July 18th, 2008, Kosh Agash - Oelgy 221 km. Evening summary
Half time at the Transsyberia Rally 2008: The teams have entered Mongolia

After a crisp night in the Altai Mountains and more than 5000 km on and off the Russian roads in seven days, the teams of the Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson have left Russia. The pilots crossed the border at Taschanta not far from the Russian village Kosh Agash. Translated this means “Good bye tree” and points out to travelers that they won’t be seeing any trees in the Mongolian Steppe from now on.



After last year’s experiences, the border crossing procedures on the Russian, as well as on the Mongolian went smoothly. Almost 70 vehicles had to be processed, an operation which took the entire day. The drivers had to wait in the back of the line for hours in midsummer temperatures.

The first entry in the road book on Mongolian terrain read: “End of the asphalt”. And they won’t find any of it in Mongolia until shortly before they reach Ulaanbaatar. After the entry, the 80 km route led up to an altitude of 2000 meters, through sparse steppe and across jagged, stony slopes to today’s stage destination, a camp above the town of Oelgy.

Starting Sunday, the teams have to prove the terrain capability of their cars, their own driving skills, as well as their endurance on the long off-road stretches and their navigation knowledge during the remaining six stages.

For tomorrow a day of rest is scheduled. “You definitely need a day of rest during a two week rally. Especially for the smaller teams and cars, as well as the younger drivers that day it’s a must. It’s however also really nice for us old hands”, said Said Rashid Al Hajri, pilot of Team Middle East, the current leaders in the overall standings. Together with his navigator Tim Trenker, the 51-year old pilot from Qatar is reckoning with good chances for successfully reaching the destination. “We wanted to drive very well in Russia, and we succeeded. Now it’s time for the second part of the plan, which is, to reach Ulaanbaatar as one of the first few. The Top 5 will all go full throttle, I’m sure. However the rally’s still long, very long”, Al Hajri reasoned. From years of rally experience he knows that a lot can still happen in the second part of a rally.

At half time, Team Middle East is still in the lead in the overall standings, followed by Team France, Team Portugal, Team Germany 3 and Team Germany 1.

July 17th, 2008
7th Stage Crossing Border







July 17th, 2008
7th Stage Novosibirsk-Kosh Agash 890 km







Copyright © Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson/REBEL Media.

[Source : Transsyberia Rally]

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Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest carmaker, may bring a subcompact car similar to its Polo to the U.S. as record gasoline prices spur sales of fuel-efficient vehicles.



Construction of an engine plant in North America, probably in Mexico, also is under study, Stefan Jacoby, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America Inc., said yesterday in an interview.

Adding a new small car in the U.S. would help Volkswagen tap demand for compact models exemplified by a 31 percent jump in 2008's first six months, when the rest of the market shrank 10 percent. The Polo, sold chiefly in Europe, is similar in size to Toyota Motor Corp.'s Yaris or Honda Motor Co.'s Fit.

``We are considering bringing these cars here,'' said Jacoby, 50. ``It's too early to give a timeline for when.''

Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, didn't immediately provide fuel-economy figures for the Polo. A U.S. version probably would come after a future redesign of the current model, spokesman Steve Keyes said after the Jacoby interview.

The Yaris is rated at 32 miles (51 kilometers) per gallon in combined city-highway driving, while the Fit is listed at 31 mpg, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's fuel-economy Web site. Gasoline reached a high of $4.11 a gallon on July 15, according to motoring group AAA.

Jacoby said a successor to the Jetta will reach the U.S. in 2010, to be followed by a new mid-sized sedan in 2011 that will be built at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory Volkswagen announced this week. That car will succeed the Passat and will have a new name, he said.

2018 Goal

Volkswagen is working toward a goal of 800,000 U.S. sales of its namesake brand by 2018, more than triple 2007's total of 230,571. Sales in the region rose 0.6 percent this year through June, according to industry-analysis firm Autodata Corp. in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

A new engine plant in Mexico would be Volkswagen's third in North America after Chattanooga and a Puebla, Mexico, factory that makes the Jetta and New Beetle.

``We have not made up our mind, but we will make a decision soon,'' Jacoby said of a new facility in Mexico. Volkswagen is considering such a plant to make its next-generation, low- pollution engines, he said.

The Tennessee factory will cost almost $1 billion and employ 2,000 people when it opens in 2011. It is Volkswagen's first in North America since closing its Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, plant in 1988. Volkswagen may also need local suppliers for fuel-saving dual-clutch transmissions that will become available on more of its U.S. vehicles, Jacoby said.

More Consistency

Jacoby said the Tennessee plant will help Volkswagen become more consistent in the U.S., where its best sales year was 569,182 vehicles in 1970. Production delays and poor quality sent that figure tumbling to 49,553 in 1993, threatening Volkswagen's existence in the world's largest auto market.

``Their execution has been very inconsistent,'' said John Casesa, an automotive-industry consultant with Casesa Shapiro Advisors in New York. ``But the brand continues to have very strong appeal.''

Volkswagen hasn't made a profit in North America since 2002, the last year the euro was valued at par or below the dollar. A strong euro makes it more expensive to build cars in Germany and sell them in the U.S. The euro reached a record July 14 at $1.6038.

All future high-volume vehicles for sale in North America will be made there to avoid foreign-exchange shifts, Jacoby said.

With the help of U.S.-based manufacturing, Volkswagen will try to lower prices to compete with Toyota, Honda and General Motors Corp., Jacoby said.

[Source : Bloomberg]

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Volkswagen AG is proceeding nicely on its to-do list for a new factory here, but one crucial item remains: powertrains.

VW has not decided where it will produce transmissions for the 150,000 vehicles it plans to build annually in Chattanooga by early 2011, says spokesman Jill Bratina.



The engine situation is clearer, but questions remain. Engines for the Passat-like sedan will come from VW's factory in Puebla, Mexico, Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen of America

Needed: diesels and hybrids

Last year, the Puebla factory turned out 340,000 engines, well below its annual capacity of 500,000.

But those were all gasoline engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinders and 2.5-liter five-cylinders. Jacoby said the vehicles produced in Chattanooga will be offered in gasoline, hybrid and diesel versions.

"We are one of the technology leaders worldwide with diesel technology, and we are very convinced that diesel will have a future here in the United States," Jacoby said.

So where will VW get the additional engines, not to mention transmissions? Importing from Europe is one option, but that would erode the currency advantage that VW hopes to gain by building a U.S. factory.

The euro has been gaining steadily on the U.S. dollar in the past couple of years, making goods produced in Europe more expensive in the United States. A year ago, $1 was worth 0.79 euros. Late last week, $1 was worth 0.63 euros.

As it stands now, VW doesn't produce any transmissions in North America, said Thomas Karig, vice president of corporate relations and strategy for Volkswagen de Mexico.

New transmission plant?

Karig said most transmissions used in VW's Mexico operations come from Germany. That's especially true of the automatic gearboxes used mainly in vehicles bound for the United States, he said.

"Actually, we are looking into the alternatives available to source engines and transmissions for both North American plants, which include the possibility of a new location somewhere, sometime in Mexico," Karig said. He noted that no decision has been made.

In February, VW group CEO Martin Winterkorn confirmed that Volkswagen would spend about $1 billion in its Mexican operations over the next three years for Jetta production and "capacity optimization" at the Puebla factory.

VW could be waiting on Audi to decide whether it will build vehicles in North America before deciding on powertrains. Audi has said it will decide by next spring, with joint production at the Chattanooga plant as an option.

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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WEST RICHLAND, WA - Shelby SuperCars Inc. (SSC) announced that after remaining a privately held company since its inception, SSC is officially launching an invitation-based, private offering.



SSC Founder, Jerod Shelby: "SSC has achieved several milestones in the past several months, including the finalization of design plans for our first 5,700 square foot showroom in Dubai, (United Arab Emirates)."

With international partners and sponsors the American Supercar manufacturer securely captured and returned to the United States the coveted title of "World's Fastest Production Car" in September of 2007. Guinness Book of World Records was present to observe and issued their certificate of validation on the unprecedented accomplishment.

Much of the private capital will be dedicated to achieve the next historical milestone: A prototype of the World's Fastest GREEN Supercar. "I think we can do it faster, leaner and cleaner than any other manufacturer," says Shelby.

Select invitees include celebrities and notable financiers from around the world including Dubai, Moscow and Singapore. The company is currently fielding an onslaught of world media attention including political candidates anxious to align themselves with the all-American auto maker.

SSC's investment banking group heading the initiative, Sheffield International Finance Corporation, will undertake a range of activities in collaboration with SSC, including the implementation and oversight of the Company's first acceptance of outside capital. SSC will capitalize on Sheffield International's exposure to key relationships establishing exclusive showrooms in key cities around the globe with access to the super luxury marketplace.

With heightened secrecy over Green engineering innovations, the next milestone slated for SSC will be plans to unveil the first green power plant in its Ultimate Aero as early as 1st quarter 2009, with four production models to be rolled out by December 2009.

Sheffield International's CEO, Philippe Harari remarked, "We are honored to work alongside this American Pioneer at the pinnacle of its industry. SSC embodies American engineering and integrity at its best. The SSC Story is a proud example of what America can accomplish with determination and private capital".

[Source : Shelby SuperCars]

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MILTON KEYNES – July 18, 2008 : The New-Generation A-Class is now on sale and is safer, more economical and even greener than before. To date over 125,000 A-Class have been sold in the UK since it first launched in 1997 making it one of the best selling models in the range. The design has been revised and new technical developments have further enhanced levels of safety with crash responsive lighting and adaptive brake lights. The car is even more comfortable as a result of new interior materials, with improved adjustment and support in the seats. All models have new infotainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity, and the engines are now more fuel efficient as a result of three new BlueEFFICIENCY models.



From March 2009 an ECO start-stop function will be available on the A 150 and A 170 with manual transmission and the three-door A 160 CDI will benefit from an optional BlueEFFICIENCY package which improves fuel consumption of the Coupé by more than 11 per cent, to 64.2 mpg. Independent experts have awarded the A-Class with the internationally valid environmental certificate already held by the C-Class and S-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, while the redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also new in design which underlines the progressive aura of the A-Class.

Three trim lines for customers to choose from
Design features at the front end show the distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the A-Class. The louvres in the radiator grille of the entry level version are painted in dark-grey. In the ELEGANCE SE AND AVANTGARDE SE models they are metallic atlas grey and high-sheen iridium silver, respectively. These two models also have stainless steel tailpipe, fog lamps with chrome trim, projection beam headlamps, a chrome tailgate handle and body coloured side skirts. All three trim lines can be identified by their individual wheel designs and interior trim.

All models now feature larger exterior mirror housings and the door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics
The ELEGANCE SE and AVANTGARDE SE lines have seats which are upholstered in an attractive combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric and available in three colours. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE SE line, while wood trim adds to the look and feel of the ELEGANCE SE.

BlueEFFICIENCY
Fuel economy: the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY achieves 64.2 mpg
With fuel consumption figures between 42.8 and 64.2 mpg, the new-generation A-Class is extremely economical to run. Thanks to the introduction of an optional BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI, the fuel consumption of the state-of-the-art direct-injection diesel engines has been improved by more than 11 per cent or 6.6 mpg compared to the previous model. Available from autumn 2008, the package features measures to further improve engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. It also features a diesel particulate filter. The sum of these measures means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an impressive fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg and as a result the CO2 emissions of the 82 hp Coupé are 116 g/km.

ECO start-stop
The ECO start-stop function lowers fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by automatically switching off the engine during idling phases. ECO start-stop will be available from spring 2009 for the A 150 and A 170 when twinned with the five-speed manual transmission and will both be badged BlueEFFICIENCY. When travelling at low speed, the driver only needs to shift the manual transmission to neutral and apply the brakes. The engine is then switched off, and the ECO display appears in the instrument cluster.

The A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY (95 hp) achieves 48.7 mpg, resulting in 139 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. In city traffic, the new ECO start-stop function can result in fuel savings of up to nine per cent.

Ecology: the A-Class is the first compact car with an environmental certificate
The environmental compatibility of vehicles is not only assessed on the basis of standardised emissions and fuel consumption measurement, but takes into account the entire vehicle lifecycle of the vehicle. An environmental audit which analyses over 40,000 processes is the basis of the environmental certificate according to the stringent international ISO standard 14062 (Design for Environment).

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s only automobile brand to have received this accolade. The assessment reveals that CO2 emissions are around seven per cent lower than the figure for the preceding model of 2004, and nitrogen oxide emissions have been reduced by 13 per cent.

Carbon dioxide emissions over the entire lifecycle of the A 150 BlueEfficiency with ECO start-stop are reduced by a further five per cent, which means that the environmental audit shows a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions by more than 12 per cent compared to the preceding model.

The recycling concept of a vehicle is also considered. 95% of the A-Class can be recycled so already meets the EU regulation coming into force from 2015 and renewable raw materials are used during production including the use of flax, olive stones, cotton, coconut fibre, wood veneers and abaca fibres.

Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic
The adaptive brake light technology is a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 30 mph, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond quicker and prevent a collision. Mercedes engineers found that the braking responses of drivers are on average 0.2 seconds faster in emergency braking situations if a flashing red warning is given in place of conventional brake lights.

