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GM, Ford doing well in China, despite slow sales at home Filed under: China, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials, By the Numbers 
While domestic sales continue to slide, the auto market in China is thriving. Both General Motors and Ford have reported double-digit sales growth for the first-half of 2008 in the world's most populace country, with GM moving 590,126 Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac vehicles for a total sales increase of 12.7 percent, while Ford sold 172,411 units for 21 percent jump in growth. With China recognized as the second-largest vehicle market outside the United States, and with their economy forecasted to grow by at least nine percent this year, automakers in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. are investing heavily to expand sales and production in the Chinese market. It is worth noting that vehicle sales in China have been nearly immune to the increase in global oil prices as governmental controls keep diesel and gasoline prices among the world's lowest.
[Source: Detroit News] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen releases three concepts... from 2028 Filed under: Concept Cars, Time Warp, Green, Volkswagen 
Click the above image of the Ego for more shots of VW's 2028 concepts
For years, Inquiring minds have been imagining what the world will look like in the not-too-distant future, and, as you're no doubt aware, our brains have a knack for envisioning more than our feeble hands can produce. That appears to be the case with Volkswagen and its look 20 years into the future of the automobile. So, with that in mind, what does VeeDub see as the future of transportation in twenty years? To begin with, customizable cars which can be summoned up in just minutes. Traveling alone? Choose the One, a single-seater, for the smallest footprint possible. Want to have some fun? Choose the aptly named Ego, a sporty two passenger coupe with an instant custom flame job. If you need to haul the whole clan, the future's family truckster VW Room needs no driver, leaving you with plenty of quality time with the kids.
Volkswagen envisions vehicles which communicate with each other, meaning that driver involvement is kept to a minimum, traffic is a thing of the past and accidents are completely avoided. Of course, no vision of the future would be complete without the elimination of fossil fuels, and VW sees to it that biofuels and electricity power the cars of the future. Interestingly, the not-so-futuristic up! concept is used as the starting point for the German automaker's future designs. Head on over to the micro-site for more.
[Source: Volkswagen 2028] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case Filed under: Green, Porsche, UK 
London motorists can rejoice after a planned £25 daily congestion charge was lifted by a signature of consent order by an administrative court in London. Porsche was a major voice against the charge, and the German automaker went full-tilt in the courts to throw out former mayor Ken Livingstone's hefty tax. The proposed tax likely didn't do much good for Livingsone's re-election campaign, which he lost to Boris Johnson in May, who campaigned against the charge.
As the victor in the case, Porsche will receive a six-figure lump sum to pay its legal bills, but the German automaker isn't interested in the money. The money will be donated to UK-based Skidz, which teaches at-risk kids to be automotive mechanics. Mayor Johnson will now work to introduce a 'fairer and more effective' congestion charge. Hit the jump for a bit of Porsche gloating in press release form.
[Source: Autoblog Green]Continue reading Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case Permalink | Email this | Comments
The Stig climbs aboard Batman's Tumbler Filed under: Celebrities 
We don't have any details on when this happened or if when Top Gear will air the man in white piloting Batman's meanest machine. But with the Tumbler making its recent appearance at the British GP with Toyota, was there any doubt that something like this was going to go down? We're taking bets about what kind of time the Tumbler is going to set around the TG test track. Check out the current Power Lap times and make your own predictions in the comments below.
[Source: Carfront] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
MINI dealers to sell Alfa Romeos in the U.S. Filed under: Car Buying, MINI, Alfa Romeo 
As reported earlier, BMW and Fiat will be teaming up on a new front-wheel-drive, small car platform that will underpin the next MINI and future Fiats and Alfa Romeos. Now comes word from Automotive News that the partnership will also include the two automakers collaborating on Alfa Romeo's return to the States in 2010 and the introduction of a new model, code-named "project 940."
Fiat's statement included the line, "as part of a possible cooperation, BMW Group will provide Fiat Group Automobiles with support in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market." Furthermore, a Fiat spokesperson told AN, "MINI U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars."
Alfa's return to the U.S. has been compared to the resurrection of MINI a few years back, and if Fiat can use the same nostalgia-laced branding, innovative ad campaigns and funky dealer experience, it will have a serious chance at success in the U.S. market.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, BMW 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.
KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.
The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.
Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," - with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.
[Source: KGP] Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: 600 hp Veritas RS III officially revealed Filed under: Supercars 
Click above for a gallery of the Veritas RSIII.
Vermot AG, the company behind the production version of the Veritas RS III, has finally released the official details on its revival of the iconic German racer from the '40s. The Veritas RS III will tip the scales at just under 2,400 pounds and is made up of a tubular frame and a carbon/Kevlar body. Although Vermot designed the RS III as a race car for the modern age, it doesn't use any of the electronic aids found on other track-day rides - ABS and stability control aren't available.
What is available is a choice of two drivetrains: a BMW-sourced, 600 hp 5.0-liter V10 mated to a sequential transmission or a 480 hp, 5.0-liter V8 equipped with a manual gearbox. Vermot estimates that the V10 will run to 62 in 3.2 seconds, while the V8 can do the deed in 3.6 seconds. Top speed is predicted at 215 mph and 204 mph, respectively.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but with an independent suspension, Ohlins shocks, TRW Racing 6-pot brakes, Brabham wheels sized 20x10.5 in front and 20x12.5 in the rear, don't expect it to come cheap.
And remember those pics of the Veritas RS II concept running the 'Ring? You can see the fruits of their cinematic labor after the jump, along with the official press release.
[Source: Vermot via WCF]Continue reading VIDEO: 600 hp Veritas RS III officially revealed Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pursuit Vehicle: Overfinch unveils tricked out Range Rover Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Land Rover, UK 
Click for hi-res gallery of Overfinch's RR Country PursuitsTake a ride through Los Angeles and you very well might see a Range Rover with a gun rack, but even with those giant spinners it won't be as pimpin' as Overfinch's Range Rover Country Pursuits Concept. Although labeled as a concept vehicle, the Overfinch Country Pursuits is available for order for a cost-no-object $287,000.
 The show car unveiled at the London Salon Privé appeared resplendent in Aubergine purple with custom bodykit, including custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, roof spoiler and exhaust tips. Inside it's all posh in Light Avocado and Cordovan leather with Olive Ash wood trim, plus a specially-crafted gun compartment complete with three sliding drawers for a removable gun case, ammo, and -- just to round things out -- a crystal stemware set. But just in case you thought it was all show, Overfinch has tuned the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 from 396hp all the way up to 470, along with fitting Brembo brakes with silver branded calipers and a special on-the-fly adjustable suspension. We know this is targeted as the ultimate hunting accessory, but frankly we're not sure who would be buying such a vehicle, nor are we sure we'd want to meet him.
[Source: CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
HItting $2,500 difficult for Tata's Nano as steel prices rise Filed under: Economy, India, Tata 
The Tata Nano exudes frugality, and when you're trying to build a capable vehicle for a paltry $2,500, that's not exactly unexpected. Unfortunately for the Indian automaker, the quickly rising cost of steel may thwart plans to hit the magic price-point. The price of steel has risen by 50 percent in less than a year, and even though the little Nano is only 1,300 lbs, when you're making an econobox on the mega-cheap, every penny counts. Like US automakers have done in the past, Tata is looking to its suppliers to shoulder some of the financial burden. Amazingly, the suppliers are okay with that, provided that Tata does its share.
Even with concessions from suppliers, it's still up in the air as to whether Tata will achieve its lofty target. It appears using a nice round price as a selling point for a vehicle that's a year away wasn't such a good idea after all.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BMW and Fiat teaming up for new small car platform Filed under: Euro, BMW, MINI, FIAT, Rumormill 
Fiat wants to become the platform-sharing kings of Europe, and with deals with Tata, Suzuki, Ford, and PSA, the Italian automaker is well on its way. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News Europe that another cooperation would be announced tomorrow, but details were scarce. Suppliers in the know are saying that a new deal is imminent to share the next generation Punto platform with BMW. The platform would be used to underpin the third generation MINI, which would help keep BMW engineers out of the FWD business and cut costs for Fiat at the same time. Fiat has been trying to produce a competitor to the popular MINI Cooper, and now it appears the Italian automaker will be working with an even playing field when it comes to platforms.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows 
The London Motor Show opens up on July 22nd and with it, comes a new concept from Honda, the Open Study Model or OSM. The lightweight, two-seater, open-air sports car is another design study by Honda that attempts to blend performance and sustainable motoring into a comprehensive package. Designed by Honda's R&D center in Offenbach, Germany, the OSM is a vehicle in the same environmentally friendly vein as the CR-Z concept unveiled in Tokyo last year, considered to be a low emissions alternative to the traditional sports coupe.
