sports cars in the UK, via more than 40 dealers, at the end of August or in early September, Chen Hong said at a shareholders' meeting.

[Source : Reuters via Automotive News Europe (Subscription required)]

Tokyo, June 17, 2008 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the debut of its new Subaru EXIGA in Japan. The EXIGA went on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today.

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru’s latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru’s strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride —all realized by Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC³).

Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

• Seven passengers
  Despite a body size that’s convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.
• Panorama
  A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle’s low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.
• Touring
  In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.

FHI offers four EXIGA models:

• 2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range
  
• 2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment
  
• 2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling and interior designs
  
• 2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental considerations

• Overall length: 4,740mm, Overall width: 1,775mm, Overall height: 1,660mm, Wheelbase: 2,750mm
  
• 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S:
  2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-cylinder, gasoline engine
  Max. output (net): 109kW(148PS)/6,000rpm
  Max. torque (net): 191N.m(19.5kg.m)/3,200rpm
  SPORTSHIFT E-4AT
  AWD system: Active Torque Split AWD system
  215/50R17 Tires with aluminum alloy wheels (2.0i-S)
  205/60R16 Tires with aluminum alloy wheels (2.0i-L)
  205/60R16 Tires with full wheel caps (2.0i)
• 2.0GT:
  2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve, intercooled, turbocharged, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-cylinder, gasoline engine
  Max. output (net): 165kW(225PS)/5,600rpm
  Max. torque (net): 326N.m(33.2kg.m)/4,400rpm
  SPORTSHIFT E-5AT
  AWD system: Variable Torque Distribution system
  215/50R17 Tires with aluminum alloy wheels

2008 Ford Mondeo - Chinese Version

Washington D.C., June 16, 2008 – Ford Motor Company will begin exporting additional automotive products and transmission parts to China, thanks to agreements signed in Washington, D.C., today. The total value of the pact is estimated to be more than $800 million.

In one of the company’s largest export agreements, Ford will sell more than 30,000 North American-built vehicles in China, starting in 2009. Ford also will begin supplying transmission components and parts this year to its passenger car joint venture in China – Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd.

“This historic export agreement with China is another step in our commitment to accelerate the development of new products that customers want and value and leverage Ford’s global assets,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

“It solidifies the worldwide appeal of our products in delivering personal transportation to markets from Boston to Beijing,” Mulally added. “It also is good news for the Ford teams that assemble these products and components in both the United States and Canada.”

Chinese government officials were joined by senior Ford management for a signing ceremony of the vehicle export contract conducted at the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

The Chinese delegation was led by Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and Vice Minister of Commerce Ma Xiuhong.

Ziad Ojakli, Ford’s group vice president for government and community relations, and Stephen Biegun, Ford’s vice president for international governmental affairs, represented the company in the signing ceremony.

Ford has a long history of exporting vehicles to China, dating back to 1913. Most recently, Ford exported the Ford Escape – known as the Maverick in China – and Lincoln Navigator. These U.S.-made SUVs were well received by the Chinese market and were sold out in 2007. While Maverick was one of the best-sellers in the Chinese imported SUV market, Lincoln Navigator helped define the market for luxury full-size SUVs.

“This export program is just one part of a larger effort to continue momentum for Ford in China,” said Robert Graziano, President and CEO, Ford Motor China Ltd. “We are continuously broadening our product offerings, satisfying customer needs and achieving the sales and growth we have been working toward.”

Ford Motor China recorded sales of 90,791 passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2008, a 47 percent increase over the same period last year.

The award-winning Ford brand vehicles sold in China market include Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and Ford Transit.

With the new Ford Fiesta to be launched by the end of this year, Ford’s product offering in China will cover a range of vehicles from small cars to SUVs to the light bus segments.

Full details of the vehicles to be exported beginning in 2009 will be announced later.

------------

• Ford Motor Company enters into export agreement today valued at more than $800 million
• Ford to export more than 30,000 North American-built vehicles to China
• Sale to include Michigan-built transmissions
• Production for China to benefit various Ford operations in the United States and Canada

Tokyo, Japan - June 16, 2008 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that the first all-new Teana, the flagship model in the company’s line-up in the Chinese market, rolled off the lines at the Xianfang plant of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL), Nissan's partner in China.

The premium sedan made its global debut at Auto China in April 2008 where it received the “Best World Premier” award.

“The first generation of Teana in China accounted for nearly half of total global sales for that model in the five years from 2003,” said Toshiaki Otani, managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company. “As China is the largest market for Teana, DFL and Nissan considered the needs of the Chinese customers very carefully in developing the next generation model.”

The concepts of modern luxury and moving comfort guided the development of Teana, and contributed to the hospitable and relaxed ambience drivers and passengers experience with the vehicle.

Dongfeng Nissan Technical Center (DNTC) played a vital role in gathering market information for the development of Teana for China. Working with the Nissan Technical Center (NTC), DNTC conducted automotive testing across China and made necessary modifications, such as enhancements in quietness, in order to best match the needs of the Chinese market.

Teana is powered by the company’s highly regarded V6 engine (VQ25DE and VQ35DE), combined with XTRONIC CVT and incorporating Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for a smooth ride and better fuel economy. Teana also is offered with a 2.0L gasoline engine (MR20DE).

Teana is built on the newly developed “D” platform, which optimally balances a flat, comfortable ride with quietness, refined handling and stability.

The special grade Teana XV offers a distinctive design in the front bumper, front grille and rear bumper, along with metallic painted 17-inch alloy wheels. Other unique features of the Teana XV grade are a top-loaded sunroof and a Bose 5.1 channel sound system.

Teana, which will be available across China later this month, ranges in price from RMB 190,800 (USD: 27,652) to RMB 332,800 (USD: 48,232). DFL projects monthly sales of more than 8,000 units. Sales of the new Teana during its lifecycle are expected to double from the total sales of the first generation model.

First introduced in China in 2004, Teana has turned in sales of 166,000 units since then. Teana won the “Car of the Year award” in 2005 and was ranked No. 1 in the 2007 J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey (IQS) for the premium and mid-size class. Teana also was the first mid-size sedan to be rated “five stars” in the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP).

[Source : Nissan Motor]

Related Article : Nissan launches new teana luxury sedan

Hiroshima, Japan—Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year’s Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.

The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare – following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means “flow” in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda’s concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is “crosswinds”.

Russia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region’s largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda’s latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.

The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design at the Festival Automobile International in Paris.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon media days are on August 26 and 27, whereas 28 August caters for industry and trade specialists. The show is open to the public from 29 August through 7 September. The new show car will be unveiled at the Mazda press conference at 10:15 on August 26 at the Mazda stand.

**Click on the image to view hi-res mode

[Source and Images courtesy of Mazda]

Tokyo, Japan, June 16, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has begun production of the new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, with the first vehicle (U.S. specification) coming off the line. In conjunction with the line-off event, media were allowed to view a number of the new production processes.

