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Honda Pilot Headed to NAIAS
2007-12-16 16:08:00
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at...

Saleen Supercharged Limited Edition American Flag
2007-12-16 16:08:00
Saleen salutes the American military with the production of twenty-four limited edition AF (American Flag ) supercharged S281 vehicles. The supercharged Saleen AF S281 celebrates our American heritage with a patriotic color pallet (8 red, 8 white, 8 blue vehicles), unique graphics package, a 465 hp supercharged engine, tuned suspension and 20 inch wheels and tires starting at $49,995. "We wanted to take time during the holiday season to honor the men and women that serve our country at home and abroad," said Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. "Our armed forces represent the best of the American spirit and we want to honor that spirit in our vehicles." The program was developed when Saleen began receiving emails from soldiers returning from Iraq stating that they had purchased a Saleen to reward themselves. In keeping with Saleen's strong American heritage, the American Flag vehicles will be dedicated to the men and women who fight for our country everyday. Th...
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30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK
2007-12-16 16:06:00
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK. Over the past four decades, more than 15,800,000 units have been sold across the globe, making it one of the most popular cars in the world. The first Accord went on sale in the UK in 1977 after being initially launched in the US and Japan. Seven generations on, Accord has evolved into a significant corporate model equipped with the latest advanced technology, great driving dynamics, an acclaimed diesel engine and a steadfast reputation for reliability. The next generation Accord will go on sale in the UK in summer 2008, and production versions of both the Saloon and Tourer versions will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. During 2007, Accord has been highly-commended in the What Car? Reliability survey and earned the prestigious award of ?most reliable model? in Fleet News?s respected industry survey ? the FN50. This success is mirrored by Accord?s rapidly improving status in the corporate sector, with 62 ...
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Maserati has entered into a partnership with Ferragamo
2007-12-16 16:05:00
Maserati has entered into a prestigious partnership with Ferragamo , the world leader in the production of luxury accessories, to interpret the outstanding class of the stunning GranTurismo with a sleek luggage set made from exclusive high-quality materials. This unique partnership will seduce even the most passionate devotees of Italian luxury. The GranTurismo?s grille provides the inspiration for the exquisite luggage set, and the emotive slogan ?Salvatore Ferragamo for Maserati? is embossed on each individual part of the set. To celebrate the arrival in the UK of the first Maserati GranTurismos and this partnership, Ferragamo?s London flagship store at 24 Old Bond Street is currently displaying the complete luggage set in their window until Monday 24th December 2007. The luggage set is available in two leather finishes: ?Firenze?, hand-boarded calfskin which has a clean, smooth appearance, and is available in dark brown or Maserati blue; alternatively ?Modena? a sportier finis...
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Buyers prefer their used cars with less than 60,000 miles on the clock
2007-12-16 16:04:00
Potential used car buyers continue to discriminate against vehicles with higher mileages, according to EurotaxGlass?s.The company has compared the trade prices and mileages of over 200,000 vehicles, identifying a steady increase in rates of depreciation as odometer readings rise. The analysis indicates that, for the average three-year-old car, the highest falls in value are apparent between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.EurotaxGlass?s used as its benchmark a three-year-old car with a typical 40,000 miles. If the same make, model and age of car had covered 50,000 miles, the trade value would be 4 per cent lower. However, from 60,000 up to 100,000 miles, the financial penalty increases to 5 per cent for each multiple of 10,000 miles.?As soon as a car passes the 60,000 mile threshold, the penalties increase because perceived desirability falls,? comments Adrian Rushmore, Managing Editor at EurotaxGlass?s. ?There remains an additional stigma attached to a used car with more than 100,000 ...
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General Motors Refuses to Pay Christmas Bonuses to 25,000 IUE-CWA Retirees
2007-12-16 16:02:00
General Motors is playing Scrooge in a big way this holiday season, at least in the eyes of their 25,000 GM/Delphi IUE-CWA retirees, by refusing to provide their "Christmas Bonus." The bonus actually is a lump sum payment provided in December and is used by many IUE-CWA retirees to buy Christmas and holiday gifts for their families.IUE-CWA has been negotiating with GM since early October for a new contract covering 2,500 workers at the Moraine, Ohio, SUV assembly plant. GM has told IUE-CWA that it will not pay the lump sum payment to retirees until an agreement has been reached.President Jim Clark of IUE-CWA said GM's decision was shameful, especially coming in the weeks just before Christmas. "I am very disappointed in GM's decision to withhold the Christmas lump sum payment to thousands of retirees. These retired workers, who live on a fixed income, count every dollar, especially in today's economy with gasoline, oil and food prices skyrocketing. To deprive them of the ability ...
