- 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.”

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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]

Image Gallery :

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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

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2008 Mercedes A-Class Facelift

Mercedes-Benz is set to increase its offering in the compact-car segment, alongside the A-Class and B-Class ranges.

While the automaker is the most successful premium manufacturer in the segment, the new generation of models will increase its presence and target addition groups.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said the new range would open up "new market regions".

"Mercedes-Benz is going to offer an even wider range of exciting premium cars - with the high levels of comfort, safety and overall quality that are characteristic for the brand - in the particularly fuel-efficient compact-car segment," he explained.

The new generation of compact cars will require a E800 million investment in the Rastatt plant, Dr Zetsche added.

"At the same time, we are planning a new plant in Hungary to boost our competitiveness and to gain access to the potential of the Eastern European markets," he revealed.

The firm said that cost-effectiveness would be achieved through the progress made in vehicle efficiency and structural design.

[Source : Mercedes Benz UK.]

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Renault Logan eco²-labelled Concept

In May 2007, Renault introduced its Renault eco² label – a system for badging its vehicles so that customers can identify the most environmentally friendly versions.

In November 2007, Renault entered an eco²-labelled Logan Concept in the Michelinorganized Challenge Bibendum, demonstrating that a car could be both 'ecological and economical' without stinting on performance or equipment. Renault has maintained its commitment with the unveiling of TCe 130, Powertrain Engineering’s latest innovation in downsized engines.

Renault’s long-standing efforts have made it one of Europe’s three most carbonefficient automakers. Its achievements in CO2 reduction are paramount, but it considers that it is just as critical to curb pollutant emissions. The NOx Trap unveiled at the Environment Workshop is proof of its efforts to counter pollution.

Renault has continued its strategy of developing an electric vehicle (EV). In January 2008, the Renault-Nissan Alliance sealed a deal with Project Better Place to massmarket EVs in Israel and Denmark by 2011. Other markets could follow soon.

In 2006, Renault announced that as part of the Renault Commitment 2009 growth plan it would test vehicles powered by fuel cells derived from the Alliance’s advanced technology. In keeping with that pledge, Renault has now taken the wraps off its EV prototype Scenic ZEV H2, which it plans to test. Powered by a fuel cell, the ZEV H2 emits nothing more harmful than water vapour.

Additional projects further illustrate Renault’s environmental commitment. There are some simple, everyday steps that motorists can take to reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20%. Renault is to offer its customers environmental driving lessons with simulators installed in dealerships by the end of 2008. Visitors can try out a simulator at the Environment Workshop.

For years now Renault has led the way in lifecycle management. In February 2008 it created the Renault Environment Business Unit to support the domestic and international roll-out of action in recycling and new areas of environmental protection. Earlier this year it also signed a contract creating a joint-venture with SITA, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement. The joint-venture, the first of its kind in the world, aims to accelerate the incorporation of end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling into operations.

Renault’s manufacturing sites have also kept up their efforts. All have now secured ISO 14001 environmental certification.

[Source : Renault]

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Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.

Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2008–Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), reached the 500,000-unit cumulative automobile production milestone, June 18, 2008.

HAB began auto production with the Civic model in September 1997, and added production of Fit in 2003. HAB has been supplying these models to customers in Brazil as well as customers in neighboring countries such as Argentina, Peru, and Chile. In 2006, to fulfill increasing demand for FFVs (flexible fuel vehicles) in Brazil, HAB added a FFV version of both Civic and Fit to the product lineup. The sales ratio of these FFV models to Honda’s overall sales in Brazil exceeded 40% in 2007, demonstrating the popularity of these FFV models.

Honda Civic FFV

HAB’s annual production capacity was expanded from the original 50,000 units to 100, 000 units in 2007, and will be further expanded to 120,000 units in August 2008. Also HAB started operation of engine parts manufacturing facility in May 2008. HAB is planning to produce approximately 130,000 units in 2008 including export models. Leveraging strengthened production capacity and capabilities, HAB will continue meeting customer demand in the Latin America region in a timely manner.

[Source : Honda // Image courtesy of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.]

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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)]

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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

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2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

NEW DELHI, India, June 18, 2008– In a pioneering move, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched India’s first hybrid car – the globally acclaimed Civic Hybrid.

In line with Honda's long-term commitment to the development of advanced and environmentally-friendly technologies that do not compromise on driving pleasure, the Civic Hybrid offers a rare combination of being environmentally friendly, fuel efficient and also having a high fun-to-drive quotient.

The launch of the Civic Hybrid is the fulfillment of yet another commitment HSCI made to its customers – of bringing in latest technologies and models from Honda’s global line-up. It also seeks to strengthen HSCI’s efforts towards the protection of the environment and conservation of energy sources.

The Honda Civic Hybrid System features a 3-stage i-VTEC + IMA that employs Honda’s 1.3L i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine to provide three stages of valve timing (low-speed, high-speed, and cylinder idle mode), combined with a compact and efficient electric motor, Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Together with highly efficient CVT transmission, the system provides nearly 47% enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8L Civic AT without compromising on driving performance.

The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations.

In addition, the internal combustion engine is switched off when car comes to a stop while the brake pedal is pressed. These factors contribute greatly to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in city traffic.

Apart from sleek, aerodynamic exteriors and new-age luxurious interiors, Honda Civic Hybrid offers the best in safety technology, including Active Headrest and four SRS Airbags (driver, assistant and side air bags), besides other safety features.

The Civic Hybrid will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit and will be available in two colours - exclusive Premium White Pearl and Alabaster Silver.

