After numerous all-but-production-ready 'concepts' displayed at motorshows as far flung as Geneva, Detroit and China, Ford has finally taken the wraps off the production Fiesta developed in Europe for the world.



Three- and five-door versions come off European assembly lines this summer and "regionally-tailored" models should be on on sale in Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas (North and South) by 2010.

First impressions are of a very attractive, well-specified and equipped little car that should give North American dealers, currently weighed down by stocks of unwanted large SUVs and trucks, something fuel-efficient to sell to customers who might otherwise cross the road for a Toyota Prius or Honda Fit. Or even a GM Saturn Astra, a model consumer writers deemed a little pricey (that pesky euro) but little changed from its original Opel form and good to drive on US roads.

European buyers will get the Fiesta with four petrol and two diesel engines, a variety of transmissions, a half-dozen trim packs and adequate standard equipment (eg range-wide power mirrors) and options (keyless entry, start button, automatic projector headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, 3.5 inch display screen and cruise control.

Electric power steering is fitted and two new engines include an ultra-low CO2 'ECOnetic' version with target emissions of only 99 g/km and a top-line 120PS 1.6-litre 'Duratec Ti-VCT'.

Over 55% of the body structure made is of high-strength steels and the shell is about 40kg lighter.

The standard knee airbag is the first in a Ford small car - and there are also head-and-thorax side airbags, and optional safety curtains. The new model also has EasyFuel capless refuelling.

European sales start in October.

[Source : Just-Auto]

Images gallery :
2009 Ford Fiesta UK Version



New Ford Fiesta @ 2008 Geneva Motor Show




2008 Ford Fiesta Euro Version




Press Release :

COLOGNE - July 11, 2008: The all-new Ford Fiesta is not just the most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta ever, it also marks a significant landmark in Ford’s history as the first Fiesta to be developed for customers around the world and as the template for the company's future generations of global vehicles.

Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, over 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007 (103,000 in the UK alone) proving the enduring popularity of the model's style, efficiency and value for money.

The all-new Ford Fiesta is not just the most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta ever, it also marks a significant landmark in Ford's history as the first Fiesta to be developed for customers around the world and as the template for the company's future generations of global vehicles.

Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, over 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007 (103,000 in the UK alone) proving the enduring popularity of the model's style, efficiency and value for money.

The all-new Ford Fiesta is set to extend these values, while appealing to a new generation of small car buyers with its mix of kinetic design and latest big car technology. Three- and five-door all-new Ford Fiestas will begin rolling off production lines in Europe in summer 2008, with regionally-tailored models on sale in Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas by 2010.

Developed for Customers Globally

The all-new Ford Fiesta is the first product of Ford's new Global Product Development System (GPDS) and has been designed and developed to meet the differing needs of customers as diverse as Western and Eastern Europe, North America, China, Australia and South Africa.

Extensive research by Ford in these regions provided the basis for the new GPDS process, which will dictate the future of Ford product development. All-new Ford Fiesta is also the first product of Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally's 'One Ford' vision of a single, global company designing and building cars for a single, global customer base, not divided by regional or national borders.

"It's an incredibly exciting project," says Marin Burela. "All-new Ford Fiesta is a landmark moment for Ford. It's our most significant global vehicle project since the Model T and heralds the future for Ford product development."

Designed for a New Generation

All-new Ford Fiesta is the latest interpretation of Ford's kinetic design philosophy, exuding presence and individuality in a way that will appeal to a new generation of buyers.

Building on the exciting momentum of the Ford Verve Concept and latest-generation production models like the Ford Mondeo and Ford Focus, all-new Ford Fiesta brings the modern and dynamic Ford of Europe family look to the small-car segment.

It wears the distinctive, bold Ford 'face' including the signature lower grille and large, centred Ford oval badge that characterises both the Verve Concept and other modern Ford vehicles. Details such as chrome and brightwork accents, sleek, wraparound headlamps, bold, pronounced wheel arch lips and a strong bodyside beltline create a dynamic look, even when stationary, while a distinctive rear view is formed by a sweeping roofline that finishes in a small spoiler, with dramatic, honeycomb tail lamps.

This impact continues on the inside, with courageous use of dynamic lines, full surfaces and bold graphics, with an ambience ranging from sporty to sophisticated, created by the careful use of colours and materials in different contrasts Zetec S incorporates snowboard and street fashion designs and Zetec and Titanium feature high contrast dark gloss surfaces and high-tech metallic accents.

Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith comments: "This is the most complete, expressive and exciting Fiesta Ford has ever produced, inside and out. To me, it is a car that evokes an instant emotional response - 'I want one' - before you even get near it."

Commitment to Driving Excellence

Buying a Fiesta has always meant owning a great car to drive and all-new Ford Fiesta is set to extend that reputation even further, with key changes and an all-new 'Zetec S' model in the range.

Standing on virtually the same footprint, but 40 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor, all-new Ford Fiesta delivers a 'light-yet-solid' handling precision, enhanced by the first use of an Electric Power Assist Steering system in a European Ford.

An all-new Ford Fiesta Zetec S model will be available at launch, with a new, 120 PS 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine bringing performance to the heart of the Fiesta range

At the same time, a new level of driving refinement echoes all-new Ford Fiesta's visual sophistication and is set to raise the standard for small cars for road, powertrain and wind noise isolation.

Ford's commitment to driving quality will feature in all-new Ford Fiestas, whether built in Cologne, Germany, Valencia, Spain, or Nanjing, China, but with each tuned to suit regional driving conditions and customer preferences, under Ford's global engineering approach.

"We wanted to make sure that driving quality remains at the heart of all-new Ford Fiesta - we had to ensure that the driving experience delivered on the promise made by its dynamic kinetic design", says Dieter Schwarz, Vehicle Engineering Manager for global Fiesta development. "I am confident we have fulfilled that promise."

Stronger, Safer, Lighter

Under all-new Ford Fiestas' stylish exterior is a robust body structure, crafted from high-strength steels, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

More than 55 per cent of the body structure is high-strength steel, making all-new Ford Fiesta approximately 10 per cent stiffer torsionally than its predecessor and providing an exceptionally rigid safety cell for all occupants.

Supporting this is all-new Ford Fiestas' Intelligent Protection System, offering up to seven airbags, including the first use of a driver's knee-airbag in a small Ford car.

This intense focus on safety extends to those outside the car, with an array of pedestrian protection features, from the shape and structure of all-new Ford Fiestas' front bumper, bonnet and windscreen, to small details such as the shape of its headlamps and wiper blades.

"All-new Ford Fiesta is a clear example that making a safe car doesn't mean making a large car, or a heavy car. There is no need to compromise between safety and good design or driving character", says Bernd Liesenfelder, Body Engineering Manager for Ford of Europe.

Big Car Features and Clear Series Choice

All-new Ford Fiesta brings an array of 'big car' premium features to the small car segment, which customers will notice even before they turn the key for the first time.

All-new Ford Fiestas' striking centre console features a mobile phone-inspired entertainment system that is styled very differently to traditional automotive switchgear, to provide a completely intuitive interface.

Keyless entry, combined with a 'Ford Power' start button, adds to the all-new Ford Fiesta premium experience, with other 'surprise and delight' options available including automatic, projector headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, Ford's sophisticated Human Machine Interface with large 89 mm (3.5 inch) screen and cruise control.

The driving position is given a 'cockpit' feel, with improved position and adjustment to both the driver's seat and steering wheel, while passengers receive more personal and luggage space overall than the previous Fiesta, despite the stylish, sweeping exterior profile. Stowage space abounds from a boot capable of swallowing 295 litres, to ingenious storage areas throughout the cabin, including charging points for mobile phones and MP3 players.

While all-new Ford Fiesta has been designed and engineered to meet a wide range of customer requirements, a clear series choice makes selecting the right model a simple task, with options from feisty to frugal, ultra-modern to traditional and a comprehensive list of standard features at all levels.

A simple six-series range provides maximum choice from the affordable and well-equipped Studio and the popular Style and Style Plus, or the modern, techno style of Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium.

A high level of equipment provides items such as power door mirrors as standard across the range. Completing the premium feel are features on Zetec and Titanium, such as the Aesthetic Lighting Pack, which bathes the centre console, gearshift area and passenger side dashboard area in a soft red glow.

"You immediately feel the quality of a bigger car that will be at the core of the all-new Ford Fiesta ownership experience. When we consider all the comfort and convenience features in the new Ford Fiesta range, we think of it not as our new small car, but our smallest large car", says Giovanni De Pasca, Driving Environment and Occupant Package Manager for Ford of Europe.

New, Revised and Enhanced Powertrains

All-new Ford Fiesta combines newly-developed, revised and enhanced powertrains with its overall weight reduction to deliver better performance, fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

All-new Ford Fiesta's engine range comprises four 16-valve Duratec petrol and two Duratorq TDCi diesel engine choices, refined to deliver a potential annual saving of over 11,000 tonnes of CO2 across Europe, versus the previous Fiesta.

A key development is the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, offering the impressive torque of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine with target CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometre (g/km), achieved through careful engine calibration, lowered suspension and aerodynamic improvements and a no-maintenance, coated Diesel Particulate Filter (c-DPF). The sub-100g Fiesta ECOnetic joins the sub-140 g/km Ford Mondeo and sub-120 g/km Ford Focus ECOnetic models as Ford achieves its commitment to deliver a range of ultra-low CO2 models at the heart of its product portfolio.

Other Duratorq TDCi engines also benefit from refinements to their state-of-the-art common rail injection systems to deliver enhanced fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and improved performance.

Driving enthusiasts are not forgotten, thanks to an all-new, 120PS, 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, available in the new Ford Fiesta Zetec S and Titanium models. Despite its feisty character and 20 extra horsepower, the new Duratec Ti-VCT is even more fuel efficient than the 100 PS, 1.6-litre engine in the previous Fiesta. The Fiesta Zetec S can accelerate from zero to 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds, while still achieving a combined fuel economy of 47.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

Three other 16-valve Duratec petrol engines are offered for all-new Ford Fiesta, in 1.25- and 1.4-litres and outputs from 60 PS to 96 PS, with an automatic transmission option available on the Duratec 1.4-litre.
An added feature on all-new Ford Fiesta is Stall Prevention, designed to assist in low speed manoeuvres by altering the engine's ignition profile to increase the amount of available torque and tuned for each individual powertrain.

Overall, all-new Ford Fiesta achieves a 22 per cent improvement in 0-62 mph acceleration and 14 per cent better in-gear acceleration in passing manoeuvres, versus its predecessor, thanks to its reduced weight and improved powertrain calibration.

"Thanks to its mix of careful calibration and latest powertrain technology, all-new Ford Fiesta is a tailored driving experience, carefully and precisely tuned to respond to all drivers and driving styles," says Joerg Beyer, Chief Carline Engineer for all-new Ford Fiesta.

Low Cost of Ownership

It is not just in its contemporary styling and new technologies that all-new Ford Fiesta will be attractive to a discerning and demanding generation of customers - extensive thought and effort has ensured it still stands for value for money and reliability.

Helping owners minimise running costs was key, with fuel economy at the top of the list. All-new Ford Fiesta boasts increased efficiency across the range, with owners of the 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi saving approximately a tankful of fuel a year - 45 litres over 9,300 miles - through efficiency improvements alone.

Insurance premiums and repair costs are kept low by an intelligent approach to manufacturing. Bake-hardened steel on front wings offers better resistance to low-speed bumps and scrapes, while headlamps and tail lamps are positioned high, away from potential impacts and specially shaped 'crash cans' are designed as sacrificial parts, collapsing predictably in an impact to prevent more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

Durability has been assessed at each stage in its development, with a total of 2.2 million miles of on-road testing and over 300,000 test operations on doors, bonnet and tailgate in real world environmental conditions.

All-new Ford Fiesta is manufactured with sophisticated techniques more commonly found in big-car production, all part of delivering higher quality than ever for customers across the world.

"All-new Ford Fiesta proves how you can make a small car affordable and reliable, without compromising style, quality or features", concludes Joerg Beyer. "That's the key to making all-new Ford Fiesta truly desirable."

32 Years of Success

For the past 32 years, Ford Fiesta has provided practicality and driving pleasure to millions of customers across Europe. From its origins in 1976, as the product of a mission to build a new European small car with modern features and a respectable price tag, the Fiesta name became ingrained in European culture and is now known across a variety of markets in Asia and South America. Fiesta is a brand that has attracted a loyal and dedicated following.

Fiesta has always been at the forefront of Ford's commitment to driving quality and innovative technology. In 1983, the Mk II Fiesta was one of the most economical cars in the world and the only vehicle of its size to offer diesel power. In 1989 Fiesta introduced anti-lock braking to the small car market and in 1994 a driver's airbag came as standard.

Accolades have abounded for the car during its lifetime, from rallying and motorsport success to prestigious titles such as 'Car of the Year 1989', 'Best Small Car in the World', 'Smartest Small Car', and 'Best City Car'.

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Completely Redesigned TL to be Most Powerful Acura Ever

TORRANCE, Calif.-The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) on TL. Available in the fall of 2008, the new TL will deliver a driving experience that achieves new highs within the performance luxury sedan category.



Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 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 luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

[Source : Honda]

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Volkswagen's management favors Huntsville in northern Alabama as the site for its new U.S. car plant, Automobilwoche, Automotive News' sister publication, reported today.

The magazine said Chattanooga, Tenn., which is 102 miles north of Huntsville, is the second choice.


Automobilwoche cited sources with direct contact to management board members.

It said VW CEO Martin Winterkorn and the carmaker's head of production, Jochen Heizmann, are expected make a final recommendation Monday, July 14. VW's supervisory board will make a decision on the plant site the following day.

Earlier this year, VW said it had narrowed its search for a location for the plant to the states of Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan.

Timline issues key

On Monday, the The Huntsville Times newspaper said Huntsville is the front-runner for the plant. The newspaper said an incentives package from Tennessee topped Alabama's package in dollar value.

But the newspaper's source said Alabama could meet VW's construction timeline for the plant, while Tennessee couldn't.

Production at the 500 million euro ($788.2 million) plant is set to start in 2010, with an annual capacity of 300,000 cars to be reached by 2018.

VW is planning a U.S. plant to help reach its ambition of more than tripling its annual U.S. sales by 2018 to 1 million, including 800,000 VW brand and 200,000 Audi sales.

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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BANGKOK, Thailand : July 11 (TNA) – The Office of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has launched a prototype of a fuel cell car, urging the government to support its production for commercial use.

NRCT secretary-general Ahnond Bunyaratvej said the ten kilowatt fuel cell sedan was developed from 960 kilowatt fuel cell car by Air Marshall Morakot Charnsamruat.

The car is powered by electricity produced by proton exchange membrane fuel cells which transform the chemical energy liberated during the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to electrical energy.

The car can last about ten years. The car's maximum speed is 93 kilometres per hour and it doesn't emit smoke or noise, so it can help reduce pollution.

AM Morakot said a fuel cell car produced in other countries costs about Bt32 million but his prototype car costs only two million baht.

Hydrogen used in producing electricity to run the car came from factories in the eastern province of Rayong. He said about eight million litres of hydrogen annually are wasted from these factories.

The NRCT executive added that if the government supports fuel car production and hydrogen filling stations, the amount of hydrogen can serve about 126,000 cars. He added that hydrogen can also be produced by solar cells. (TNA)

[Source : Thai News Agencies via MCOT]

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: No A1 for U.S. Market

FRANKFURT- Volkswagen's unit Audi will decide in spring 2009 on whether to build its own plant in the United States, CEO Rupert Stadler told Handelsblatt newspaper in an interview.

"But of course it is also imaginable that we build cars together with Volkswagen in its planned U.S. factory," he said.

He said Audi has no plans to launch its planned compact car A1, which will rival BMW's Mini model, in the United States and will rather concentrate on introducing new generations of its A4 and Q5 models.

"The Americans still want big cars, but with increasing fuel efficiency," he said.

To boost sales, Audi also plans to jump on the bandwagon of electric cars, and Stadler said Audi plans to launch its own electric model in a "similar timeframe" as Volkswagen, which would be by 2010.

"This topic has top priority for Audi because it secures our mobility in the long term," he said.

The company's target of selling 1.5 million cars a year by 2015 is still "realistic," despite headwinds from exchange rate fluctuations, environmental regulations and surging fuel prices.

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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It is the epitome of sporty flair in its segment and for years it has maintained the leading position as the mostly widely sold premium vehicle in the world. Now the BMW 3-Series sets out to extend its lead even further. Specific design modifications, a further refined interior design, the new generation of the optional operating concept BMW iDrive, new services provided by BMW Connected Drive, a revised range of engines and innovations in the areas of drive technology, safety and comfort make both the new BMW 3-Series Saloon and the new BMW 3-Series Touring more attractive than ever before. With rear-wheel drive, harmonious axle load distribution, outstanding steering precision and highly sophisticated chassis technology, the BMW 3-Series sets unsurpassed standards for driving dynamics in its segment. More than ever before, this unique driving pleasure can now be combined with an awareness of economy and minimised pollutant emissions. Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics the new BMW 3-Series achieves significantly lower fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels with each of the ten engine variations available than those of the relevant competitors in the premium segment.



The new features in the powertrain field include the further optimised electronically controlled all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This intelligent all-wheel drive system which variably distributes the drive force between front and rear wheels to enhance driving dynamics as well as ride stability and traction can now be combined with five engine types. The new BMW 320d xDrive is available as a Saloon and Touring model. Another new feature for both body versions: the BMW 318d - by far the most efficient vehicle of its category with an average fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres - is now also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.


Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 3-Series Saloon and the new BMW 3-Series Touring, a new 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch will be presented for the Coupé and the Convertible of the series. This allows further improved acceleration figures in the models BMW 335i Coupé and BMW 335i Convertible, and combines this added dynamic performance - as compared to the standard 6-speed manual transmission - with the comfort features of an automatic transmission. The 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch shifts without interrupting traction.

New design accentuations for a sporty, elegant appearance.

With striking design accentuations to the front section, the side perspective and the rear, the dynamic character of the new BMW 3-Series Saloon has been given additional emphasis, while the new BMW 3-Series Touring enhances its sporty, elegant profile with new visual features which are recognisable from all perspectives.

Front section with bold shapes and an emphasis of width.

The front view of the Saloon and Touring models of the new BMW 3-Series is characterised by a clear emphasis of vehicle width. The characteristic brand look of the double circular headlights is underscored by means of chrome tubes, and their corona rings can now also be used in the BMW 3-Series Saloon and the Touring model with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime running lights. The light sources of the direction indicators have a ribbed structure and LED direction indicator lights are installed in conjunction with the optional bi-xenon headlamps.

Side view with elegantly elongated lines.

Powerfully taut surfaces and striking character lines dominate the side view of the new BMW 3-Series. The contour edges of the side skirts have been set higher and modelled in a more distinctive fashion. Another new feature is the exterior mirrors with two distinctive character lines, echoing the interplay between the convex and concave shaping of the surfaces. The mirrors also offer an enlarged field of vision.