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Lexus Announces Pricing on Certain 2008 Models and 2009 RX 350
2007-12-16 16:02:00
Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Lexus ES 350, Lexus LS 460, and Lexus IS model luxury sedans, and the 2008 Lexus RX 400h and 2009 Lexus RX 350 luxury utility vehicles. The Lexus ES 350 entry luxury sedan MSRP will increase 0.3 percent, or $100, to $33,820. The IS entry luxury sport sedans will increase 0.3 percent overall, or $100. The IS 250 rear-wheel drive model with a manual transmission will carry an MSRP of $30,555, while the IS 250 rear-wheel drive automatic will have an MSRP of $31,725. The IS 250 all-wheel drive and the IS 350 models will have an MSRP of $34,185 and $36,005, respectively. The MSRP for the LS 460 flagship luxury sedan will increase 0.8 percent, or $500, to $62,000 for the LS 460 and $72,000 for the LS 460 L. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle MSRP will increase 0.2 percent overall, or $100, to $41,280 for the RX 400h front-wheel drive, and $42,680 for the all-wheel-drive model. The 2009 L...
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NAIAS: Land Rover LRX concept
2007-12-16 15:43:00
Land Rover unveils a vision of its future at the NAIAS (Detroit Show) in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand?s progressive shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability focussed technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world. "The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different Land Rover. "LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you'd expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where thebrand has ne...
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Ford of Europe Sales Rise 3.2 Per Cent in November 2007
2007-12-14 21:30:00
A strong performance in November has put Ford of Europe on course for record 2007 sales. With demand for its stylish new models continuing to rise, the company sold 149,600 cars and commercial vehicles in November 2007, an increase of 3.2 per cent over the same month last year. Ford's November market share was 8.7 per cent. Highlights: * Ford of Europe sales increase by 4,700 in November to 149,600 * Year-to-date sales rise by 5.4 per cent to 1,680,900 The Ford Focus led the way with sales rising to more than 41,000 units, strongly supported by the Ford Fiesta, and the acclaimed all-new Ford Mondeo. Showing its enduring appeal, the Fiesta sold 27,500 units, with the Ford Fusion adding a further 9,850. Ford Mondeo sales increased almost 55 per cent, to 15,675 units, as the new model continues to win praise from both press and public. Ford's commercial vehicles also remain in demand. Sales of the Ford Transit increased by over 6.4 per cent to 20,150 vehicles, while the Transit...
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Dodge Promotion Aims to Aid Ailing Relationships of Car Freaks
2007-12-14 21:29:00
Zach Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo., has been named the winner of the Dodge brand?s ?Are You Tuned Out?? search for the nation?s most ?tuned-out? car enthusiast and vehicle tuner. Nominated by his fiancée, Tricia Champagne, Madrid represents the 63 percent of men who, according to a survey conducted by Dodge and Ipsos Public Affairs1, are ?tuned in? to their cars and trucks, sometimes at the expense of their personal relationships. 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 In her nomination essay, Champagne said Madrid is completely ?tuned-out,? so much so that she has no chance of having a ?civilized conversation? with him if there is any sort of car show on television. According to Champagne, Madrid has sketch books full of visions, concepts and customized versions of his favorite Dodge cars, and has memorized the exact horsepower and torque for the entire SRT lineup. ?The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is awesome. I can?t believe I?m going to have a brand new one sitting in my driveway,? said Madrid. ?I ne...
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New Mercedes System Warns Tired Drivers
2007-12-14 21:29:00
A new type of assistance system, designed by Mercedes -Benz to warn the driver of tiredness and the dreaded phenomenon of nodding off at the wheel is now undergoing a final test phase. The system uses various sensors to analyze driving behavior and recognizes tiredness-related changes in the driver?s personal driving style. In this event the driver is prompted to take a break. Once all of the tests have been completed, the system will go into series production at Mercedes-Benz in 2009. Mercedes-Benz Safety System s for Tire d Drivers Official statistics cite tiredness as the reason behind around one percent of all serious traffic accidents. However, experts believe that the number of unattributed cases of this type of accident is significantly higher, as tiredness is often a factor which is impossible to ascertain or prove when reconstructing the accident. According to the latest European studies, 24 to 33 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve overtired drivers. This means tha...