The A-Class continues to set standards in this market segment where occupant protection is concerned and now adds to its already extensive safety technology with crash-responsive emergency lighting for the interior. This is switched on automatically following an accident of a defined severity, providing the occupants with better orientation and helping the emergency services.

Active Park Assist: ultrasound and electric steering for easier parking
Drivers of the A-Class can now opt for active park assist. This system which operates up to 25 mph scans the road to identify suitable parking spaces for the car. Once a suitable space is found the driver has the option to park. By engaging reverse they accept the identified space and then just need to accelerate and brake. Active park assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the car into the parking space. The parking space only needs to be 1.30 metres longer than the A-Class, there is currently no other car able to park automatically in such a small space.

The car also has Hill Start Assist, which prevents it from rolling backwards when the driver moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator when moving off on an uphill gradient.

Audio: new units offer Bluetooth, a colour display and Europe-wide navigation
Like all the new 2008 Mercedes models, the A-Class is available with new information, communication, navigation and entertainment systems in the form of Audio 20, Audio 50 and COMAND. Audio 20 incorporate a radio with twin tuner, colour display, a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone, a telephone keypad, a CD-player, automatic volume adjustment and a connection for external audio units in the glove compartment. Audio 50 is also equipped with a Europe-wide DVD navigation system and a DVD drive, while the top-of-the-range COMAND features HDD navigation, a music register, a slot for SD memory cards and voice control. The LINGUATRONIC system operates the telephone, audio and navigation system by convenient whole-word commands so the driver can simply say what they want.

Interface: the "iPod" can be operated via the keys on the steering wheel
A-Class drivers can also benefit from the new optional media interface, which enables the driver to connect an MP3-player, USB stick or other external audio. The media interface enables the driver to charge the device, control the device through the infotainment system via keys on the multifunction steering wheel and see the titles of music tracks in the instrument cluster and on the colour display in the centre console. Connection of an iPod or similar requires a suitable cable which is available from the Mercedes-Benz accessories range.

Images gallery : 2009 Mercedes Benz A-Class & A-Class Coupe
















[Source : Mercedes Benz]

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PARIS – July 18, 2008 : In keeping with its ongoing commitment in favour of the environment, Renault is to introduce a new petrol-engined Twingo with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km. The new car is a variant of the 1.2 16V 75 eco² with CO2 emissions cut by 15g/km (11 per cent) thanks to engine calibration work and longer gear ratios. The 120g/km version joins the Twingo catalogue alongside the range's existing engines. It comes at no extra price to customers. It will be known in France as Twingo 1.2 LEV 16V 75 eco2 (Low Emission Vehicle). Prices will start from €9,950 and the new version will be eligible for the state's eco bonus of €700. Order books are due to open on July 21. The car will also be marketed in Spain, Germany, Holland and Belgium, beginning in September.

A variant of Twingo 1.2 16V 75hp with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km

With a CO2 emissions rating of 120g/km, Twingo 1.2 LEV 16V 75 eco² emits 15g/km less than the existing 1.2 16V 75 eco². This 11 per cent saving makes it eligible for the environmental tax incentives that have been introduced in several countries. In France, it qualifies alongside the dCi 65 eco² version (113g/km) for the €700 eco bonus, which makes Twingo one of the most ecological models of its segment. The lower emissions rating has been achieved by lengthening the gear ratios (20 per cent) which has resulted in a reduction in the engine revs required for a given road speed, and consequently lower fuel consumption. Just 5.1 litres of fuel are now required for Twingo 1.2 16V 75hp 120g/km eco² to cover 100km, making it the thriftiest 1.2 petrol engined car on the market. Its power output (75hp) and torque (107Nm) are unchanged.

No extra cost for the customer
Thanks to this technical solution, no price increase compared with the existing Twingo 1.2 16V 75 eco² has been passed on to the customer. The two cars will be marketed alongside each other at the same price for the Authentique, Expression and Dynamique equipment levels (starting from €9,950 in France). All Twingo engines qualify for Renault's eco² signature, including two that claim CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km. The eco² signature is the hallmark of Renault's commitment in favour of the environment by offering customers vehicles that are both ecological and affordable to buy and run. Within the framework of its Renault Commitment plan, the brand has pledged to sell one million vehicles in 2008 that emit less than 140g of CO2/km, including one third that emit less than 120g/km.

[Source : Auto Channel]

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• A new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 and Renault Sandero are to be produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant (Pretoria). Production of the new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 has already started in the plant. The production of Renault Sandero will start in 2009.
• This project marks the first time that a Renault vehicle will be produced in South Africa.
• Some 300 jobs will be created in the plant in 2008.

PARIS/ TOKYO/ JOHANNESBURG (July 18, 2008) - The Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed the launch of a new manufacturing project in South Africa. Nissan’s manufacturing plant at Rosslyn was identified as having the potential to maximize synergies between Renault and Nissan.



With this manufacturing project, the two groups are reaffirming their commitment to South Africa. Renault and Nissan are to invest 1 billion rand (80 million euros) in the project to adapt two cars to the South African market (e.g. right-hand drive), prepare the plant, and develop the local components and accessories supply chain. Current production output at the plant is 40,000 units per year. This will increase to 68,000 units in 2009 as a result of the investment. The local integration rate will be 25% at the start of production and gradually increase afterwards. Production will initially be sold in the local market.

Production of the new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 follows the end of 1400 Bakkie production. “Nissan has built up a formidable reputation in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment of the market and the retirement of the legendary 1400 Bakkie should not be viewed as the end but rather the beginning of an era,” emphasized Nissan South Africa Managing Director Mike Whitfield, who said that Nissan South Africa was dedicated to sustaining its reputation in the sector.

Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault South Africa explains: “Sandero will represent affordable motoring, produced to meet the needs of the South African market and will be the first Renault product manufactured in South Africa”. Renault Sandero will contribute significantly to Renault’s growth in South Africa. In the coming years, Renault will expand the product line-up offered to South African customers with vehicles ranging from entry-level to upper range. Among them will be New Twingo, a lively little car, connected and practical, and Koleos, Renault’s first crossover, set for launch in South Africa in 2008.

[Source : Nissan]

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MEXICO CITY - Bristling with design flair, the all-new Mastretta MXT is the exciting and exclusive new sports car that will put Mexico on the map and offer UK drivers performance and more choice in the sub £40,000 sector.



The lightweight two-seater weighs just 900kg. And with top speed of 150mph, it is aimed at thrill seekers who also have an eye to the environment, who want to have fun and enjoy driving without causing damage through their car’s excessive weight and power.

Mastretta MXT is the first car to be designed and built in Mexico, and the aggressive and sculpted sports coupé makes its debut here at the British International Motor Show.

This unique, rear-wheel drive two-seater’s 2.0litre turbocharged Duratec engine develops nearly 240bhp pushing it on to 60 mph from rest in less than 5.0secs. Constructed from bonded aluminium, the semi-monocoque chassis features aircraft style technology. Closed mould techniques sculpt the distinctive body from high quality fibreglass and the air-conditioned interior is leather-trimmed.

Direct racecar feel comes through rack and pinion steering – 2.8 turns lock to lock. And 293mm ventilated brake discs with ABS as standard slow the car with eye-popping power, when necessary. Mastretta MXT has double wishbone suspension front and rear.

Lifestyle Automotive is the company licensed to import and distribute the cars in Europe and company boss Tom Martin is confident of success with Mastretta MXT.

“Customers who place orders at the show will be able to register their cars in May next year,” he says. “The Mastretta MXT on display at ExCeL 22 July - 3 August is the penultimate prototype,” Martin says. “We should complete Vehicle Certification Agency testing by October and RHD production, which is limited to 80 cars in the first full year, will start by January.”

National pride as well as burning ambition for their new car motivates the Mastretta brothers who have taken the car from idea through concept to reality.

“We needed to create a great car because Mexico has no tradition of sophisticated sports car manufacturing,” says designer Daniel Mastretta. “It is most important that our customers are delighted by the new MXT. That’s what we aimed to do from the first drawing of the car, but we also want to make our country proud of the MXT and to show the world what we can do.”

Technical Data :

Price (rrp): £32,999
Engine: 1999 cc
Aspiration: Supercharged
Power: 240 bhp
Torque: 184 lb ft
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Front tyres: 205/45 R17
Power/weight: 267/tonne
Length: 3900 mm
Width: 1790 mm
Height: 1150 mm
0-60 mph: less than 5 secs (est.)
Rear tyres: 235/45 R17

[Source : Auto Channel]

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According to Geely, the FC-2 is expected to exported out of China to European and American markets in 2009. The FC-2 is actually one of Geely’s finest cars to date in terms of design, and was first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show rather than in the Chinese domestic auto exhibition which goes some way in showing Geelys commitment to the overseas market place. The FC-2 was unveiled again at the Beijing Auto Show in May this year, and received a large amount of interest from the crowds and media alike.



The Chinese media reports that the FC-2 will sell for around 100,000rmb in foreign markets, equivlant to 9,273 Euros or 14,441USD, which is impressive for a car that will be upto Euro 5 emissions specifications and is built to pass the NCAP test at 5 stars. Geely are reported to be planning to use their 4G-N series of engines, which are D-CVVT equipped. A diesel engine that is upto Euro 5 specification is also expected to be created for the European market.



[Source : China Car Times]

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Volvo Car Corporation has decided to enter its new ethanol powered Volvo C30 racer in the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) at Brands Hatch on the 26 - 27:th of July.


The car, which is in its first year on track, races in the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) as the only ethanol E85 powered car in that series. In STCC, the car has so far secured three out of seven pole positions and has lead close to half of all laps driven.

Now Volvo wants to evaluate the car against the strongest of competition on the circuit at legendary Brands Hatch, Kent, England.

"We are naturally excited to come to Brands Hatch. This race was on the "to-do-list" in our plan for the C30 from start. We wanted this as a check point to see how far we have come against the best," says Derek Crabb, Motorsport Director at Volvo Car Corporation. We are climbing up the development curve of this car and we strongly believe the Volvo C30 may become a very competitive car in any FIA Super 2000 championship. However, it important to stay pragmatic and do things in the right order.


Equally thrilled is the driver, Robert Dahlgren:

"It will be fantastic to race at Brands Hatch again. I spent most of my youth in Britain and have driven all the tracks in different formula series. I also won the Formula Ford Championship there in 2001 and was the first privateer to do so in 18 years. It will be exiting to come back, but this time as a works driver for Volvo and in the exiting new C30."

The car will be operated by Volvo official motorsport partner Polestar Racing AB, who is also both developing and running the same car in STCC. Volvo will race with Ethanol E85 in the tank and will not be eligible to race for points.

[Source : Volvo]

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After strong sales at the start of the year, European results for June continued the recent slowdown with a year on year drop of 8.2% to 1,389,418 units, according to Jato Dynamics.

The UK-based analysts said the slowing market in recent months has begun to hit the year-to-date total, now down 2.3% to 8,196,762 units despite healthy growth in the first quarter.



"The dip in sales has accelerated in June compared with May and continues the recent downward trend in the market over the past few months. However, the world's leading manufacturers are mitigating the impact of the credit crunch and rising oil prices through continued product innovation, new and exciting models and major advances in fuel economy," said Jato spokesman Nasir Shah.

Volkswagen stayed topped European sales in both June and the first half, followed by General_Motors Europe's Opel/Vauxhall, Renault, Ford and Peugeot in June. Ford took the half-year second place ahead of Opel/Vauxhall, Renault and Peugeot.

New models helped BMW to 6.1% growth in H1 sales and Fiat also did well (+2.7%) thanks to new 500 and Bravo lines. Mercedes sales were flat.

Outside the top 10, Jaguar (up 22.5%), Dacia (up 9.8%) and Mini (up 5.7%) all posted gains in June. Daihatsu (+11.9%) saw sales surge as a result of the fuel efficient, low CO2 Cuore/Charade and Sirion.

Model wise, VW's Golf remained Europe's top-selling new car in June with 45,178 units (+12.6%) ahead of the Peugeot 207 (39,450), followed by Renault Clio (37,273, +3.4%), Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (35,985), Ford Focus (35,024), Opel/Vauxhall Astra (33,169), Ford Fiesta (29,666), BMW 3-series (26,848), Fiat Punto (26,520) and Volkswagen Polo (25,564).

The Golf (+17.6%) and 207 (+2.2%) also headed the first half model chart. The Golf's performance is impressive given it first arrived in 2005 and has been little changed since, save for some trim/equipment tweaks and some new engines and transmissions.

Germany remained the largest market in Europe, helped by a 1% rise in June. France (+1.5% in June and +4.5% YTD) continued to grow as a result of environmental incentives on new cars which provide rebates to buyers purchasing new cars with CO2 emissions of less than 130g/km. But Spain saw a fall of 50,000 units, or -30%.

In some of the developing markets there was some significant growth in the first half of the year, particularly Slovakia (+19.6%), the Czech Republic (+10.7%) and Poland (+12.6%).

But sales last month were off in Denmark (-62.4%), Ireland (-48.3%) and Latvia (-45.6%), "demonstrating worsening market conditions in Europe", according to Jato.