The rear: sporty and tight with a new lighting design.

Greater emphasis of the vehicle's power and sporty character likewise characterises the rear view of the new BMW 3-Series. To achieve this effect, the rear bumpers, rear lights and luggage compartment handle have been completely redesigned. The dual section rear lights are now structured according to the characteristic BMW L shape. The two LED rear light clusters and the direction indicators in LED technology are designed to create a striking, high-quality appearance.

The widened track of the new BMW 3-Series especially contributes to its powerful appearance. Depending on the model, the track of the rear axle has been widened by up to 24 millimetres by means of a new wheel carrier and other modified details.

High-quality materials and optimised ergonomics in the interior. The modern, high-quality interior of the BMW 3-Series has been further enhanced by means of specific modifications in the selection of materials and surface design. Here the modern design concept is also applied, with its convex-concave surfaces, sporty elegance and technology-oriented aesthetic style.

Premiere for the new generation of the operating concept BMW iDrive. The operating system BMW iDrive is optionally available in the new BMW 3-Series for the activation and control of entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunications functions, whether standard or optional. The new generation of iDrive is available in conjunction with the optional navigation system Professional. What is more, the new iDrive supports multi-mode operation by voice entry. With the new iDrive generation, BMW extends its lead over comparable systems made by other manufacturers in terms of display quality and intuitive operation. Using the four direct selection buttons grouped around the Controller, it is especially easy to switch spontaneously between CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. The functional bookmarks are supplemented with three control buttons.

Control Display with high-resolution graphics and variable layout.

The new iDrive in the BMW 3-Series is presented with a 8.8 inch Control Display whose dimensions surpass all graphic displays available to date in the automobile field. With its high image resolution it offers significant improvement in the display of detailed graphics. The structure of the user menu also makes it easier to locate desired functions. All functions controllable by iDrive are listed in the starter menu.

Hard drive for audio files and navigation system.

The features of the navigation system Professional include a hard drive integrated in the vehicle. The storage medium with a capacity of 80 GB provides outstandingly fast access to digital maps for navigation purposes and can also be used for an extensive collection of music files. The system enables music files to be transferred to the hard drive from a CD, MP3 player or USB stick.

World premiere for unlimited internet use inside the vehicle.

BMW ConnectedDrive makes BMW the first automobile manufacturer in the world to enable unlimited use of the internet inside the vehicle when stationary. Internet access is available for the new BMW 3-Series as a special equipment option at attractive flat-rate conditions. The transfer of data is based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which unlike UMTS offers full geographical coverage and is three to four times faster than the mobile phone standard GPRS. The basis for internet use in the vehicle is provided by the further developed functions of iDrive. By pushing the Controller in different directions, the mouse can be moved across the web page shown in the Control Display.

BMW ConnectedDrive with extended range.

As a dynamic concept, BMW ConnectedDrive offers the products BMW Assist, BMW Online, BMW TeleServices and BMW Tracking, depending on the country in question. At the same time BMW ConnectedDrive is designed for the ongoing further development of services to increase mobility and information convenience. The Enhanced Emergency Call with automatic positioning and remote control functions are examples of safety-related options which are already available, extending the lead of BMW ConnectedDrive over the competition.

The new BMW 3-Series: the engine of success for BMW EfficientDynamics.

With its further optimised engine range, the new BMW 3-Series further extends its leading position in the segment in terms of driving dynamics and economy. With all engine types, both the Saloon and the Touring model boast superior fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels than those of their competitors of comparable output.

Depending on the model-specific constellation, the new BMW 3-Series features the latest measures for increased efficiency. All petrol and diesel engines available for the new BMW 3-Series represent the state of the art in engine development. What is more, an extremely wide spectrum of efficiency-promoting measures has been applied within the engine environment so as to further reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. This includes Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop Function, Shift Point Display, the needs-oriented control of auxiliary units, electro-mechanical power steering, tyres with reduced rolling resistance and Automatic Air Intake Flaps. With the comprehensive application of these technologies in what is the most successful BMW model series in terms of sales figures, the development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics achieves an especially broad impact.

New 6-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 330d.

In accordance with BMW EfficientDynamics, every new BMW offers increased driving dynamics in combination with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as compared to its respective predecessor model. An especially striking example of this is the BMW 330d. Its 3.0 litre allaluminium engine has common rail injection of the third generation, whose piezo injectors operate at a pressure or up to 1,800 bar, and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The new diesel engine achieves its maximum output of 180 kW/245 bhp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 520 Nm is available from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. The new BMW 330d accelerates in 6.1 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, its maximum speed is electronically cut off at 250 km/h. The average fuel consumption of the new BMW 330d according to the EU test cycle is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, its CO2 level is 152 grams per kilometre.

BMW BluePerformance technology: prepared for the exhaust gas norm EU 6.

The new BMW 330d is fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and an oxidation catalytic converter. Thanks to the innovations applied to the new 6-cylinder engine, it significantly undercuts the thresholds set for the exhaust gas norm EU 5. In the oxidation catalytic converter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are converted to water and carbon dioxide. For further reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust emissions, a NOX-storage catalytic converter can be integrated in the exhaust gas treatment system of the new 6-cylinder diesel engine, in addition to the oxidation catalytic converter. In the optional configuration with BMW BluePerformance technology, the new BMW 330d even meets the requirements for classification according to the future exhaust gas norm EU 6.

Like the new BMW 6-cylinder diesel engines, the engines of the models BMW 320d and BMW 318d also meet the requirements of the exhaust gas norm EU 5 as standard. Their 4-cylinder diesel engines have been modified in a number of details, and the further reduction of exhaust emission levels has been implemented so as to have no impact on fuel consumption and the acoustic properties of the engines.

Engine selection: the greatest variety and highest level of efficiency in the segment.

The ideal combination of driving fun and efficiency also characterises the other engines available for the new BMW 3-Series. Spontaneously responding, high-torque 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder diesel engines, powerful and highrevving 4-cylinder petrol engines and the 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine wellknown for its unique refinement and dynamic power delivery form a portfolio which is unequalled in the segment of the BMW 3-Series.

With five petrol engines and five diesel engines, the new BMW 3-Series offers the most extensive range in its segment. When it comes to both petrol and diesel power units, customers have the choice of four 4-cylinder and three 6-cylinder engines. The output range extends from 105 kW/143 bhp in the 4-cylinder models BMW 318i and BMW 318d to a 225 kW/306 bhp in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW 335i. All engines are available for both the BMW 3-Series Saloon and the Touring model, and all are combined with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics measures in the environment of the engine, as suits the specific model configuration. Each of the ten engine types thus has a more favourable relationship between driving dynamics and economy as compared to competitor vehicles of similar output.

As one of a number of features which are unique within the competitive field, all petrol engines are fitted with High Precision Injection and all diesel engines combine an all-aluminium crankcase, turbo charging and common rail direct injection of the third generation. The BMW 335i is especially dynamic, accelerating in just 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h. The outright leader in terms of efficiency in the entire vehicle segment is the BMW 318d with an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emission level of 123 grams per kilometre.

Optimised all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive - now for the BMW 320d xDrive too.

The new BMW 3-Series also presents a further expanded selection of engine types for combination with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. For the first time it is possible to fit 4-cylinder models of this series with xDrive. The new BMW 320d xDrive combines outstanding efficiency with superior properties in terms of driving dynamics and traction. Both for the Saloon and the Touring of the new BMW 3-Series it is now possible to combine three petrol engines and two diesel engines with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. The models in question now bear the designations BMW 335i xDrive, BMW 330i xDrive, BMW 325i xDrive, BMW 330d xDrive and BMW 320d xDrive.

The electronically controlled permanent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive offers an incomparable level of comfort, traction and agility over all surfaces due to its flexible distribution of drive torque between the front and rear axles. In order to ensure especially precise control, the computer unit of the drive stability regulation system Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and that of xDrive are networked with each other in the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM). With these capabilities, xDrive supports driving dynamics because it identifies any tendency to oversteer or understeer early on and counteracts effectively.

Superior chassis technology, Active Steering as an option.

The new BMW 3-Series has the most sophisticated chassis technology in its segment. At the rear axle there is a five-link construction which is adapted to the needs of the especially high-power and high-torque engines. The front axle of the BMW 3-Series also reflects a unique standard of engineering. The dual-arm tension strut axle with stabiliser is largely made of aluminium.

The standard equipment also includes an electro-mechanical steering system with integrated Servotronic function for speed-related steering support. Active Steering is also optionally available: here, steering transmission is adapted to road speed.

Optimised occupant protection with crash-active headrests.

The safety concept of the new BMW 3-Series is based on a solid body structure, the selective application of high-strength steel types and special deformation elements which divert and absorb impact energy. In addition there are six airbags, 3-point automatic belts and headrests on all seats to offer occupants optimum protection. What is more, ISOFIX children's seat mounts on the rear seats are a standard feature. The front seats of the new BMW 3-Series are fitted as standard with crash-active headrests which significantly reduce the risk of injury to the cervical spine in the event of an impact. Controlled by the vehicle's safety electronics system, this feature ensures that in the event of a rear-on collision the front section of the headrest is moved forward by up to 60 millimetres and upwards by as much as 40 millimetres. This reduces the distance between headrest and head, thus increasing the stabilising and securing function of the headrest.

A contribution to active safety is made by the new generation of adaptive headlight, optionally available in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps. It guarantees illumination of the road surface when taking a corner. Here the swivel direction of the headlamps is derived from the steering angle, the yaw rate and the road speed of the vehicle. At low speeds the turning light is activated. This function is performed by one of the two inside headlamps, depending on the direction. Before each turning manoeuvre, the light cone is turned specifically in the appropriate direction to illuminate the road ahead.

Best heating and climate comfort in the segment.

In the area of comfort fittings, too, the new BMW 3-Series has a range of optimised features to offer. The further developed heating and air conditioning technology ensures that the interior maintains the desired temperature throughout the year. The new BMW 3-Series has the most high-performance heating and cooling system in its category. Within one minute the entire interior air volume can be completely exchanged three times. In spite of the outstandingly high air through-flow rate, excellent acoustics are ensured by means of a flow optimisation function in the unit and its feed lines and by means of an air outlet positioned at the centre of the instrument panel. A 2-zone air conditioning system is optionally available with individual temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

Technical Specification

BMW 335i
o in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct injection (High Precision Injection)
o capacity: 2,979 cc
o max. power: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm
o max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300-5,000 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 5.6 seconds (Touring: 5.7 seconds)
o top speed: 250 km/h
o average fuel consumption (EU): 9.1 litres/100 kilometres (9.3 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 218 g/km (222 g/km)

BMW 330i
o in-line 6-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection
o capacity: 2,996 cc
o max. power: 200 kW/272 bhp at 6,700 rpm
o max. torque: 320 Nm at 2,750-3,000 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 6.1 seconds (Touring: 6.2 seconds)
o top speed: 250 km/h
o average fuel consumption (EU): 7.2 litres/100 kilometres (7.3 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 173 g/km (175 g/km)

BMW 325i
o in-line 6-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection
o capacity: 2,996 cc
o max. power: 160 kW/218 bhp at 6,100 rpm
o max. torque: 270 Nm at 2,400-4,200 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 6.7 seconds (Touring: 6.9 seconds)
o top speed: 250 km/h (248 km/h)
o average fuel consumption (EU): 7.1 litres/100 kilometres (7.2 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 170 g/km (173 g/km)

BMW 320i
o in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection
o capacity: 1,995 cc
o max. power: 125 kW/170 bhp at 6,700 rpm
o max. torque: 210 Nm at 4,250 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 8.2 seconds (Touring: 8.4 seconds)
o top speed: 228 km/h (226 km/h)
o average fuel consumption (EU): 6.1 litres/100 kilometres (6,2 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 146 g/km (148 g/km)

BMW 318i
o in-line 4-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection
o capacity: 1,995 cc
o max. power: 105 kW/143 bhp at 6,000 rpm
o max. torque: 190 Nm at 4,250 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 9.1 seconds (Touring: 9.5 seconds)
o top speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h)
o average fuel consumption according to EU
o 5.9 litres/100 kilometres (6.0 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 142 g/km (144 g/km)

BMW 335d
o in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase
o common rail direct injection of the third generation and Variable Twin Turbo
o capacity: 2,993 cc
o max. power: 210 kW/286 bhp at 4,400 rpm
o max. torque: 580 Nm at 1,750-2,250 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 6.0 seconds (Touring: 6.1 seconds)
o top speed: 250 km/h
o average fuel consumption (EU): 6.7 litres/100 kilometres (6.8 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 177 g/km (178 g/km)

BMW 330d
o in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase
o common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
o capacity: 2,993 cc
o max. power: 180 kW/245 bhp at 4,000 rpm
o max. torque: 520 Nm at 1,750-3,000 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 6.1 seconds (Touring: 6.2 seconds)
o top speed: 250 km/h
o average fuel consumption (EU): 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (5.9 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 152 g/km (155 g/km)

BMW 325d
o in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase
o common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
o capacity: 2,993 cc
o max. power: 145 kW/197 bhp at 4,000 rpm
o max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300-3,250 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 7.4 seconds (Touring: 7.6 seconds)
o top speed: 235 km/h (233 km/h)
o average fuel consumption (EU): 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (5.9 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 153 g/km (155 g/km)

BMW 320d
o 4-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase
o common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
o capacity: 1,995 cc
o max. power: 130 kW/177 bhp at 4,000 rpm
o max. torque: 350 Nm at 1,750-3,000 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 7.9 seconds (Touring: 8.1 seconds)
o top speed: 230 km/h (228 km/h)
o average fuel consumption (EU): 4.8 litres/100 kilometres (4.9 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 128 g/km (130 g/km)

BMW 318d
o 4-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase
o common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
o capacity: 1,995 cc
o max. power: 105 kW/143 bhp at 4,000 rpm
o max. torque: 300 Nm at 1,750-2,500 rpm
o acceleration [0-100 km/h]: 9.3 seconds (Touring: 9.6 seconds)
o top speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h)
o average fuel consumption (EU): 4.7 litres/100 kilometres (4.8 litres)
o CO2 emissions (EU): 123 g/km (125 g/km)

Images gallery : 2009 BMW 3-Series Sedan










Images gallery : 2009 BMW 3-Series Touring






[Source : BMW AG]

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Denmark looks set to become the second nation to persuade drivers to switch to electric motoring, writes Maurice Glover. Following the deal signed earlier this year with Israel, Renault-Nissan and infrastructure provider Project Better Place are now discussing the supply of electric cars and support systems with Danish government officials.


"They are still to sign the documents, but they have made it clear they want to operate a similar arrangement as Israel. This is good news because it shows how governments are beginning to realise that oil is starting to become scarce. We're confident others will follow in due course," said Renault strategic environmental planning vice president Alice de Brauer.

Renault will make electric versions of the present Kangoo light_van and next-generation Megane hatchback models be available in both countries by 2011. "As a vehicle using existing architecture that has to be adapted, the Kangoo will not be a particularly good example of electric power, but we are putting some new ideas into the Megane.


"However, we are starting to develop a specific platform for electric cars for introduction in 2012," she said.

According to de Brauer, the new platform will initially be used for a Megane-sized family car but is being designed to carry a range of variants.

"We have yet to decide where this new model will be built, but it should be reached by the end of this year, when the business plan has been completed. The view is that if Denmark agrees to make a commitment to electric cars and other countries follow with tax concessions that encourage people to make the switch, we could be building up to two million units per year."

Speaking at an event in France to showcase the company's environmental engineering developments, de Brauer claimed Renault was poised to make the breakthrough in the mass production of electric vehicles and declared: "Others will follow, but we want to be the first in this important new market."

Said electric vehicle project director Serge Yoccoz: "By 2020, between 15 and 20 per cent of family cars could be powered by electricity, but this does depend on having the infrastructure and long-term commitment on fiscal incentives. Israel will cut its 80 per cent tax rate on cars to less than 20 per cent if they are powered by electricity and Denmark is prepared to be equally generous.

"Research has proved that the average European motorist drives less than 60km per day and only 25 per cent travel more than 100km per day. More costly petrol is making electric power a more attractive alternative - but the problem of CO2 emissions, not the high cost of oil, is the real driving force behind this project."

Added de Brauer: "Mass production of electric cars will provide a good foundation for the launch of the fuel cell to power the vehicles that families need for holidays and longer journeys. Our problem is that this technology remains too expensive to contemplate for the immediate future and I think it will be at least 2020 before the fuel cell can be brought to market and 2030 before it reaches full-scale commercialisation.

"For the moment, the success of the electric car is critical and it is our aim for motorists to be able to rent the batteries for our models so their running costs will be equal to cars that use petrol.

"But we are also working on the possibility of finding another life for the battery after four or five years, when it starts to become less efficient for powering a car. We think it could have a further lifecycle of eight or 10 years in the home and are working on a domestic solar charging station that would power the battery to drive appliances such as washing machines," she said.

Renault used its environmental event to announce a new high-output, super-economy petrol engine for some of its most popular models.


Boasting a 1.8-litre power level and 16 per cent improvements in economy and emissions, the company's next-generation 1.4-litre unit will debut in the new Megane compact car range at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Fitted with a low-inertia turbocharger, the 16-valve TCe 130 has been honed to deliver torque of 190Nm and will replace the normally-aspirated two-litre engine fitted in the current Megane.

Like other manufacturers, the French firm is anticipating that next year's tougher Euro5 exhaust emission regulations will prompt higher interest in more efficient petrol engines.

"But before that, the recent round of fuel price increases have made gasoline more attractive against diesel. It is a coincidence, but we couldn't have chosen a better time to launch this development and we are expecting demand for petrol and diesel power to be more equally balanced in future as fiscal changes further increase the viability of petrol power," said engineer Stephane Guilan.

"Our view is that replacing larger engines with smaller, more efficient units is one of the most logical ways of putting the brake on fuel consumption and helping drivers cope with spiralling motoring costs.

"We have already proved this in diesel by substituting a 110bhp, 1.5-litre dCi unit for the 115bhp, 2.2-litre motor that used to drive the Laguna, a move that has given us a 60g/km gain in emissions along with fuel savings of 2.3 lts/100km. Now we can repeat this with our new petrol engine," he said.

Manufactured at the Valladolid plant in Spain and driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130 joins the 1.2-litre TCe 100 motor which replaced the 1.7-litre petrol engine in the Clio range last year. Work is now under way on the rid and final member of the TCe engine family, thought to have a 1.6-litre displacement.

Renault also used the event to show Nox Trap, its new post-combustion system to reduce diesel pollutant emissions. Based on a chemical process that captures nitrogen oxides, then converts them into neutral gas every few minutes, the trap is covered by 36 patents. It will be tested on fleets of 2.0 dCi Espace models in France and Germany later this year.