Honda Pilot Prototype Headed to North American International Auto Show
2007-12-14 21:28:00
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced. Honda Pilot Prototype sketch The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience. The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007). Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda CR-...

Nissan Qashqai Hits 100,000 European Sales
2007-12-14 21:27:00
Sales reach 100,000 in nine months Nissan ?s compact crossover, the Nissan Qashqai has just hit the landmark of 100,000 customer sales in Europe. Sales began in March and the 100,000th customer sale was completed during the last week of November. 2007 Nissan QASHQAI The UK, Russia and Italy are the Nissan Qashqai?s three largest markets, with sales at the end of November of 17,554, 15,376 and 10,746 units respectively since launch. Furthermore, demand for Qashqai in countries such as Austria, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia and Norway has dramatically exceeded expectations. Indeed, the Nissan Qashqai has exceeded all sales forecasts since its launch in March. To meet demand for the car in Europe, production was increased by 20% in June at the factory in Sunderland, England, where it is manufactured. And starting this month, the manufacture of the Japanese version of Qashqai will be transferred from Sunderland to Nissan?s factory in Kyushu, Japan, freeing up extra production capac...
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2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR Lands Starring Role on Knight Rider
2007-12-14 21:27:00
When the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR launches this spring don't be surprised if there's some confusion over what the letters "KR" stand for. While the super car has been known to racing fans as "King of the Road? since 1968, it's about to star in a remake of the hit TV series Knight Rider making mix-ups inevitable. 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR "It's purely a coincidence and a nice one at that,"" said Al Uzielli a senior advisor, to Ford Global Brand Entertainment the Ford office in Beverly Hills which works to place Ford branded vehicles in movies, TV and other media. "Auto enthusiasts will know what KR stands for. But most viewers will probably think it means Knight Rider ; at least at first." The popular American television series which ran from 1982 to 1986 starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a kind of modern day "knight". His partner was an advanced Pontiac Trans Am with artificial intelligence. Not only could it talk, it could morph into an attack vehicle that accelerated t...
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2008 Opel Agila Mini Monocab Starts from 9,990 Euros
2007-12-14 21:25:00
Featuring high practicality at an affordable price, the new Opel Agila can now be ordered from 9,990 euros and will be available at dealerships from spring 2008 . The new Opel mini monocab offers plenty of feel-good space for family and friends, as well as up to 1050 liters of cargo capacity despite the car?s compact exterior length of 3.74 meters. 2008 Opel Agila: © GM Corp. The new Opel Agila is the youngest member of the highly successful Opel monocab family. A monocab is distinguishable by its hood line that flows without a visible break into the combined passenger and luggage compartment. Thanks to this design and clever innovative details, the fully fledged five-door, five-seat mini monocab can set standards in space economy and variability ? just like the small Opel Meriva and compact Opel Zafira monocab have already done. The Meriva has been the top-selling small monocab in Europe since its launch in 2003, and leads the overall monocab segment together with the Opel Zafira. T...
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Toyota Announces Pricing For 2008 Toyota Sequoia
2007-12-14 21:24:00
Sequoia Adds 105 More Horsepower With Nearly 12 Percent Better Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions Torrance, CA -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new second-generation 2008 Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), ranging from $34,150 to $55,600. A 5.7-liter V8 engine is now available. In addition to an improvement of 105 horsepower, fuel economy was increased by nearly 12 percent on the highway compared to the standard 4.7-liter V8. The 5.7-liter engine is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) and provides an available towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. 2008 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Scheduled to go on sale in late December, the completely restyled 2008 Sequoia has more power to provide the necessary performance, comfort, and convenience to meet the demands of active families. It is offered in three grades ? SR5, Limited and the top-of-the-line all-new Platinum. The new DOHC 5.7-liter V8 engine ...
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: New 4MATIC generation
2007-12-14 21:20:00
In the C-Class Mercedes -Benz is offering a new generation of all-wheel-drive 4MATIC, which improves on previous all-wheel technology with higher efficiency, lower weight and more compact design. These advantages versus its predecessor are reflected in even better traction and more efficient fuel consumption of up to 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The 4MATIC models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC Estate The newly developed Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore operates with no reaction time, assisting the driver in unfavourable weather conditions such as rain, ice or snow. This enables him to manage critical situations with confidence. The centrepiece of the all-wheel system is a transfer case with a centre differential, which is integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. From here the drive torque is distributed to the front and rear axles in a 45:55 split. At just 60 to 70 kilograms (de...