Presenting the new Civic Hybrid, Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “I am proud to unveil Honda’s globally acclaimed and popular Civic Hybrid in India. In launching this car, our objective is not to get large volumes or to make a statement. Our objective is to give an opportunity to Indian customers to experience this new technology. And they can do that at any of our dealerships across India.”

[Source : Honda Motor]

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TRW Head Protection System

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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]

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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]

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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]

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2009 Corvette ZR1

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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)]

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Earthdreams Honda

Following Super Aguri’s demise, Honda may soon have another satellite formula one team up and racing. Reports from Portugal claim that Ken Anderson, a well-known US engineer who has worked in prominent F1 roles, is in promising talks about setting up an American outfit.

The reports said that while nothing is guaranteed, the Honda-powered team could be ready to debut as soon as 2009.

Anderson was reportedly a Honda guest throughout the recent Montreal race weekend, meeting with team chiefs Ross Brawn and Nick Fry.

None of the parties wanted to comment, but sources close to Honda have apparently said that the Japanese manufacturer is ready to sell engines, gearboxes and KERS systems to the new team.

Anderson is said to be meeting with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone in London this week.

The US outfit would be assisted by Honda’s North American arm, as well as several backers from within the US, while Takuma Sato is favourite for the lead cockpit.

Portugal’s Alvaro Parente, who made his F1 test debut in January as a prize for winning the 2007 World Series by Renault, was mentioned as a possibility for the other seat.

The reports said Anderson’s F1 team could be announced officially in mid-summer.

[Source : GMM via F1-Live]

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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

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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.

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• 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

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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

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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]

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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]

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The Singaporean owner of this R35 GT-R decided to treat his car to a rather unique colour scheme by wrapping the exterior in matte-black vinyl and needless to say. I thinks that, it is the stealth Godzilla.

[Source : GTRblog ; Images courtesy of VanQ Photography]

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BYD F6DM(Dynamic Mixes System) : F6e Prototype

Chinese auto makers have seen Europe as the holy grail of car sales, quite the opposite to US and Euro car producers who see China as their make it or break it market. Some Chinese marques have already made it to Europe but found themselves on the receiving end of an entirely negative market, especially once their crash test results were aired all over the world.

BYD have reportedly selected a Dutch automotive dealer to be the sole importer for The Netherlands, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary, all of which are due to be getting BYD automobiles once sales start around 2010. BYD claim that by 2009, they will have passed European crash safety standards, and emission standards.

The first models for Europe from BYD are likely to be plug-in hybrid models, such as the BYD F6e, or the BYD F3Re, petrol models are likely to follow later.

This unconvential entry into the European market may well win BYD a few plus points in the traditionally agressive market. Where Brilliance and Landwind failed with their petrol models, perhaps BYD will win an advantage. Oil prices seem to increase at the forecourt daily, and the chance of owning a cheap Chinese hybrid automobile may well be the answer for many European families who see the family car as a transportation tool, rather than a status symbol.

[Source : China Car Times ; Some Images Courtesy of AutoHome China]

Image Gallery : F6DM Prototype of F6e

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Mercedes-Benz has made a crucial step of market development in Thailand by setting up its first regional integrated operations centre with an investment of 660 million baht.

The One-Roof Centre integrates the essential pre- and post-delivery functions of Mercedes-Benz products under the same roof, said Wolfgang Huppenbauer, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd, at the centre's launch yesterday.

''The centre is our regional first for an integrated operation centre that provides before-sales, after-sales and dealer services,'' said Mr Huppenbauer.

The centre, manned by 170 Thai staff, also handles auto-parts inventory, pre-delivery product inspection, and human resources training.

''With all of our services and operations integrated under one roof, we will be able to provide more speedy service with great efficiency in all operations,'' said Mr Huppenbauer.

With the new centre, product delivery time has been reduced. Substantial production and logistics expenses have also been saved by putting parts storage and quality testing in the same place.

According to Joachim Schmidt, president and CEO for Central, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia for Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz chose Thailand as its strategic location for the establishment of the centre over other Asean countries because of local sales performance.

On average, Mercedes-Benz sells 4,000 cars a year in Thailand, with double-digit growth projected. ''This figure makes Thailand our best market compared to other Asean countries,'' said Dr Schmidt.

''It is also supported by the presence of Thailand as the automobile manufacturing hub in the Asia-Pacific region.''

But Dr Schmidt foresaw rising fuel prices as changing consumers' behaviour.

''Customers take a longer time to make a decision [to buy a car] and also require more fuel-efficient cars so we have allocated billions of euros in research and development to serve this need.''

Yet its sales have risen both in terms of volume and margins this year compared with the same period last year.

The One-Roof Centre is the first investment by Daimler in the region for quite some time. Despite the push for the production of E85 gasohol vehicles by Thai policymakers, Mercedes-Benz has no plan to invest more in the foreseeable future.

''We see that the E85 vehicle market is still very small. Only Brazil and now Thailand use ethanol-fuelled vehicles so we have no plan to act on this yet. We will only continue to produce vehicles according to [majority] market demand,'' said Mr Huppenbauer.

Lack of clarity in the country's long-term energy and fuel policy is also a deterrent to expansion.

In any case, Mr Huppenbauer praised the government's measures as a good policy to promote more use of biofuels and to shift away from fossil crude.

Mercedes-Benz entered the Thai market over 50 years ago through dealers and has operated its own branch for 10 years.

[Source : Bangkok Post // June 15,2008]

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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.

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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.

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