[FCX Clarity Vehicle Assembly] Body Welding

The FCX Clarity is produced at the Honda Automobile New Model Center (Takanezawa-machi, Shioya-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). A new dedicated fuel cell vehicle assembly line was established, which includes processes unique to a fuel cell vehicle such as the installation of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen tank. The fuel cell stack itself is produced at Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. (Haga-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). In manufacturing fuel cells, exclusively designed automated equipment was introduced to ensure quality of the highest precision while enabling mass production of cells, with several hundred cells required for each fuel cell stack. Through these initiatives, Honda is making steady progress in the area of fuel cell vehicle production, in addition to fuel cell and fuel cell vehicle technologies, thereby moving closer to realizing its goal to achieve more widespread use of fuel cell vehicles.

The FCX Clarity was designed from scratch as a dedicated fuel cell vehicle. It is powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance made possible by the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design and driving performance as well as environmental responsibility. Lease sales are scheduled to begin in July in the U.S. and this fall in Japan. The combined sales plan for Japan and the U.S. calls for a few dozen units within a year and about 200 units within three years. Additionally, the FCX Clarity will be exhibited at the Environmental Showcase in the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit to begin July 7, as one of a group of advanced environmental

[Source : Honda Motor Worldwode : Press release]

Audi R10 TDi

Scotland's Allan McNish led Audi to their fifth straight victory in the Le Mans 24 Hour sportscar race on Sunday.

McNish combined with Rinaldo Capello of Italy and Denmark's Tom Kristensen, who claimed a record eighth victory.

Peugeot had secured the top three places on Saturday's starting grid, but wet racing conditions handed the advantage to the Audi No.2 team.

Jacques Villeneuve, who was bidding to win motor racing's fabled Triple Crown, came second in the Peugeot No.7.

Villeneuve, Marc Gene and Nicolas Minassian also completed 381 laps but finished four minutes 31.094 seconds behind, with the Peugeot No.9 of Franck Montagny, Christian Klien and Ricardo Zonta two laps off the pace.

Villeneuve won the Indianapolis 500 in 1995 and the Formula One world championship in 1997, but could only hold the lead for a few laps to finish second.

Peugeot got off to a flying start with its three cars in the lead during the first two hours.

But two of its cars faced electronic problems in the third hour: the Peugeot No.8 had to stop for 20 minutes in the pits because of a gearbox problem while the Peugeot No.9's headlights gave out.

Capello took the lead at the start of the fourth hour while Minassian's Peugeot No.7 was refuelling, but Minassian overtook the Audi No.2 on the inside in the fifth hour on lap 71 to recapture the top spot.

The Peugeot No.9 was leading when the rain started in the 14th hour, offering an opportunity for the Audi cars to make up for their relative lack of speed in dry conditions.

And Kristensen overtook Villeneuve in the 15th hour on lap 234 when the Peugeot No.7 was again refuelling in the pits.

The Audi No.2 survived a scare in the 22nd hour after the diesel-powered car collided with a Zytek 07S, but carried on with no apparent damage.

"I'm very, very pleased and extremely proud," McNish said. "We did it with our backs against the wall, but we did it."

"Our car is difficult," Villeneuve said. "You get the power down coming out of corners and it snaps around, which makes it harder to overtake the slower cars."

1. Tom Kristensen, Denmark; Rinaldo Capello, Italy; Allan McNish, Britain; Audi No. 2, 381 laps.
2. Jacques Villeneuve, Canada; Marc Gene, Spain; Nicolas Minassian, France; Peugeot No. 7, 381 laps.
3. Franck Montagny, France; Christian Klien, Austria; Ricardo Zonta, Brazil; Peugeot No. 9, 379 laps.
4. Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller, Germany; Alexandre Premat, France; Audi No. 3, 374 laps.
5. Pedro Lamy, Portugal; Stephane Sarrazin, France; Alexander Wurz, Austria; Peugeot No. 8, 368 laps.
6. Frank Biela and Marco Werner, Germany; Emanuele Pirro, Italy; Audi No. 1, 367 laps.
7. Harold Primat, Switzerland; Christophe Pinseau, France; Benoit Treluyer, France; Pescarolo Judd No. 17, 362 laps.
8. Soheil Ayari, Loic Duval and Laurent Groppi, France; Courage-Oreca Judd No. 5, 357 laps.
9. Tomas Enge and Jan Charouz, Czech Republic; Stefan Mucke, Germany; Lola Aston Martin No. 10, 354 laps.
10. Peter Van Merksteijn, Jos Verstappen and Jeroen Bleekemolen, Netherlands; Porsche RS Spyder No. 34, 354 laps.

Mikko Hirvonen in Action

BP Ford Abu Dhabi team driver Mikko Hirvonen has won Rally Turkey after a nail-biting finale that went right to the end of the final stage.

Hirvonen successfully defended his overnight rally lead, fending off enormous pressure on the final 31km Olympos stage from his team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, and Citroen Total driver Sebastien Loeb.

A maximum 10 driver points for Mikko moves the Finn back into the lead of the 2008 championship, with a margin of three points over the man in second place, Sebastien Loeb.

“It’s fantastic!” said Hirvonen at the finish line. “But that was close!. My front tyres are finished and I had a puncture for the last few kilometers - I wasn’t sure I’d done enough!”

Latvala brought his Focus RS over the line in second, making a perfect one, two for Ford, and widening the team’s lead in the manufacturers’ competition.

“It’s been an unbelievable fight,” said Latvala as he congratulated Hirvonen. “I couldn’t have driven any better but in the end it wasn’t enough. It’s been a great fight and the final result is excellent for the team - and the sport.”

Latvala also owned up to a driving error on the penultimate stage. “I misjudged my braking on a downhill corner on SS18. I went wide and it cost me a few seconds,” he said.

Several trim and content changes are incorporated on the Z06. They include:

• New, "spider"-design 10-spoke Z06 wheel available in four versions: Sparkle Silver, Competition Gray and chrome
• Color-keyed door and instrument panels with red and titanium interiors
• Power-operated pull-down hatch now standard
• Gray stitching on Ebony base seats (previously red)
• New door sill plates with the Z06 logo
• Acoustic package standard on all Z06 models

The Z06 also receives a larger-capacity dry-sump oiling system. It upgrades to the 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) system of the new ZR1. The previous oil system held eight quarts (7.5 liters).

[Source : GM via Autoblog]

Image Gallery : 2009 Corvette Z06

Frankfurt, Germany -- BMW AG is investing another $270 million to expand its U.S. operations, the German automaker said here on Friday.

"These investments show that we are convinced of the continued long-term growth of the U.S. market despite the difficult economic conditions currently," BMW sales chief Ian Robertson said in a statement.

BMW sold 336,000 vehicles last year in the United States, the world's single largest luxury car market thay increase of 7.1 percent and accounting for roughly 22 percent of total group sales.

In order to better cope with the growing volumes and the resulting need for more spare parts, BMW will invest by the end of this year $170 million in two new parts distribution centers in Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Once built the carmaker will have six such centers in the United States.

It is also spending $100 million to expand its U.S. headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., where roughly 1,000 people will be employed in total.

BMW reaffirmed on Friday it is investing $750 million to expand production capacity in its U.S. plant in Spartanburg, S.C., where it will eventually assemble its X3, X5 and X6 range of sports utility vehicles.