[Source : Just-Auto]

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As the pioneer of "folding roof cars" with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 "Eclipse" models from the 1930s, Peugeot has never lost its desire to give motorists the freedom to drive in either the coupé or cabriolet configuration through the "magic" of a rigid roof that folds into the boot.



It's now almost a decade ago, at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, that this innovative motoring concept was launched in the form of the 20-heart concept car.

This concept soon evolved into the Peugeot 206 CC and the Peugeot 307 CC, popularising a concept which was considered, until then, only for the elite. The heirs to these successful first generation vehicles have already taken to the road in the form of the Peugeot 207 CC and the soon-to-be launched Peugeot 308 CC.

By the end of May 2008, Peugeot had produced nearly 632,000 coupé-cabriolets for enthusiasts of this "lifestyle" motoring concept, making Peugeot the world leader in this body style:

• 457,500 Peugeot 206 CCs and 207 CCs with their 2 + 2 architecture in the small car segment (B)
• 174,500 Peugeot 307 CCs with four full size seats in the medium car segment (M1)

Since the launch of the 307 CC in 2003, the structure of the lifestyle market has undergone a number of profound changes. Recently, cabriolets with a retractable rigid roof have become more popular than vehicles with a more vulnerable "soft top".

For the majority of customers, the 307 CC was the household's main car. It was chosen for the intelligence of its design and for its elegance but was also greatly appreciated in daily use for its comfort, specification and ride quality.

The Peugeot 308 has already taken the place of the Peugeot 307 in its hatchback and its SW versions, offering all the benefits of its successful forerunner while, at the same time, imposing its new identity, modern feel and strong personality.

In the same vein, the Peugeot 308 CC with its four full size seats capitalises on the genetic codes of the 308, embodying the "307 CC spirit" and Peugeot's coupé-cabriolet expertise. Above all it promises enthusiasts of "lifestyle" motoring a unique and genuinely attractive offer.

An attractive design

The Peugeot 308 CC stands out by the superb fluidity of its style, both in its coupé and cabriolet configurations. From the badge to the end of the roof, from the door to the lower rear panel, the graphic style of its profile is emphasised by light reflecting contours. Chrome detailing further enhances this elegant profile.

Low slung and firmly planted on its wheels, the Peugeot 308 CC has a prominent shape and spectacular LED rear lights that use "red light curtain" technology to create a unique signature for the car by day and by night.

The passenger compartment has an undeniable personality. Particularly striking in the "cabriolet" version, it has a different feel from the hatchback and creates the impression of a grand touring car.

The sculpted front seats with their integral head restraints have inbuilt air vents which diffuse warm air around the occupants neck. The rear seats mirror this distinctive design and offer rear accommodation surprisingly generous for a cabriolet.

The door panels also have an exclusive design, incorporating an elegant yet dynamic and robust metallic inner door handle. The sporty steering wheel, the special finish of the instrument panel and the "black lacquer" centre console complete this theme.

In terms of the "sporty" "haute couture" feel of the car, the Peugeot 308 CC is clothed with dynamic fabrics, simple leather or even an "integral leather" trim. This now extends to the entire passenger compartment which is usually unseen in this segment. In Black, Vintage or Beige, the attractive interior trims differ according to the range of body colours: Fashionable pearlescent black, subtle "terre d'ombre" and also the established favourites: blue, red, black and grey are available.

A typical CC specification

Meticulously designed to enhance the day-to-day comfort and convenience of its occupants, the Peugeot 308 CC offers a multitude of "everyday" benefits.

The fully automatic retractable roof can be magically transformed in 20 seconds and the operation can be viewed on the colour display, turning the car into a dynamic coupé or an elegant cabriolet according to the mood of its occupants.

A coupé-cabriolet with four full size seats, the Peugeot 308 CC benefits from wider tracks and a wider body compared to the 307 CC, as well as a front seat structure which offers both generous leg room to the rear occupants and provides a good amount of space.

Two dynamic and flexible engines power the Peugeot 308 CC through a six speed manual gearbox. unless an automatic gearbox is preferred. They are the 1.6 litre THP 110 kW (150 bhp) turbocharged direct injection petrol engine and the 2.0 litre HDi FAP Euro 5 103 kW (140 bhp) diesel engine, the latter being also particularly environmentally-friendly.

The car combines both motoring enjoyment with efficient road holding. The wide tracks, the lowered ride height and high-performance suspension specially developed for this body style give the Peugeot 308 CC excellent potential, together with a real sense of security for the driver. The large 302 x 26 mm disc brakes are an equal match to the performance of the engines. This is combined with an ESP system that watches over the occupants at all times.

Inside the Peugeot 308 CC an excellent structural rigidity wards off any vibrations that might affect steering, rear vision or seat comfort. This is the result of carefully placed structural reinforcements: dampers that pacify, braces ready to take the strain.. In short, the Peugeot 308 CC offers a highly rigid structure and excellent vibration damping demonstrating Peugeot's coupé-cabriolet expertise.

An indispensable ingredient of comfort and convenience inside the car, the low interior noise levels of the Peugeot 308 CC in its coupé configuration will clearly set the vehicle apart from its competitors.

The Peugeot 308 CC is designed to create a real sensation of tranquillity in the passenger compartment. The structure is robust and designed to withstand and dissipate front and side impact energy. It is also supplemented by innovative and intelligent means of restraint that the cabriolet body shape dictates. They include a chest/pelvis side air bag built into the front seats and exclusively a side head air bag which is a world first, guaranteeing effective protection of all parts of the body regardless of seat position.

Within a few milliseconds of the risk of a rollover being detected (less than the blink of an eye), rear "pop-up" pyrotechnic roll-over protection bars create a passenger survival cell with the strengthened windscreen pillars designed for this purpose.

The aim of all this important safety work is to obtain 5 stars in the EuroNcap test for the protection of adult occupants of the vehicle.

In harmony with the seasons. The cabriolet configuration can even be enjoyed in cold weather, whether it's making the most of early spring, saying no to winter or driving with the roof down in beautiful snow bound landscapes. Peugeot offers all these pleasures to the occupants of the Peugeot 308 CC, thanks to its protective architecture, its intelligent air conditioning (which adapts its operation to the cabriolet body shape), heated seats, its windstop and. its remarkable "Airwave" system built into the front seats, which acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature/flow and direction.

Following are further typical CC features and equipment testifying to the ability of the Peugeot 308 CC to anticipate its occupants' needs.

• Automatic remote-control locking of interior storage compartments (glove box and storage under the central armrest)
• Centralised control of all four windows.
• The special "rear seat access" function with electrically-operated seats.
• Deadlocking of doors and selective unlocking.
• LED courtesy lighting in the door mirrors.

Not forgetting a usable boot with dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot carpet for the windstop), laid out to resemble a presentation box. Its capacity (VDA method) is 403 dm3 in the coupé configuration and 226 dm3 under the windstop in the cabriolet configuration (or 465 litres and 266 litres respectively in "water" equivalent).

Finally, to make the journey even more pleasant a wide range of WIP (World In Peugeot) options are available on the Peugeot 308 CC :

• WIP sound, MP3 CD audio system
• WIP Bluetooth, MP3 CD audio system, USB Box and hands-free kit.
• WIP Nav, a user-friendly satellite navigation system offering a MP3 CD audio system, Bluetooth functionality and satellite navigation with a retractable 7" 16/9 colour display.
• WIP Com 3D, a top-of-the-range satellite navigation system with a 30 GB hard disc and a Juke Box function, MP3 CD audio system, integral mobile phone, Bluetooth functionality, USB connector and a retractable, high-resolution 7" 16/9 colour screen with a 3D display.
• The JBL Hi-fi pack with 10 speakers offering made-to-measure sound which recognises and adapts to the cabriolet configuration.

Images gallery : 2009 Peugeot 308 CC









[Source : PSA Group, France]

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The Mitsubishi Concept-Cx will go into production as a baby 4x4, the company has confirmed.

“The Concept-cX will become a new sub-Outlander model,” said a senior Mitsubishi source. “It’s due to go on sale in late 2009.”



The compact SUV will replace the Shogun-Pinin that went out of production in 2005, and will “closely resemble the Concept-cX,” according to Mitsubishi insiders.

This means it is likely to keep the concept’s split tailgate and aggressive, Lancer-inspired front end.

Permanent all-wheel drive will be a key standard feature, as will a range of new Euro 5-compliant diesel engines that include a new 1.8-litre, 134bhp turbocharged four-cylinder unit.

This 1.8-litre diesel, which produces 207 lb-ft of torque, will be mated to the company’s twin-clutch SST auto box that is already in use in the new Mitsubishi Evo X.

There are no more details on the other engines due to be installed in the new cX, but Mitsubishi claims that the compact off-roader will have class-leading power output and green credentials.

No model names have been confirmed, but it is known that the cX moniker will be lost in favour of something more in keeping with the rest of the Mitsubishi product lineup.

Images gallery : Mitsubishi Concept-Cx







[Source : AutoCar UK]

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MARTORELL - July 10, 2008: The local police of the municipality of Martorell (Barcelona) have added to their patrol car vehicle pool with three SEAT Toledo, each equipped with a 105 hp 1.9 TDi engine and state-of-the-art police security technology. The handing-over ceremony of the new vehicles was held last Friday in Martorell in the presence of SEAT España’s director Pedro Catena, Martorell’s mayor Salvador Esteve together with local councillors for public security and economy, Lluís Esteve and Teresa Casanoves, respectively, and Jaume Roura, manager of the Martorell Motor dealership.



The agreement between SEAT and the Martorell City Council, implemented through the Martorell Motor dealership, is the result of efforts on the part of SEAT España to have a presence in the city councils of those municipalities where the car manufacturer’s facilities are located.

Local police forces are well equipped with SEAT vehicles. In addition to the units provided to the Martorell force, added to the fleet of 100 Toledo currently used by the Barcelona City Police (Guardia Urbana), SEAT is also present in other Barcelona municipalities such as Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Castellbisbal, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Gavà, Olesa de Montserrat and Piera, amongst others.

[Source : The Autochannel]

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Tundra and Sequoia production will be idled for three months

Toyota Motor Corp. today revealed that it has scrambled its manufacturing plans to produce fewer light trucks and more hybrid cars in the United States.

Toyota said it will build the hot-selling Prius hybrid at its Tupelo, Miss., factory in late 2010, scrubbing a plan to make the next-generation Highlander crossover there.



Instead, the Highlander will be added to Toyota's underutilized truck plant in Princeton, Ind. Toyota also will suspend all production of Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs from Aug. 8 until November.

When production resumes, all Tundra output will be consolidated at the San Antonio plant.

PRESS RELEASE : Toyota to Build Prius in U.S.

Highlander to Indiana; all Tundra to Texas

ERLANGER, Ky., July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota is responding to changes in consumer demand and improving the production efficiency and stability of its North American operations by adjusting production mix at three plants. The changes include the addition of the Prius hybrid sedan to its North American lineup.

The changes are as follows:

- Prius will be built at a plant under construction in Blue Springs, Miss. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Prius, which will join the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America, enables Toyota to better respond to increased consumer demand for hybrid vehicles.

- The Highlander mid-size SUV, originally scheduled to be built in Mississippi, will now be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning in Fall 2009.

- Production of the Tundra full-size pick-up truck, currently built in Indiana and Texas, will be consolidated at the San Antonio plant in Spring 2009.

In addition, Toyota will temporarily suspend Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8 due to the declining overall market for full size trucks and SUVs. Production is scheduled to resume in early November. Team members at both facilities, as well as the Huntsville, Ala. plant that builds Tundra and Sequoia engines, will continue to be provided work.

"The truck market continues to worsen, so unfortunately we must temporarily suspend production. But this good news about production mix demonstrates our long-term commitment to our North American operations and to our team members, supplier partners, and communities where our plants are located," said Jim Wiseman, vice president/external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). "By using this downturn as an opportunity to develop team members and improve our operations, we hope to emerge even stronger."

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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BREA, Calif. - July 10, 2008: As gasoline prices continue their record climb, and other ongoing market challenges affect the U.S. economy, Suzuki’s diverse line of small, affordable vehicles grows even more relevant to American consumers. The upcoming 2009 model year builds on Suzuki’s growing reputation for right-sized, attractive vehicles and further demonstrates the company’s commitment to value-packed products that represent its “Way of Life!” brand philosophy.


Keenly aware – and appreciative – of its activity-oriented customer base, Suzuki brings the all-new Equator midsize pickup truck to U.S. showrooms this fall. The truck is a direct response to the needs of customers whose passions are fueled by Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine products but want to avoid the high operating cost of owning a full-sized truck to activate their weekends.

All vehicles in the 2009 lineup receive enhancements. The rugged Grand Vitara features two new drivetrains that improve fuel economy and power, while a standard six-speed automatic transmission on the XL7 provides improved NVH and fuel economy. Moreover, the addition of standard navigation on the spirited SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover makes them the first and only cars in the industry to include this feature on a vehicle priced at less than $16,000.

2009 Suzuki Equator


The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator midsize pickup truck is a fitting addition to Suzuki’s versatile, fun-to-drive product line. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, the 2009 Suzuki Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles, in addition to rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. Suzuki will offer Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations and will incorporate a number of standard safety features into the truck, including class exclusive standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental air bags and seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags. The Equator will arrive in Suzuki showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport


With features and benefits derived from the highly acclaimed five-door SX4 Crossover, and steering and suspension heavily influenced by the award-winning Suzuki Swift, the 2009 four-door SX4 Sport provides a spirited and responsive driving experience. The vehicle comes equipped with a sophisticated 2.0-liter, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 143 horsepower and features an aggressive front fascia and grille, muscular and athletic stance, and low, rising waistline, emphasizing the car’s dynamic performance. The vehicle’s in-command seating position optimizes visibility to enhance driving confidence and control, and its cabin allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment’s volume leaders.

New for 2009 is the addition of a standard fully integrated navigation unit, which represents an unprecedented feature at this price point. Known as Suzuki TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), it comes with a number of easy-to-use navigation features and millions of unique points-of-interest (such as gas stations, restaurants, ATMs). Bluetooth capability with audible text message reader and other enhanced Microsoft Network-enabled features of the system, including real-time traffic, movie listings, local events listing (such as music concerts, sporting events, etc), weather forecasts and a lowest gas price finder, will be included as part of the SX4’s upgraded trim package.

Driver and passenger armrests and a split-folding rear seat are new standard amenities for 2009. The SX4’s Touring Package now includes automatic climate control and heated door mirrors. A base sedan version of the four-door SX4 also will be available in the new model year, positioned for the entry-level buyer.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

The five-door SX4 Crossover features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. Fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD), the versatile five-door is America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions.

New for 2009 is a front-wheel-drive variant of the SX4 Crossover, combining the hatchback’s versatility with a lowered price and improved fuel economy. The FWD models feature better fuel economy and a larger fuel tank for a longer driving range. Several other refinements have been incorporated for the 2009 model year, including standard Electronic Stability Program on all trim levels, and new driver and passenger armrests. Heated seats also are a new feature added to the AWD Touring package.

Packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, the fully integrated Suzuki TRIP navigation system is standard on the FWD SX4 Crossover. As with the SX4 Sport, Bluetooth and a host of MSN-enabled features will be integrated fully into the navigation system as part of the Technology and Touring packages.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

No other compact SUV better balances off-road capability with the needs of a daily commute than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Grand Vitara can handle both smooth pavement and off-road trails equally well with its available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive (4WD models also feature a two-speed low range transfer case on the XSport and Luxury trims).

For 2009, the Grand Vitara features a choice of drivetrains, including a new standard fuel efficient 2.4-liter inline four, 16-valve DOHC engine (166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission or an available 3.2-liter V6 engine (230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, which achieves improved MPG over the outgoing 2.7L 185 HP motor.

Upgrades for the 2009 model year also include a freshened front grille and bumper, rear disc brakes, a new driver information display, illuminated steering-wheel controls, chrome interior door handles, sunvisor extenders, armrest with slide function, roll-over sensors on the curtain airbags and a strengthened frame for increased rigidity. V6 4WD models feature standard hill hold control and hill descent control and receive 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, respectively.

2009 Suzuki XL7

Suzuki’s midsize crossover SUV, which proudly displayed a quadruple five-star safety rating in 2008, boasts a standard 3.6-liter V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic control, available all-wheel drive and standard three-row seating. All work together to deliver the size, style, power and flexibility needed to facilitate a consumer’s active lifestyle.

In an up-market move, the Base trim level and all five-passenger configurations have been dropped from the lineup, leaving XL7 shoppers to choose from seven-passenger Premium, Luxury or Limited models. For 2009, the XL7 features a newly available, more fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission (+1 MPG city / +2 MPG highway). Premium and Luxury trim levels receive heated door mirrors (AWD only). The Limited now offers Navigation and DVD in combination, chrome exterior door handles, heated door mirrors for both FWD and AWD, and adds a compass to the driver information center.

All XL7 models now include Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment. The XL7 Limited marches into 2009 with self-evident value. Standard features include leather interior, sunroof, chrome wheels, premium audio system and navigation.

Since its introduction in the 2007 model year, the XL7 has been the gold standard in the midsize crossover category, offering a full complement of standard amenities at a price point well below that of its competitors.

[Source : American Suzuki Motor]

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Proton Cars (UK) Ltd. have successfully launched a new in-house Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) facility at their head office and parts distribution centre in Avonmouth, Bristol.



The move is designed to support dealers and customers by improving the speed of delivery and quality. The new facility, which includes a full technical workshop and paint shop, will enable Proton to prepare and store vehicles ready for next-day despatch as well as producing Limited Edition vehicles and offering retail-prepared used cars to the highest standard.

These actions serve to enhance Proton’s reputation as one of the best value small franchises available. With exceptionally low start up costs, minimal running costs and good margins, the Proton franchise generates realistic achievable income for either an existing franchise or a small independent dealership.

Brian Machin, Sales Manager at Ryders of Warrington, is impressed with the new service; "We ordered three Proton GEN-2s last Friday and received them the following Tuesday, which is a superb delivery time. More importantly, the presentation and finish of the cars was excellent".

The 4.5 acre site comprises of 100,000 sq. feet of storage which can accommodate up to 250 vehicles under cover plus 14 acres of additional parking nearby. There is also an on-site training centre, which provides new and existing Proton dealers with technical, product and sales training. In addition, Proton Cars (UK) have awarded a new contract to CPR transporters, which so far has reduced the time from order to delivery by an average of 2-3 days.

According to Brian Collier, MD of Proton Cars (UK), the new PDI centre will significantly improve the quality of service to Proton dealers; "This is a huge investment designed to bring benefits to our network. The new facility will improve our already high dealer support operation by reducing delivery times and costs for dealers as well as supporting our sales plans for the coming year."

[Source : Proton, UK]

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.Shanghai - Ford Motor China posted sales of 172,411 units for the first-half of 2008, a 21-percent increase over the same period last year. First-half sales of Ford brand passenger cars and commercial vehicles reached 103,698 units, a 15-percent year-over-year increase.