The CR-Z is still slated to be released sometime next year, but Honda insists that the OSM is strictly a design study and is not confirmed for production. However, as OSM (read: awesome) as it may be, it's not the next S2000, according to Honda spokesperson Steve Kirk.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Steve Saleen celebrates 25 years with 720-horsepower anniversary Mustang concept Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford 
Click above for a high resolution image
If you've noticed that there are more than a handful of Mustang variations out there, then consider Steve Saleen a trend setter. He's been tweaking Mustangs for 25 years now, and even though he and Saleen, Inc. parted ways last year, Steve has continued to work on Ford's ponycar with his new company, SMS Limited. While SMS released a rendering of an upcoming Challenger back in May, this 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept is the first actual vehicle the company has built. It features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 720 horsepower, carbon fiber bodywork, 15-inch brakes, carbon fiber exterior trim, and a custom leather interior with two-tone seats. The SMS Mustang also has a unique Red Butterfly induction system and a pretty trick Light Blade taillight system. Follow the jump for a history of Steve Saleen's career and a complete list of features of the SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept.
[Source: SMS Limited] Continue reading Steve Saleen celebrates 25 years with 720-horsepower anniversary Mustang concept Permalink | Email this | Comments
Maserati hosts Salon Privé just for the ladies Filed under: Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows, UK 
Click for hi-res gallery of Maserati's Salon Privé Ladies' Day
English grammar doesn't assign gender to inanimate objects, but if there was ever any doubt that Italian sportscars were feminine, Maserati's latest event should put the issue to rest. The Trident marque's British subsidiary recently hosted a special event just for female clients. Held at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London, the Salon Privé Ladies' Day was headlined by our favorite supermodel Joie Kidd and Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson (reportedly the first woman to win a race behind the wheel of a Maserati).
The event included an exclusive fashion preview at Maria Grachvogels Sloane Street store followed by a private viewing of the high-performance S versions of both the GranTurismo and new Quattroporte. Funds raised went towards the Prince's Trust. Check out the images in the gallery and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maserati] Continue reading Maserati hosts Salon Privé just for the ladies Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo's suitor of the week: China's Chery Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Volvo  Following up on our report last month about Volvo possibly going to the Chinese, state media is now reporting that Chery Automobile, one of the largest independent and fastest growing Chinese auto manufacturers, has its eyes on the Swedish automaker. Although officials at Chery rule out the possibility of buying Volvo, other sources have stated that the Chinese automaker has already negotiated funding for a possible acquisition. If so, that funding will be significant-insiders put Volvo's value at 30 billion yuan (about $4.4 billion dollars). This isn't the first time that Ford has been rumored to be cashing-out on Volvo... however, it was just two months ago that Ford officials reiterated that Volvo was not for sale. We wouldn't bet our yuan on it.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo Trucks roll down the catwalk (down the catwalk, yeah) Filed under: Etc., Volvo 
Click for hi-res gallery of Volvo Trucks clothing
Trucker chic isn't exactly the same in Europe as it is in America, where every tool with a practical-joke or retro-themed television show is punkin' out the mesh-backed trucker hats. Case in point: the new apparel collection launched by Volvo Trucks.
Although the fashion-forward collection might seem more aligned with Volvo's latest passenger cars than commercial vehicles, remember that, since 1999, the two divisions are separately owned (one independent, the other by Ford... for now) and both share the same name and logo. Commendably, Volvo Trucks didn't just slap its name on some t-shirts and backpacks and called it a day. The recently launched collection consists of more than 100 items, on which the company's designers collaborated with IKEA fashion designers for over a year. The line includes leather jackets sporting shoulder sections modeled on the company's trademark grille and watches shaped like the cabin's instruments. Clever, eh? We don't know who is driving the big-rigs on that side of the pond, but the Volvo Trucks collection has things for the whole family, including men, women and even children - like baby tees with UV protection to safeguard their fair Swedish skin. The items are available via the company's online shop at www.volvotrucks.com/merchandise. In the meantime, you can check out the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.