By 2012, the plant will be able to build 240,000 units as opposed to the current 160,000.

Peugeot 908 HDi

Paris, France - Peugeot pulverised the Le Mans lap record and filled the top three places after first qualifying for the weekend's 24 Hours sportscar race late on Wednesday.

French driver Stephane Sarrazin, partnered by Portugal's Pedro Lamy and Austrian Alex Wurz in the diesel-engined 908, demolished the existing record by 7.8 seconds with a time of three minutes, 18.513 seconds in the first session.

The remaining two Peugeots were also comfortably inside the lap record, with the three works Audi diesel R10s filling the next three places.

"Even if Audi is six seconds behind Peugeot, the race will be very different and we are expecting Audi to be a strong opponent," Sarrazin told the official Le Mans Web site (www.lemans.org).

Audi R10 TDi

Final qualifying ends late on Thursday.

Another trio of former Formula One drivers filled the second slot with France's Franck Montagny, partnered by Austrian Christian Klien and Brazilian Ricardo Zonta, lapping in 3:18.682.

Canada's 1997 Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve, Spaniard Marc Gene and France's Nicolas Minassian, were third fastest in 3:20.451.

Audi, with seven-times Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen in fourth place, said they were focusing more on set-up for the race, which starts on Saturday.

"We are sure that we can improve our time, even if Peugeot will probably be in pole position."

Audi have won at Le Mans for the past four years in a row and in seven of the last eight outings. However Peugeot have won all three LMS series races so far this season.

[Source : Reuters]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution-X MIVEC Engine

Tokyo, Japan -- Japan's fourth-largest automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to lift domestic output capacity of fuel-efficient lightweight automobile engines by 35 percent to 385,000 units a year by the fall of 2009, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday without citing sources.

The automaker intends to spend a total of 9 billion yen ($84.2 million) at its engine plant in Shiga Prefecture to achieve the increase, the report said.

The engines are to be fitted mainly in strategic vehicles such as the Lancer sedan and Outlander sport utility vehicle for export to Europe, resource-rich nations and elsewhere.

Mitsubishi Motors churns out 1.8-, 2- and 2.4-litre versions of the four-cylinder engines, which were co-developed by Germany's Daimler AG and South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co.

Instead of using cast iron on some outside parts, the automaker uses aluminium to make the engines 15 percent lighter.

Some of the models Mitsubishi has planned include the upcoming turbocharged Lancer Ralliart, new Sportback range, and a new compact crossover based on the Lancer platform.

2009 Ford Fiesta S

Costly move is prompted by consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Plant managers and local union leaders from around the country have been summoned to Ford's Dearborn headquarters Friday.

They'll discuss the challenges facing the automaker and the broader U.S. automobile industry as the price of gasoline continues to set record highs and consumers flee pickups and big SUVs for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

In what would be one of the most dramatic manufacturing transformations in Detroit's history, Ford would retool some of its North American plants to produce vehicles being built in Europe, where it is a leader in the small-car segment. Ford also is conducting a thorough review of its entire product pipeline in North America, hoping to accelerate the introduction of new, more fuel-efficient cars and to build more vehicles on fewer platforms.

"The best place to look is Europe," CEO Alan Mulally said recently, acknowledging that it would be too costly for Ford to import cars from across the Atlantic because of unfavorable exchange rates. "We can tailor the production to where we sell them."

Details of the plan are expected to be announced in July. They will likely include major moves like converting Ford's Avon Lake, Ohio, assembly plant from production of the older E-series van to the more modern and fuel-efficient Transit van Ford builds in Europe. But sources familiar with the situation say the company will not reveal the full scope of its manufacturing realignment for several months.

When complete, Ford expects to build more models on fewer platforms than any other automaker including Toyota Motor Corp., which has made such simplicity a recipe for success.

This accelerated restructuring is not without its risks. Retooling factories and speeding up product programs is expected to cost billions of dollars money Wall Street would rather remain in the bank as a cushion against further economic troubles. Even within Ford, some old-guard executives argue it could prove too costly. But Mulally is said to have vetoed all opposition, calling this rapid transformation vital to Ford's survival.

Future of Ford at stake

The stakes have never been higher. Ford lost $2.7 billion and recently said it will miss its long-stated goal of restoring profitability in 2009. Though the company is making money overseas, it continues to lose ground to foreign brands in its home market. Ford already has slashed pickup production in the United States and sold three of its foreign brands to help fund its restructuring.

"There really aren't many more chances left to save this company," said Wall Street analyst John Casesa. "This is an extraordinary time and it calls for extraordinary measures. I don't see any way to address $4-plus gasoline without a transformation of their product lineup."

Though sources stressed that final details are still being debated and are subject to change, they said the company plans to build the F-100, a new lighter and more fuel-efficient version of Ford's bread-and-butter F-150 pickup, at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne.

That factory, which is barely running a single shift, produces the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, gas-guzzling SUVs that have seen their sales collapse with rising gas prices. Ford will continue to produce those vehicles on the same line, potentially adapting them to the F-100's smaller frame.

The Louisville Assembly Plant, which manufactures the traditional body-on-frame Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs, will be transformed into a unibody facility capable of producing cars, car-based crossovers or both at the same time.

Converting a factory to flexible manufacturing can take up to six months and cost $250 million or more, said manufacturing analyst Greg Gardner of the Oliver Wyman Group. The actual cost could be much higher once product development expenses are factored in.

Whither Wall Street?

The question is whether Wall Street already concerned about Ford's increasing cash burn rate will endorse the plan.

"The news may be hard for some to swallow initially, but I think investors will understand this," Casesa said. "It is clear that the world has changed dramatically for the auto companies in the last eight weeks."

Ford would neither confirm nor deny the moves. "We're not going to comment on future model cycle plan discussions," said Ford spokesman Said Deep.

But many elements of the realignment have already been made public. Ford already announced plans to convert its F-series pickup plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico, to produce the new Ford Fiesta. The subcompact, which goes on sale in Europe later this year, is slated to arrive in the United States in 2010.

The company also is planning to replace its North American midsize sedan, the Fusion, and its European counterpart, the Mondeo, with a single vehicle that will be sold on both sides of the Atlantic once the vehicles have completed their current production cycle. The automaker also was planning on bringing the next-generation European Focus to the United States in late 2010 or early 2011.

Mulally said more variants of the Mondeo could be brought to the United States, and other sources said the company is looking at more derivatives of the Focus. It's clear Ford's cycle plan is still undergoing a thorough review and further changes could be in the works.

Trucks were money-makers

There is always a danger that Ford will swing too far in its effort to catch up with consumer tastes, but the planned changes will make the automaker's factories far more flexible and able to adapt to future market changes.

Even if these new models sell well, it will be hard for Ford to make up for the lost trucks and SUV revenue. The automaker is struggling to get three-figure returns from the Focus, while it can make more than $20,000 on a Super Duty pickup.

But Ford is not abandoning trucks. Deep said the automaker will make the investments necessary to hold onto its decades-long lead in full-size pickups, and it will have the capacity available to respond when truck sales rebound, which analysts consider inevitable. That is why Ford recently announced that it is reducing shifts at two truck plants instead of closing one -- a move that will allow the company to rapidly ramp up production again.