"Despite challenging events that had significant impact in China and on the economy as a whole this year, we were still able to achieve healthy growth through the first six months," said Robert Graziano, president and CEO of Ford Motor China. "In addition to our strong sales, we continued to improve the quality of our products, broaden our brand-building efforts, and expand our aftersales and service network in China."

Ford Motor's passenger car joint-venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) delivered first-half sales of 116,903 units, a 25 percent year-over-year increase. According to data released recently by China Passenger Car Association, CFMA kept its Top 10 manufacturers ranking in each of the first five months this year.

Jiangling Motors Corporation, Ford Motor's commercial vehicle investment in China, delivered 52,000 units sales for the first half, a 14 percent growth over last year. This included a 17 percent year-over-year increase in sales of the popular Ford Transit.

The Ford brand line-up produced by CFMA includes Ford Focus, new Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX. The Ford Mondeo safety upgrade version, Ford S-MAX 7-seat safety upgrade version and Ford S-MAX 5-seat version were introduced to the market during the second quarter. Ford also continued to expand its sales and service network across China, and now has more than 300 customer support locations covering the entire country.

"Ford will launch our new global small car in China, the new Ford Fiesta, in the second half of this year," said Graziano. "As gasoline prices continue to reach record levels in China, consumers have put more emphasis on fuel efficiency in their vehicle purchase decisions. The new Ford Fiesta is the right product coming to the market at the right time."

“With the launch of the new Ford Fiesta, our product offering in China will cover a full range of vehicles from small cars to MPVs to light buses, placing us in an even better position to satisfy Chinese customer needs,” added Graziano.

[Source : Ford]

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THAILAND: Pick-up sales plunge in June

The Thai pick-up truck market declined 23.2% to 25,260 units in June compared with 32,904 units a year earlier, according to data released by Toyota Motor Thailand - the country's dominant automotive company.

The sharp drop in June eroded gains made earlier in the year, with first-half sales declining by 0.73% to 181,191 units - including pick-up truck-derived passenger vehicles (PPVs). On average, pick-up trucks account for roughly two thirds of total vehicle sales in Thailand.

Toyota cited a sharp rise in fuel prices, particularly diesel which now costs around THB45 per litre (US$1.34), as one of the main reasons for declining pick-up truck purchases. The company suggests that buyers are turning increasingly towards more fuel-efficient vehicles, including the growing range of biofuel-compatible models.

Toyota sold 11,589 pick-up trucks in June, down by 25.9% compared with 15,643 units sold a year earlier. Isuzu sales fell by 4.3% to 9,669 units, from 10,096 units; and Mitsubishi by 34% to 1,333 units, from 2,021 units a year earlier.

In the first six months of the year, Toyota sold 74,569 pick-up-based vehicles, followed by Isuzu with 67,445 units; Nissan 13,856; Mitsubishi 11,908; Chevrolet 5,379; Mazda 4,422; and Ford with 4,270 units. India's Tata Motors, which began selling pickup trucks in May, has sold 42 units year-to-date.


PHILIPPINES: Sales up 10% in June

The Philippine vehicle market continued its recovery in June with sales rising by 10.6% to 10,772 units compared with 9,736 units a year earlier, according to data released by The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi).

The growth trend is seen as weakening, however, with month-on-month sales dropping 1.2%, from 10,900 units in May.

In the first six months of 2008, sales rose 13.6% to 61,654 vehicles, compared with 54,257 units a year earlier.

Passenger car sales have under-performed during in this period, with sales rising 10.9% to 21,003 units despite the introduction of new models and a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.

First half commercial_vehicle sales rose by 15.1% year-on-year to 40,651 units, although month-on-month volumes fell by 4.2% as rising fuel prices began to take their toll. Sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles dropped particularly sharply month-on-month.

The recent typhoon is also said to have disrupted sales operations in the central provinces in June, with a significant number of purchases delayed - particularly of large trucks and buses.

In the six months, Toyota Motor sold 22,209 vehicles, followed by Mitsubishi with 8,365 units, and Honda with 7,759 units.

VIETNAM: Vehicle sales up 141% in H1

Vehicle sales in Vietnam rose 141% year-on-year in the first half of 2008 according to industry group the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA).

VAMA said from January to June its members sold 68,609 vehicles, including cars, trucks and buses, compared with 28,522 in the first six months of 2007.

Japan's Toyota topped the list with 12,510 units sold, followed by domestic companies Vinamotor with 14,594 units and Truong Hai with 11,295.

In June alone, car sales were up by 60 percent year-on-year at 9,749 units, the association said.

However, auto sales were down 15 percent from May to June after the government raised some taxes in a bid to curb imports.

CHINA: Passenger car sales up 14.2% in H1

China's domestic car market reached sales of 3.3m passenger vehicles from January to June, up 14.2% from the corresponding period of last year but lower than earlier expectations of growth of 20%, according to statement by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Tighter government monetary policies, as well as record high oil prices are reportedly the contributing factors to the slower growth.

Rao Da, secretary general of CPCA, also attributed the slowdown to floods in South China that hindered production of some carmakers and resulted in suspension of vehicle shipments.

China raised prices of gasoline and diesel by 18% at the end of June.

[Source : Just-Auto]

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Lotus will unveil its “Eco Elise” technology demonstrator at the upcoming British International Motor Show, 23 July - 3 Aug in London. Unlike some of Lotus’ other initiatives, this demonstrator focuses less on tailpipe CO2 and more on materials, manufacturing and design.



Renewable materials
Sustainable hemp technical fabrics have been used as the primary constituent in the composite body panels and spoiler. The hemp fibers have also been used in the manufacture of the lightweight Lotus designed seats. An additional benefit of using hemp is that it is a natural resource that requires relatively low energy to manufacture. The hemp material is used with a polyester resin to form a hybrid composite. Lotus hopes that a fully recyclable composite resin will be viable in the short-term future.

The Eco Elise seats are upholstered in a durable yet biodegradable woollen fabric that has been given the EU Flower certificate, a recognized environmental quality mark independently verified and endorsed by the European Commission. This new material is ethically produced and does not use any dyes or harmful processing. The color is created from the selection of sheep breeds used to produce the wool for the yarn, which increases the natural feel of the wool and reduces the processing of the cloth.

Sisal : a renewable crop that, like hemp, is used for its strong material properties has been used for the carpets in the Eco Elise.

Weight reduction
In keeping with the “performance through light weight” philosophy, the Eco Elise weighs 32 kg (70.5 lbs) less than the standard Elise S, yielding lower fuel consumption and better performance. The reduction in mass improves the handling and braking performance and also reduces the effort required to accelerate the car. The weight reduction philosophy has even extended to the audio system with an exceptionally lightweight stereo and speaker system from Alpine saving 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). The system uses MP3/iPod technology.

The Eco Elise uses special lightweight wheels that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs) over the already super light Elise wheels.

Manufacturing
The Lotus Paint Facility, in partnership with Du Pont, has developed a totally water-based paint system. This paint solution includes primer, color coat and lacquer, and it is the first time that it has been possible to hand spray a water-based “A” class production paint finish.

In using this water-based technology, Lotus is able to achieve savings in energy consumption due to the low cure temperature this paint requires. An additional benefit of this paint system is the reduction in emissions of solvents, all of which contribute to substantial cost savings for Lotus. This technology is anticipated to be available in production cars in the near future.

Solar panels
The hemp hard top on the Eco Elise has two flexible solar panels neatly embedded in the roof, contributing power to the electrical systems and saving energy that would be drained from the engine.

The solar panels have been integrated into the hard top to illustrate the feasibility of applying this technology. This application shows the installation of solar panels into a composite “A” class panel with a double curvature. Using this technology on a greater number of panels would make it possible to provide more power, especially on a larger vehicle.

Reduction in carbon miles
The hemp fibres have been farmed in East Anglia, thus reducing the carbon miles incurred in the production of this Elise. Lotus Manufacturing has component manufacturing facilities and a paint facility at its headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, with another manufacturing site a short distance away in Norwich. The company operates a carefully managed logistics system operating between sites to improve efficiency, reduce costs and carbon miles. This is a Kanban driven barcode system that has been adopted by key suppliers. The process also uses packaging that is recycled many times over to eliminate waste.

Efficient driving techniques
Lotus cars have red shift lights to help drivers extract the maximum performance from the engine. However for the Eco Elise, Lotus designed software has been developed to assist drivers in maximizing the fuel efficiency of the engine. A green gear shift display has been integrated into the instrument panel to ensure that gears are changed at the optimum point to reduce emissions and save fuel.

Images gallery : Lotus Eco Elise





[Source : Green Car Congress]

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Chery have launched a new logo! The previous logo sported the Chinese words ‘Even Safer, more resourceful and more safe‘ but in the latest logo, the Chinese words have been dropped for a 3D like Chery logo.

The Chery logo has previously come under scrutiny for looking a little too like the Infiniti logo.

[Source : China Car Times]

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MUNICH - BMW plans to export nearly 500 electric versions of its Mini car to California, company sources said.

The electric Minis are being built at the Mini factory in Oxford, England, without engines, gearboxes or fuel tanks, then shipped to Munich, Germany, where they are being fitted with electric powertrains.



"This step will allow the BMW Group to gain an initial knowledge of how mobility

can be achieved efficiently using purely electrically powered vehicles. Our task

here is to combine the ultimate driving experience with an efficient electrified

drive with practically no emissions", underlined Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman

of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

BMW sources told Automotive News Europe that 490 of the Minis will be leased to selected customers in California and 10 will be used as show cars.

The electric Minis are painted silver and have yellow roofs, the sources said.

BMW engineers working on the electric Minis are part of a new division called Project i established by the automaker to develop low-emission city cars.

The electric Minis will help BMW to meet new California regulations that will require carmakers selling cars in the state to offer zero emission vehicles.

Mini spokesman Cypselus von Frankenberg did not confirm that BMW is building electric Minis.

"BMW will announce whether it will build electric vehicles or not later this year," he told ANE.

Other carmakers are developing electric cars.

Volkswagen, Daimler, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Renault have all announced electric-vehicle programs in recent months, joining several U.S. and Japanese automakers that are working on the technology.

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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LISBON (July. 9, 2008) – The Government of Portugal and the Renault Nissan Alliance today announced a partnership to promote zero-emission mobility across that country. The partnership was launched today in Lisbon, in the presence of Mr. José Sócrates, the Prime Minister of Portugal, and Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and President and CEO of Nissan.


Portugal is the first partner to join the Alliance in a direct program of this type. Under the commitment of the Alliance to be the global leader in zero-emission vehicles, this initiative aims to bring together the public and private sectors to create the necessary conditions to make zero-emission vehicles a viable and attractive solution for consumers.

Under the framework agreement signed today, the government of Portugal will focus on three core areas:

1. To jointly study with the Alliance how to create the right conditions to make electric vehicles an attractive offer for Portuguese consumers;
2. To study the infrastructure and related organizations required to create a nationwide network of charging stations for electric vehicles; and
3. To identify the most effective communication and education channels to raise awareness of electric vehicles.

The Alliance has agreed to mass market its electric vehicles to consumers in Portugal, starting in 2011. Portugal will be one of the lead global markets for the introduction of unique models of all-electric vehicles from the Alliance.

“Portugal has become a leading country in renewable energy. This agreement with Renault-Nissan will place Portugal also on the front line in terms of sustainable mobility with zero-emission vehicles. Promoting electric cars in Portugal will reduce our dependence on imported oil and will contribute to a cleaner environment,” said Prime Minister José Sócrates.

“With the rising cost of oil and continuing concerns about C02 emissions, we believe the ultimate solution to sustainable mobility will be the mass availability of zero-emission vehicles,” said Carlos Ghosn. “Portugal is a recognized global leader in the development of renewable energy, and we applaud the governments’ actions to make electric cars an economic reality for their citizens.”

[Source : Nissan]

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Tokyo, July 9 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the addition of the premium sporty 4WD RALLIART trim level to the Galant Fortis sedan series. The new model raises the driving pleasure bar while retaining all the utility and comfort qualities of the base model. RALLIART comes with a price tag of \2,982,000 and goes on sale at affiliated dealership throughout Japan today.



Launched in August 2007 Galant Fortis*1 was MMC's first new sedan model in seven years. It has been well received by customers looking principally for everyday utility plus a taste of sporty performance, while the Lancer Evolution X*2 finds favor with those drivers looking to enjoy a serious sport driving experience, participation in motorsport events included. The new Galant Fortis RALLIART strikes an excellent balance between everyday driving comfort and fun-to-drive dynamic performance and as such will meet the needs and demands of a wide spectrum of customers.

*1 Lancer in markets outside Japan.
*2 Lancer Evolution in markets outside Japan.

I. Product walkaround

1. Exterior

* The car features a unique front bumper designed to reduce air resistance. Increasing the size of the "jet-fighter" grille, an element of the MMC sedan design identity, both improves engine cooling and with the chrome treatment of its perimeter enhances the premium look to the car. The bottom edge of the bumper is designed as an air dam for improved handling and vehicle stability at higher speeds.
* The engine hood uses a lightweight aluminum panel with an air scoop to feed the turbocharger; twin air outlets discharge heat from the engine compartment.
* The unique rear bumper accommodates twin tail pipes. The bumper's design enhances airflow control and contributes to better straight-line stability at higher speeds.
* The factory-fitted option rear decklid wing-spoiler generates effective downforce.
* The grille and trunk lid carry the RALLIART emblem.

2. Interior

* The interior uses an elegant deep black color scheme while the dashboard features an ornamentation panel comprising a geometric check pattern and silver pin beading that adds a mechanical taste and gives the cockpit a sporty, high-quality appearance.
* The unique instrument cluster dials use matte black faces with white high-contrast graphics for excellent legibility.
* The steering wheel and shifter knob are wrapped in luxurious genuine leather. The aluminum accelerator and brake pedals are fitted with non-slip rubber strips.
* The front seats keep the occupant securely and comfortably positioned and use high-grip suede-knit upholstery. The shoulder bolster carries the RALLIART tag.

3. Engine

* Galant Fortis RALLIART is powered by an intercooler-turbocharged 4B11-type 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC*1 high-performance engine. With the focus on low- to mid-range torque, the engine uses a single-scroll turbocharger. Optimization of the cooling and exhaust systems boosts output to maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) / 6000 rpm and 343 Nm (35.0 kg-m) / 3000 rpm.
* Galant Fortis RALLIART returns 10-15 mode combined driving pattern fuel consumption of 10.2 km/l (filed with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism), and earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% better than the Japanese 2005 Emission Standards.

*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

4. Transmission

* Galant Fortis RALLIART is fitted with Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) automated manual transmission that allows the driver both the fun and economy of a manual gearbox plus the convenience and comfort of an automatic transmission. The Twin Clutch SST used on the Lancer Evolution X has been modified for Galant Fortis RALLIART with different ratios for 5th and 6th gears to give improved fuel economy in high-speed cruising on longer trips.
* The driver has the choice of two automated shifting modes: NORMAL for maximum fuel economy and comfort in everyday driving; and SPORT with shift characteristics best suited to sportier performance.

5. Full-time 4WD system

* Galant Fortis RALLIART uses a full-time 4WD system comprising a front helical limited slip differential, an Active Center Differential*2 and a mechanical rear LSD. These components as well as Active Stability Control*3 and Anti-lock Braking*4 are all electronically and integrally managed by Mitsubishi's vehicle dynamics control system to deliver an optimum balance between sure-footed traction and steering feel, cornering and braking performance.
* The driver can select between three ACD modes: TARMAC for dry paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet tarmac or loose unmade surfaces; and SNOW for snow-covered surfaces.

*2: Electronically regulates the speed differential between front and rear wheels and feeds optimal level of drive torque to each wheel.
*3: Improves stability by suppressing wheel spin and sudden changes in vehicle behavior on slippery surfaces or caused by sudden steering inputs.
*4: Retains braking and steering control by preventing wheels from locking up under emergency braking and also uses Electronic Brake force Distribution for the efficient distribution of braking power to each wheel for different road surface and vehicle load conditions.

6. Body and chassis

* Galant Fortis RALLIART uses Mitsubishi's RISE*5 high-rigidity safety body that gives enhanced multi-directional crashworthiness in frontal, rear and side collisions. The front bumper, engine hood, fenders and cowl are designed for enhanced pedestrian protection.
* The suspension features stiffer control arms and mountings and the use of high-rigidity cast iron trailing arms at the rear. These changes and optimization of spring rates and shock absorber damping give RALLIART sportier handling, vehicle stability and ride.
* RALLIART uses 16-inch 2-pot caliper ventilated disc brakes at the front and with optimization of front and rear systems; delivers braking that matches its higher power output.
* RALLIART rides on 18-inch 7JJ alloy wheels fitted with 215/45R 18 89W tires.

*5: Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution

Images Gallery : Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Ralliart






[Source : Mitsubishi, Japan]

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• World´s first LPI hybrid, first to use advanced Lithium–Polymer batteries
• Operation costs poised to be lowest of any hybrid in the market
• "Hybrid premium" cost can be recouped in two years through fuel savings
• Emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90% fewer pollutants to qualify as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
• Initial sales restricted to Korea

Seoul, Korea - Hyundai Motor Company plans to start retail sales of its first LPG–electric hybrid vehicle in July 2009. To be sold initially in the Korean domestic market under the Avante badge, the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the world´s first hybrid vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and the first to adopt advanced Lithium Polymer (Li–Poly) batteries.


Powered by a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) Gamma engine displacing 1.6 litres, a 15kW electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI HEV is a mild–type hybrid capable of delivering a competitive fuel economy rating.

"The Elantra LPI HEV demonstrates Hyundai´s innovative approach: We have leveraged Hyundai´s world leadership in LPG–fueled vehicles to develop a hybrid that will be very economical to operate," said Dr. Hyun–Soon Lee, president of the Research and Development Division.

Comparing operating costs among different types of hybrid vehicles currently available in the marketplace, the Elantra LPI HEV promises to be the cheapest of all to run. The Elantra LPI HEV promises to be as much as 40 percent cheaper to operate than other competitor models in the marketplace and 50 percent less than a conventional Elantra model powered by a gasoline–only engine. (Calculations are based on Korean domestic retail price of 1,907.08 KRW per liter of gasoline and LPG price of 1,828.65 KRW per kilogram as of the first week of June).

The Elantra LPI HEV will have a premium cost compared to a conventional Elantra due to the extra hardware (Li–Poly battery, DC motor and electrical control system). However, with the resulting fuel savings, Elantra LPI HEV buyers can expect to recover the extra cost of the vehicle in about two years.

In addition, the Elantra LPI HEV emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline–powered Elantra to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

The Elantra LPI HEV will be the first car in the world to use lithium polymer rechargeable batteries, which will be supplied solely by LG Chem*, one of the leading producers of the batteries. Li–poly batteries have significant advantages over lithium–ion batteries including higher energy density, lower manufacturing costs, being more robust to physical damage and they can also take more charge–discharge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade.