[Source: Volvo Trucks] Continue reading Volvo Trucks roll down the catwalk (down the catwalk, yeah) Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009 Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet 
Chevrolet has big... well... smallish plans for Paris, where the automaker will unveil an "all-new" compact vehicle dubbed the Cruze. Born from Chevy's global design and engineering team, the Cruze will sport many of the exterior elements we've seen on recent concepts, so expect lots of angular lines, a high belt-line and a squat greenhouse. The Cruze will supposedly be able to handle a parcel of five passengers, along with whatever junk they can fit in the trunk, and will measure in at 4.6 meters (181 inches) -- think of it as the next Cobalt.
After its world premier in the City of Lights this October, the Cruze will go on sale across Europe in the spring of 2009, and, according to the press release below the fold, will be available in "other global regions" afterwards.Continue reading All-new Chevrolet Cruze coming to Paris, sales begin Spring 2009 Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 07.08.2008 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green 
click image to visit AutoblogGreen
Ooooh, a real Prius with a solar panel. Too sweet. And a paper Mitsubishi i MiEV? Double sweet. And we get to see the production version of the Chevy Volt soon? Sweet yet again. More sweetness available at AutoblogGreen.
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Abarth releases limited-edition 500 "Opening Edition" Filed under: Hatchbacks, FIAT, Special/Limited Editions 
Click for hi-res gallery of Fiat 500 Abarth Opening EditionAt its unveiling at this past March's Geneva show, it was immediately apparent that Abarth had carried off a transformation of the Fiat 500 from a demure retro-hatch into a veritable pocket rocket. But for those for whom the 135 hp turbo four is just not enough, the performance division has unveiled a new limited edition "500 Abarth Opening Edition".
 Although the name might suggest a convertible, the 500 Opening Edition is a fixed-roof hot-hatch distinguished by a 160hp engine, dropping a half-second off the conventional 500 Abarth's 0-60 time, now down to a sprightly 7.4 seconds. The Opening Edition also gets red brake calipers behind special 17" alloys in white or titanium finish, tinted glass and a revised interior with red leather and special badging with a serial number plate. Available in either pearl white or Campovolo gray (the latter available with a red-and-white checkered roof), only 100 examples of the 500 Abarth Opening Edition will be offered, complete with a special car cover to keep the exclusive vehicle protected from the elements.
Check out the big gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.
[Source: CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Japan's automakers focus on weight loss, one ounce at a time Filed under: Japan, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota 
Automakers across the globe are in a frenzy to produce highly efficient, fuel saving vehicles that remain relatively inexpensive, yet still offering the modern conveniences and safety features consumers have grown to expect. While development on advanced drivetrains is going strong at almost every automaker, Japan's big four (Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda) realize that performance and efficiency gains aren't the exclusive purview of what's under the hood. The hood itself is part of equation.Continue reading Japan's automakers focus on weight loss, one ounce at a time Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The wait is over. First U.S. Nissan GT-R delivered at 12:01 AM Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Nissan UPDATED with video from our friends at Streetfire.
After we've had to adore the turbocharged Skyline GT-R from afar for nearly two decades, Nissan is officially selling its game-changing super coupe on U.S. shores for the first time. In a late night ceremony at a Universal City, California dealership, Daryl Alison took delivery of the very first GT-R sold Stateside - by the automaker. The event included all the pomp and circumstance you'd expect, including an appearance by notorious hot-shoe, Steve Millen. Alison, a long-time Nissan fan whose garage has housed a number of sports cars, including several 350Zs, was grinning from ear-to-ear while he got a rundown on this black GT-R in Premium trim. Not surprisingly, Alison paid sticker price ($72,900) for his GT-R, likely to be the first and last to do so as owners begin taking delivery of their own GT-Rs in the following weeks.
Hit the jump for the full press release from Nissan.
Continue reading The wait is over. First U.S. Nissan GT-R delivered at 12:01 AM Permalink | Email this | Comments
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