In addition to better matching its vehicle offerings to consumer demand, the changes Ford is planning will allow the automaker to more easily meet new federal fuel economy requirements.

Moreover, the company's new contract with the United Auto Workers provides the concessions necessary to manufacture small cars much more profitably in the United States, said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.

"This is very doable," Cole said. "Labor is scared to death right now and willing to do things that wouldn't have been possible before. You can't not do it. Alan is ready to bite the bullet. The old Ford is gone."

[Source : The Detroit News // June 11, 2008]

Ford Motor Co. said the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture will supply batteries for a 20-vehicle test fleet of plug-in Escape Hybrid SUVs that will arrive in California by the end of 2009.

The first vehicle of the test fleet arrived at a California utility company in December. Ford declined to name the battery supplier at that time.

Nine more vehicles are scheduled to ship to the California utility by year end. The remaining 10 vehicles will arrive by the end of 2009.

The fleet will be tested there and later in the New York/New Jersey area. Ford said that move will help determine if any regional differences in vehicle performance exist.

"Plug-in hybrid vehicles have great promise, but we are still working to fully address all of the technical and business challenges that stand in the way of commercialization," Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of sustainable mobility, said in a statement.

Johnson Controls Inc., of Milwaukee, supplies interiors, electronics and batteries to the auto industry. Saft SA, of Paris, is an industrial battery supplier.

[Source : Automotive News (Subscription required)]

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-litre V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-litre V8 DOHC engine, the latter producing more than 300-horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, 5,000 pounds with the V6, it offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward.

The Borrego will go on sale this summer as a 2009 model.

Specification.

Engine
Engine Type Gasoline V8..V6*
Displacement 4.6L..3.8L
Fuel System MPFI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 337 @ 6000..276 @ 6000
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 323 @ 3500..267 @ 4400
Transmission
Drivetrain 4-Wheel Drive
Trans Type 6..5
Trans Description Cont. Steptronic automatic
Suspension
Suspension Type - Front Double Wishbone w/ Coil Springs
Suspension Type - Rear Multi-link w/ Coil Springs
Brakes
Brake Type Power
Brake ABS System Yes
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Wheels
Front Wheel Size (in) 18..17
Rear Wheel Size (in) 18..17
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum Alloy
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in) 114.0
Length, Overall (in) 192.1
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 75.4
Height, Overall (in) 72.4
Ground Clearance, Front (in) 8.5
Ground Clearance, Rear (in) 8.5
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Volume with Rear Seat Up (ft³) 31.7
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity 7
Passenger Volume (ft³) 137.5

* for V6 engine model

[Source : Kia Motor America]

Image Gallery : 2009 Kia Borrego

The Brilliance FRV is an up coming star of the Chinese car industry, its bubbly design, combined with a decent interior, and a range of engines will prove that the Shengyang based Brilliance are well on track with their future plans for world domination.

Brilliance plan to sell 30 models of their FRV with a range of engines, including a 1.3l, a 1.6l and a 1.8 engine, and as an addition, a 1.8 turbo assisted model.

The 1.8Turbo model FRV will be paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox, although we’re unsure of the pricing, we can guess it will be in the 80,000rmb to 100,000rmb. Brilliance recently announced that they were making waves in bringing their 1.8T BS4 to the sub 100,000rmb price range, something which other marques (Chinese and Foreign) have so far been unable (or unwilling) to do.

[Source : China Car Times]

Image Gallery : Brilliance FRV

Following the highly successful introduction of the Bentley Continental GT Speed coupe in 2007, Bentley - almost half of new Continental GTs now sold are Speed versions - Bentley now offers the 600bhp (610PS) W12 powertrain in the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed to deliver a more powerful and engaging Bentley driving experience.

The Speed engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 200mph (322km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability.

The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model.

New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels available in both bright silver or darkened tungsten carry bespoke Pirelli PZero performance tyres introduced on the GT Speed model, which provide the car with superb grip and feedback.

The Speed's sporting performance is complemented by a highly capable chassis. Tauter handling and greater steering response with sharper turn-in and improved driver feedback is achieved through a retuned Servotronic steering system, direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings.

Improved agility and body control is also achieved through uprated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car's high-speed dynamics, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed's self-levelling air suspension sits 10mm lower.

The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models, provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed offers a new 'Dynamic Mode' that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.

Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering, comments: "The new Flying Spur advances its Bentley performance credentials while delivering outstanding refinement and comfort through our unique application of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. With 600 bhp and a sports-tuned chassis, the Flying Spur Speed redefines customer expectations of a large, four-door luxury saloon. The performance, handling and agility set new benchmarks."

ENGINE

• Type: 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
• Installation: Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
• Construction: Alloy heads and block
• Bore/stroke: 84 x 90.2mm
• Capacit:y 5998cc
• Compression ratio: 9.0:1
• Valve gear: Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
• Power: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
• Torque: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
• Fuel: 98 (95) RON

PERFORMANCE

• Top speed: 200mph (322km/h)
• 0-60mph (0-100km/h): 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
• 0-100mph (0-160km/h): 10.5 seconds (10.4 seconds)
• 50-70mph (80-120km/h): 2.4 seconds (3.1 seconds)

[Source : Bentley]

Official image set : 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

Poland's Robert Kubica took his and BMW Sauber's first grand prix victory in Canada on Sunday to wrest the Formula One championship lead from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton on a miserable afternoon for the Briton.

Hamilton, who enjoyed his breakthrough win on the same course last year, inexplicably drove into the back of Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari in a pit-lane collision that put the top two drivers out of the race.

In their absence, Kubica seized his chance.

He took the lead on lap 43 when Toyota's Timo Glock pitted and took the chequered flag ahead of German team mate Nick Heidfeld in a momentous one-two finish for the Swiss-based team.

"Fantastic race, fantastic for the team, for me and for my country and for the fans who I thank for cheering for me here in Canada," said Kubica after the Polish anthem had been played for the first time at a Formula One race.

The win capped an amazing turnaround for the 23-year-old Kubica, the first Pole to race in Formula One, after surviving a horrific crash in last year's race on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Scot David Coulthard, the oldest driver in the race at 37, rolled back the years to finish third for Red Bull ahead of Glock with Ferrari's Felipe Massa fifth.

"I would never have expected a podium this weekend - I've had a horrible start to the year," commented Coulthard after scoring his first points of the season.

Kubica has 42 points with Hamilton and Massa both on 38 after seven races.

HAMILTON APOLOGY

While Kubica enjoyed the champagne moment, the race will be remembered as much for the pit lane pile-up which left Hamilton apologising to his closest rival.

With the safety car deployed, Raikkonen had stopped at the red light at the end of the pit lane on lap 20 with Kubica also waiting alongside. Hamilton then rammed into the back of the Finn's car.

Williams' Nico Rosberg shunted the rear of Hamilton's McLaren but the German was able to continue the race after stopping for a new front wing.

"It's not exactly a racing incident as such but I think it's really unfortunate. It was one of those things I guess," said Hamilton, who had gone into the race with a three point lead over Raikkonen.