Hyundai developed its very first hybrid electric vehicle in 1995 when it unveiled the Future Green Vehicle at the Seoul Motor Show. In 1999, it showed an Elantra HEV and in 2000, an Accent HEV, both of which featured hard–type parallel electric drive systems and integrated Starter Generator technology. However, these research development vehicles did not go into mass production.

In 2004, the company delivered 50 Getz gas–electric hybrid vehicles (B–segment vehicles badged as Hyundai Click in the Korean domestic market) to Korean government agencies as part of a fleet demonstration project. These were mild–type hybrid systems using 12kW motors and nickel metal hydride batteries. The hybrid technology development program continued to expand and in 2005, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. delivered 350 more units to the demonstration fleet, 730 more units in 2006 and 1,682 more units in 2007, including Accent HEVs.

Current plants call for expanding the hybrid vehicle line–up to include mid–sized sedans in 2010.

Initial sales of the Elantra LPI HEV are to be restricted to the Korean domestic market. However, the LPI Hybrid could be exported to markets which are served by an excellent LPG distribution infrastructure.

As the Elantra LPI HEV remains under development, more detailed technical specifications will be released closer to the July 2009 launch date.

[Source : Hyundai]

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SHANGHAI -- Lately, rumors and some media are saying that Ford Motor has contacted some Chinese automakers for the sale of Volvo Cars.

It is hard to tell how much truth they contain. But one thing is clear: given their scant experience in operating in mature markets, Chinese automakers are far from ready to take over Volvo Cars.



Leveraging government support, China's major state-owned automakers, such as Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and First Automotive Works, can easily borrow from state-controlled banks to finance an acquisition of Volvo.

But if history is any guide, they should refrain from doing so.

In July 2005, Nanjing Automobile Corp., also a state-owned company, borrowed heavily from domestic banks to fund its acquisition of the historic British brand MG. The project failed and Nanjing Auto was later merged into SAIC.

Chery Automobile Co. is one of China's up and coming automakers. But it is accepting significant help from Chrysler LLC to improve its manufacturing. The partners are preparing cars for export that will be sold with a Chrysler LLC brand.

For SAIC, Ssangyong Motor Co., a Korean automaker it bought in early 2005, remains a big headache even today.

Saanyong's workers went on strike in late 2005 protesting against SAIC's plan to produce Ssangyong's cars in China. After regaining profitability in 2007, Ssangyong slid back into the red at the beginning of 2008.

SAIC, FAW and Dongfeng are all the earliest state-owned enterprises in China and they are still learning to operate as market-driven businesses.

Compared with SAIC, FAW and Dongfeng have even less experience in operating overseas, let alone managing the sophisticated operations of a global player such as Volvo Cars.

A friend of mine at SAIC scoffed at a media report claiming that Ford has talked to both SAIC and Dongfeng on the sale of Volvo Cars.

She says: "SAIC certainly won't consider buying it since we know how much hassle an overseas acquisition could create."

[Source : Automotive News China .. sub req.]

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Renault has offically taken the wraps off its entry-level hot hatch! Called the Renaultsport Twingo 133, the racey looking model will start from £11,500 and go on sale this September, with orders being taken from July.



Almost identical to the Twingo RS concept that was revealed at the Paris Motor Show back in 2006, it gets wider front and rear wings and a aerodynamic spoiler giving it a sporty and agressive look.

Inside, there's a four-spoke steering wheel and rev-counter located directly behind the steering wheel while under the skin, buyers can choose between two suspension set-ups – a standard set up and an even racier Cup chassis.

The hot hatch gets its power from a 1.6-litre 16V engine which delivers 133bhp at 6,750rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. A lot of time has also been spent developing a deeper engine note and the addition of a four-into-one exhaust enhances the performance whilst lowering emissions.

Renault has also announced the first 133 people to order a Twingo will receive a free track day and tuition.

Images gallery : 2009 Renaultsport Twingo RS









[Source : Autoexpress]

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Detroit - Chevrolet announced today that its all-new entry in the compact segment will be called Cruze. The new Chevrolet will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team and will be built in multiple locations around the world. The Cruze approaches an overall length of 4.6 meters and offers ample interior space and cargo capacity for five passengers, giving it an advantage over competition in the compact segment.

The Cruze features Chevrolet's new global design language that will continue to be a signature element for future vehicles carrying the gold bowtie. Combined with high safety standards and excellent build quality, Chevrolet will again deliver on its promise of offering a very attractive package at an exceptional value.

The new Chevrolet Cruze will be available in European markets in Spring 2009, followed by other global regions.

[Source : GM]

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LONDON- Navara has never been lacking in the looks department but Nissan has now added even more appeal with the addition of the Aventura X-BACK.

Exclusivity comes courtesy of a stylish hard top load cover providing a unique design yet still retaining a high cargo volume. Add a load bed protector and reversing sensors for an OTR price of £23,795 and the UK’s number one choice for pickups looks set to continue at the top of the pack.



The new hard top was sculpture-led by Nissan’s own design centre based in Paddington, London to ensure a perfect blend with the Navara’s svelte looks. The side windows therefore have a simulated shoulder line to emulate those of the cabin while the styling lines of the cabin roof integrate with those moulded into the hard top.

The result is a visually arresting design with a distinctive look made all the more stylish by the use of privacy glass and a gloss black finish to the rear pillars, creating a continuous sweep from one side to the other. Further continuity with the pickup body is provided by a rear door handle cover finish matching that of the tailgate handle.

There’s a choice of Black metallic, Starburst Silver, Storm Grey, Cayman Blue and Arctic White paint, which either match, or complement, the Navara palette of colours.

As well as stylish good looks the X-BACK hard top is immensely practical, with a standard load liner and a total volume of more than 1.8 m3. It is fully compatible with C-Channel accessories, including the tool box. An unimpeded view from the cabin to the load area is provided by clear glazing for the front window.

The high quality finish continues inside with all internal surfaces trimmed in a dark grey carpet with the exception of the rear door which has the same paint finish as the exterior.

Added safety is provided by an internal lever that allows the rear door to be opened from the inside.

The new hard top is made from the composite material SMC, which is similar to glass reinforced plastic but with a uniform layered construction making it particularly tough and light for easy installation. The high quality finish is also resistant to minor impacts, its heat expansion properties are identical to the steel body panels and last, but not least, SMC can be recycled.

The X-BACK hardtop has been subjected to a tough regime to prove its endurance, including weathering and impact tests, thermal cycle testing and extensive road testing. As a result, just like the Navara, it comes with a 3 year/ 60,000 mile warranty.

Like all other Navaras, the X-BACK offers SUV levels of comfort, refinement and performance while still offering ‘go anywhere, do anything’ qualities. There’s ample room for five plus one of the largest load beds in its class.

The potent 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine punches out 171 PS and an awesome 403Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, yet it remains economical, achieving 28.8mpg on the combined cycle. And with all that torque it doesn’t hang about between gears either. Drive is transmitted to the road by a tried and tested four-wheel drive system.

Navara Aventura X-BACK customers will want for nothing. The extensive spec includes side bars and chunky chrome back bumper, 17" alloys, electric and heated door mirrors, front fogs, automatic headlamps with washers, rain sensing wipers and roof rails.

Moving inside there’s Bluetooth phone integration, premium audio with MP3 compatibility and 6CD autochanger, DVD sat nav, dual zone climate control, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, cruise control, rear dark tinted glass, an electric glass sunroof, leather seat trim and electrically adjustable front seats – which are also heated.

Full safety features include front, side and curtain airbags plus active front headrests.

Images gallery : Nissan Navara Aventura X-BACK



[Source : Nissan UK]

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Citroen, Europe's No.1 MPV manufacturer, has announced details of an exciting new addition to its award-winning Picasso family - the innovative, stylish and ingenious Citroen C3 Picasso. With an intrepid personality, spacious interior, intuitive layout, and nimble road manners, the Company's newest MPV will make its debut in October at the Paris Motor Show before its UK launch in mid 2009.


The creative Citroen C3 Picasso brings together the often contradictory elements of strength and charm, contemporary styling and retro, round shapes and square and vast volumes and flowing lines. This impish new car really has a unique personality and presence all of its own.

As you'd expect from a Citroen MPV, comfort and practicality are key priorities. With external dimensions measuring 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall, the Citroen C3 Picasso is deceptively spacious internally, the modular layout provides a user-friendly environment that can allow individuals to optimise the cabin space.

The split-folding rear seats slide independently, offering the best possible legroom or load space. When extra storage space is required, the rear seats can be folded away in one effortless motion using simple seatback mounted controls, whilst a mobile boot floor provides a level loading space up to the first row seat back. To benefit fully from the space in the car, the front passenger seat can also be folded completely flat to increase the load length and to create a table top,

Just like the Citroen C4 Picasso, the C3 Picasso offers occupants a light and bright driving environment thanks largely to an innovative three-part windscreen that helps give the car one of the largest glazed areas in the segment. The high-seating position gives drivers optimum visibility, whilst the wraparound windows and a panoramic glass roof allow light to flood into the cabin.

The Citroen C3 Picasso will arrive with a choice of engines that offer both good performance and economy, with two new-generation petrol units available - the VTi 95hp and VTi 120hp - as well as two diesels, the HDi 90hp and HDi 110bhp.

Images Gallery : 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso




[Source : Citroen ; French Translated]

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BANGKOK, Thailand, July 8, 2008 - Ford Motor Company is launching its successful "Driving Skills for Life" program this year in select Asia markets, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. In cooperation with the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation and government agencies in the four ASEAN countries, the program will teach practical skills and training for safe and fuel-efficient driving.


Driving Skills for Life is a free course that mixes classroom learning and practical training to help increase awareness of driving techniques that save fuel. The training is customized in each participating market to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions.

A grant from Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services' Ford GlobalGiving Campaign is helping to finance the introduction of the Driving Skills for Life program in Southeast Asia. This is the first Asian initiative being supported by the Fund.

"Road safety is a very serious issue in our markets," said Neal McCarthy, corporate communications director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "Driver safety is highly relevant to our business, and Driving Skills for Life is an ideal way for Ford to leverage our global expertise to make a difference."

Reducing the toll of road traffic accidents across the region is a key objective of Driving Skills for Life. World Health Organization forecasts indicate that road traffic accidents will become the third-leading cause of premature death for all ages by 2020, accounting for a staggering 1.2 million deaths every year.

According to Greig Craft, president of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIPF), programs like Driving Skills for Life are critical to address growing concerns about road safety in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. The organization, a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, is dedicated to public awareness and education programs on road safety.

"This is a huge step in the right direction," Craft said. "In developing countries, motorization is happening so quickly that road traffic injuries and deaths have reached an epidemic proportion. People are taking to the road in ever-greater numbers, usually without the training to drive properly or the fundamental understanding of driving skills. Driver training, education and public awareness are imperative to making a difference. That's what Driving Skills for Life is all about."

Participating Markets

Driving Skills for Life will launch in four ASEAN markets:

• Vietnam - In partnership with the Vietnam National Road Safety Committee, Driving Skills for Life will partner with driving schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, launching in mid-July. Training will be offered to Ford retail customers, fleet customers, government ministries and college students.
• Thailand - Kicking off in mid-July, Driving Skills for Life will be promoted nationally by Ford dealers. The program is being conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Land Transport and Jor Sor 100, which will offer listeners the opportunity for training focused on safety, economy, environmental awareness and fun.
• Indonesia - In cooperation with the National Police and Asian Development Bank, Driving Skills for Life will be incorporated into Ford's fleet training program and offered to retail customers, existing customers, university students and the public in Ford communities.
• Philippines - Driving Skills for Life will be incorporated into Ford Philippines' successful RIDE road safety program. Introduced in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of IT and Communication, a Road Safety Council will act as ambassadors for Driving Skills for Life. Fleet customers, Ford employees dealers, Ford and Mazda clubs and students will be offered training.

Making Serious Learning Engaging

Experts from Ford and its DSFL partners have crafted the Driving Skills for Life program to be an engaging mix of skill training and spirited sessions to build practical experience. Key focal points of the training include awareness of road and traffic conditions, safe driving techniques and methods to drive more economically with reduced environmental impact.

"The techniques used for safe driving are essentially the same for economical, fuel-efficient motoring," said McCarthy. "So, driving steadily at a reasonable engine speed is not only safer, but can also help drivers improve fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent as well as reduce CO2 emissions."

Economical driving training includes anticipating road conditions, applying fuel-efficient driving techniques, avoiding speeding and keeping a vehicle properly maintained for optimal fuel economy. Safe driving skills focus on the use of safety belts, recognizing and anticipating changing traffic conditions, avoiding distraction and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles in traffic.

"Inspiring safe driving is the biggest single step we can make to reducing road traffic accidents," Craft said. "Driving Skills for Life will make drivers to be more aware of the conditions around them and how important their actions to road safety."

In launching the program in the ASEAN markets, Ford is leveraging experience from the success of Driving Skills for Life in North America, where it targeted teens who are new to driving. Ford hopes to continue building momentum for the initiative across Asia Pacific markets, and plans to extend the program to additional markets next year.

Driving Skills for Life partner AIPF supports the program as a best practice for the region, according to Craft.

"It is great to see Ford, a leader in safety, doing something about this critical issue," Craft said. "Driving Skills for Life is a public-private partnership that effectively involves government and non-government organizations. We believe it will be the catalyst for further action to improve road safety as nations across this region deal with rapid changes on their roads."

[Source : Ford]

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In 1958 Volvo Cars had two models, today there are ten series and 84 model variants

50 years of Volvo in Germany - a success story from the "economic miracle" until the 21st century. This year sees Germany holding the position of third largest market in the world for Volvo Car Corporation, following the USA and Sweden, Volvo Cars' home market. The fate of the Swedish, premium-brand automotive manufacturer, which celebrated its 80th birthday last year (2007), is controlled in Germany by Volvo Car Germany GmbH based in Rodenkirchen in Cologne. There are currently approximately 200 workers employed at the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volvo Car Corporation. In Germany Volvo Cars has an extensive distribution and service network currently boasting 323 sales sites and 69 establishments dealing exclusively with servicing - 392 locations altogether.



Over the past half a century, the Swedish automotive manufacturer has established a reputation for safety, unique design and technical innovation. The most recent example of this is the new Volvo XC60. The all-wheel drive crossover model combines the versatillity of the Volvo XC range with the dynamics of a sport coupé. The release of the Volvo XC60 onto the German market in autumn 2008 means that Volvo's range of cars will be greater than ever before and will now encompass ten series and 84 model variants.

"Over the past 50 years, Volvo has earned itself a solid reputation. Besides its legendary reputation for safety, customers also value the excellent quality and unique, attractive design. This means that Volvo in Germany is now in an outstanding position with importers and is the only real alternative to the German premium car brands," says Thomas Viehweg, who, since autumn 2006, has been Managing Director of Volvo Car Germany GmbH and President of the Central European region, and adds:
"The range of cars leaves little to be desired and extends from the compact category Volvo C30 model, the medium-sized cars Volvo S40 and Volvo V50, the dynamic Volvo S60 saloon, the attractive Volvo C70 cabriolet, probably the safest estate car in the world, the Volvo V70, right up to the all-wheel, all-rounder Volvo XC70, the Volvo XC90 sports utility vehicle and the luxury-class Volvo S80 saloon. With the release of the Volvo XC60 crossover model in autumn, Volvo in Germany will have brought the tenth series onto the market and, in addition, will possess the fastest growing segment with an excellent product at an extremely attractive price."


The history of Volvo in Germany
In 1958 Volvo founded its first subsidiary in Frankfurt am Main and in the November of the same year the trademark was registered with the German Patent Office. However, the conditions for starting up were pretty difficult. After the USA, Germany boasted the world's greatest car production; however the share of import vehicles was 9%. At the beginning of the 1960s the Swedish company was represented in all cities, except for Bonn, and 814 vehicles were sold in 1962. And in 1964, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (in German: Kraftfahrtbundesamt, KBA) recorded a four-figure number for the first time at 1,050 cars. In 1965 Volvo GmbH relocated its registered office to the recently built Import Centre in Dietzenbach. And at the end of the 1960s the 140 series models were in very high demand because of their box-like shapes and their high level of safety. The German slogan "Sicherheit aus Schwedenstahl" (literally: "Safety from Swedish Steel") made a significant contribution and the number of registered cars rose to 4,028 in 1969.

The 1970s
The breakthrough in Germany came in the 1970s. One of the highlights was the Volvo P1800 ES, which became the legendary "Glass Coffin of Snow White" (in German: "Schneewittchensarg"). Today the Volvo P1800 ES is one of the most sought-after classic cars of all times. In 1971 more than 10,000 Volvo models (10,446) were registered in Germany. In1975 Volvo acquired the car division of the Dutch manufacturer DAF, as the Swedes did not have a "small" Volvo on the market at that time. In1976 the Volvo 240 and 260 were released in Germany and for the first time the Swedes broke the sound barriers with 20,000 new registered vehicles. That year Volvo was the first manufacturer in the world to introduce the three-way catalytic converter and the oxygen sensor in the 240/260 series. In 1979 the number of registered cars increased to 24,997.

The 1980s
In 1982, Volvo presented an ecological innovation (which is still widely discussed today) in the form of the start/stop system, where the engine can be turned on and off at the touch of a button. The new technology was then used in the Volvo 244 and 245 models. However, the number of registered cars in Germany was deceasing and this sped up the launch of new models. In1986, the most luxurious model up to that point in time, the Volvo 780, was introduced, which was developed in conjunction with Bertone. That year also saw the first Volvo 480 ES, which was the first front-wheel drive made by Volvo. 1986 also saw the launch of the Volvo 760 as an estate car, molding the lasting image of Volvo as an estate car manufacturer. In 1989 there were 18,206 new cars.

The 1990s
In the 1990s Volvo presented numorous world innovations and innovative safety technologies. This decade also said farewell to the "box design" and welcomed new stylistic elements oriented on the Scandanavian design. In1991 the Volvo 850 GLT was launched in Germany. It was successful all over the world and received over 50 international awards. In 1994 the Volvo car division, with the exception of the training centre, relocated from Dietzenbach in Hesse to Brühl in North Rhine-Westphalia, to be geographically close to the potential merger company, Renault. When it was determed that the amalgamation was not going to materalise, the automobile town, Cologne, became the new Volvo Cars headquarters in Germany and then later relocated to the Rodenkirchen district of Cologne.

With 22,505 cars in 1995, the number of registered cars had exceeded the 20,000 mark of the record year 1979. In 1996 a completely new generation of cars was introduced with the Volvo S40 saloon and the Volvo V40 sport estate car. In 1997 a new sound barrier was broken with 36,675 cars. The market share went up by one percent. 1998 saw the new luxury Volvo S80 sedan, and the Volvo C70 was the first four-seater convertible of its kind for over 40 years. That year, with 42,267 cars sold, Volvo in Germany achieved its best sales figures in history. 1999 onwards was the start of a new era for Volvo Car Corporation, as the company was bought by Ford Motor Company and was integrated into the American company. At that point in time the new "Ford subsidiary" Volvo Cars sold 38,607 cars in Germany.