[Source : Just-Auto]

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.DETROIT - Once again unveils a host of coming models to reassure a jittery Wall Street, a speculating media and fleeing investor base that the company not only is on solid financial footing but that it has some decent stuff in the product pipeline.


Detailed images of pending new product were shown in this week's presentation to media, analysts and the financial community to accompany GM's announcement that it is trimming its white-collar ranks, cutting more pickup production, scaling back investment in next-generation fullsize pickups and SUVs - and will seek capital infusion if reasonable credit terms present themselves.


Many of the vehicles, such as the Cadillac CTS coupe and Saab 9-4X, for example, already have been seen in near-production form.

This appears to be the first time decent images of the replacement for Cadillac's current SRX crossover have broken cover, however, and there is a fair look at a coming midsize sedan for Buick, as well as the next-generation Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover, a vital piece in Chevy's new-model puzzle.


GM also showed images of the Chevrolet Cruze, a global model that is earmarked to launch first in Europe and eventually replace the Chevy Cobalt in the U.S. as GM's mainstream import-fighter in the compact-car segment.


We'll leave the judgement to you, but just to get on the record: We'll take the CTS wagon. The SRX and Saab 9-4X are okay, but hardly original thinking. The Buick sedan looks useless and we're still having trouble getting excited about the chubby-ish CTS coupe, much less its volume potential.


[Source : Auto Observer]

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Since production began in 2001 Plant Oxford has seen over one million MINIs leave the plant destined for customers abroad. The one millionth MINI for export has now left Plant Oxford.



More than 80 per cent of MINI production is currently exported to almost 80 countries worldwide with the largest export market being the USA. The most recent sales figures have been the best in
MINI USA’s history. In the first half of the year, MINI USA has reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 per cent. The increase in MINI sales is indicative of the structural shift taking place in the USA, with MINI dealers reporting many customers moving out of their large cars like SUV’s and trucks into MINIs.

In the first six months of 2008, MINI recorded a worldwide increase in sales of 17.9 per cent compared to last year delivering 126,810 vehicles. The introduction of the MINI Clubman has contributed greatly to this success – every fifth MINI sold is a Clubman.

Oliver Zipse, Managing Director MINI Plant Oxford said: “Export is a key factor for the success and stability of our MINI Plant in Oxford. Since MINI was launched we have seen a significant increase in export from less than 60 per cent in 2001 to over 80 per cent this year. The high customer demand in almost 80 countries around the world, from Chile to China, has driven MINI’s success over the last seven years.”

Plant Oxford employs 4,700 associates who work a three shift pattern producing up to 800 MINIs
a day, seven days a week. An additional 2,100 associates work at the MINI pressing plant in Swindon and engine plant in Hams Hall near Birmingham; the three plants together form the MINI production triangle in the UK.

In addition, MINI UK will open the doors to a brand new model at MINIVERSITY, the Oxford-based car manufacturer’s home at the 2008 British International Motor Show.

Between 22 July and 03 August, the UK media and British public will have the opportunity to view first hand some of the smartest things to come out of Oxford in recent years. MINI owners will have access to ‘The Union’, an area to meet others in the MINI community,
while future customers can take a walk through the ‘Faculty of Engineering’ and discover the millions of ways to personalise a new MINI. The stand will also incorporate a Quadrangle-style area on which the entire MINI range will be displayed.

The most recent ‘graduate’ from MINI Plant Oxford, the brand new MINI John Cooper Works will be shown to the public for the first time on British soil.

[Source : MINI]

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.Ford's record European sales are being powered by its new efficient engines - made in the UK.

The automaker sold over 1m vehicles across Europe and demand is increasing for its new 1.4- and 1.6-litre diesel engines, built in Dagenham, Essex, which power the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion.



The Focus 1.6 TDCi range, along with 1.4/1.6 diesel Fiestas and the 1.6 TDCi Fusion posted registrations up 38% year on year in the first half of 2008.

The two engines emit between 113g/km and 119g/km of CO2, making them tax-efficient as well as environmentally friendly. Tim Winstanley, director of powertrain development at the plant, said engines such as these are the 'green' way forward.

He said: "Reducing emissions on the Focus diesel by just 2% has a greater impact than all the hybrids sold in the UK today."

He added that Ford's ECOnetic programme is not just about engines.

"We can lower emissions through better aerodynamics, less friction in the gearbox, optimised engine_management and even by fitting a fuel economy display on the dashboard telling drivers when they are driving most economically."

Demand for Dagenham-built low-CO2 engines has triggered a steep rise in 1.4/1.6 engine production. The plant will make 485,000 this year and 575,000 in 2009. This will push total diesel output at the factory to over 1m a year.

Dagenham also makes larger diesels for other Ford models as well as for Land_Rover and Jaguar.

Ford claimed that the installation of two wind turbines at Dagenham in 2004 avoided around 6,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. A arrives in early 2009 and the building making the 1.4/1.6 engines will become 100% wind-powered.

[Source : Just-Auto]

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Long anticipated Borrego mid-size SUV is finally here and you can have it for five bucks under $27.000.

The base LX model, powered by 3.8L V6 engine mated to the five speed automatic transmission, offers complete safety equipment, including seven airbags, ABS and ESP, along with Downhill Brake Control, Hill Assist Control, 17-inch tires, USB/auxiliary input jack, side mirror turn signal indicator and cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted control buttons. It’s price starts at $26.995.



Standard items that makes you special for opting up to an EX version include 18-inch tires with chrome alloy wheels, dual power heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver’s knee airbag, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio control buttons, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and metal-film interior trim.

Higher grade features such as push button start, smart key, supervision instrumentation, Bluetooth wireless technology and heated 2nd-row seats, as well as chrome exterior door handles inserts and power adjustable pedals will be available from fall 2008, .

Entry-level Borrego model starts at $26.995, while the V8 powered model, equipped with 337 hp, 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic gearbox, is priced at $31.745. The top of the line model with all available options creeps Borrego near $40 grand line. It will cost you $39.295.

Do you feel the price tag for Borrego is too high or just right?

Previous Article of KIA Borrego : Official : 2009 All new KIA Borrego

[Source : KIA World]

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SHANGHAI, July 17 - Brilliance Auto, BMW's partner in China, said on Thursday it will ship its first BS4 sedans to Germany, aiming to bolster its fortunes in the hotly contested market after poor crash test results dampened sales of a previous model.



Brilliance made headlines in Europe last year when its BS6 mid-sized sedan received a rating of just one star out of five in a crash test by Germany's ADAC auto club.

The mid-sized BS6 sedan remains on sale at dealerships in Germany.

Brilliance said it immediately went to work to improve safety standards after the poor test results, altering about 60 components.

The 270 smaller BS4 sedans to be shipped to HSO Motors Europe, a Brilliance importer for Europe, received the equivalent of a three-star rating in a crash test this year from IDIADA, an official test house with the European New Car Assessment Programme, the company said.

Brilliance executives said in April they were aiming to achieve the maximum five stars in the medium term.

An HSO spokesman said the company planned to begin marketing the sedan in the autumn.

Brilliance, parent of Brilliance China Automotive Holdings (1114.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), secured a deal in 2006 to sell 158,000 sedans to Europe over the next five years.

It has lined up import companies serving 17 European countries, including Germany, home turf of Europe's largest automaker, Volkswagen AG (VOWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), as well as Switzerland, France and Spain, with 700 non-exclusive dealers.

HSO Motors Chief Executive Hans-Ulrich Sachs told Reuters in March that he envisaged reaching annual sales of 200,000 Brilliance cars a year within 10 years, targeting mostly middle-income consumers.

Images gallery :

2008 Brilliance BS4 Sedan : Images courtesy of AutoHome China




Brilliance BS4 Wagon unveiled in 2008 Beijing Auto Show




[Source : Reuters]

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DUSSELDORF, Germany -- Mercedes-Benz will introduce turbocharged engines across its entire lineup in the next two-and-a-half years.

"All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest," Thomas Weber, Daimler board member responsible for research and development, told Automotive News Europe at a press event here.

Forthcoming legislation in Europe and the U.S. is forcing automakers to reduce auto emissions.



Demand for turbochargers is growing because they offer a proven and relatively inexpensive way to reduce fuel consumption. With the addition of a turbocharger, Daimler will be able to install smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient engines without sacrificing performance.

Under current proposals, the European Commission will ask the German automaker to cut its average fleet emissions from 178 grams per kilometer to 138 g/km by 2012. The Commission will fine automakers that fail to meet the targets.

Improving the efficiency of its existing engines is the first part of Daimler's strategy to reduce CO2 emission levels across its fleet. Weber said the medium-term step would be to introduce more hybrid technology. The S class -- Mercedes' flagship sedan -- will be offered as a full hybrid vehicle starting in 2009.

Weber also said that zero-emission driving is the German automaker's long-term goal. To get there, the automaker plans to use technology such as fuel cells and electric-powered vehicles. A full-electric version of the ForTwo from Mercedes sister brand Smart goes into production in 2010.

[Source : Automotive News Europe]

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To celebrate the Nissan Micra’s 25th birthday next Monday (21 July), a special motorcade of 25 Micra cars will drive the 300 miles from Nissan’s Sunderland plant to the ExCeL exhibition center in London to kick off the British International Motor Show.



Straight from the production line, the procession of brightly decorated ‘Micra 25’ special edition vehicles will depart at 09:00-hrs and will travel south via A-roads and the motorways to London, arriving at around 16.00-hrs. Their arrival sparks off the UK’s largest motoring extravaganza of the year, a show where the special series Nissan Micra 25 will make its UK debut.

Sporting highly visible 25th anniversary decals, the motorcade Micras will also feature a single letter on the roof of each car which – when the convoy is viewed from above – will spell out ‘Micra 25 at British Motor Show’.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nissan Micra here in the UK, where the car has been built for the past 16 years and to do it on the eve of the British International Motor Show,” said Nissan’s managing director, Paul Willcox. “To have some of the people who have played a part in the Micra success at our Sunderland plant driving the cars to ExCeL in London makes this motorcade even more special.”

First produced in Japan in 1983, the Nissan Micra has been manufactured exclusively in Sunderland since 1992. It is one of Britain’s major manufacturing and export successes, with 2.2 million Micras made in the North East so far and exported cars going to 44 different countries around the globe.

Appropriately, among the people driving the motorcade convoy of Micra 25s will be staff from the Sunderland plant who have been part of the Nissan manufacturing success story in this country.

The distinctive Night Shade exterior paint and sophisticated ‘Satin’ effect door handles, both unique to the special edition Micra 25 model, give the impression this fun car has grown-up, but inside it still caters for the younger audience with its customized iPod Nano integrated into the audio system.

Since the Micra first went into production in 1983 in Japan, it has undergone two dramatic transformations, leading to today’s third generation Micra that was launched in 2002. The Nissan plant in Sunderland began manufacturing the second generation model in 1992 and just six years later the millionth model came off the production line.

The first Japanese-brand car to win the European Car of the Year award (1993), the Micra rapidly gained an enviable reputation for such a small car. Its distinctive rounded design created a personality that British drivers love. Not only has the Micra proven to be popular in the UK, demand has spread around the globe.

[Source : Nissan]

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July 16th, 2008: Team Middle East takes the lead in the overall standings

Team Portugal looses the lead in the overall standings to Team Middle East. Schwarz secures the third daily victory for himself and Team Germany 1.

Novosibirsk, July 17th, 2008
The twofold Middle East Rally Champion Said Rashid Al Hajri and his co-pilot Tim Trenker displaced the Portuguese, who had been leading in the overall standings since the beginning, and moved to the top. Team Middle East experienced some nerve-racking moments after crossing the finish-line. “We knew we’d been really fast and that we’d performed great and we expressed our happiness about it too. At the finish-line checkpoint we were supposed to have our board card stamped, but we couldn’t find it. We turned the entire car upside down. Nothing. Then Tim dismantled his baseboard: the card had slipped into a little crevice behind it. Fortunately we have it again and can now tackle the missions in Mongolia as the leaders”, Said Rashid Al Hajri described the situation excitedly in the evening.



For the third time during the Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson Team Germany 1 was the fastest en route. They hightailed to victory in 51:21 minutes. That was a nice present Armin Schwarz gave himself for his 45th birthday with the support of his navigator Andi Schulz. Second place went to the French Christian Lavieille and Francois Borsotto with 55:35. Denis Levyatov and Sergey Talantsev from Team Porsche Russia 1 came in third in 57:39 minutes. In the overall standings, there are only 1:36 minutes between the leading teams, Middle East and France.

Team Italia had to retire from the Transsyberia Rally 2008. Antonio Tognana and his co-pilot Carlo Cassina drove too fast over a bump. Subsequently Tognana complained of back pain. The Italian received first-aid treatment in the hospital in Novosibirsk and is transported home with a suspected virtebra injury.

The program for the upcoming stage has changed. The special test has been canceled, since the rally’s physician will be attending to Tognana until the transfer to the airplane and wouldn’t be able to be back in time for the evaluation test.