After claiming pole position on Saturday, the Briton was hot favourite to repeat last year's victory and was leading comfortably before the safety car came out on the 18th lap.

"It's a lot different if you crash into the wall and you are angry with yourself. It's not like that. I apologise to Kimi if I've ruined his race but that sort of thing happens," said Hamilton.

"I would just rather that neither of us was out," he added. "We were so quick, I was breezing it. But next time."

Heidfeld led before a list of drivers, including Honda's Rubens Barrichello, Coulthard and Toyota's Jarno Trulli, to lead before their pit stops.

Stuttgart, Germany -- Starting on 5 July, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing the next generation of the 911 model series. The four new models – two Coupés and two Cabriolets – with classic rear-wheel drive offer an even higher standard of dynamic performance thanks to their all-new flat-six power units displacing 3.6 and, respectively, 3.8 litres. And the introduction for the first time of direct fuel injection on a Porsche sports car, together with the optional double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), makes the new 911 even more sporting and dynamic.

At the same time these new technologies enhance the already outstanding efficiency of the 911 to an even higher level than before: Featuring PDK, the Carrera Coupé offers outstanding fuel economy of 9.8 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 28.8 mpg imp. And with all new Carreras remaining significantly below the fuel consumption benchmark of 11 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.7 mpg imp, CO2 emissions are down by up to 15 per cent.

Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20 bhp to 345 bhp (254 kW). Output on the 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-litre power unit is equally impressive, up by 30 bhp to 385 bhp (283 kW). With this extra power, the Carrera S Coupé now offers a top speed of slightly over 300 km/h or 186 mph.

The new generation of the 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), Porsche’s double-clutch gearbox. Offering no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. And since PDK also boasts an automatic gearshift function, it replaces the former Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission on both the Carrera and Carrera S. Through its optimised and adaptive gearshift programs, PDK improves the car’s acceleration and reduces fuel consumption to a level even lower than before.

Porsche developed this gearshift principle featuring two clutches to shift gears without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power and without even the slightest break in between gears no less than 25 years ago for motorsport. Porsche works drivers benefiting from this technology were able to accelerate faster than their competitors and keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears, thus avoiding even the slightest distraction while shifting. The pioneering achievement from back then now gives the new 911 Carrera even better performance: Equipped with seven-speed PDK, the Carrera Coupé accelerates in 4.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, another 0.2 seconds faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox. And the customer in search of optimum driving dynamics even has the option to combine PDK with Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono Plus including Launch Control. The result is high-speed acceleration free of slip from a standstill and a racing gearshift, with the car accelerating to 100 km/h in a truly outstanding 4.3 seconds.

The new generation of the 911 stands out clearly at first sight through innovations in design both front and rear as well as new lights with LED technology. LED daytime driving lights and bi-xenon headlights now standard on all new models in the Carrera range give the silhouette of the 911 even more distinctive style and a truly unique look, interacting with new LED rear lights to ensure an unmistakable and striking appearance also at the rear. And as a further safety option, Porsche now also offers Dynamic Bending Lights on all models.

Prices start at Euro 69,600.- for the Carrera (Euro base price). The Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S both retail at Euro 78,000.- (Euro base price), and the Carrera S Cabriolet is entering the market at Euro 88,000.- (Euro base price).

[Source : Porsche AG]

Image Gallery : 2009 Porsche 911 in Hi-Resolution

Pagani Zonda Cinque is already making fans dream: only five examples will be made, 700 hp, high tech aerodynamics and road performance that’s the stuff of legend. While we haven’t got a lot of technical details to share, we’re keeping our eye on this limited edition, sister of the future Zonda R, by showing some new images.

• Mercedes Benz AMG engine, 678 hp,
• ECU, Traction control , ABS by Bosch
• Inconel/titanium exhaust system coated with ceramic
• Suspensions in magnesium and titanium
• Cima sequential gearbox (6 speed), robotized by Automac enginnering
• APP monolitic wheels forged in aluminium and magnesium. Size: front 9x19 – rear 12,5x20
• Pirelli PZero tyres. Size: front 255/35/19 - rear 335/30/20
• Toora Racing Seats in carbon fiber, with leather cover
• Carbon Fiber steering wheel
• Brembo brake in carbo-ceramic self ventilated with hydraulic servo brake, Size: front 380x34 mm, monolitic 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm, monolitic 4 piston caliper.
• Dry weight 1210 Kg
• Weight distribution in driving condition - 47% front, 53% rear
• Acceleration: 0-100 Km in 3.4 sec.; 0-200 in 9.6 sec.
• Braking: 100-0 km in 2.1 sec.,200-0 km 4.3 sec.
• Maximum side acceleration: 1,45 G (with road tyres, NO CUP)

St. Petersburg plant to be Hyundai´s gateway to CIS and Eastern Europe

– Hyundai will build a 100,000 units-a-year factory in St. Petersburg
– Plant to be completed by Jan 2011, investment to reach 330 mln euros
– Plant will produce new, small to mid-size models for Russian market;
raise corporate image through ´Made in Russia´ products

St. Petersburg, Russia -- Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea´s largest automaker, began construction of its 100,000 units-a-year plant in St. Petersburg to establish a local production and sales base in Russia, which will be a stepping stone to expansion in the CIS and Eastern Europe.

Mr. Ilya Iosifovich Klebanov, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Northwest Federal District of Russia; Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, governor of St. Petersburg; South Korea´s Ambassador to Russia and about 500 other Russian government officials, executives and employees of Hyundai Motor and its parts suppliers, as well as local dealers and media members attended the plant groundbreaking ceremony of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing RUS at Kamenka, St. Petersburg today. (**Please note that the attendee list for the Russian government officials may change due to last minute schedule changes)

Hyundai Motor plans to invest a total of 330 million euros in the plant, which will begin operations in December 2010 and begin production for sales in January 2011. Production is expected to reach maximum capacity of 100,000 units a year by the end of that year.

For the first year of 2011, Hyundai Motor plans to make new, small- to mid-size models strategically targeting the local market. Other models will be added according to local market conditions.

"Hyundai Motor´s new Russian plant, our sixth overseas production base, will strategically play a central role in Hyundai´s expansion in the CIS nations and Eastern Europe," Byung-kee Suh, Hyundai Motor´s Vice Chairman of Quality Assurance said at the ceremony. "We will produce the best products to become Russia´s No. 1 automaker."

St. Petersburg is the perfect area for the automobile industry to prosper, as it is blessed with a well-developed industrial infrastructure and logistics, highly-educated workforce, and the government´s active support. Together with Turkey and the Czech Republic, the new plant will be an advance base for Hyundai Motor´s operations in Europe. It will also be an important production base that completes Hyundai´s global expansion plans.

The plant, which will include storage facilities and a shipping area, will be built on an area of about 2 million square meters. The actual area of the buildings and facilities will take up about 83,000 square meters.

The Russian plant will get the full benefit of Hyundai Motor´s accumulated knowledge and experience gained from building plants in other emerging markets such as India, China and the Czech Republic. This will ensure the plant´s critical start-up phase will proceed smoothly in all areas of operation from manufacturing to administration and community relations.