The 2000s
Volvo Cars has continued to build its range of models with much commitment. In 2000 the all-new Volvo V70 was introduced which was established as a timeless, elegant estate car. The sales figure rose to 41,563 cars. The sporty, dynamic Volvo S60 sedan was also released and won the "Golden Steering Wheel" award. In 2002 Volvo sold 42,132 cars; the market share rose to the optimum level of 1.3 percent. In 2003 the Swedes presented their first sports utility vehicle (SUV) - the Volvo XC90 - which from the outset was a great success and was the top-selling Volvo in the world. At the end of 2006 came the launch of the compact car - the Volvo C30. Before its launch, the four-seater, two-door car was described as the "nicest compact car in the world" and won a number of awards, one of them being the "Golden Steering Wheel" award.

In 2007 the third batch of Volvo V70s came onto the market with a multitude of technical improvements. Parallel to that, the re-make of the all-wheel drive car, the Volvo XC70, was introduced. The Motor Transport Authority statistics showed that 33,485 cars were registered and that it had a market share of 1.1 percent. The total number of Volvos in Germany on 1st January 2008 was around 420,000 cars.

The next milestone in history, set by the Swedes at the beginning of 2008, was the introduction of the new Volvo XC60. The crossover model embodies the new style of the Swedish premium car manufactuer and is the first car in the world which comes equipped with the City Safety System as standard.

Images Gallery : Official 50 years Volvo in Germany





[Source : Volvo]

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HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the sales launch of the newly developed Mazda Biante for the Japanese market. Mazda’s mid-size tall ‘high-roof’ minivan goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including consumption tax) range from 2,199,000 to 2,650,000 yen for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) models. The target sales volume is 3,000 units a month.


The Mazda Biante was developed exclusively for the Japanese market under the concept, ‘Look, then experience the Zoom-Zoom Tall minivan as it expands your dreams.’ It offers a spacious and functional clean interior, distinctive, athletic styling, and superb driving performance that provide an enticing blend of security and excitement.

With the longest and widest interior dimensions in its class, the Biante boasts best-in-class*1 interior space. The cabin’s feeling of spaciousness is amplified by the ‘living mode’ function for the second row seats, which enables the seats to be adjusted backwards by an outstanding 863 mm. To ensure the interior is comfortable even with a full complement of passengers, the Biante features wide aperture dual sliding doors, a low floor in the passenger compartment and flexible seating arrangements. Additional features that provide a clean and comfortable cabin space include a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system*2, an Alleru [Allergy] Buster*3 unit (a particulate filter to aid allergy sufferers), a deodorizer in the cabin ceiling and easy-wipe seat fabric.

The exterior design of the Biante is unlike anything seen in the minivan segment before. The styling is intended to maximize visibility of the surroundings and the feeling of interior space for passengers. These impressions are emphasized by the flowing interior fittings, expansive side windows with low sills, and large triangular A-pillar windows.

Driving performance attributes were based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, with the Biante being developed to provide a balance of driving pleasure with safety and peace of mind. Effective use of high tensile steel produced a highly rigid body, helping the Biante achieve top class aerodynamics, quietness and safety levels. The direct-injection naturally aspirated engine*4 delivers excellent environmental performance, fuel economy and a powerful ride. The electronically controlled five-speed automatic*5 transmission ensures lively acceleration from low speeds.

*1 The most interior space in the 2,000 cc minivan class (3 rows of seats, domestically manufactured people carrier) based on cabin length, height and width. According to a survey conducted by Mazda in June 2008. *2 ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. *3 Alleru [Allergy] Buster® is a registered trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) *4 Featured on the 20S and 20CS grades. The 23S grade has a 2.3-liter DOHC engine. *5 Featured on the FWD models (The 23S grade also has a manual mode). 4WD models have an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Main features of the Mazda Biante
Cabin space
Development focused on attaining ‘space,’ ‘functionality’ and ‘cleanliness.’ The aim was to achieve top class comfort and an exciting experience for all of the occupants.

Space
- The Biante has the most spacious interior in its class, with best-in-class cabin length (2,990 mm) and width (1,545 mm) as well as one of the tallest cabins (1,350 mm) in its segment. The spacious and open impression is emphasized by expansive side windows with low sills and large triangular A-pillar windows.
- By lowering the hip point of the front seats and raising the rear seats, and through use of compact saddle-type headrests for the second and third rows, the wide-open feeling is preserved even when there are many passengers.
- By sliding both the second and third rows of seats to their most rearward positions, second row passengers are afforded an impressive 863 mm of leg room. This ‘living mode’ arrangement creates an even greater sense of openness.

Functionality
- The dual sliding doors have the widest aperture in the Biante’s vehicle class (according to Mazda’s assessment). Combined with one of the lowest floors available, access to the rear seats couldn’t be easier. For the first time, Mazda is offering power sliding doors with a touch sensor to prevent them from closing if anything is obstructing the opening (power sliding doors are standard on the 20S and available as a factory-installed option on other grades).
- The arrangement of the rear seats is extremely flexible. Options include ‘living mode’ for maximum leg room, ‘walkthrough mode’ for easy access to the third row seats (by splitting the second row seats and sliding them to either side), and a choice of luggage modes to match the size and shape of various cargos. For maximum convenience when rearranging the seats, levers are provided on both the front and back of the seats.
- The third row seat is a bench-type design which can be flipped up or down. This allows the cushion to be thicker and more comfortable than on a split seat. Other benefits of the full-width seat are greater rear visibility and more under-seat storage space.

Clean
- The Biante comes equipped with a nanoe*2 ion generator that neutralizes bacteria, odors and allergens such as pollen. The ions are blown from the driver’s seat air conditioner vent to deodorize the cabin air (standard on four-wheel-drive (4WD) models, available as a factory-installed option on FWD models).
- The fully automatic air conditioner features an Alleru [Allergy] Buster*3 filter to remove allergens and viruses (standard on 4WD models, available as a factory-installed option on FWD models).
- The deodorizer mounted on the cabin ceiling absorbs and neutralizes tobacco, adhesive and other unwelcome odors. It has an extended lifecyle and does not require periodic replacement (standard on 4WD models, available as a factory-installed option on FWD models).
- The Biante’s ‘Cleanable seats’ are upholstered with easy-wipe fabric to prevent stains in the event of spillages (standard on the 23S and 20S grades).
- Anti-bacterial deodorizing seat covers, anti-bacterial deodorizing and waterproof seat back baskets, and deodorizing floor mats are available as dealer-installed options.

Design
The design was intended to be attractive at first glance and emphasize the Biante’s spaciousness and functionality under the concept, ‘space motivator.’

Exterior
- The vehicle’s exterior reflects Mazda’s new ‘Nagare’ design theme. The styling hints at the vehicle’s lively driving performance, while the broad interior space is enhanced through the continuously flowing lines that connect the front, sides and rear.
- At the front, a large brand symbol adorns the top part of the grille, which stretches to each side in a broad wing-shaped chrome extension. The lower fascia features a large version of Mazda’s hallmark five-point grille, expressing athleticism and stability. On the rear, stylish vertical reflectors built into the sides of the rear bumper embellish the Biante’s sporty image.
- Sharp headlight units that flow into the large triangular A-pillar windows create a distinctive side view. The tall window glass connects seamlessly all the way along the sides and hints at the spacious interior. Biante’s rising beltline expresses dynamism, while the stretched blister fenders above the front and rear wheels suggest dynamic stability and poise.
- Large LED rear combination lights carry the sweeping side lines around the back and convey width, a low center of gravity and stability. Chrome and transparent trim emphasizes the high quality levels.
- Seven exterior colors are available, including soft ‘Lilac Silver Metallic’ and vivid ‘Chili Orange Mica’ (new and exclusive to the 23S grade).

Interior
- The broad meter cluster enhances the sense of depth and is positioned at the top of the dashboard towards its center. The design is intended to minimize the driver’s eye movement away from the road, and also enable passengers in the second and third row seats to easily see the instruments, making the ride more enjoyable for everyone.
- For seat and trim designs, customers may choose either the calm and airy light-beige or muscular and poised black. The seat designs also feature a light, flowing motif.
- The dashboard panel is black on the 20S and 20CS grades, and comes with a “hairline” finish (beige interior) or a wood grain finish (black interior) on the 23S grade.

Performance
The Biante was developed to provide driving pleasure through a combination of top class comfort, quietness and safety, and Mazda’s hallmark Zoom-Zoom performance.
- Extensive use of lightweight and rigid high-tensile steel in specific parts allows the Biante to achieve excellent body rigidity despite its large door apertures. This results in superior handling and ride quality. These weight reductions contribute to the Biante’s low fuel consumption.
- The specially developed suspension comprises MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The suspension provides a comfortable and assured ride even with a fully occupied cabin.
- Electric Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering provides precise feedback to the driver, for a natural feel. The steering gear ratio is the same as general passenger cars, to maintain the kind of light handling that drivers of sedans and other smaller vehicles will have little trouble adapting to.
- All four wheels have large disc brakes. The brakes respond reassuringly and linearly to movement of the brake pedal and provide precise braking even at highway speeds.
- Two engines are available. The MZR 2.0L DISI (direct injection spark ignition) engine provides an excellent balance of high torque, environmental performance and fuel economy, while the MZR 2.3L engine offers superb acceleration.
- The FWD models come with an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission. Wide gear ratios improve low-speed acceleration and the higher fifth gear ratio assures better fuel economy when cruising. On models with the 2.3-liter engine, the transmission also features a manual mode for sportier performance. (4WD models are equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.)
- The Biante offers excellent stability in crosswinds. This was achieved by optimizing the shape of the D-pillars and other areas to enhance the upper body aerodynamics, and careful design of the underbody aero parts. Mazda Biante has achieved a class-leading drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.30.
- The highly rigid body, anti-vibration and sound damping materials, improved suspension oscillation characteristics, and an optimized tire structure effectively suppress road noise. The Biante also boasts one of the lowest levels of wind noise in its class due to the optimized shape of the door mirrors and A-pillars, clever use of cowling, and enhanced door rigidity.

Environmental and safety features
The Mazda Biante is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, and comes equipped with various people- and eco-friendly features.
- Mazda’s Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System consists of crumple zones to absorb impact energy and a triple-H body structure to preserve cabin integrity in the event of a collision. The system was developed to withstand impacts from various directions, including head-on collisions, side collisions and rear offset collisions at up to 80 kilometers per hour.
- Safety equipment to minimize injury to occupants in the event of a collision includes a crushable brake pedal, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags and anti-whiplash front seats. To minimize injury to pedestrians, the bonnet area features an energy absorbing structure.
- All model grades qualify as Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SU-LEV), achieving exhaust emissions that are at least 75 percent lower than Japan’s 2005 regulations. Additionally, FWD models with the 2.0-liter engine meet Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standards plus 20 percent, making them eligible for Japan’s Green Tax exemptions.
- Highly recyclable polypropylene is used for both bumpers, the instrument panel and trim. The recyclability ratio for the entire vehicle is over ninety percent.*6

*6 Calculated based on the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s Guidelines on the Definition and Calculation of Recyclability Ratios in New Models (1999).

Images gallery : Mazda Biante Official Pre-Production



[Source : Mazda]

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At its unveiling at this past March's Geneva show, it was immediately apparent that Abarth had carried off a transformation of the Fiat 500 from a demure retro-hatch into a veritable pocket rocket. But for those for whom the 135 hp turbo four is just not enough, the performance division has unveiled a new limited edition "500 Abarth Opening Edition".


Abarth Fiat 500 "Opening Edition" is available in either pearl white or Campovolo gray (the latter available with a red-and-white checkered roof), only 100 examples of the 500 Abarth Opening Edition will be offered, complete with a special car cover to keep the exclusive vehicle protected from the elements.

Specifications
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, FWD
Transmission 5 Speed Gearbox C510
Engine
Displacement 1.4 Liters
Engine Type Turbocharged Inline 4
Horsepower 135 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 152 lbs-ft. @ 3000 rpm
Performance
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 7.9 sec
Fuel Consumption Est. 33 mpg
Top Speed 127 mph
Suspension
Front McPherson layout and anti-roll bar
Rear Inter-connected arms layout on torsion beam with anti-roll bar
Wheel & Tyre
Wheel 205/40 R16 ZR 17
Tyre Pirelli Pzero Nero

Another interesting feature of the 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels.

Images gallery : Abarth Fiat 500 "Opening Edition"










[Source : Carscoop & Rsportcars, Images courtesy of Fiat]

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Thailand's vehicle exports grew 27.5% year-on-year to 320,880 units in the five months to May 31, with the value rising 30% to 144.82 billion baht equivalent in foreign exchange, according to Suraphong Phaisitpattanaphong, spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries' industry automobile club.


Australia and New Zealand remained the largest markets, accounting for 26% of total vehicle exports, driven by lower tariffs under free trade agreements. Other major markets were Japan (25%), the Middle East (19%) and Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Overall, Thai-made vehicle exports are projected at 770,000 units this year.

Mr Suraphong said auto engine exports in the first five months rose 96% year-on-year to 7.26 billion baht while other parts and accessories increased 36% to 54.07 billion baht and spare parts gained 32% to 3.69 billion baht.

Motorcycle exports dropped 14% to 617,768 units, but export values rose 6% to 11.33 billion baht.

Total vehicle production in the five months to May climbed 20% year-on-year to 588,640 units, of which 323,763 were built for export and the remaining 264,877 for the domestic market.

Passenger car production rose 40% to 164,029 units but one-ton pickup trucks increased only 14% to 416,253 units. Production of motorcycles dropped 4% to 1.32 million units.

Mr Suraphong said local pickup truck sales this year would be healthier than in the past two years even though diesel prices have risen rapidly. Sales of pickup trucks in the past two years contracted by 6-7%.

The pickup market is expected to grow 7% this year thanks to the government's policy of pumping money into the economy.

However, runaway diesel prices might trim pickup truck market growth this year.

Consumers have shifted to buying cars, especially those compatible with E20 fuel, which is six baht cheaper than premium petrol and much cheaper than diesel.

[Source : Bangkok Post July 7,2008]

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At the moment, the Kempten designers indeed are working on the perfect body parts for the convertible AS3 at full speed, but already now it becomes apparent that the compact vehicle will become a feast for the eyes. The performance data of the engine versions stand for open-air driving pleasure: with ABT Power the 2.0 TFSI offers sporty 240hp (177kW) instead of 200hp (147kW); with ABT Power S 270hp (199kW) are provided. With ABT Power the serial 160hp (118kW) of the 1.8 TFSI can be increased to 200hp (147kW), or to 240hp (177kW) with ABT Power S.



What the famous car tuner from the Allgäu understands of a real sun-worshipping convertible already show the ABT Eos and the ABT TT Roadster: for the Volkswagen convertible as well as for the open version of the successful model from Ingolstadt, the ABT team developed body styling parts which accentuate the character of each vehicle and which let them appear even more distinctive from every perspective: the low front spoiler, the side skirts and the rear skirt inset with the typical 4-pipe rear muffler emphasize the sporty ambitions of the fancy ABT Eos and give it a self-confident appearance. Even more so with the BR wheel which seems to have the urge to move forward, even when standing still. It goes without saying that this wheel also fits the TT Roadster like a glove because this breathtaking vehicle appears very dynamical even without the Allgäu body kit. The team from Kempten turns the open-roof TT into a real athlete which looks like a 100-meter sprinter ready to start: the front skirt, the lateral body parts, the rear skirt inset and the rear wing are forming a successful unit, in every respect. With this modifications, the sports car does not only cut a good figure on country roads and motor-ways but also on the boulevard.

Either closed or opened, a real ABT does not only look fast, it is in fact fast. This ensure the diverse ABT POWER packages for the Eos and the TT Roadster which actually satisfy performance hunger: with ABT POWER, the 2.0 TFSI engine is increased from serial 200hp (147kW) to 240hp (177kW). With ABT POWER S even 270hp (199kW) or remarkable 300hp (221kW) are provided.

Images Gallery : ABT Audi A3 convertible performance package




[Source : ABT Sportline]

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DETROIT - General Motors Corp is rushing to finish the production version of its Chevy Volt and plans to unveil a showroom-ready model of the heavily touted electric car in September, people familiar with the project say.



Battered by a deepening slump in sales and concerns about whether it can ride out the downturn, GM is counting on the Volt to break its costly association with gas-guzzling vehicles at a time when truck sales are tumbling and gas prices are near record levels.

GM is likely to complete the production version of the Volt by early August and plans to show it off in September, just when the embattled automaker celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding, people familiar with the plans said.

A GM spokesman declined to comment on the timeline for its next announcements on the Volt, which will include naming a supplier for the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack, the single most expensive element of the vehicle and the component seen as critical to its success.

"Everyone is waiting for the next steps," Rob Peterson, spokesman for GM's electric vehicle program, told Reuters. GM designers and engineers are "getting very close" to a production-ready version of the Volt, he said.

GM showed off a concept version of the Volt in January 2007 but has retooled the look of the vehicle significantly since then, in part in order to improve its aerodynamics, representatives of the automaker have said.

GM has already shown a near-production version of the Volt to a Los Angeles-area focus group of consumers as it pushes toward production of the vehicle by late 2010 under a development plan the GM board approved in June.

By unveiling the final version of the Volt at a centennial observation in September, GM will be looking to shift the focus for investors and consumers from its current sales slump toward the more fuel-efficient vehicles it has in development.

The automaker, which saw its stock hit a 54-year low last week, is expected to use the circuit of major auto shows that begins with Paris in October to unveil a series of upcoming vehicles that will underscore its effort to move away from a reliance on light trucks.

Those include the production version of the Chevy Beat, a replacement for the Aveo hatchback, and a replacement for the Chevy Cobalt, a small sedan.

[Source : Reuters]

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DETROIT -- A General Motors spokesman today denied the automaker is reviewing any more brands besides Hummer for possible sale.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported today that GM could shed thousands of white-collar jobs and sell or cease producing certain brands as part of a strategy reevaluation.

The job cuts are likely to be approved when GM's board of directors meets in early August. The reduction would be in addition to earlier announced cuts. The management may also suggest options for raising additional cash to help GM make it through the downturn, and may discuss cutting certain brands, the sources said.

Both moves are part of a broader re-evaluation of GM's strategy and of its ability to meet an internal projection of returning to profitability in 2010, these people said.


GM denied the report.

"No other GM brand (besides Hummmer) is under strategic review, GM spokesman Tony Cervone said in an e-mail to Automotive News today.

GM's sales chief Mark LaNeve, made similar comments to journalists last week.

GM sells under eight different brands, but most, including Buick, Saturn and Saab, struggle to attract buyers. The company has already decided to put its Hummer division up for sale and prospective buyers are thought to include Mahindra & Mahindra.

On the job cuts, GM employs 76,000 white-collar workers globally, with the bulk of the force based in North America, said the report.