The 7th stage from Novosibirsk to Kosh Agash will therefore be a clear transfer stage. Near the Mongolian border, the teams will be spending the night outside for the first time during the Transsyberia Rally 2008.

The 6th stage of the Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson began in Omsk and proceeded across almost 700 kilometers to Novosibirsk, the best known station of the Transsyberian Railroad and the capital of Siberia. The route was level and fast and led across dry grounds, lined with swampy grasslands and isolated groves. The 78 km long special stage demanded full concentration from the teams. Some of the biggest challenges was the dust which was stirred up by other vehicles and navigating the back-country of Novosibirsk.

Over-all Result :

Place	StNo	Driver - Nation CoDriver - Nation	Car Brand Team	Time	Time Distance
1	12	Said Rashid Al Hajri - Qatar Tim Trenker - VA Emirate	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team Middle East	04:15:19	00:00:00
2	17	Christian Lavieille - France Francois Borsotto - France	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team France	04:16:55	00:01:36
3	29	Lars Kern - Germany Daniel van Kan - Czech Republic	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team Porsche Germany 3	04:23:45	00:08:26
4	18	Pedro Gameiro - Portugal Pedro Figueiredo - Portugal	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team Portuguese	04:40:05	00:24:46
5	10	Armin Schwarz - Germany Andreas Schulz - Germany	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team Porsche Germany 1	04:41:54	00:26:35
6	20	Denis Levyatov - Russia Sergey Talantsev - Russia	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Porsche Russia Team 1	05:23:51	01:08:32
7	15	Christian Pfeil-Schneider - Colombia Tommy Steuer - Colombia	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Colombian Arrow	05:55:35	01:40:16
8	3	Adel Abdulla - State of Qatar Norbert Lutteri - Italy	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team Qatar	06:11:08	01:55:49
9	1	Ryan Millen - USA Colin Godby - USA	Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Team USA	06:33:09	02:17:50
10	24	Uta Baier - Germany Mario Steinbring - Germany	Toyota HZJ 80 Teambuctou	06:35:13	02:19:54

Stage images :
All images are copyright © Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson

Stage 5 : Tyumen – Omsk, 672 km.



Stage 6 : Omsk – Novosibirsk, 715 km.



[Source : Official - 2008 Transsyberia Rally]

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TOKYO, July 17 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport*1 SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions*2 such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.

*1 The model will carry a different name in different markets: Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
*2 The new Pajero Sport will neither be sold in Central & Western Europe nor in North America, where other types of SUVs are favored.





The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.

Mitsubishi's latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit*3.

In terms of architecture, the body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.

Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, informs all of the company's 4WD systems. The new model will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero*4 SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.

The choice of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil the new Pajero Sport is a clear indication of Russia's eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors. In fiscal 2007 Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market, boosted by the ever successful Lancer line-up and a popular range of SUVs.

MMC is confident that the new Pajero Sport SUV will make a strong addition to its SUV range, which also includes the Pajero and Outlander. Coming on the heels of the introduction of the Lancer*5 sports sedan last year, this will allow MMC to expand SUV sales and hit a total sales volume of 140,000 units on the Russian market in fiscal 2008.
*3 Russian-spec vehicle will only be available with the 3.2-liter diesel engine and 2-row, 5-passenger capacity seating arrangement.
*4 "Montero" in Spanish-speaking countries and "Shogun' in the UK.
*5 Galant Fortis in Japan.


[Source : Mitsubishi Motors, Japan]

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Valeo announced that its StARS micro-hybrid system equips the new Mercedes A and B Class.

Invented by Valeo, this system featuring the Stop-Start function, cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, at traffic lights for instance, and then restarts it quickly and silently when the driver releases the brake pedal. It provides average of fuel savings of 9%.

"This technology meets end user needs for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, at an affordable cost," says Valeo's Chairman & CEO, Thierry Morin.

Ever growing urban populations are making cities increasingly congested. The usefulness of the Stop-Start function becomes evident as it is estimated that, in cities, a car spends up to one-third of its time at a standstill with the engine idling unnecessarily. Under these conditions of congested city driving, fuel savings can reach 25%. Valeo expects the system to become widely available on all types of vehicles worldwide.

Valeo’s micro-hybrid system already equips the Citroën C2 and C3 and the smart mhd. Valeo has also won a contract from PSA Peugeot Citroën to equip more than a million vehicles with StARS by 2011.

[Source : Valeo]

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JAKARTA, July 14 - Indonesia aims to lead the charge in making the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an automotive industry production house, the Jakarta Post daily quoted Edy Putra Irawady, a deputy to the coordinating minister for industry and trade, as saying Monday.

"Now that we are the leader of the ASEAN automotive cooperative, we have the chance to shape the industry in the
region," he said.

The cooperative set up in 2002 is hoped to make the ASEAN region a unified automotive industry production hub to strengthen the competitiveness of regional auto suppliers and build the ASEAN- made brand and automotive parts.

Four main supplying countries are the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Only Malaysia has its own national car, while others produce for overseas brand.

[Source : Antara News]

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Toyota is to buy land in Sorocaba, in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, for a new plant for Toyota do Brasil, its long-established local sales and manufacturing company.



Toyota Brazil was one of the automaker's first foreign assemblers, commencing kit assembly of utilitarian Land Cruisers in 1958.

Toyota said it plans a new compact vehicle plant operating from 2011 "or after" on the 3.7m sq m plot. Initially about 2,500 people would build up to 150,000 vehicles a year.

Brazil's trade and industry minister told Reuters the plant would cost between US$600m and $700m.

The automaker said the move was part of it "commitment to building an optimal worldwide production system based on [our] policy of making vehicles where they are sold.

Toyota Brazil employs around 3,000 currently.

Toyota's existing car plant in Indaiatuba makes the Corolla sedan, most with flexfuel engines to run on the local ethanol brew. It also makes components in Sao Bernardo do Campo (also home to a VW plant) near Sao Paulo.

[Source : Just-Auto]

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IRVINE, Calif. – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will start at $18,550 for a MAZDA6 i SV, equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 s, powered by a 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission begins at $24,130. Destination charges for all 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles are $670, $715 in Alaska. The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available at dealers across the U. S. starting in late August, 2008.



The highly anticipated 2009 MAZDA6 is the first of Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom Evolution” second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast, and bringing a combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product insight not currently found in the market.

“This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Bringing any new car to market at a competitive price has always been critical, but seldom more-so than today. Customers are looking for that rare combination of style, dynamics, economy and a great price, and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 delivers on all levels.”

The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available as a four-door sedan and in four trim levels: SV (I-4 models only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, and with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. All models, regardless of engine or trim grade, will include as standard equipment: air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control, traction control, frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger, side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new Mazda-designed and developed MZR 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6). I-4 models equipped with the Sport AT are certified at the ultra-clean SULEV level, and PZEV in California-emission states. All V6 models meet ULEV standards for all 50 states.

As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.

Images gallery : updated!














[Source : Official-Mazda North American Operation]

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Lotus has issued the first official picture of its new 2+2 sportscar known as Project Eagle, which will make its global debut at the British Motorshow in London next week.



The V6-engined car will sit between the Europa and the successor to the Esprit in the Lotus range and the new name for the model will also be revealed in London next week.

It's the first all-new car from Lotus since the Elise in 1995 and is designed to offer a more refined car in the Lotus range.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 supplied by Toyota and producing 280 PS, the new car employs lightweight chassis technology in keeping with Lotus tradition.

Lotus says that even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers reported that it was considerably faster around the famous Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage.

Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, with planned build volume at 2,000 cars a year.

Lotus says that Hollywood actor and car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey is just one of the high profile collectors who are on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, said: "Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in Mike Kimberley's five-year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to support Lotus' growth.

It is expected that the Project Eagle car will retail at around GBP45,000.

Speaking exclusively to just-auto late last year, Mike Kimberley outlined the major elements of Lotus' new product strategy:

"Elise/Exige/Europa are marvellous - iconic cars, there's no doubt about that. The aluminium structure and vehicle dynamics are absolutely exceptional. There's a big 'wow factor'. The exhilaration in driving the Exige S certainly gets the blood going.

"But these cars are not everyday cars and I think Lotus needs more of a lifestyle type of car. When I joined, the MSC - a new generation Esprit - was on the go and still is. MSC is a fabulous car, superbly styled.

"Our view was that we needed to look at where our customers are now and where they step up to, and that led us to the lifestyle 2+2 vehicle (codenamed Eagle) which is V6 mid-engine. There's room in the back for the golf clubs or a couple of small kiddies. That's more an everyday car.

"And when you become an empty-nester, then you move up into supercar territory, very high status premium.

"When I joined, I decided that MSC needed a reassessment and that meant some reworking - including going back to the powertrain provider to change the engine. That's added about a year to that programme.

"In the light of that, the board decided to fast-track the Eagle lifestyle car.

"Sales of that car will commence in early 2009. The next generation Esprit MSC will be about a year later and further out we're planning a supercar which will be a 'jewel in the crown'".

[Source : Just-Auto]

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* Preview of new, 300PS Ford Focus RS
* UK debut of all-new Ford Fiesta, including new Fiesta Zetec S, with range prices announced
* Premiere of new ultra-low CO2 Fiesta ECOnetic
* Host of other attractions, including live Ford show every day and six metre Ford Ranger climbing wall

BRENTWOOD –The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is back, as a preview of the exciting new 2009 Ford Focus RS heads the star attractions on the Ford stand at the 2008 British International Motor Show.



The eye-catching, bright green model exudes high-performance cool, marking a welcome return for the Ford RS mantle and 40 years of the Ford RS story. It takes centre stage on the Ford stand as development work continues on the production model, before its launch in 2009.

The frugal Fiesta ECOnetic also receives its world premiere in London, a city where its ultra-low, 98g/km CO2 rating will be exempt it from UK road fund duty.

Alongside ECOnetic, the sporty all-new Fiesta Zetec S will head a cast of three and five-door new Fiestas on stage in the UK for the first time, with Ford also choosing the show to announce UK prices for latest version of Britain’s best selling small car.

The newcomers will sit alongside Ford’s award-winning current line-up, including the recently-launched Kuga, bathing in the limelight of an extremely positive reception from media and customers alike and bringing new levels of driving quality to the 4x4 segment.

Occupying a massive 3318 square metres of London’s purpose-built ExCel venue, the Ford stand is a star in its own right, with a series of attractions for attendees, including live shows every day and a six-metre Ford Ranger climbing wall, to provide visitors an unusual view of the show and for all ages to test their head for heights.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Ovenden, said: “Ford has been the UK’s most popular car brand for over 30 years, driven by a loyalty to core products like Fiesta and a dedicated following for niche vehicles like Focus RS. I’m delighted to recognise that by bringing these to the British public first.”

Images gallery :

2009 Ford Focus RS : Updated!






New Ford Fiesta : Updated!









[Source : Ford]

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- New Kia Soul to feature two gasoline engines and one diesel engine
- Kia Soul production model will appeal to the 'young-at-heart'
- World premiere of new Kia Soul to be held at Paris Show on 2 October

SEOUL, Korea July 16, 2008 -- Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new production model, the Kia Soul, will be marketed globally with a choice of three highly efficient engines (depending on individual markets), when it goes on sale in early 2009.



The most powerful engine will be a 2-litre gasoline unit. A smaller capacity 1.6-litre gasoline engine will be offered in most countries, alongside a 1.6-litre diesel engine featuring a VGT (variable geometry turbocharger).

Both the 1.6-litre, four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC power units are based closely on engines fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee'd.

Kia has also confirmed that the new model, which will be available exclusively as a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, will have an overall length of 4,105 mm, and a 2,550 mm wheelbase. Height will be 1,610 mm and width 1,785mm - excluding door mirrors.

To be manufactured in Korea from November 2008 for overseas markets, the Kia Soul will defy conventions and appeal especially to the young and the young-at-heart - whatever their age.

Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle and is destined to play a unique role within Kia's global product line-up. Kia Soul will provide a creative platform for buyers to individualise and match their car to their own personality.

The World Premiere of the Kia Soul will be celebrated on 2 October 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. The exciting new Kia model is scheduled to go on sale in Europe during February 2009, with sales in the USA and remaining overseas markets beginning in April 2009.

Images gallery : New KIA Soul

New Official released :




Intro. released



[Source : KIA Motors America]

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CLE ELUM, Wash.,– Having made its global debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia Motors America (KMA) today officially launched the 2009 Borrego midsize SUV. Borrego is one of the first production offerings based off of the new design direction Kia continues to unveil through concept vehicles including the Kue, KND-4, Kee and KOUP. Given a straightforward and clean look, Borrego is intended for those who enjoy an active yet uncomplicated lifestyle.



Outstanding Performance and Capabilities

Borrego is offered with a DOHC, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia’s first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, also all-aluminum; both engines are more powerful than any in Kia’s line to date. While the V6 produces a competitive 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the all-new V8 generates a class-leading¹ 337 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm – more powerful than the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia. Borrego runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to the Pathfinder, which requires premium unleaded. Both engines also are available in either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

With class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, and 5,000 pounds with the V6, the new midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping or outdoor lifestyle activities. Borrego models with 4WD feature the second generation full-time Torque-on-Demand® system from BorgWarner, which uses electronic sensors to monitor road conditions and distribute power to the appropriate wheels. Improvements have been made to deliver a fast response and a quieter operation. The result is responsive, sure-footed performance in varying road conditions, all of which is practically seamless to driver and passengers.