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First Drive 2009 Nissan GT-R
2007-12-14 21:19:00
We're 20 feet from a production-spec 2009 Nissan GT-R at Sendai Highland Circuit, a raceway north of Tokyo. After years of staring at various concepts, prototypes and Nürburgring test mules of the GT-R, it's finally time to drive the finished product.An engineer waves us over after making his final checks, then hands us the keys with a smile so big you'd think he'd been knocking back Kirins since sunrise. We suspect he already knows what we came here to find out.Does the 2009 Nissan GT-R really deliver the performance of the Porsche 911 Turbo for half the price? Time to find out for ourselves.Getting Acquainted With GodzillaUnlike most supercars, the GT-R doesn't sit only 2 inches off the ground, so it's easy to slide into the driver seat. This is a Japanese-market car, so we're on the right-hand side, which makes everything feel awkward. The seat is firm and narrow, and the high center console gives the cabin a tight, cockpit-style feel.Start buttons aren't the novelty they...
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Suzuki A-Star Concept
2007-12-14 21:18:00
Suzuki has shown us the first shots of the Concept A-Star , its new baby city car with a definite Indian flavour.Due to be unveiled at the Dehli motor show in January, the Concept A-Star is a five-door hatch previewing Suzuki's forthcoming A-segment competitor.Designed in part by Suzuki's Indian partner Maruti, it'll go on sale in production form in both India and Europe during 2009, slotting below the Swift in the Suzuki line-up.For Maruti's first crack at a concept car, we reckon it's a fairly handsome effort, but it's not just the design that the Indian team has got involved in. The production version of the A-Star will be built solely in Maruti's Gargaon plant, and Suzuki expects to sell just shy of a million units a year by 2009. Expect to see a few around, in other words.Details on the A-Star are somewhat sketchy, but we know it'll be powered by a 1.0-litre aluminium petrol engine which is expected to produce less than 109g/km of CO2.Suzuki says it is considering a dies...
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Land Rover LRX Concept first official images
2007-12-14 21:17:00
Today Auto Motor und Sport published the first official images of the Land Rover LRX Concept that will be shown for the first time at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.The LRX is a two-door crossover with a coupè-like body that previews the future small Land Rover , which will be positioned under the Freelander. The production version is expected to make its debut in spring 2009.The car measures 435 cm in length and 155 in height, being shorter but, above all, quite a bit lower than the Freelander. The concept has aggressive air intakes, 20" rims and narrow head lights. In the side view there is a notably high belt line which creates along with the sloping roof profile a small glass surface, similar to a sports car one.The panoramic roof shows the futuristic interior, covered in two-tone leather and highlighted with polished aluminium trim. There are only four seats as the central tunnel is extended to the rear.The LRX is based on the Ford Focus platform and has a hybrid drive with the elect...
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2008 Honda Pilot Concept
2007-12-14 21:13:00
In a very brief release this morning, Honda confirmed its next-generation Pilot crossover will be shown as a concept at the upcoming Detroit auto show.Press releaseA prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).Additional Honda vehicles to...
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Ford Delivers First Escape Plug-In Hybrid To Southern California Edison
2007-12-12 05:05:00
First Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) delivered to Southern California Edison as part of unique partnership to advance commercialization of PHEVs ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 3 - Ford Motor Company?s first demonstration Escape Plug-In Hybrid is ready to roll on California roads. Ford today delivered the first of 20 research PHEVs to Southern California Edison to begin road testing as part of a unique partnership between the automaker and utility. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, can deliver up to 120 miles per gallon which would mean far fewer trips to the gas station. The vehicle uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours. When driven for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high...

GM Canada Receives Top Honours at the AJAC ?Best New? Vehicle Awards
2007-12-12 05:04:00
GM Canada was today honoured by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which named 4 GM entries as the best new vehicle in their respective categories. The recognition results from recent back-to-back driving evaluations of over 60 new vehicles at the recent AJAC Test Fest evaluation - the foundation of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) program. 2008 Saturn Astra XR Saturn Astra: Best New Small Car Saturn Vue: Best New CUV $35,000-$60,000 Buick Enclave: Best New CUV over $60,000 Chevrolet Silverado: Best New Pickup Truck Over 70 of Canada?s top automotive journalists judged this year?s competition which aims to provide consumers with sound, comparative information on new vehicles. ?We?re honoured by these awards from Canada?s top automotive journalists, which we think will help consumers appreciate the strides GM has made in terms of product design, technology, fuel efficiency and quality,? said Marc Comeau vice president of sales, service and m...