Hyundai will actively support its parts suppliers to work together in the new plant, to secure high-quality parts and also give its parts suppliers an opportunity to expand its business. Hyundai Motor also expects to create about 4,000 jobs, including 1,700 for its assembly lines and about 2,200 for its parts suppliers.

Through the new plant, Hyundai Motor will be able to respond more flexibly to the local market by shortening delivery dates. This is also anticipated to save storage costs and improve dealers´ satisfaction.

In the long term, Hyundai Motor will be able to boost its brand value and customer reliability by promoting a corporate image of ´Made in Russia,´ laying the foundation for sustainable development in Russia.

Hyundai Motor expects to reach a broader range of customers with a full line-up through its added capacity from the new plant, which will add to the vehicles currently imported from Korea and the vehicles produced from its existing CKD plant.

Separately, Hyundai Motor last year sold 147,843 passenger cars in Russia, a 47 percent increase from 2006, ranking No. 2 in Russia´s imported brands. This year, Hyundai Motor expects sales to increase 35 percent from last year, to about 200,000 units. The company plans to achieve this through aggressive marketing and promotion activities to boost brand image, as well as expanding dealerships and continuously introducing new models.

In the commercial vehicle sector, Hyundai Motor also posted an annual sales increase of 60 percent to 8,014 units last year. The company plans to double this figure in 2008, to 16,700 units.

[Source : Hyundai Motor]

Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford Motor Co., drives the all-new 2009 Ford Flex off the Oakville Assembly Plant line.

OAKVILLE, Ontario -- Ford Motor Co. officially launched it's new Ford Flex crossover here Tuesday, confirming plans to hire another 500 workers to meet demand at its Oakville Assembly Plant even as rival General Motors Corp. announced that it would idle its Canadian truck plant and three other factories in North America.

Ford wants to boost output at the Oakville plant by 18 percent to meet demand for the Flex and other crossovers produced here.

The contrast reflects what Canadian Minister of Industry Jim Prentice called "a profound structural change" in the North American automobile industry. GM's Oshawa truck plant is one of four pickup and SUV factories the automaker plans to shutter as consumer demand shifts away from trucks to cars in the face of rising fuel prices.

"(The Flex) is a response to what consumers want," Prentice said of Ford's first full-size crossover. "It reflects the market direction."

Ford also began shipping the Flex to dealers on Tuesday. While the vehicle offers three-row, seven-passenger seating and 4,500 pounds of towing capacity, it also gets 24 miles per gallon on the highway. That compares with the Ford Explorer -- a traditional sport utility vehicle that is smaller than the Flex but only gets 20 mpg.

The Flex's high mileage numbers put it on par with the best in the industry. Fuel efficiency has become one of the most important considerations for consumers as gas passes $4 a gallon, according to Ford Americas President Mark Fields.

"Customers want fuel economy, but they also want personality," Fields told The Detroit News. "The Flex gives them both of these, as well as cutting-edge technology, safety and quality. Dealers are absolutely hungry for this vehicle."

Even so, the Flex is still a lot thirstier than the small cars and hybrids that have become the darlings of cost-conscious consumers. But Ford says there are plenty of customers who need the space offered by the Flex, and those motorists would be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that offers it with better fuel economy.

But analyst Erich Merkle of IRN Inc. said the ultimate success of the Flex depends on fuel prices.

"There are people that will definitely need that utility, and it is a very fuel efficient vehicle relative to the number of people it seats," he said. "But if gas hits $5 a gallon, people are going to be willing to make more sacrifices. The Flex is right there on the threshold."

Even some large families have a limit as to how much they're willing to spend for gas.

That's one reason Ford is building the Flex in Oakville.

The plant is one of Ford's most flexible manufacturing facilities in North America, and the Flex is being built on the same line as the already popular Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers -- though it shares few common parts and is built on an entirely different platform.

Plant Manager Ken Minielly said the Flex accounts for about 30 percent of Oakville's production. Minielly expects that number to increase to about 40 percent in the next few weeks. But he said building all three vehicles on the same line will allow Ford to balance the factory's output to match sales.

"Plants like Oakville can adapt to shifts in consumer demand much more easily," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's global manufacturing chief. "Oakville is a good example of how Ford is moving to more flexible manufacturing."

Factory workers like Harry Carleton, a 40-year veteran, say the new approach to manufacturing "just makes sense." He has seen entire product segments -- like the minivan -- come and go.

"I feel better working in this plant now," he said.

Fields praised Oakville's workers for making the launch on time and hitting all of the company's quality goals for the new vehicle. Ford brought hockey legend and Canadian superhero Wayne Gretzky to the plant Tuesday to talk to them about the importance of teamwork.

"There's a lot of sweat-equity in this," Fields said. "You should all feel real proud."

Bob Chernecki, second in command at the Canadian Auto Workers, said his members are making good on their commitment to Ford. But he also called on the government of Canada to do more to level the playing field globally.

[Source : Detroit News]

No idea about these spy shots from Camaro 5 webboard. The first shots of the Subaru/Toyota RWD coupe that will hit the market by 2011. But I think that it is the New Subaru Legacy coupe that looks alike Subaru impreza coupe rendering image from AutoExpress.

Subaru Legacy 3.0R

Power will come from a 2.0 liter boxer engine that produces 220-hp and will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Engineers are modifying Subaru’s 4WD platform to create a new rear-wheel-drive architecture.

[Source : Camaro5]

Image gallery : Spyshot Set

PREMIUM FEEL AND STUNNING DESIGN DEFINE NEW INSIGNIA'S INTERIOR

• First official shots of new Insignia's interior
• Chronometer-inspired instruments
• Use of high quality fabrics and materials

These are the very first official shots of the soon-to-be-launched Insignia's interior, showing the immense attention to detail Vauxhall's designers have lavished on the car's cabin. Highlights include chronometer-inspired instruments, use of high-quality fabrics and materials, and a unique instrument lighting system.

First impression is of Insignia's bold, wrap around interior, dominated by the signature 'wing' that flows from the front instrument panel and dives into the door panels. The surfaces from the exterior's 'blade' feature are echoed in the shape of the interior grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps dramatically into the door armrest.

The cabin's interior lighting gives Insignia a unique night-time appearance. Vauxhall's designers have added a warm amber-coloured ambient light to enhance the night driving environment. The instrument cluster is illuminated white, but on pressing the 'Sport' button, the lighting turns red to match the surrounding illumination.

"This is a paradigm shift for Vauxhall," says John Puskar, Executive Director of Interior Design at GM Europe. "We wanted to create interior environments for all our future vehicles that are warm, inviting and sporty. The Insignia is the first evidence of this philosophy."

Cabin practicality will also raise the bar in Insignia's market sector. The centre console offers flexibility and intelligent design solutions, such as a space-liberating e-brake and separate multi-function control on certain models. Both the steering wheel and front seats have a huge range of adjustability to suit all shapes and sizes, while adjustable armrests, ergonomically placed controls, a multi-use storage box and MP3 connectivity will reinforce Insignia's appeal to private and business drivers.

"Every detail was meticulously thought through," says Jochen Werner, Insignia's Assistant Chief Interior Designer. "We even tipped the infotainment centre at a 30 degree angle to allow the centre console to flow and give the car's cabin a greater feeling of spaciousness."