Combining its impressive horsepower and torque with the unique-to-Borrego and new-to-Kia six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine, the midsize SUV is able to achieve best-in-class² fuel economy for an engine of its kind with an EPA rating of 15/22 city/highway for the V8 with 2WD and 15/20 city/highway for the 4WD – perfect for families on the go as well as for long road trips. When the V6 is under the hood, Borrego is able to achieve competitive fuel economy of 17/21 city/highway (2WD) and 16/21 city/highway (4WD).

Borrego’s muscular exterior sits on a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension matched with coil-over springs. The front suspension integrates shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, while the rear incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar, providing an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Borrego is built on a hydro-formed frame structure that increases durability and rigidity. Improved fuel efficiency because of its lighter weight is a result of the hydraulic forming process as opposed to traditional welded press forming. Its body-on-frame construction and insulated rubber mounting provide improved reduction in noise, vibration, and harshness, and help absorb vibrations from the road surface and powertrain yielding a smooth, quiet ride for driver and passengers.


Powerful, Persuasive Exterior

Embodying a certain rugged refinement, Borrego’s aggressive, wide stance evokes an image of stability and strength while flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence. LED side view mirrors and chrome accents add to its polished look. Contemporary front and rear fascias suggest modern luxury while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities, allowing consumers to live an energetic life in style whether it’s cruising around town or trekking through the mountains.

Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.3 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego stands wider and longer than the Chevy Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. Its wide stance allows for a roomy, comfortable interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven adult passengers.

Luxurious and Functional Amenities

Available in LX and EX trims, Borrego’s spacious cabin comes well equipped with a slew of standard convenience features, including: air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system to keep its passengers entertained and comfortable. Complementing the audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB and auxiliary input jack and is the first Kia vehicle to offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months of complimentary service for hours of uninterrupted amusement³.

Adding even more refinement and upgrades, the EX trim level includes an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink® with compass, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The new midsize SUV also offers Kia’s first voice-activated navigation system, with a Rear Seat Entertainment Package that includes an eight-inch widescreen television (EX models) for passenger entertainment during long car rides or around-town adventures.

With the EX trim level, consumers also are optioned with the Luxury and Premium Packages. The Luxury Package includes: nicely appointed leather seats; heated front seats; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and memory settings for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel. Progressing to the Premium Package includes everything in the Luxury Package in addition to a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air conditioning with controls, running boards and a rear camera display for enhanced visual assistance.

In the fall, Borrego will offer the top-of-the-line, Limited trim level in addition to the LX and EX trims, which will come only in a black monotone exterior with black interior trim. Exclusive features to the Limited edition include push button start/smart key, Supervision™ meter cluster, power adjustable pedals, chrome accents on outside door handles and rear garnish, heated second row seats, Bluetooth®, Limited exterior badging and floor mats. Limited trim also includes the Luxury and Premium package content, less the running boards.

With Borrego’s 156.8 cubic foot interior volume, it offers more room for its seven passengers than Explorer, Pathfinder, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee and the all-new Pilot. Depending on passenger or driver requirements, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space, which measures an impressive 12.4 cubic feet with all seats utilized, 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded flat.

Exceptional Standard Safety

Borrego ups the ante in safety, offering the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including additional features exclusive to the midsize SUV. Standard equipment includes front advanced airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver’s knee airbag (V8 models only), four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS) including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego’s technologies all work together to provide a technically sophisticated safety package for the driver and passengers.

Working with the standard ABS with ESC, EBD and TCS, the system can apply individual brakes selectively to control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.

The TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle’s speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.

A standard back-up warning system provides an audible warning using ultrasonic sensors to detect and help prevent hitting hard-to-see objects. Borrego also includes Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, as well as Downhill Brake Control (DBC), which helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades. Both functions are new to Kia.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Borrego is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Images gallery : All New KIA Borrego





[Source : KIA Motors America]

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Tokyo, July 16, 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year's Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America. For Mitsubishi Motors, not only does the Dakar serve as a platform for the sales and marketing of the Pajero/Montero but it also provides a unique proving ground for powertrains and 4WD transmission systems.



In light of the corporate decision to focus the firm's cross-country rallying activities on the development of a new diesel engine, Mitsubishi Motors sees it as a natural step for the Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis), a commercially and globally important model powered by the diesel powerplant, to take over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution. The technological expertise accumulated thanks to the firm's cross-country rally program - which includes the Dakar - will be applied to its diesel engine development, including the new-generation clean diesel that will power the future production cars. Meanwhile, as was previously the case, the 4WD systems technology will also be carried over to the production versions after their configuration has been optimized as a function of their end-use.

Under its new corporate communication tagline 'Drive@earth', Mitsubishi Motors has a commitment to providing the joy of mobility for customers worldwide while at the same time taking a responsible stance on the environment. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart will also play an important role as an integral part of the automobile research and development program.

The Racing Lancer is a Super Production Cross-Country Rally car, which has been developed in compliance with the FIA's Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars). It also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010. Needless to say, the new rally car has profited from the technical expertise and experience gained with the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution which secured 12 outright Dakar wins during its uninterrupted 25-year participation on the celebrated African event, a sequence which began with the fifth edition of the rally in 1983. The MRX09 features a new, multi-tubular steel frame which has benefited from advanced CAE analysis with a view to optimizing the layout and dimensioning of the tubing. The car will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine which the company is currently developing on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. The carbon-fibre bodywork of the MRX09 is redolent of the Lancer Sportback, a new sporty hatchback due to be released on the European market this summer. The new car will be equipped with the same 4WD system, drive train, suspension and brakes following their modification in accordance with the new technical regulations and as a function of the characteristics of the diesel turbo powerplant.

* MRX09 : the new codename for Mitsubishi's latest cross-country rally challenger. 'MRX09' stands for 'Mitsubishi Rally 'Cross Country'('X'), plus a suffix for the year in which it competes ('09' = 2009).

Technical Specification :

Overall length : 4,475mm
Overall width : 1,990mm
Wheelbase : 2,900mm
Track (front/rear) : 1,750mm/1,750mm
Weight : 1,900kg
Engine : 2,997cc V6 turbocharged diesel
Maximum power : more than 190kW (260hp)
Maximum torque : more than 650Nm (66.3kgm)
Transmission : Ricardo five-speed sequential, manual
4WD system : permanent four-wheel drive with limited slip central differential

[Source : Mitsubishi Motor]

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The Buick Lacrosse is shaping up to be a hybrid. The 2.4 litres engine with motor mated to be a hybrid system and is reportedly going to cost 260,990rmb when launched.




Media reports indicate the Buick Lacrosse Hybrid will use an impressive 4litres per 100km of travelling, which is on par with the smallest of Chinese KEI cars.

More information on this model as and when we get it. Although we believe it may actually be a replacemennt for the long rumoured Chevrolet Malibu hybrid that was supposed to be launched in China but never actually was.

[Source : China Car Times]

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Volkswagen will produce a mid-sized sedan at the new factory when production begins in late 2010.


The new sedan, which will come to market for the 2011 model year, will be similar in size to today's Passat, but will not replace the Passat, that positioned to above the mid-sized sedan. The new mid-sized sedan is a Malibu fighter, an Accord fighter and it's a Camry fighter.

Initial capacity at the $1 billion factory will be 150,000 vehicles annually and will be extended to 200,000 vehicles later.

The possibility of VW producing a new SUV or crossover is being considered. The vehicle would slot between the compact Tiguan, which went on sale in the United States this year, and the larger Touareg SUV, which has been foundering in the United States.

Engines and transmissions for the Chattanooga-made vehicles will come from Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico, factory, which also produces the New Beetle family and Jetta sedan. The both factories would be integrated in the future and hinted that more powertrain production could be coming.

[Source : Automotive News .. Sub req.]

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TORRANCE, CA.,07/15/2008 - Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children”, Honda has worked for more than thirty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a technology that Honda believes holds the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. As always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to exceed customers’ expectations for the performance, quality and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda’s original technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles including cold-weather start-up, operating range and efficiency, and compact packaging. Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the “chicken and the egg” dilemma of the deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles and the refueling infrastructure to support them.

Next-Generation Honda Fuel Cell Technology

In November 2007, Honda introduced the all-new FCX Clarity – its next-generation fuel cell vehicle that delivers performance, range, efficiency, and style previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle. The FCX Clarity will be leased to retail customers on a regular and continuing basis, with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008.

- The FCX Clarity is based on Honda’s all-new V Flow fuel cell vehicle platform and is powered by the revolutionary new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that delivers more power in less space with improved efficiency, power output, driving range, reliability, and cold-weather performance.
- The V Flow stack employs a revolutionary new cell configuration and vertical layout that more than doubles the stack’s power-to-weight density versus the previous generation Honda FC stack.
- With the Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, the size of the total powertrain has been reduced by 45 percent to roughly the same size as a V6 hybrid powertrain, while vehicle fuel efficiency is up more than 20 percent (to EPA combined city-highway 174 miles per kilogram hydrogen (kg/H2)) and driving range is up more than 30 percent (to 280 miles).
- The V Flow platform incorporates a compact and efficient new lithium ion battery pack that is 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the ultracapacitor in the previous FCX. It marks the first commercial deployment of lithium ion battery technology in an automobile as a source of motive power.
- Honda aims to gain further real-world experience and exposure for advanced fuel cell technology with the lease of 200 FCX Clarity fuel cell cars to fleet and retail customers around the world, primarily in North America, over the next three years.
- Production of the FCX Clarity on the world’s first dedicated fuel cell vehicle assembly line began on June 16, 2008, at Honda’s New Model Center, in Takenazawa, Tochigi prefecture, Japan.

Honda FCX Clarity Drivertrain

Fuel Cell Achievements

* Other pioneering achievements in the fuel cell arena include:

- First government-certified fuel cell vehicle: EPA and CARB certified, and certified to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (July 2002)
- First commercial lease of a fuel cell vehicle (December 2002)
- First fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003)
- First long-term lease to customers in extreme climates (Las Vegas, New York - 2004)
- First fuel cell vehicle placed in the hands of an individual customer (June 2005)
- Lease of FCX to the world’s youngest fuel cell customer (March 2007)
- Start up of world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle and powertrain production facility (June 2008)

* In over five years of use with fleet and retail customers, including government entities in California, Nevada and the state of New York, and retail customers in California, the first-generation FCX has performed well under often harsh conditions, with minimal service support, even in the extreme heat of the Western deserts and the bitter cold of the Northeast.

Hydrogen Home Energy Station & Improved Solar-Cell Technology

* Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the “chicken and the egg” dilemma of the hydrogen-powered vehicle and the refueling infrastructure.
* This includes the fourth-generation of development of its experimental Home Energy Station and Honda-developed solar cell technology to power its own fuel cell vehicles in a completely carbonfree energy system.
* Honda is testing the fourth-generation Home Energy Station (HES IV) at Honda R&D America's headquarters in Torrance, Calif., developed in partnership with Plug Power, Inc. A second-generation system is also in operation at Plug Power headquarters in Albany, NY.

- The Home Energy Station is aimed at the development of a home refueling unit that produces hydrogen from the natural gas to provide for fuel cell vehicle refueling, as well as providing hot water and electricity for the home.
- HES IV is 75 percent smaller than the original unit with 30 percent less CO2 emissions.

* Honda R&D is also operating an experimental solar cell powered hydrogen refueling station in Torrance, Calif. The station employs next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., and being mass produced and sold in Japan by Honda Soltec, LLC. The Honda cells require half the energy for production than conventional crystalline silicone cells.

[Source : Honda]

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HERNDON, Va. (July 15, 2008) -- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. The announcement is an important element of the company's overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its customers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the next decade.



"The U.S. market is an important part of our volume strategy and we are now very resolutely accessing that market," said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG. "Volkswagen will be extremely active there. This plant represents a milestone in Volkswagen's growth strategy. We will be selling 800,000 Volkswagens in the U.S. by 2018, and this new site will play a key role. This, along with our growth strategy, is a prerequisite for the economic success of the company in the dollar region. We look forward to establishing an important mainstay for ourselves when we become the biggest European carmaker there."

"This is a significant step forward in achieving our goals in the U.S. market and a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group's commitment to the North American consumer. Today's decision is a fundamental part of our new strategic direction in the U.S. and our five-pillar strategy," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "Chattanooga is an excellent fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life and a long manufacturing tradition."

The company will build the facility in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Chattanooga. The 1,350-acre site is 100 percent owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County and is certified as an industrial megasite by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Enterprise South is adjacent to Interstate 75. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.

"I'm enormously pleased by the announcement from Volkswagen Group of America and grateful for the company's investment in Chattanooga and in the people of Tennessee," said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. "I believe Volkswagen chose Tennessee because of our shared values, our commitment to innovation and our strong respect for the environment. This project will have a significant impact on the economy of Tennessee and the region for decades to come."