All but Cadillac and Chevrolet, which GM considers core to its business, are undergoing close scrutiny, other people said.

In the past few years, as GM has run up massive losses, some board members and some executives have on occasion raised questions about its plethora of brands, only to be rebuffed by CEO Rick Wagoner, the paper said.

The company, hit by rising oil and raw material prices, the credit crunch and the housing downturn, will need to raise as much as $15 billion (9.6 billion euros) in cash to shore up liquidity and bankruptcy is "not impossible" if the U.S. auto market continues to slump, Merrill Lynch said last week.

[Source : Automotive News .. sub req.]

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Since its launch in late 2004, Citroen C4 has already sold over 900,000 units. For 2009 the Citroen C4 has undergone modernization in the search for a new equilibrium which is a synthesis of:

* elegance, dynamism and performance,
* economy and ecology,
* interactivity and communication.


New Citoren C4 reinforces the image of the external design, which ensured his success since the entry into the market. New front of the car, adds elegance, strength and dynamism. Interior of the Citroen C4 was also changed.

Citroen C4 offers a refined selection of gasoline engines. Offering better performance, economy and ecology the VTi 120 and THP 150, developed in collaboration with BMW Group, bring a new driving pleasure. HDi diesel engine version 2.0 is compliant with the future Euro V norm. Application of new technologies (for example, the tyres with very low rolling resistance) helps reduce CO2 emissions to 120 g for HDi 92 and HDi 110 engines fitted with a manual gearbox or electronically controlled automatic - BMP6.

At the same time, new Citoren C4 retains all the functions, which ensured him the first position in the segment in terms of driving pleasure and safety such as bi-xenon headlights, alarm feature for inadvertent crossing of lines, steering with the central, immobile set of switches or hill start assist.

New Citroen C4 will make its debut at the Moscow Motor Show on August 26, 2008.

Images gallery : 2009 Citroen C4







[Source : Citroen]

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China's Chery considering bid for Volvo

BEIJING - China's rapidly expanding Chery auto group is considering a bid to buy Swedish-based Volvo from Ford Motor Co., state media said on Monday.

The Caijing business magazine quoted sources as saying that Chery has not yet reached any agreement or applied for permission from the government of Anhui, the company's home province.


It said Jin Yibo, an assistant to Chery's CEO, had ruled out the possibility of buying Volvo, but other sources told the magazine that Chery had already contacted banks and private equity firms about financial backing for a possible acquisition.

Industry insiders estimated that Volvo could cost Chery more than 30 billion yuan ($4.4 billion), it said.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby told the Associated Press on Monday the automaker won't comment on the report.

He told AP that Ford decided last year to concentrate on improving Volvo's business performance, rather than selling it.

Chery is a state-owned firm set up by the government of Wuhu city in Anhui province during the 1990s.

It produces several lines of passenger cars, mostly cheap compact models, and plans a share offer in Shanghai next year, Caijing said.

Earlier rumors reported in state media had linked the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. to a possible takeover of Volvo.

and this one rumor ?

Volvo still wants to compete with the Germans, despite rumors of sale

Ford says Volvo's not for sale, and the Blue Oval would be smart to hold on to its remaining vestige of the Premier Auto Group as long as it can, especially since engineering and platforms have become so entwined with Dearborn's product line. For its part,

Volvo is angling to take on the high end Germans. Volvos have long been premium products, having built a reputation on exceptional durability, meticulous engineering, and of course, safety. Try as it might, however, Volvo has a hard time competing head on with BMW, Audi and Mercedes. The cachet of the Swedish automaker is diminished compared to the Germans, and dynamically, Volvos tend to get schooled hard despite being good, capable drivers when taken alone.

Operations chief Steven Armstrong tells Automotive News that Volvo is looking to be mentioned in the same breath as its intended targets, even as losses mount and layoffs ensue. Volvos already occupy the same pricing arena as the premium Germans, but that's partly due to a weak dollar and transport costs.

The possibility of building its cars in the United States might bring prices down and allow better developed performance versions, versus the outclassed R models of the past.

Armstrong says that the fuel economy issue will be addressed soon as technologies like start-stop, energy recovery from braking, and further down the road, hybrid powertrains are brought to market. Green is a good way for Volvo to go, given the Scandinavian proclivity for low-impact, gentler consumption.

[Source : Automotive News #1 #2.. sub req.]

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Even though buyers of the new Volkswagen Tiguan may have to drive a Golf until their Tiguan arrives in January 2009, the new Tiguan has generated enough buzz and interest replacing the Toyota RAV4 as Europe’s best-selling SUV.


According to Volkswagen, the company sold 34,179 units in the first five months, beating the Toyota RAV4 which has been Europe’s favorite SUV for the last six years. Toyota RAV4 sales slipped 28 percent to 32,703 through May. Seems like its time to do a major update to the RAV4.

With the Tiguan’s good-looks, self-parking system and an architecture based on the popular Golf, no wonder its stealing attention from the leaders. We’d like to know how it stands up to the Honda CR-V.

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is on sale now in the U.S. with a starting price tag of $23,200.

Related Article : Volkswagen Tiguan wins readers' vote

Images Gallery : 2008 VW Tiguan







[Source : Automotive News Europe via eGMCartech]

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Seeing as SAIC is a major stakeholder in Ssangyong (51%) why would anyone get upset about ‘leaking’ hybrid information to them?


CNN reports:

South Korea’s Ssangyong Motor Co. said Sunday it has never leaked hybrid car-related technologies to China’s SAIC Motor Corp.

“As core technologies of hybrid cars are being developed not by Ssangyong but by its partner companies, Ssangyong is not in the position to leak any hybrid technologies to SAIC (Motor),” Ssangyong spokesman Lee Kyo-Hyun told Dow Jones.

He was speaking in response to reports that prosecutors on Friday had raided the head office of its Pyeongtaek plant in an investigation into whether Ssangyong has illegally leaked hybrid technologies to SAIC Motor since 2005.

The spokesman confirmed prosecutors raided the Pyeongtaek office and had taken some documents.

In 2005, SAIC - a longtime partner of General Motors Corp. (GM) and Volkswagen AG (VLKAY) in Shanghai - paid about $500 million for a 51.33% stake in the sport utility vehicle-focused carmaker.

“As SAIC Motor already has technologies to mass produce hybrid cars, it is even considering transferring the technologies to Ssangyong,” said Lee.

[Source : China Car Times]

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BANGKOK, Thailand — Toyota ranks highest in customer satisfaction with authorized dealer after-sales service in Thailand for the first time since 2003, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 Thailand Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM released last week.


Now in its ninth year, the study measures customer satisfaction with maintenance and repair service at authorized dealer service centers. Seven factors are examined to determine overall satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: service quality; problems experienced; service delivery; user friendly service; service advisor; service initiation; and in-service experience. CSI performance is reported as an index score based on a 1,000-point scale.

Among the eight brands examined in the 2008 study, Toyota ranks highest with an overall CSI score of 853, performing particularly well in the in-service experience and user-friendly service factors. While ranking below the industry average, Isuzu follows Toyota in the rankings with a score of 846, performing particularly well in the service quality factor. Honda improves considerably since the 2007 study and follows Isuzu in the rankings with a score of 844, performing particularly well in the service initiation, in-service experience and service delivery factors.

Overall satisfaction in 2008 averages 847 up 4 points from the 2007 study. The industry also improves slightly in all factors. In 2008, 94 percent of customers, regardless of their service requirements, say that service was completed the same day they brought their vehicle to the dealer an increase from 92 percent in 2007. Among these customers, the time needed to service the vehicle averaged 2 hours and 20 minutes.

“Interestingly, a growing proportion of customers report waiting at the service center while their vehicle is being serviced an average of 72 percent in 2008, compared with 69 percent in 2007,” said Loïc Pean, country manager at J.D. Power and Associates, Singapore. “As a result, customers are becoming more demanding regarding service center amenities, particularly in the waiting area. Manufacturers and dealers may need to quickly adopt new strategies to match these rising customer expectations.”

The study finds that the proportion of customers who say they schedule an appointment for service rather than simply dropping in at the dealership is quickly increasing. In 2008, 29 percent of customers report making an appointment, compared with 22 percent in 2007 and 20 percent in 2006.

“The increase in the number of customers scheduling their visit is probably the result of manufacturer efforts to gain better control of the service process, which can improve management efficiency and operational costs, as well as potentially reducing servicing and waiting time for their customers,” said Pean. “In past years, customers with service appointments historically had lower overall satisfaction levels than did drop-in customers. However, in 2008, overall satisfaction is nearly equal for these two groups, demonstrating that dealers are making strides in improving customer satisfaction among customers with appointments. The future challenge for manufacturers and dealers will be to maintain or improve that level of satisfaction and proactively manage growing numbers of scheduled service visits.”

The study also finds that vehicle owners report spending more money on fuel—an average of 5,000 baht per month in 2008, compared with 4,500 baht per month in 2007.

“As rising fuel costs are whittling away household budgets, existing or prospective car owners may become more sensitive to maintenance and service costs in the near future,” said Pean.

The 2008 Thailand Customer Satisfaction Index Study is based on evaluations from 3,316 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles between July 2006 and April 2007. The study was fielded between January and April 2008.

The CSI study is one of four consumer-based studies J.D. Power Asia Pacific conducts in Thailand. The 2008 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study, which measures satisfaction with the new-vehicle sales process, will be released in late July. The 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures problems experienced by new-vehicle owners, will be released in late October. The 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, measuring what excites and delights owners about their new-vehicle’s performance and design, will be released in late November.

[Source : J.D. Power and Associates]

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Chevrolet has been pushing for NASCAR to OK its Cup-side R07 engine for Nationwide competition; NASCAR has been pushing Ford to design a new Nationwide engine, but Ford men say they can’t afford to make obsolete what engine parts they’re currently using.

“If they want to kill that series, go right ahead,” Roush said.

In NASCAR’s three national touring series this season, Toyota teams have won 24 of the 48 races, including Friday night’s victory. The majority of those wins have been by Gibbs’ teams, which have won six Cup races going into last night’s race.

[Source : Autoracingsport .. Image courtesy of Canada.com]

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TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp plans to install solar panels on some Prius hybrids in its next remodeling, responding to growing demand for "green" cars amid record-high oil prices, a source briefed on the matter said on Monday.

The panels, supplied by Kyocera Corp would be able to power part of the air-conditioning on high-end versions of the gasoline-electric Prius, the source said.



"It's more of a symbolic gesture," said the source, who asked not to be identified. "It's very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy."

Toyota is due to launch the third-generation Prius next year.

Big automakers are racing to come up with alternative solutions to using fossil fuels to appear ecologically conscious and to lure consumers looking to save money at the pump.

But solar power is not seen as a viable solution to power cars. Solar panels are expensive due to rising silicon prices and storing energy is difficult, the source said. It was unknown how much the solar panels on the new Prius cars would cost, or how many solar-mounted versions Toyota would build.

A Toyota spokesman declined to comment, saying the company does not talk about future product plans.

Mazda Motor Corp briefly offered a solar panel option on two car models, the Eunos 800 and Sentia, in the early 1990s to ventilate the sedans while parked on hot summer days. The expensive option was unpopular and discontinued after a few years.

Kentaro Endo, a director at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry who specializes in renewable energy, said the application of solar energy was severely limited in vehicles.

"Even if you laid solar panels out on the entire roof of a house, you only generate enough energy to run two hair dryers," he said.

"It's an interesting idea, but it would be very difficult to power a whole car, even with technological advances."

Toyota has struggled to keep up with demand for the Prius as soaring gasoline prices put consumers off of gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Rival Honda Motor Co will also step up its hybrid push with a new, low-cost model early next year, followed by several other gasoline-electric cars.

Automakers have teamed up with battery makers to develop and produce lithium-ion batteries to store more energy in smaller packages to extend cruising distances.

Toyota has partnered with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co while Nissan Motor Co has a joint venture with the NEC Corp group. Mitsubishi Motors Corp is working with GS Yuasa Corp.

The Prius, the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car, first went on sale in Japan in late 1997 and in other markets in 2000. Cumulative sales have topped 1 million units worldwide.

Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid cars a year in the early part of the next decade by offering the fuel-saving system on more vehicles.

Toyota shares ended 1.4 percent higher at 4,990 yen as the dollar rose against the yen. Kyocera lost 0.1 percent to 9,740 yen, while the Nikkei average gained 0.9 percent.

Related Article : 2010 Toyota Prius : Bigger, More power and better fuel economy

[Source : Reuters]

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McLaren's Lewis Hamilton blew away his rivals to win a wet and chaotic British Grand Prix on Sunday and storm back to the top of the Formula One standings.

Hamilton, the first British winner at Silverstone since David Coulthard in 2000, was utterly dominant as he lapped all but second-placed Nick Heidfeld in a BMW Sauber and the Honda of Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.



The 23-year-old's third win of the season put him level on 48 points with Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa, who was 13th and last after spinning five times on the sodden track, and world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

To the delight of the home fans, Hamilton took the chequered flag a staggering 68.5 seconds ahead of Heidfeld, an age in Formula One terms.

Adding to the sense of astonishment, the evergreen Barrichello clambered on to the podium for the first time since 2005 to almost double Honda's season points tally.

In the most intense title battle in years, BMW Sauber's Polish title contender Robert Kubica failed to finish but was still only two points behind the top trio at the halfway stage of the season.

Hamilton's seventh win in just 26 starts was the perfect riposte to the critics who had suggested he was feeling the pressure of fame and fortune after two error-laden races in Canada and France.

"It s definitely by far the best victory I've ever had, it was one of the toughest races I've ever done," Hamilton said.

"When I was out there I was thinking this would definitely go down as the best race I've ever won. I could see the crowd beginning to stand up and I was praying 'just keep it on the track, just finish.' I just wanted to get it round."

Raikkonen, last year's winner at Silverstone, finished fourth.

DECISIVE STOP

McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen had a disappointing race after starting on pole for the first time and came home fifth ahead of Renault's double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Italian Jarno Trulli was seventh for Toyota with Kazuki Nakajima taking the final point for Williams.

Hamilton and Raikkonen pitted together at the end of lap 21, a stop that proved decisive for the Briton and devastating for the champion.

While Hamilton refuelled and switched to a fresh set of intermediates, Ferrari kept Raikkonen on his existing tyres in the mistaken expectation that the rain would ease off.

The two had been nose-to-tail leaving the pits but the McLaren driver vanished into the spray, lapping nearly five seconds quicker than Raikkonen to build up a lead of 29 seconds by lap 27.

With Raikkonen struggling, the BMW Saubers seized the chance with Heidfeld taking two Finns in one go as Kovalainen passed Raikkonen and left the door open for the German to sweep past both on lap 27.

Team mate Kubica passed Renault's Nelson Piquet, Raikkonen and Kovalainen in quick succession to move into third place.

The Pole's hopes of regaining the championship lead evaporated 20 laps from the end when he spun into the gravel.

Red Bull's Coulthard retired from his last home appearance after skidding off without completing a lap.

Race Classification
Pos No Driver Team Laps Time/Retired Grid Pts
1 22 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 60 Winner 4 10
2 3 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 60 +68.5 secs 5 8
3 17 Rubens Barrichello Honda 60 +82.2 secs 16 6
4 1 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 59 +1 Lap 3 5
5 23 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 59 +1 Lap 1 4
6 5 Fernando Alonso Renault 59 +1 Lap 6 3
7 11 Jarno Trulli Toyota 59 +1 Lap 14 2
8 8 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota 59 +1 Lap 15 1
9 7 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 59 +1 Lap 20
10 10 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 59 +1 Lap 2

Driver Standing
01 Lewis Hamilton 48
02 Felipe Massa 48
03 Kimi Räikkönen 48
04 Robert Kubica 46
05 Nick Heidfeld 36
06 Heikki Kovalainen 24
07 Jarno Trulli 20
08 Mark Webber 18
09 Fernando Alonso 13
10 Rubens Barrichello 11

Constructor Standing
01 Ferrari 96
02 BMW Sauber 82
03 McLaren-Mercedes 72
04 Toyota 25
05 Red Bull-Renault 24
06 Williams-Toyota 16
07 Renault 15
08 Honda 14
09 STR-Ferrari 7
10 Force India-Ferrari 0

[Source : SuperWheels .. Image courtesy of ITV, UK]

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LONDON, UK - New Toyota models making their UK debuts at the British International Motor Show will be out on the nation’s roads within a year. Both the revolutionary iQ premium city car and the B-segment Urban Cruiser SUV will be moving from show stand to showroom in 2009 in the vanguard of a wave of new Toyota products.

They will be joined at the show by Aygo Crazy, a wild concept car that is all about pure driving pleasure. An absolute one-off, this hand-crafted, rear-engined machine was conceived, designed, engineered and built in Britain.

Toyota’s full UK model range will also be on display, including the most recent addition to the line-up, the Hilux Invincible 200, Britain’s most powerful production pick-up.

iQ: Toyota’s revolutionary small premium car
The Toyota iQ is a car in a class of its own, a premium model that is ultra-compact, yet can carry up to three adults plus a child in comfort. Proving emphatically that small does not mean basic, it is a completely new proposition for urban motoring that is stylish, sophisticated, technically advanced and kinder to the environment.

iQ is less than three metres long, but wider and with a longer cabin than a Toyota Yaris. It achieves a breakthrough in small car packaging to deliver unprecedented interior space, thanks to a series of interlinked engineering innovations.

A newly developed differential allows for a more compact engine compartment and for the front wheels to be pushed out to the very corners of the car. An ingenious steering gear design enables the engine and differential to be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.

Overall length is reduced thanks to a flat under-floor fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers, while a significantly smaller heater/air conditioning unit takes up less cabin room, allowing the front passenger seat to be moved closer to the base of the windscreen. The result is an extra 100mm of cabin length compared to Yaris and shoulder room similar to that offered by a Toyota Auris.

Passenger space is further helped by an asymmetric dashboard design and slim, sculpted front seats that optimise leg room for those sitting in the rear. The 3+1 seating configuration provides comfortable space for three adults – plus a seat for a child or luggage space behind the driver.

iQ has a thoroughly contemporary and forward-looking design inside and out, the interior styled on a “techno-organic” theme with geometric precision and high quality materials. The dashboard is a stand-out feature, with its floating V-shaped centre console.

Production of iQ is due to start later this year with UK sales scheduled for spring 2009. Two petrol and one diesel engine will be available, which, together with the car’s light weight and aerodynamic shape, will deliver exceptional fuel economy and low emissions. Details of the powertrains and equipment specifications will be announced later.

Urban Cruiser
Fourteen years ago the original RAV4 pioneered a new and hugely popular kind of vehicle: a 4x4 that is stylish, versatile and fun to drive both on and off-road. The spirit that made the original RAV4 such a success is evident, too, in the next addition to Toyota’s SUV range, Urban Cruiser.