Many of Insignia's interior design features will provide the DNA for future Vauxhall designs. Variations on sculptural artistry – the wing, flowing sculptural forms and a sporty dynamic environment – will be used moving forward, as Vauxhall refines and evolves its new-found design language.

[Source : GM]

Image Gallery : 2009 Vauxhall Insignia

Image courtesy of Larson via AutoExpress

The Subaru Impreza Coupe will take major styling cues from the five-door model but with a more aggressively designed rear end. An entry-level model will for go the four-wheel-drive system for a more lightweight and less expensive rear-wheel-drive-setup.

Power will come from a choice of two engines, both employing the flat-four boxer layout for which Subaru is famous. There’s a normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit giving around 180bhp, or a high-performance 2.5-litre turbo powerplant borrowed from the range-topping five-door STi. The latter will deliver in the region of 300bhp.

For the entry-level machine, the Impreza’s four-wheel-drive system will be dropped in favour of a more lightweight and less expensive rear-drive set-up. That will put the emphasis on maximum driving thrills. But the more powerful car will send power to four tyres to harness all that punch.

The newcomer will go on sale first in Japan and the US, and could arrive here in the UK in 2011. In entry-level guise, it’s set to cost around £20,000, with the flagship priced at £25,000.

In a related story, Nissan is working on an affordable rear-wheel-drive coupé to sit below the 350Z. The Silvia replacement will go on sale in 2010.

[Source : AutoExpress]

Broad restructuring plan pushes GM stock higher

General Motors said today that it is ending truck production at four plants that build full-sized pickups and SUVs and is considering "all options" with its Hummer brand -- including a possible sale.

The moves are the result of high gas prices, which GM now views as permanent, CEO Rick Wagoner said.

GM stock rose 3.4 percent on news of the restructuring plan, trading at $18.04 as of 11:42 a.m. EDT

The automaker also announced it will add a third shift to its small-car plant in Lordstown , Ohio , Wagoner confirmed.

As first reported by Automotive News on Monday, June 2, GM said it will build a new Chevrolet compact car at Lordstown.

Finally, Wagoner said GM's board of directors approved the production funding for the Chevrolet Volt, a gasoline-electric car.

"In other words, the Chevy Volt is a go," Wagoner said in a teleconference before the company's annual meeting today in Wilmington , Del.

Wagoner said GM still intends to start selling the Volt at the end of 2010 and to build it at its plant in Hamtramck , Mich.

PRODUCTION CUTS

GM is reacting to $4-a-gallon gasoline prices by making major cuts in its full-sized pickup and SUV production.

The automaker said it will cease production at its Oshawa , Ontario , truck assembly operations in Canada , which builds the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, likely in 2009.

GM said its plant in Moraine, Ohio -- which builds the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7x-- will end production at the end of the 2010 model run or sooner, if demand dictates.

Janesville, Wis., will cease production of medium-duty trucks by the end of 2009 and of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon in 2010 -- or sooner, if market demand dictates.

Production of the Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck will also end in Toluca , Mexico , by the end of this year.

Wagoner said each plant employs about 2,500, but it's unclear whether employees will be transferred or laid off.

These cuts, along with the recent moves to remove shifts at U.S. truck plants, Pontiac and Flint, Mich., will result in annual cost savings of more than $1 billion by 2010, Wagoner says.

"Employees of these facilities were notified this morning," Wagoner told reporters. "These are difficult decisions and we'll work with our union partners."

The shutdowns will reduce GM's pickup and SUV capacity by over 700,000 units.

On the plus side, GM said it will add a third shift to the Orion, Mich., plant starting in September. GM builds the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 sedans at Orion. Also in September, the company plans to add a third shift at Lordstown Car Assembly in Ohio, which builds the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. That plant will also build the new compact car coming to Chevrolet in 2010.

Hummer HX Concept

HUMMER

GM will began a strategic review of its Hummer brand to determine its fit within the GM portfolio, Wagoner says.

"At this point, we're considering all options, from a complete revamp of the product lineup to a partial or complete sale of the brand," Wagoner says. "We're communicating that to our Hummer dealers today."

Wagoner declined to say how much value GM would achieve by selling Hummer. He says Hummer is an iconic luxury brand that has brought value to GM's portfolio, but in light of the rising gasoline prices, "that equation has changed."

Presently, GM's truck to car mix is about 50/50. Wagoner says within three years, once these changes all take effect, the shift to the mix will be 60 percent cars and 40 percent trucks.

"Once the US market settles down, GM will benefit from the cost it's taken out and the new products it's introducing," Wagoner says.

Chevrolet Volt Concept

VOLT

GM's board approved funding the production of the gasoline-electric Chevrolet Volt, Wagoner says. The funding will cover development costs, tooling and, most importantly, he says, it indicates that GM's leadership believes the technology for the Volt, including the lithium-ion batteries, will be ready for market on schedule.

"We believe this is the biggest step yet in our industry's move away from our historic, virtually complete reliance on petroleum to power vehicles," Wagoner says.

GM plans to show a production version of the Volt in the "very near future", Wagoner said. He says GM still intends to get the Volt to showrooms by the end of 2010.

[Source : Automotive News (Subscription Required)]

From today and until June 11th, Kia Motors will be receiving pre-launch orders for it’s new Lotze Innovation. The Lotze Innovation, known also as Optima overseas, is the facelift version of Kia’s mid-sized sedan that was first launched (in Korea) in November 2005.

For those Korean customers taking out pre-launch orders, the company will provide partial coverage of the registration fee. In addition, the company will apply a discount interest rate of 7 percent on vehicles bought on 36-month installment plans during June and provide golf lesson vouchers with all Lotze Innovation cars sold during the month. The normal interest rate applied to 36-month payment plans is 8.25 percent.

The company will also be providing an extended 7-year, 150,000 kilometer warranty, usual warranties for local mid-sized sedans last 5-year, 100,000 kilometer, with Lotzes sold until the end of the year.

[Source: Koreaherald via KIA World]

Detroit -- General Motors will unveil a Chevrolet compact car at an auto show this fall, with production slated to begin early next year, say sources familiar with GM's product program.

The vehicle will be built on the Delta compact car architecture at GM's plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

1.4 liter 2008 Chevrolet AVEO, Based model for new GM compact car ?

The car will use a new 1.4-liter global engine that GM developed and recently announced in Europe. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be used in several GM vehicles worldwide.

The Chevrolet compact will not be called the Cobalt, says one source familiar with the plans. GM will produce the current-generation Cobalt through June 2010 as a 2009 model. It was unclear from sources whether GM will continue to build the Cobalt after that.

Shared among five nameplates

The car's engine will be capable of developing between 120 and 140 hp. Sources say mileage could easily exceed 40 mpg.

"It's a pretty incredible engine; it's direct-injected with great power," the source says. "The small-displacement turbos make it possible to get great power so that GM might put it in the mid-sized products, too. It's an extremely important engine and a very capable powertrain."

The new engine will be shared among five nameplates: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, Opel and Daewoo, sources say. That means the Lordstown plant could build cars for export.