"I couldn't be more pleased that the spirit of partnership between the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and the government and business leadership of Chattanooga and Hamilton County has resulted in this significant investment in Enterprise South," said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "Volkswagen's investment in this community means the hard work and dedication demonstrated by people at the state and local level to create one of the best business climates in the country is paying off."

"We started with a vision of transforming an idle Army facility into the source of thousands of family-wage jobs," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Over the last 14 years, I've worked with four different city mayors as well as county commissioners, city councilmen and countless others in overcoming barriers and objections to that plan. Today, we stand with our new friends from Volkswagen to make a historic announcement that will create new opportunities for our community for years to come."

"Volkswagen and Chattanooga have a lot in common," said Chattanooga City Mayor Ron Littlefield. "Both are serious about environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing."

Environmental responsibility is a core value of the Volkswagen Group. The company's focus on sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing are right in line with Chattanooga's strong environmental commitment. As an expression of this shared commitment, the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and Chattanooga-area organizations are partnering to distribute two saplings for every tree displaced by the project. The new trees will be planted by local school children.

According to United States Sen. Bob Corker, who was mayor of Chattanooga when the city and Hamilton County acquired the land and established Enterprise South as an industrial park, the Volkswagen announcement represents a new chapter in Chattanooga's success story. "Through twists and turns, our community has maintained focus, invested wisely and exercised tremendous effort and energy in recruiting a major employer to Enterprise South. The breaking of this final barrier and the realization of the vision to which we have held true will take us to levels we can only begin to imagine," said Corker.

He continued, "Volkswagen is the very best manufacturer and partner we could possibly have in terms of our shared values, and as a result of their enormous investment, not only will Chattanooga be forever changed, but our entire state will reap great benefits from the new suppliers that this facility will attract to the region. I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team that has worked seamlessly on this effort and celebrate this outstanding achievement for our city and our state."

United States Sen. Lamar Alexander praised Volkswagen's decision to locate at Enterprise South, saying, "Volkswagen and Chattanooga, the ideal marriage: one of the world's most admired companies and one of America's most livable cities. This decision keeps Tennessee on the road to becoming the No. 1 state in auto jobs. Congratulations especially to Gov. Bredesen, Sen. Corker and Mayors Ramsey and Littlefield for their leadership," Alexander concluded.

"Over the past seven months, more than 100 Tennesseans at the local, state and federal level have worked odd hours on short deadlines to help us reach this day," said Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. "From this day forward, we dedicate ourselves to partnering with Volkswagen to move from construction to production as quickly as possible. We will unify our team with Volkwagen's to ensure long-term success for the company, our community and the state of Tennessee."

With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area, and will add a significant number of jobs in related sectors. It is expected that these jobs will come from the tri-state area, pulling from the labor force of Tennessee as well as Georgia and Alabama. Volkswagen of America received an attractive, comprehensive package of incentives for the new facility from Gov. Bredesen's office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The statutory incentives are tied to job creation and capital investment. Additional support includes assistance for public infrastructure and job training, each designed to ensure the local economy best leverages Volkswagen's investment to benefit the local work force and ensure the facility's success.

"This area has a deep base of well-trained labor, with excellent engineering and manufacturing programs at the universities and technical colleges," added Jacoby. "Thanks to the visionary leaders and people of Chattanooga, we're confident that the values of this area are compatible with our own, and we envision a long and productive partnership."

Last year, Volkswagen outlined a new strategic direction in the U.S. based on five pillars: product, brand positioning, dealer network, organization and local production. As it moved forward to assess the potential for local production, the company considered many other site options and earlier this year had narrowed its search to Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee.

"We reviewed three excellent sites, all of which had the specific qualities necessary to build a plant in the United States," said Jacoby. "Both Gov. Granholm and Gov. Riley were strong advocates on behalf of their states and the citizens they represent. This was a difficult decision, but we look forward to continuing our relationships with both states. I thank both governors and their staffs."

[Source : Volkswagen AG]

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Cologne, Germany - The Volvo C70 wins in Germany more and more enthusiasts. The open four of the Swedish automaker with its three-hardtop offers sporting elegance also strong practical advantages, namely convenience and a suitable space for passengers and luggage: More than 400 litres maximum cargo volume, in the luggage compartment of the Swedish-convertible coupe a seven bags easily be accommodated. Thus, the Volvo C70 offers more than enough storage space not only for short trips, but also for extended holidays.





Thus the Volvo C70 offers more than sufficiently reservoir not only for short trips, but also for expanded vacation trips. Lovers of the elegant-sporty alignment do not have to bend themselves inevitably the pragmatism of the everyday life.

The Volvo C70 unites the character of an exciting proportionierten Coupés with that of an elegant Cabriolets and presents themselves in addition as family and holidays-suited travel vehicle, with which also a fortnightly vacation trip for four persons is to be realized problem-free.

Thus the Interieur of the Swedish Premium Cabriolets equipped with four full single seats offers an available space in the fund, whose shoulder and leg freedom set yardsticks in combination with ergonomically optimized seat constructions in this Fahrzeugklasse.

Also the trunk of the Volvo C70 offers with 404 litres load volumes with closed covers above average dimensions : Connected with the excellent usefulness of the load compartment such a pilot volume in the family-suited travel format develops.

Thus the baggage compartment of the Volvo C70 seizes for example a seventh-hasty aluminum luggage set of Rimowa, begun with three veritable travel suit-cases over a Cabin Trolley up to the Beauty Case. Thus the crew is of up to four persons not only for expanded vacation trips prepared, owing to two Notebook suit-cases and the Beauty Cases is in the best way also mobile ability to work as well as perfect make-ups secured.

Steve Mattin, chief designer of the Swedish Premium car manufacturer, stresses the importance of the utilizable value, straight for models like the Volvo C70 beside an exciting Design also: The car documents a design principle in convincing kind, after which good Design is not pure end in itself, but always also a function follows.

With the Volvo C70 this is the case. The car does not only count for me to the most beautiful representatives of its class, it is at the same time also - like all Volvo of models - functionally, practically and comfortable for pure benefit without reductions with the practicability and Alltagstauglichkeit.

Apart from its high travel fitness the Volvo C70 convinces besides by extensive safety equipment, which among other things the rollover protection system ROPS, singular SIPS head /Schulterairbags, which covers WHIPS Schleudertrauma protective system or also the intelligent woman driver formation system IDIS.

The Volvo C70 is available with three passage-strong five-cylinder petrol engines, which cover a power spectrum of 140 HP (103 KW) up to 230 HP (169 KW). Beyond that are two Diesel engines with an output of 136 HP (100 KW) and 180 HP (132 KW), which a Diesel particle filter in series have, in the program. Besides 136 HP strong Diesel motorizing of the Volvo C70 2.0D is now also available with the innovative double clutch transmission Volvo power SHIFT, which in relation to a conventional mechanism about eight per cent works more consumption-favorably.

The Volvo C70 is at prices starting from 34,840 EUR available.

Images gallery : 2009 Volvo C70







[Source : Volvo, Germany - Automatic Translated]

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HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.




The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.


The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.

[Source : Mazda]

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On July 11th, 2008 more than 30 teams from 23 nations will set out on the trying journey from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar.

The adventure will begin in exactly one month: On July 11th, 2008 the Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson, one of the toughest rallies for close-to-production vehicles worldwide starts. The participating pros, as well as the amateurs can barely wait to set off on the strenuous route from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar.





FACTS :

Start: Moscow – Russia
Destination: Ulaanbaatar – Mongolia
In between: Ural, Altai Mountains, Gobi Desert and 7.200 km
Stages: 14 stages with daily special stages
Route: On-and off-road
Difficulties: River crossings, swamps, stony fields, trails, sand dunes,
snow and sand storms
From: July 11th, 2008
Until: July 25th, 2008
For: all off-road adventurers with a valid driver’s license
Participants: 31 teams
From: 24 nations
Vehicles: Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Puch, Suzuki, Toyota



All teams have set themselves the goal to at least arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Especially those who didn’t make it to the finish line in 2007 have been gripped by ambition. „Last year we weren’t able to complete the rally after a crash in the Gobi Desert. We have to attend to unfinished business! We’re not giving up!“, says Paul Watson (Australia) of Team Oz – Unfinished Business. The same applies to Kees Nierop (Canada) and Armin Schwarz (Germany). In 2007, Nierop drove his Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia over a bank, flew approximately 25 meters and overturned multiple times. Thanks to the high safety standards of the vehicle, both occupants were almost uninjured. Armin Schwarz also completed the Rally 2007 with several flips. This year he wants to steer towards a victory with his navigator, the dual Dakar winner Andi Schulz.

The Ural Mountains, the swampy Siberian Lowlands, the Altai Mountain passes which are up to 3700 meters high and the offshoots of the Gobi Desert are only some of the obstacles the teams have to tackle on their tour from the Russian to the Mongolian capital. From Canada to Columbia, from Qatar to Japan – representatives from all five continents are competing for the victory at the Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson. Whether it’s Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Puch, Suzuki or Toyota – which team of human and machine will be harmonizing, navigating and operating best, will reveal itself during the special tests which in part stretch out over hundreds of kilometers. For speed is not the key to success at the Transsyberia Rally.



Result :
Day 4 Overall Result .. Click

To be continued..

[Source : Official Transsyberia Rally, Germany]

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GUANGZHOU, China, Jul 14, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co.and Chinese partner Dongfeng Motor Corp. plan to build an engine factory in central China to supply their expanding commercial vehicle operations.

Japanese automaker Nissan expects that strong demand for light commercial vehicles will propel it toward its higher Chinese sales target.

The new plant will cost more than 1.5 billion yuan (US$219.49 million), or about 24 billion yen, and be situated near Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., a Henan Province joint venture between the two automakers. Production is to begin next March.

The plant will be operated as a joint venture to be formed this October with an initial capitalization of 720 million yuan, or roughly 11 billion yen (US$103.46 million), with Dongfeng controlling 51 per cent and a 50-50 Dongfeng-Nissan venture taking the other 49 per cent.

It will mainly supply 3-liter diesel engines for light commercial vehicles to Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Output at Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile is being stepped up with a second plant that will have a production capacity of more than 120,000 vehicles.

Engines will also be built for a new line of passenger cars to be launched by Dongfeng next year.

Nissan aims to raise total sales of vehicles made with Dongfeng to 1 million by 2012, up 64 per cent from the level in 2007. It is alone among Japanese automakers in placing sales of light commercial vehicles in China at the center of its growth strategy. More than five new models are planned for release in the next five years.

[Souce : Nikkei]

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Jakarta, Indonesia - The Indonesian government is to speed up implementation of its program to substitute gas for fuel oil in motor vehicles, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.

Speaking at the commissioning of Indonesia`s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station at Cikarang, east of Jakarta, on Saturday, he said the government would take concrete steps, including issuance of regulations, to accelerate the oil-to-gas conversion process for automotive transport.



"Speeding up the program is very important because the use of gas will economically be more advantageous as it is more efficient, more friendly to the environment, and reduce our need for fuel oils," he said.

He said the oil-to-gas converson program for motor vehicles would be carried out in the same way as the current drive to replace kerosene by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households.

Provincial governors would be asked to obligate all public transports in their respective regions such as city buses, taxis and mototized pedicabs to use gas instead of petrol.

The government would also encourage the switch by providing incentives to the transport companies concerned and carry out the program with a clearly defined timeframe.

About the availabiiity of gas, Kalla said Indonesia`s natural gas production was three times its oil production and expected to increase with the development of new gas producing blocks such as Natuna B Alpha, Cepu and a few others in the Makassar Strait.

[Source : Antara]

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• Carpooling can be a workable solution for friends or neighbors looking to save money on gas by sharing rides.
• Setting ground rules can ease tension and discomfort during the commute.
• The 2009 Ford Flex offers the space, comfort and features to make carpooling a snap.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 14, 2008 – Carpooling – once the bane of independent drivers everywhere – is emerging with new respectability, its own jargon and specific rules of etiquette as motorists search for ways to ease the pain at the gasoline pump.



New vehicles such as Ford’s seven-passenger Flex crossover can make the commuting journey more comfortable, thanks to a host of unique features, such as a refrigerator in the second row, SIRIUS® Travel Link™ and a panoramic sunroof that lets natural light shine in for second- and third-row passengers.

Frustrated by prices at the pump, more and more motorists are trading privacy for convenience and the opportunity to save a little cash. “It just makes sense,” says Nancy Cain, spokeswoman for AAA Michigan. “We’re seeing it more and more, particularly in these times of jaw-dropping gas prices. Increasing numbers of people are willing to carpool. It’s a good way to save money, and it’s good for the environment, even if you only do it one day a week.”

Ford Flex can help carpoolers find the cheapest gallon of gas on the daily commute, thanks to Travel Link, a feature that can locate the gas station with the best price and then quickly route the driver to that store using the vehicle’s navigation system. It’s a feature that could save as much as 50 cents per gallon.

While there’s no official tracking method for carpools, it’s easy to see that in larger cities, rideshare programs are flourishing. In a few cities, such as Washington, D.C., where drivers need more passengers to get into the high-occupancy lanes, a new breed of commuter, dubbed “slugs” in modern parlance, wait patiently in lines in parking lots for drivers to pull over, announce their destinations and offer free rides.