2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser .. click to enlarge

Urban Cruiser is Toyota’s first SUV in the B-segment in Europe, a car that fully addresses modern motorists’ priorities for fuel economy and low emissions. Expected to set a new benchmark in environmental performance in the 4x4 market, Urban Cruiser, together with iQ, is expected to produce CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km. Built on the Yaris platform, it is 3,930mm long, more than 300mm shorter than a current generation RAV4.

Aygo Crazy
Many motor show concept cars are designed purely for the stage and are destined never to turn a wheel. Where Aygo Crazy is concerned, however, driving character is its defining quality.

Toyota Aygo Crazy Concept .. click to enlarge

An absolute one-off, conceived, designed, engineered and built in Britain, Aygo Crazy is all about pure driving pleasure. Based on Toyota’s Aygo city car, it is powered by a rear-mounted 1.8-litre VVT-i engine adopted from the MR2 Roadster, driving the rear wheels. Fitted with a Toyota Motorsport turbocharger, power output is 200 DIN hp with a maximum 240 Nm of torque, giving the car a top speed of more than 125mph and sub-six-second acceleration from nought to 62mph. There are no electronic handling or stability aids to intervene in the fundamental relationship between driver and car.

The rear suspension is also developed from that used on the MR2 Roadster, with adjustable Tein dampers deployed front and rear.

The bodywork is hand-crafted to accommodate 17-inch wheels and a huge front-mounted aluminium radiator that is central to the car’s bespoke cooling system. Details include a carbon fibre rear wing, adopted from a 200mph American Champ Car racing machine, a roll cage and a bespoke interior finished by specialist coachtrimmers O’Rourke.

Hilux Invincible 200 leads full Toyota UK model range
Toyota’s show stand will display models representing its full UK range, including its latest addition, the Hilux Invincible 200.

2009 Toyota Hilux Invincible 200 .. click to enlarge

A limited edition model, this flagship of the range boasts a 3.0-litre D-4D engine boosted by a Toyota Motorsport Diesel Performance Kit to produce 197 DIN hp – more than any other production pick-up on the UK market. Its style matches its performance with metallic-finish alloy wheels, a stainless steel mesh grille, black metallic paint and two-tone leather upholstery.

[Source : The Auto Channel]

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In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to begin a BlueTEC offensive within the U.S. passenger vehicle segment to coincide with the introduction of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel. The E320 BlueTEC was a huge success right from the beginning and was voted “2007 World Green Car of the Year”. Mercedes-Benz is now pushing forward with this initiative with the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC – the world’s first three diesel SUVs which not only meet the particularly demanding targets specified in the U.S. BIN5 (50-state) standard, but are also positioned to fulfill forthcoming stringent EU6 emissions legislation. This puts them well within all current emissions standards for diesel passenger vehicles worldwide.


With characteristics such as low-end torque, improved fuel economy and high performance, the diesel engine has proven itself as an attractive alternative to gasoline engines even in the U.S., during times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity towards CO2 emissions. In the land of minivans, pickups and SUV’s — where driving habits generally feature consistent highway speeds and long distances cross-country — the benefits of diesel present an attractive solution. At the same time, U.S. lawmakers have set extremely stringent emissions legislation for diesel drivetrains. This is why Mercedes-Benz chose the U.S. for the worldwide debut of its in-house developed BlueTEC technology in the E 320 BlueTEC, as well as for the launch of its latest BlueTEC system with AdBlue injection (technical name – Urea SCR System). This innovative driveline technology enables large, high-performance SUVs to meet the limits set by the U.S. BIN5 standard.

Impressive performance, excellent fuel economy and the lowest emissions
The powerful V6 turbodiesel engine under the hood of the new GL, M and R-Class BlueTEC models demonstrates that excellent fuel economy and the lowest emissions are within the grasp of large SUVs. It has an output of 210 bhp and 398 lb.ft. of torque, while boasting outstanding fuel economy. The GL 320 BlueTEC achieves an estimated 23 mpg (highway), which represents a fuel consumption benefit of approximately 20 to 40 percent over a comparable gasoline engine, and makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC by far the most fuel efficient full size SUV in the U.S.

The six-cylinder diesel required a few modifications for its application in the new ML 320 BlueTEC, GL 320 BlueTEC and R 320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston cavity profile was reworked for an improved fuel/air mix, while its compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger was also optimized and reconfigured, as was the ECU. All three new SUVs are equipped exclusively with the seven speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

BlueTEC leads to drastic reductions in NOx emissions
As a modular concept for the effective reduction of fuel consumption and emissions in diesel vehicles, BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz encompasses a range of complementary technical initiatives designed to minimize engine emissions, as well as to provide effective exhaust gas after-treatment. A systematic, step-by-step approach reduced all relevant emission factors to an absolute minimum, with the application of technologies such as oxidization catalysts and particulate filters. An important goal, however, is the drastic reduction of NOx emissions – the single exhaust component of a diesel engine that remains, by its very nature, higher than that of a gasoline engine.

In order to address this issue, Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions. In the E 320 BlueTEC sold in the U.S. and its European variant, the E 300 BlueTEC, oxidization catalysts and particulate filters are combined with a long-life NOx storage catalyst and an additional SCR catalyst (Selective Catalytic Reduction). The second BlueTEC version is used in the new GL 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and R 320 BlueTEC. In these new models, AdBlue – a harmless, liquid urea solution – is injected into the exhaust. This releases ammonia, which, in the SCR catalyst downstream, converts up to 88 percent of NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen gas and water.

The individual components of this innovative exhaust technology include:

· Optimization of engine combustion processes in order to reduce internal emissions as much as possible. This includes electronic engine management, four-valve technology, third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors, variable geometry turbocharger with exhaust gas recirculation.

· Oxidization catalysts minimize emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC).

· The particulate filter, which has been standard in all diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in many countries since summer 2005, reduces particulate emissions to a virtually undetectable level that is significantly below current EU4 particulate limits (0.025 gram/kilometer). This also fulfills applicable U.S. requirements.

· Nitrogen Oxides are reduced via a NOx storage catalyst in combination with an SCR catalyst, or via AdBlue injection in combination with an SCR catalyst. These highly effective methods of exhaust gas after-treatment enable a reduction in NOx emissions in BlueTEC vehicles of up to 80 percent.

AdBlue injection is particularly beneficial for large vehicles
The choice between a NOx storage catalyst or AdBlue injection for effective reduction of NOx emissions is dependent upon the individual vehicle design, as well as the respective market conditions. AdBlue technology is beneficial for large sedans, pickups and SUVs because it means that the engine no longer needs to run periodically on a rich combustion cycle in order to purge the NOx storage catalyst, which removes harmful nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas. Large vehicles with higher fuel consumption would require frequent purging, which would ultimately lead to more fuel consumption.

The urea SCR process requires the injection of AdBlue reducing agent into the exhaust line. AdBlue is an aqueous urea solution, which is stored in a small, separate tank. Upon injection into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gas, the AdBlue solution breaks down into its component parts, water and urea. Above temperatures of around 338 degrees Fahrenheit, the urea is converted into Ammonia (NH3) – the active agent in this process. The ammonia is stored within the catalyst and reduces the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen gas as soon as NOx-bearing exhaust gases pass through the catalyst.

The ECU manages the AdBlue injection to ensure that there is always sufficient ammonia stored in the SCR catalyst without flooding it. This is monitored by a NOx sensor.

One small AdBlue tank is all it takes
The urea solution is stored in a dedicated tank on-board the vehicle, and is carried to the injector nozzle via a feed pump. The tank was designed such that a refill of AdBlue is necessary only at regular maintenance intervals. In the R 320 BlueTEC and the ML 320 BlueTEC the tank holds approximately 7 gallons, while in the GL 320 BlueTEC it has a capacity of 8.5 gallons. This is sufficient to ensure that no extra trips to the dealership are required, even under more extreme operating conditions with higher AdBlue consumption, such as towing. The customer plays no direct role in refilling the AdBlue. Service intervals are 10,000 miles.

New styling and increased equipment levels
With its innovative R, M and GL-Class BlueTEC models, Mercedes-Benz is not only demonstrating the potential of diesel drivetrains, but is also offering tailor-made solutions for upscale demands with the most extensive SUV range in the premium segment. The R-Class offers exceptional comfort on long-distance journeys, and the segment’s most generously proportioned and flexible interior, with seating for up to seven. The M-Class is the most successful Mercedes-Benz sports utility vehicle and started the trend towards modern premium SUVs. And, with the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz leads the entire SUV sector in terms of first class occupant comfort under all conditions - both on and off road.

Standard equipment has been expanded substantially across the M, R and GL-Class ranges. They all now come with the unique PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system and Active Front Head Restraints, as well as a new telematic system developed by Mercedes-Benz, with improved user interface, higher performance and a host of new functions.

More performance, more comfort – new generation telematics
The SUVs now come equipped with a new generation telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz. It boasts a substantially improved user interface, high performance and a host of new functions. A hands-free system with Bluetooth technology is integrated as standard, as is an aux-in port for connecting mobile audio devices such as an iPod. A new Universal Media Interface is available as an option, for connecting an external music storage device with the SUV’s on-board electronics and operating system. This feature allows track titles to be displayed on both the instrument cluster and on the color screen in the center console, and enables them to be selected via the keys on the multi-function steering wheel. The battery of the audio device is simultaneously charged.

Customers may choose from two head units. Both include features such as a color display, improved radio reception, speed-regulated volume control, a keypad for inputting phone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a standard Bluetooth interface that enables wireless connection to the hands-free system. Customers in the U.S. can also order HD radio and SIRIUS satellite radio as part of the optional Premium 1 package. With its new generation telematics, Mercedes-Benz is also offering an optimized Voice Recognition system in the Premium 1 package.

Passengers can also enjoy rich, spatial surround sound courtesy of the optional newest generation harman kardon® Logic7® sound system with 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. With increased performance and a digital signal processor (DSP), it guarantees outstanding clarity and listening pleasure.

For those in the rear, a new entertainment system is available, complete with two large, dual-source, 8-inch screens and a DVD player, as well as two wireless headsets for greater freedom of movement and two remote controls.

Unique safety equipment as standard
When it comes to safety, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always led the field in the SUV segment. The R, M and GL-Class now come with the PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system and Active Front Head Restraints as standard.

Mercedes-Benz is the benchmark in diesel cars and trucks
70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to implement Rudolf Diesel’s combustion principle in a passenger vehicle. This technology is significantly more efficient than the gasoline engine and has been optimized over many years. A decisive technological leap in 1997 played a significant role in the development of the modern diesel engine - the introduction of Common-rail Direct Injection (CDI) in combination with four-valve technology. Since then, the abbreviation CDI stands not only for unparalleled fuel economy, but also for a huge increase in torque.

If there were any disadvantages of a diesel versus a gasoline engine it was in certain emissions – primarily soot particulates and nitrogen oxides. However, as of fall 2003, Mercedes-Benz had also tackled the particulate issue, with the introduction of the maintenance-free particulate filter. And even though nitrogen oxide emissions have been reduced by approximately 75 percent over the past 15 years through engine-based initiatives, Mercedes-Benz was still not satisfied. With its innovative BlueTEC technology, which was launched in a passenger vehicle for the first time in 2006 in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz hi-tech diesel powertrains fulfill the world’s most stringent exhaust standards. AdBlue injection now makes the new ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC the world’s cleanest diesel SUVs.

Restyled M-Class
Dynamic, powerful and even more stylish

· New-look front end and rear add stylish touches

· New multifunction steering wheel and high-quality interior

· State-of-the-art entertainment and navigation units on board

· Extensive best-in-class safety features now as standard

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the benchmark among modern SUVs. This unique position is thanks to its characteristically dynamic, elegant design, as well as its combination of impressive on and off-road performance with sedan-like comfort. The M-Class also offers safety features that are unparalleled within the SUV segment. These exceptional characteristics are clearly greatly appreciated by buyers, with around 100,000 delivered to U.S. customers since the second generation M-Class was launched in March 2005. The modern SUV continues to be one of the most successful vehicles in this popular market segment.

Mercedes-Benz has considerably upgraded the 2009MY M-Class, with fresh design detailing and even more extensive level of equipment. The premium SUV now boasts a more powerful and athletic look-and-feel, along with even greater character and on-road presence.

The refined exterior of the M-Class is characterized by crisp, dynamic lines and a clear, powerful design language. The redesigned front end and the modified rear give the new generation M-Class a more muscular appearance, while at the same time conveying aesthetic elegance. In short – it is even more stylish.

The front view features a redesigned front bumper with headlamps that exhibit a distinctive step along their lower edge. This step carries through downwards and around the radiator grille to create bold contours. Larger and set lower down, the grille is a further characteristic feature. Divided by three broad, silver ribs with large, angular air intakes and edged in gleaming chrome, the redesigned grille gives the new generation M-Class a more dominant look, while wide-set fog lamps and a reworked stainless steel skid plate for all models make for a broader, more dynamic appearance.

The rear bumper with inset reflectors has also been restyled for a wider, more aggressive appearance. The standard stainless steel skid plate wraps around the twin exhaust system, giving the vehicle a broader stance. The rear light clusters now boast optional LED tailamps, and new powerfully styled mirrors with increased surface area offer improved visibility.

Interior with high quality trim and equipment
The interior of the 2009MY M-Class line has been stylishly upgraded with top quality materials. The center of the door panel now comes clad in MB-Tex as standard. A further focal point of the upgraded interior is the new, four-spoke multi-function steering wheel with chrome detailing and improved user interface, as well as gearshift paddles as standard. The seats have an attractive, sporty design and the driver seat comes standard with a four-stage power lumbar support.

The new M-Class also comes with an all-new high-performance telematic system developed by Mercedes-Benz, featuring further improvements to the user interface and a host of useful new functions. Also standard are a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology and an aux-in port for connecting mobile audio devices such as an iPod. A new Universal Consumer Interface is available as an option, for connecting an external music storage device with the SUV’s on-board electronics and operating system. This feature allows track titles to be displayed on both the instrument cluster and on the color screen in the center console, and enables them to be selected via the keys on the multi-function steering wheel. The battery of the audio device is simultaneously charged.

Customers may choose from two head units. Both include features such as a color display, improved radio reception, speed-regulated volume control, a keypad for inputting phone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as standard Bluetooth interface that enables wireless connection to the hands-free system. With its new generation telematics, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the optimized Voice Recognition voice-activated system as an optional extra.

Passengers can also enjoy rich, spatial surround sound courtesy of the optional newest generation harman kardon® Logic7® sound system with 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. With 610 Watts and a digital signal processor (DSP), it brings outstanding clarity and listening pleasure to the new M-Class.

For those in the rear, a new entertainment system is also available, complete with two large 8-inch screens with dual-source capability, a centrally integrated DVD player, as well as two wireless headsets for greater freedom of movement and two remote controls.

Unique safety equipment as standard
When it comes to safety, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has always been a benchmark within the SUV sector. It will now be delivered with preventative occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® and Active Front Head Restraints as standard.

Fuel economy improved
The M-Class is powered by torquey and economical V6 and V8 gasoline and diesel engines, which are now even more frugal than ever. The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system has proven itself beyond measure both on and off road, while the standard equipment automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC with optimized shift action smoothly delivers engine power to the wheels.

The 2009 M-Class is available with four powerplants ranging from the 210 hp ML 320 BlueTEC, the 268 hp ML 350, and the 382 hp ML 550. Detailed refinements have improved fuel economy against outgoing models. At the top of the range is the 503 hp ML 63 AMG.

At a glance:

new design and technology

Exterior design
· New front bumper design with new grille

· New rear bumper design with integrated rear reflectors

· Stainless steel skid plate standard on all models

· New unique front and rear styling for both ML550 and ML63 AMG

· New brushed aluminium roof rails standard on ML550 and ML63 AMG

· New headlamp design for all models

· Larger exterior mirrors

Interior design
· New redesigned four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.

· Door linings in M-B Tex

· Two types of wood trim: burl walnut or brown bird’s-eye maple

Comfort

· 4-way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver’s seat

· New upholstery pattern

Infotainment
· COMAND system with 6.5-inch color display and new additional functions

· COMAND including hard-disc navigation, Music Register and voice-operated control

· Universal media interface for connecting an iPod and other audio devices

· Enhanced Voice Control system with whole-word recognition capability

· Surround sound system with twelve speakers and an output of 610 watts

· Rear-seat entertainment system with larger 8-inch screens, wireless headphones and dual-source capability.

Safety
· PRE-SAFE® as standard

· Active head restraints as standard

Chassis
· New 19 and 20-inch light-alloy wheels

· 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels standard for V8

[Source : Mercedes Benz]

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WOLFSBURG, Germany - The penultimate stop in the Touareg Stanley’s international exhibition tour is The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California. The prototype will be on display there from 20 June to 18 July 2008. It was here in the Silicon Valley region near San Francisco that the Stanley project was originally born.


Stanley was the first automobile to master the “Grand Challenge” for robot cars, gaining itself the reputation of a pioneering development project for autonomous vehicles.


The Touareg set out on the 212-kilometre race through the Mojave Desert amidst a field of 22 other competitors on 8 October 2005. Stanley travelled through the desert all on its own – no driver, no external intervention. It was the first to cross the finishing line after six hours, 53 minutes and 58 seconds. Never before had a motor vehicle managed anything close to such a distance completely autonomously.

This prototype is equipped with an array of driver-assistance systems which are now featured in standard-production vehicles. Those systems include, among others, the Electric Stabilisation Program and Navigation Assistance, Automatic Distance Control plus Front Assist for a reduced braking distance, as well as the Lane Assist lane-keeping system. Special high-tech fittings in the Stanley also include laser detectors, stereo optical devices, radar sensors, exceptionally precise GPS systems and control software specifically developed for the vehicle.

Like its successor project, “Junior”, Stanley is the product of collaboration between the Stanford University (which gave the car its name) and the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory – both based in California’s Silicon Valley. The third participant in the project was the Volkswagen Research and Development division in Wolfsburg.

The Tech Museum of Innovation opened in 1990. Its mission is to promote understanding, through interactive displays, for the different fields of technology which determine our everyday lives. The museum attracts some 650,000 visitors to its various exhibitions every year. These exhibitions focus on a variety of aspects in an attempt to capture the pioneering spirit of Silicon Valley and the inventive spirit of engineers.

Peter Friess, the Munich-born president of The Tech Museum, feels Stanley is right where it belongs in San Jose: “Our museum is a window to the most innovative achievements produced in Silicon Valley. And Stanley represents a milestone in recent technology history. Indeed, Stanley caused quite a stir here in the region. We are delighted that this exhibition brings about the perfect match of Stanley and The Tech.”

Stanley’s exhibition tour began in 2006 at the biggest museum of technology in the world. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., devoted a special exhibition to the Touareg. The tour then travelled on to Singapore, Johannesburg, Munich, Copenhagen and now to San Jose. In autumn 2008, the Stanley will be handed over to the Smithsonian Museum, where it will be put on permanent display.

[Source : Volkswagen, AG]

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