The engine continues the trend that GM started with such cars as the Pointiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line. Those cars use smaller engines and high-technology devices such as direct fuel injection and turbochargers to boost fuel economy and performance.

Lordstown plant retooling

GM is retooling its plant in Lordstown for a new vehicle, sources say. Lordstown union officials have heard that GM plans to add a shift.

GM now is building between 1,400 and 1,500 cars a day at Lordstown; adding a shift would increase that output to 2,100 cars a day. GM builds the Chevrolet Cobalt as well as the Pontiac G5 and its Canadian counterpart, the Pontiac Pursuit, at the Lordstown plant.

Meanwhile, GM is reconsidering bringing the Chevrolet minicar, the Beat, to the United States.

"The Beat for the U.S. is getting a pretty thorough examination now that you see what's going on with fuel prices," says a source close to GM's product development. "It isn't definitively on there as a go product, but there is a lot of inside chatter and it's on the consideration list."

[Source : Automotive News]

Sebastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena won the 2008 Acropolis Rally of Greece this afternoon to move into the lead of the Drivers’ World Championship.

The Total-Citroen team pair had no problems through the last day of the event, and crossed the finish ramp in Athens with an overall lead of 1min 9sec.

The victory is Loeb’s second on the Greek round of the WRC series - which he last won in 2005 - and his fifth from the seven rallies of the season so far. Another maximum score in the drivers’ contest moves Loeb one point ahead of the pre-rally leader Mikko Hirvonen, and closer to his goal of a fifth consecutive World Title.

“It was a tough and long weekend but in the circumstances it was almost a perfect rally,” said Loeb. “It’s been hard for all of us driving in such rough conditions. It wasn’t just a question of going fast; instead it was all about knowing where to push and where to slow down. But we had a good speed overall and I’m very happy with the feeling of my C4. In the past we’re struggled to catch the Fords on this rally, but not this year.”

Petter Solberg of the Subaru World Rally Team finished second - his best result since Rally Portugal in 2007 - and was delighted with the pace of his new Impreza World Rally Car on its competitive debut. “I’m almost overwhelmed,” said Solberg. “It’s been perfect - we’ve had no problems all rally. The guys in the team did a fantastic job to get the car ready for this event and now I can say that the future looks great. The new car has shown it has the necessary pace and there’s a lot more to come. Brilliant!”

Third place went to Mikko Hirvonen of the BP-Ford Abu-Dhabi World Rally Team. Despite slipping to second in the drivers’ contest, The Ford Focus RS driver said the result was better than he though possible on Saturday. “This rally was definitely the hardest I’ve ever done,” said Hirvonen. “I had so many problems early on that I’m very happy to be third. Okay, I’m disappointed to have lost the lead of the Championship, but to be only one point behind halfway through the season is not so bad.”

Estonian Urmo Aava was fourth in his privately entered Citroen C4 WRC, and delighted to get the best WRC result of his career. “This has been the best rally of my life,” said Aava. “I have taken two stage wins and lots of third and fourth fastest times. Fourth place is the best I though I could take from here. Next I want to get a third, then maybe a second - you never know.”

Dani Sordo was fifth in the second Total-Citroen C4. The Spaniard said he was satisfied - despite losing the lead on the second day. “I’m happy with fifth because it didn’t look likely yesterday,” said Sordo. “It’s important for Citroen in the manufacturers’ championship. I have a good feeling in the car now, and I’m feeling confident ahead of the next rally in Turkey.”

Matthew Wilson of the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford team was sixth and collected three drivers’ points. “After a tough first day I’m glad to have finished in the points,” he said. “I really had to use my head here; the conditions today were so rough they were almost unbelievable. From what I’ve heard this was just like the Acropolis was years ago - a real car breaker.”

The man who led the rally on the opening day, Jari-Matti Latvala, finished seventh after a series of problems on Saturday’s stages. “Everything happened to me on this rally,” said Latvala. “But Ford is still leading the Manufacturers’ championship so I’m happy about that. The speed has actually been okay, but a few little things haven’t worked out for us. I want a clean run in Turkey.”

Henning Solberg ended eighth in another Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus. The Norwegian had started the day third, but was dogged by an engine problem which eventually dropped him out of podium contention. “It was a big disappointment but what can you do?” said Solberg. “This is part of the rally sometimes. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get on the podium with my brother but I’m going to do better next time.”

Toni Gardemeister was ninth in the first of the Suzuki World Rally Team cars. The Finn saying he was pleased to have got his SX4 WRC to the end. “Getting to the finish on this rally is actually a very promising result,” he said. “We got here without too many problems - just a cracked turbo wastegate yesterday - so I’m quite happy.”

Zimbabwean Conrad Rautenbach rounded out the top ten in the second of the PH-Sport run Citroen C4 WRC’s. “What can I say; it’s been one of those weekends,” said a disappointed Rautenbach. “We set some good times, but I’ll be glad to get to the next event in Turkey. I didn’t very feel well before this rally so I plan to rest up, get strong and come back fighting.”

[Source : WRC, Image Courtesy of Acropolis Rally]

Image Gallery : Top 10 standing

Tokyo, Japan -- Honda will meet growing U.S. demand for small cars while maintaining North American jobs by moving production of two bigger models from Canada to Alabama, Chief Executive Takeo Fukui said Thursday.

Honda Motor Co.'s Pilot sport-utility vehicle and Ridgeline pickup, now rolling off its plant in Alliston, Ontario, will be produced in Lincoln, Ala., allowing the production of the Civic sedan to be raised in Canada, he said.

"Gas prices continue to rise, and the demand for cars with good mileage is growing," Fukui told reporters at a Tokyo hotel. "Efforts are under way to increase the local production of the Civic."

Even the usually booming Japanese automakers are sensing the pinch from a U.S. economic slowdown and soaring material costs, including steel. But the Japanese are holding up better than their American rivals because of their reputation for fuel-efficient offerings.

General Motors' top managers are working on additional restructuring measures to deal with a declining U.S. auto market and an accelerated shift from trucks to more fuel-efficient vehicles, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press late Wednesday.

Such a move would come on top of thousands of job cuts at GM over the past three years mainly through buyout and early retirement offers.

Ford said earlier this week that it's planning involuntary layoffs of salaried employees by August as part of a restructuring in the face of slumping sales and record-high gas prices.

Honda's production changes won't create or cut any jobs in North America. But Fukui noted it will maintain sales momentum.

"And the point is we won't have to reduce employment," he said.

Honda will create American jobs when its plant to build Civics opens in Indiana later this year. That plant, Honda's seventh in North America, is expected to add about 2,000 jobs.

Fukui said Honda's Fit subcompact is another model that is emerging a hit in the U.S., a nation previously known to favor gas-guzzlers.

Still, the overall U.S. auto sales are expected to drop to around 15 million vehicles this year down from 17 million as recently as 2005.

For April, General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler all saw double-digit U.S. sales declines compared to last April. But Honda, along with Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., reported year-on-year gains.

Relatively new auto plants are flexible in production, allowing models to be switched to respond to shifts in demand. At some plants, the same assembly line can produce different models, one after the other.

[Source : Association Press via Detroit News]