While these anonymous “casual carpoolers” may evolve in larger cities, most carpools these days involve friends, neighbors or co-workers simply seeking to save a buck and not drive each other crazy while sharing a small space.

“The key, really, is communication,” said Larry Swart, Midwest manager for VPSI, Inc., a Michigan-based national vanpool provider that operates 5,000 vanpools across the country – including seven that bring Ford workers to the Dearborn, Mich., campus each day. “If a vanpool folds, it’s usually over some type of communication issue, rather than a personality conflict.”

VPSI even urges participants to set their rules to paper. “We encourage them to write up a set of bylaws that establishes rules in advance,” Swart said. “They can set up a phone tree, determine what radio stations are amenable to everyone, decide how long the van will wait for someone who’s late, and find out if someone’s allergic to perfumes or certain scents. They get over a lot of the communication issues that can become larger once emotions and personalities become involved.”

So whether you’re participating in a vanpool or organizing your own set of commuters, a few generally accepted rules of carpooling etiquette are good to keep in mind:

• Driving? Make sure you have a vehicle that’s up to the challenge. Ford’s new Flex, for instance, offers limousine-like comfort – even for third-row passengers – and there is no full-size crossover with better fuel economy, with up to 24 mpg for front-wheel drive and 22 mpg for all-wheel drive. Its next-generation navigation option, including SIRIUS Travel Link, ensures you'll never get lost and will always find the cheapest fuel. Plus, its available refrigerated console could be the perfect place to stash that soda or bottled water for the drive home.
• Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point and designate a place to meet for the trip home.
• Don’t let the carpool become an errand service. Set ground rules before starting out.
• Establish policies. Food and drinks, smoking or nonsmoking, radio stations or silence? Decide how long the driver will wait on tardy passengers. Come to an understanding about the use of the horn for latecomers in residential areas. Find out who’s allergic to perfume and who can’t handle even a few stray pet hairs.
• Keep it light. The carpool might not be the best place to discuss religion or presidential candidates.
• Have a contingency plan. Don’t let working late spoil the arrangement for everyone.

“Be respectful and be courteous,” says Cain. “You're going to be together in an enclosed space. Treat each other like you’d like to be treated.”

Images gallery : The new Ford Flex











[Source : FORD]

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GOTHENBURG - July 14, 2008 : Saab’s innovative all-wheel-drive system - Saab XWD – is to be offered with 2.0-liter turbo power for 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi models.

Launched to wide acclaim with a 2.8V6 turbo engine, XWD will now be extended to include Aero, Vector and Linear specifications with a ‘classic’ Saab 210 hp/ 154 kW four-cylinder engine.

Saab XWD is an ‘intelligent’, active system that continuously distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles, giving optimum handling and grip in all driving conditions. Wider availability in the Model Year 2009 range is expected to significantly broaden its customer appeal.

Other model year news includes an enhanced Aero range, with BioPower flex-fuel variants for both 9-5 and 9-3 models, and an uprated 2.8V6 Turbo, offering 280 hp/ 206 kW in front-wheel-drive, as well as XWD applications in the 9-3 range.

Saab’s latest product line-up will be displayed at this month’s (July) British International Motor Show in London.

[Source : SAAB]

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DARTFORD - July 14, 2008 : Later this year Mazda is introducing a new version of its unique rotary-engined, four‑seater, four-door coupe – the Mazda RX-8 R3. Powered by an improved version of the 231ps twin-rotor engine, the new R3 will offer drivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement, more equipment and even greater value.



On sale from late August, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be priced at £24,995 (on‑the‑road) and, together with the Mazda MX-5, is sure to maintain Mazda’s position as ‘Britain’s favourite sportscar brand’ with a 25 per cent share of that market sector.

“New Mazda RX-8 R3 is the ultimate expression of Mazda’s brand DNA, demonstrating our determination to do things differently,” enthuses Mark Cameron, Mazda UK Marketing Director.

“The R3 delivers an even more focused and even more sporty driving experience, while retaining the original model’s many uniquely attractive technical innovations and adding numerous premium features.

“Thanks to its Sports Styling Pack, stiffer body shell, up-rated suspension, lower gearing, enhanced aerodynamics and new Recaro sports seats, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 is a truly exciting sportscar with immense driver appeal. It remains the perfect ‘flagship’ model for Mazda in the UK,” adds Cameron.

“The changes made for R3 have not detracted in any way from the unique selling points that made the Mazda RX-8 such a stunning car at its 2003 launch. RX-8 is still the world’s only rotary-engined production car, and that very rare creation, a genuine four-seater coupe. The free-style doors ensure good access and the car has the typical Mazda functionality, practicality and reliability that also make it a ‘use-me-every-day’ kind of car. With the new-look Sports Styling Pack for the RX-8 R3, Mazda is taking a step back towards its sportscar heritage, giving its coupe the appearance of a Japanese racing car,” declares Cameron.

The standard-fit Sports Styling Pack comprises a sport front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour. The new model’s front wings no longer feature the air-extractor vents behind the wheel arches and accommodate the turn-repeater light instead.

Mazda RX-8 has always had the appearance of a classic sportscar with a powerful‑looking and dynamic exterior design. The new R3 version enhances this with a new front bumper design that has a larger five-point grille and oil cooling openings (below the front fog lights), that are nearly twice as large as on the original model for an even stronger look and improved cooling. Added to this are new front headlamps, new front fender designs, new twin round LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes (now 90mm in diameter) – all executed with a beautiful attention to detail and a superb build quality that Mazda drivers have grown to expect.

The more aggressive appearance created by the revised styling is complemented by the all-new larger diameter 19-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 40 section tyres. These extra-light wheels have five ‘rotor-shaped’ spokes and are finished in dark titanium.

At under £25,000, the new RX-8 R3 is still incredibly good value for a 146mph sportscar with the ability to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds. A previous model RX-8 of equivalent power, with leather trim and metallic paint would actually have cost more than the highly specified new RX-8 R3.

The new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be available in four new body colours – Aurora Blue mica, Crystal White pearlescent, Diamond Grey metallic and Sparkling Black mica – and two carry-over colours, Sunlight Silver metallic and Velocity Red mica. A solid paint finish is not available and whatever colour customers choose, there is no additional charge.

Rotary Powertrain – Enhanced Sports Car Performance
The uniquely high-revving RENESIS engine of the new RX-8 is evolved to deliver sharper responses and even more driving fun, although the outright power and torque are unchanged. Maximum power is 231ps at 7,500rpm and maximum torque is 211Nm at 5,500rpm.

Several measures have been taken to enhance engine lubrication in the new R3. The metering oil pump drive is now electromagnetic, rather than mechanical, and the pump is now mounted semi-directly at the supply position. The oil capacity is enlarged to 7.0-litres and a larger oil cooler air intake generates a 6°C drop in oil temperature at maximum engine speeds.

The rotary engine’s acclaimed smoothness and cultivation is enhanced by the introduction of a two knock sensor system, a first for Mazda, which improves the detection and prevention of knock. Drive shaft torsional rigidity has been increased by 30 per cent improving driving performance and reducing NVH.

The new RX-8 R3 also features variable ‘red-zone’ technology which limits revs at a cold start to protect the engine and allows full use of the car’s uniquely broad 9,000rpm rev-band when it is fully warmed.

Using a 700ps race-tuned four-rotor rotary engine, Mazda won the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 1991, beating hot favourites Porsche along the way. Mazda was the first and is still the only Japanese manufacturer to have achieved this classic motorsport feat.

Every new Mazda RX-8 R3 comes with a new six-speed manual gearbox developed from the transmission fitted in the smooth-shifting third-generation MX-5. This unit has better overall shift feel, making the new R3 even more fun to drive. It is fitted with a higher top ratio (0.787:1) for quieter, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising – and R3 is fitted with a lower final drive ratio (4.777 compared to 4.444 for the previous model) for a sharper getaway from standstill and improved performance feel.

Improved Ride and Handling
The new RX-8 R3 continues to feature the front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive configuration of the original, delivering an ideal 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles for fantastic handling characteristics. This acclaimed attribute is taken to a new level with improved overall body shell rigidity, steering feel and handling stability.

Mazda engineers have stiffened the body shell so that torsional (twisting) and flexural (bending) rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively.

Revised steering and suspension deliver even better steering feel and driving stability. New damper, spring, suspension bush and stabiliser settings are introduced for enhanced ride comfort, while Bilstein® sports suspension and a urethane foam filled front suspension cross member ensure a more linear steering feel with a quieter and smoother ride for optimal comfort. The multi-link rear suspension geometry is fine tuned for increased stability.

Also contributing to the evolved handling of the new Mazda RX-8 is its exterior design, which is updated for improved aerodynamic performance and reduced lift, enhancing performance feel and high-speed stability. Underbody airflow is optimised as well by a redesigned and extended floor covering. All these modifications do not harm the aero Cd which remains a highly competitive 0.30.

Maximised premium equipment, maximised value
Marketed as a single model, the new R3 is so highly specified that no factory-fitted options are available and each car is fitted with more than a dozen items of equipment not previously available on an RX-8.

The interior of the new RX-8 is just as sporty and sophisticated as its predecessor, and adds new trim materials for a further improvement in quality look and feel. For the driver, the cockpit is even sportier with new Recaro sports front seats, a tachometer that now has a variable red-zone that rises as the engine comes to operating temperature, an instrument cluster with a newly developed colour to help minimise eye strain, and a new-style steering wheel.

In addition to the Sports Styling Pack, larger 19-inch diameter alloy wheels and Recaro front seats, every R3 comes with 12 new items such as cruise control, automatic light-sensing xenon headlamps, automatic rain-sensing wipers, an integrated Bluetooth® system and special R3-badged carpet mats.

Buyers will also enjoy the new BOSE premium audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology exclusively designed for R3 with an eight-channel digital amplifier. A 6-CD autochanger, nine speakers and an AUX auxiliary jack (for connecting an MP3 player), complete the audio system.

Enhanced ownership benefits
As well as benefiting from hyped performance feel and significantly improved NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), new RX-8 R3 owners will find it easier to live with as an ‘everyday’ car.

Checking the oil level in the R3 is now easier. The oil dip-stick has been moved from the side of the engine to the top of the engine cover, for quick and easy checking of the oil level. Engine oil capacity has been increased to 7.0-litres. And owners can now enjoy driving the new Mazda RX-8 longer between fuel fill ups. It has a larger 65.4-litre petrol tank holding 3.6-litres more fuel.

Images gallery : 2009 Mazda RX-8 U.S. Version






[Source : Mazda UK]

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GOTHENBURG - July 14, 2008: At the Volvo Car Corporation, the vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the shorter perspective the aim is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or injured in a Volvo.

"We don't accept that people lose their lives in airplane accidents, so why should we regard car accidents as inevitable?" says Jan Ivarsson, head of Safety Strategy at the Volvo Car Corporation. The World Health Organisation estimates that some 1.2 million people are killed and more than 50 million are wounded in traffic accidents every year. These figures are expected to rapidly increase if no action is taken. Volvo is determined to take the lead by using its vision of a collision-free future as a guiding principle.



The World Health Organisation estimates that some 1.2 million people are killed and more than 50 million are wounded in traffic accidents every year. These figures are expected to rapidly increase if no action is taken. Volvo is determined to take lead by using its vision of a collision-free future as a guiding principle.
"Continuous research and enhancement of safety in and around our cars will be essential for achieving a safer driver environment and a collision-free future. In this aim we invite fruitful cooperation with authorities and the automotive industry," Jan Ivarsson continues.

The Volvo Cars Traffic Accident Research Team has investigated traffic accidents since 1970. Today its accident database contains information about more than 36,000 accidents.
By using knowledge from real traffic situations in the research, Volvo has learned how to design cars that offer a very high level of safety in collisions. The company regards this as a very important base of knowledge when identifying high-tech solutions that can help to entirely avoid or mitigate accidents. In order to take this a step further the Traffic Accident Research Team not only studies crashed cars, it also investigates driving scenarios including driver behaviour in order to learn more about what can lead to hazardous traffic situations.
"With more and more advanced technology, we design cars that help the driver avoid accidents and hopefully also avoid exposure to dangerous situations," says Jan Ivarsson.

To further address traffic incidents that might lead to accidents, Volvo has introduced a new strategy that includes a broader view of safety than the traditional focus on accidents. Even if the technology to design a collision-free traffic environment is not in place yet, the safety experts at Volvo says they know what they want to achieve.

They look into the driver's whole journey, from everyday driving to after a collision. The car's safety functions can be divided into five phases:

Phase 1: Normal driving - Driver kept informed on driving status and driver concentration.
Phase 2: Conflict - Driver involved in a potentially hazardous situation, but able to cope with it.
Phase 3: Avoidance - Driver less capable of coping with the situation.
Phase 4: Damage reduction - Driver and car not capable of avoiding collision. Preparation for collision, reduction of crash forces.
Phase 5: After collision - Driver offered assistance and rescue.

Volvo follows the principle that the driver should be in command. The "intelligence" of the car should support the driver, for instance by monitoring drowsiness or distraction. It can also warn the driver when the distance to other cars is too short. It is not until the driver fails to react and a collision is imminent or unavoidable, that the car "takes over" from the driver, for example by auto-braking. The lowered impact speed leads to less crash energy, which in turn increases the performance of the car's protective safety systems such as seat belts, airbags and crumple zones. In the near future Volvo plans to introduce safety technologies that make it possible to detect and auto-brake for pedestrians and even auto-steer away from oncoming cars.

With this new vision, Volvo Cars challenges not only itself but also the automotive industry and governments, since a collision-free future cannot be obtained by Volvo alone. Safe traffic has three main stakeholders: the car manufacturers, the drivers and the owners of the infrastructure (the relevant authorities).

Creative cooperation between road traffic authorities and other parts of the automotive industry is important in order to gain solutions that will have a big impact.

"There is considerable safety potential in creating communication between cars and infrastructure. Two cars could for example warn each other of queues or slippery roads. Infrastructure sensors could warn the driver of people or animals crossing the road," explains Jan Ivarsson.
This requires that all cars speak the same "language" regardless of car brand, so international standards are needed.

The driver and passengers must understand the importance of following traffic rules and using the car's safety equipment.

"The three-point safety belt invented by Volvo was introduced as standard equipment nearly 50 years ago. At that time we believed it was so important to mankind that we offered the patent entirely free of charge to all manufacturers. It is still regarded as the most life-saving safety equipment in cars. Nevertheless, many people still do not use it. There is still a lot we can do to inform people about safety in cars of today," concludes Jan Ivarsson.

Today Volvo exports its safety knowledge to governments in other countries and they established a Traffic accident research centre in Thailand in 2003. The aim was to provide Thai officials with the basis for making the best decisions about the traffic situation in Thailand. Volvo, in turn, has gained greater knowledge about traffic environments in emerging markets and this information can be utilised in the development of future cars. Volvo recently signed an agreement to start up a similar project in China.

Demonstration Images :

XC60 Concept with City Safety :



Demonstration of auto-steering from on-coming cars :




Demonstration auto-brake for pedestrians :



[Source : Volvo]

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Audi is bringing the new Q5 onto the market equipped with three powerful, sporty engines – one turbo FSI gasoline version and two TDIs, all of which are state-of-the-art units featuring turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The perfect interplay of these two technologies paves the way for downsizing, which involves using supercharging as a means of trimming engine capacity. This enables the Q5 to achieve CO2 emissions of less than 200 grams per kilometer (321.87 g/mile).

The new 2.0 TFSI, the successor to the engine that was voted "Engine of the Year" four times in a row, is an object lesson in efficiency. The performance of this four-cylinder engine, which develops 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, puts it in the same league as conventional six-cylinder engines. Yet its fuel consumption averages only 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers (27.67 US mpg) – giving it a clear advantage over its competitors.

Audi has yet again made huge advances in gasoline direct injection, which it supplies badged as FSI. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) regulates the valve lift in two stages, gives torque an extra boost and improves fuel efficiency by around five percent. The 2.0 TFSI has featured this technology ever since being launched.

The TDI – the most successful efficiency technology in the world
Audi put the TDI principle into passenger car production almost 20 years ago, at a time when it was a landmark development for the entire automotive industry. The TDI has long since become established as the most successful efficiency technology in the world, and Audi has gradually extended its lead in this field.

The TDI engines fit in with Audi's downsizing strategy. The four-cylinder diesel develops an impressive 125 kW (170 hp) from its two-liter engine. It delivers 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque and covers 100 kilometers on an average of just 6.7 liters of fuel (35.11 US mpg) in the Audi Q5. The top diesel in the Q5 is the 3.0 TDI, a V6 with an output of 176 kW (240 hp) and a massive 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque. Its average consumption over 100 kilometers is just 7.5 liters (31.36 US mpg).

The high torque values at low revs have allowed the engineers to select slightly higher transmission ratios without undermining dynamic performance. The peak torque is achieved at a very early point on all engines in the Audi Q5 – the 2.0 TFSI, for instance, already achieves its 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) at 1,500 rpm, barely above idle speed. The Q5 thus handles supremely well at low revs – with correspondingly good fuel efficiency.

The modular efficiency platform
Audi uses a whole raft of new technologies that are referred to by the umbrella term of "modular efficiency platform" both in the Q5 and in a number of other models. A new vane pump for the power steering delivers only as much oil as is necessary at any given operating point. The automatic air conditioning's cooling circuit, too, operates extremely economically. The oil pump is regulated by the volumetric flow and therefore always operates on demand. Systematic fine-tuning has reduced the internal friction of all engines.

Temperature management is another new technology. Part of the coolant circuit is isolated during the warm-up phase, helping the engine to reach its operating temperature faster – this, too, boosts efficiency. The saving in everyday driving is considerable because this form of use involves a high proportion of short trips.

All versions of the Q5 – as well as all engine versions of the A4 Sedan and A4 Avant – recover energy while coasting, in other words during braking and freewheeling. The alternator is then able to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery. The battery releases the energy when the car accelerates, reducing the engine's workload.

Each of these measures from the modular efficiency platform boosts fuel efficiency by between one and four tenths of a liter over 100 kilometers. The combined effect of these measures is to improve overall fuel efficiency by around 15 percent, or about 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer (48.28 g/mile).

Audi is forging ahead with its efficiency strategy in every area of the vehicle. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, features a shift indicator in the driving area; this recommends the most economical gear to the driver. The new, refined navigation system also promotes efficient driving. The MMI navigation plus system can work out the most fuel-efficient route for the driver.

Audi fits the new seven-speed S tronic – a state-of-the-art dual-clutch transmission – on the three most powerful engine versions. With its lightning-fast, ultra-convenient gearshifts it is extremely sporty in response but also highly effective, with a broad spread of ratios from the lowest to the highest gear. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is currently the most efficient transmission technology.

The Audi Q5, the sports model in the SUV category, also redefines the benchmark for handling. The new reduced rolling resistance tires play a major part in its dynamic handling. They are virtually indistinguishable from conventional tires when it comes to lateral stability and stopping distance, but significantly reduce rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption.

The exterior is another decisive factor. The basic version of the new Audi Q5 achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.33 – the best in its field of competitors. This is due not only to its basic aerodynamic form but also to technical features such as the underbody panel. The frontal area measures just 2.65 m2 (28.52 ft2) owing to the relatively low body; this, too, promotes a favorable airflow around the car. Although this is scarcely noticeable in consumption figures calculated on the test rig, it has a major effect when driving down the freeway.

Audi relies on a concept of holistic optimization of energy and has already proved on multiple occasions that efficiency and sportiness are not mutually exclusive. This was most recently evident in the impressive third victory of the R10 TDI at the Le Mans 24 Hours. In the toughest endurance race in the world, every drop of fuel matters – and as Audi once again demonstrated, whoever uses less will come out in front.

Image gallery : New Audi Q5

Official : Audi Q5 unveiled in China








Official : Audi Q5













Official : Technical





[Source : Audi AG, Germany]

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Hong Kong - A month ahead of the Olympics, Volkswagen has unveiled the first convoy vehicles with an Olympic design to the Hong Kong public. The Volkswagen Passat, Passat Variant, and Touran are the three Olympic models in the 180-car support fleet, together with repair and maintenance services, Volkswagen Hong Kong Limited is providing for the Beijing 2008 Equestrian Event as the Official Automobile Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.



Mr Till Scheer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Hong Kong Limited, officially delivered the cars to Mr Lam Woon Kwong, CEO of the Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited, in a handover ceremony at the new Volkswagen Hong Kong Centre today. The new showroom is located at 223-227 Wanchai Road.

"Volkswagen is proud to be a partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.We share the Olympic spirit. In a month, men and women from all over the world will converge in Beijing to compete for Olympic Gold. They know the meaning of sportsmanship and they know what it means to strive for excellence," Mr Scheer said.

"So does Volkswagen. The Volkswagen brand plays in the first league in many important automobile markets around the world, and especially in China, because of our pursuit of excellence in delivering product quality and technology leadership to our customers. "

"Volkswagen Hong Kong is new but we do not do things in half measure, as our sponsorship of 180 cars as Olympic Official Fleet, together with repair and maintenance services, for the Beijing 2008 Equestrian Event in Hong Kong shows. I am pleased to say that the team here has risen to the challenge of providing the Olympic Equestrian Event with the kind of quality service and support for which Volkswagen is known the world over."

Volkswagen has been in China for more than 20 years and is the largest and most successful automaker in the country. As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Partner, Volkswagen will provide financial, automotive and other levels of support for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), the China Olympic Committee, as well as the Chinese Olympic teams participating in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and 2008 Olympic Games, including the Equestrian Event taking place in Hong Kong.

"Our sponsorship of the Beijing 2008 Olympics is our way of demonstrating our community spirit with the people of China, which we plan to continue for many more years to come," Mr Scheer said. "We are very pleased to be able to do our part to spread the spirit of the Olympic Games in Hong Kong as well as in mainland China."

Volkswagen also shares the BOCOG's objectives for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

"Green Olympics, High Tech Olympics and People's Olympics" – these are all are in line with Volkswagen's long-standing belief and efforts in the areas of environmental protection, technological advancement and community focus," Mr Scheer said.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen conducted its Green Future Environmental Initiatives in seven Olympic cities including Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the initiative aimed to teach children about environmental protection and the Olympics.

The 180 Volkswagen cars for the Beijing 2008 Equestrian Event are part of the 6,000 vehicle commitment Volkswagen has made to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Almost 1,000 Volkswagen vehicles are being provided to accompany the Olympic torch in its journey through Hong Kong and mainland China from May 2 to August 8, and 5,000 Volkswagen vehicles have been provided to BOCOG for use as official vehicles during the Olympics.

[Source : Volkswagen, China]

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HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has freshened its globally popular Demio compact car for the Japanese market. It goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including consumption tax) range from 1,190,000 to 1,580,000 yen.



The updated Demio comes with refined interior and exterior styling. Two vivid exterior body colors — Passion Orange Mica and Golden Red Mica — have been newly added to the range. Inside, the standard black seats have been enlivened with a multistripe pattern, and the steering wheel features bright silver spokes.

Mazda’s ‘Audio-less’ specification is now standard across the entire model range, providing customers with the freedom to choose their desired audio system. This revision makes the base price for some of the available models even more affordable.

Main features of the freshened Mazda Demio

Exterior
The range of exterior body colors has been expanded with Passion Orange Mica and Golden Red Mica. (Golden Red Mica was available for the special edition ‘Chiara’ Demio.)

Interior
- New ‘Multi Black’ seats energize the interior with the addition of a multistripe pattern to the standard black seats. (For all grades except SPORT)
- The steering wheel has shiny silver spokes. (For all grades except SPORT)
- Tachometer with white background as standard. (For 13C-V and 13C grades)

Other features
- ‘Audio-less’ specification (the center panel has a free space) provides customers with the freedom to choose their desired audio system. (New to all grades except 13S; came as standard on original 13S grade.)
- A total of six-speakers are set in the front and rear doors and in the door mirror garnishes. (For SPORT grade)

Preview Images :




[Source : Mazda]

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BEIJING,PRC. - About 500 vehicles that run on a range of alternative fuels were handed over to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad here on Friday. They'll provide what's been billed as zero-emission transportation during the Games.



According to Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, the vehicles include 53 electric buses, 25 hybrid buses, 75 hybrid taxis, 20 fuel-cell cars and more than 320 other electric vehicles.

The eco-friendly traffic plan for the Beijing Games is said to feature the largest range of models and most advanced technology in the event's history. Many renowned auto research organizations, universities and companies are involved in this project, including Tsinghua and Tongji universities, Chery Automobile, Chang'an Motors and others.

Wan said, "As for the development of science and technology, it is not just an exhibit during the Olympics, it is also the start of an industry."

Among the vehicles, six car models from six companies are waiting for approval to start manufacturing.

Wan said if the vehicles worked well during the Games, their success would take China's alternative-fuel vehicle industry to a higher level and make the vehicle industry more internationally competitive.

The vehicles will remain in service after the Games, Wan said.

[Source : Xinhua ; Images courtesy of China Car Times]

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The Koreans have made a come back into the Chinese market with a surprise attack from the China only Hyundai Elantra. The new Elantra has gained top spot by a large lead over its rival the Corolla in June.



June 2008 Auto Sales Results in China

1. Hyundai Elantra - 24,257 cars sold (May 20,446)
2. Toyota Corolla 19,722 (May 19,924)
3. VW Santana 19,481 (May 16,144)
4. VW Jetta 17,135 (May 16,232)
5. Buick Excelle15,560 (May 11,139)
6. Chery QQ 12,073 (May 9167)
7. 7th Gen Honda Accord 12,042 (May 15,917)
8. Toyota Camry 10,386 (May 12,349)
9. Ford Focus 9,755 (May 9,567)
10. Chevrolet Lova/Aveo 9,520 (May 11,337)

A good month for smaller cars, with bigger cars such as the new Accord and Honda Camry falling down the ranks, probably as a result of the massive hike in fuel prices although the high rise in fuel costs probably wont hit the sales results until the end of July.

[Source : China Car Times]

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