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Mercedes-Benz Sales Still On Target For Record-breaking 2007
2007-12-12 05:03:00
At 102,700 units, deliveries of Mercedes -Benz vehicles at highest level ever for the month of November Stuttgart -- Dec 06, 2007 -- Stuttgart ? Mercedes-Benz has set a new sales record for the period between January and November, with 1,079,400 units delivered (Jan.-Nov. 2006: 1,042,500 units). Sales rose by four percent compared to the same period of the previous year. By selling 102,700 passenger vehicles worldwide in November, Mercedes-Benz once again topped the high level set in November 2006 with 101,900 units sold. The Mercedes-Benz Cars division as a whole also established a new all-time high by selling a total of 1,169,900 units (Jan.-Nov. 2006: 1,147,600 units). In November alone, the division delivered 113,000 Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart passenger vehicles (Nov. 2006: 110,800 units). The new generation of the E-Class continues to be in great demand: since the beginning of 2007, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 150,000 units of this premium sedan worldwide. The new C- ...
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Fresh Drive for Opel Monocab Range
2007-12-12 05:03:00
Opel?s model range at the Bologna Motor Show (December 7 ? 16, 2007) features no less than 17 seats and up to 4280 liters of load volume capacity. This is no illusion, but rather the combined characteristics of Opel?s three quick-change artists. The automaker from Rüsselsheim highlights its monocab designs ? body models where the hood and trunk are not visibly separate from the cabin ? which enable plenty of interior flexibility. Opel consistently sends a clear signal with these models? market success and innovative ideas. Opel monocab range The top attraction in Bologna is the world premiere of the new Zafira. The benchmark for fully variable seven-seaters in the compact monocab class, the new Zafira boasts fresh design accents and three additional engines with improved fuel economy. From February 2008, the European record of two million units sold since 1999 will be within reach. Opel?s new monocab highlights continue with the Italian premiere of the brand-new Agila. The flexib...
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Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Breaks Into The Movies
2007-12-12 05:02:00
Exactly one year after an all-new version of the Ford Mondeo was introduced to James Bond fans in the movie Casino Royale, another Ford vehicle is about to get some major screen time in a holiday blockbuster. Beginning Dec. 14, look for a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 ? in red with signature white stripes ? to chew up the scenery and the streets of New York City in I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 "There is no doubt that the Shelby Mustang GT500 is the costar of the first part of this story," said Brian Daly of Ford Global Brand Entertainment (FGBE), which places Ford vehicles in movies, TV and other media. "Smith plays the sole survivor of an apocalypse who races around the deserted, gray, empty streets in this fantastic bright red Mustang. The sequences are incredible." And Daly isn't the only one who thinks so. The movie is already generating buzz on a Los Angeles Times auto blog, where automotive reporter Josh Hancock says, "The shots of the Mustang ...
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Premiere in Bologna: Family Portrait of Volkswagen's New Small Family
2007-12-12 05:02:00
Round the world in 14 weeks: before their group appearance at the 2007 Bologna Motor Show, Volkswagen sent the New Small Family on a whistle-stop tour around the world. Today it?s showdown in Italy as the three Up! concept vehicles are revealed side by side for the first time as ambassadors of a new range and as a family. Volkswagen concept cars: New Small Family Up! ? Two-door city specialist vehicle offering more space and fun for fourSpace Up! ? Four-door microvan with maximum variabilitySpace Up! Blue ? Zero emissions thanks to electric engine and fuel cells Volkswagen concept cars: New Small Family ?For both my team and for me, it was a dream to design these concept vehicles" confirmed Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of Volkswagen Group, at the start of the press conference, ?because these cars embody the emergence of a new era. Anyone looking at the New Small Family will immediately see how friendly and neat these Volkswagens are. Cars of this sort are fun. No explanation is n...
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GM Europe Sets All-Time Sales Record in 2007
2007-12-12 05:01:00
Sales of 2,004,172 units from January to November beat last year's total with a month to spare. Highlights:- GM Europe YTD share up 0.3 point, at 9.5 percent- GM Europe YTD sales 157,282 vehicles ahead of last year- YTD: Opel/Vauxhall grows 4 percent, Chevrolet up 32 percent General Motors (GM) Europe set a new all-time record, with sales of 2,004,172 vehicles from January to November 2007, beating last year's total with a month to spare. The resulting market share of 9.5 percent is 0.3 point above the same period last year and the highest since 1999. Chevrolet was the main driver of the sales results, with 32.4 percent growth in the January-November period. The brand sold 411,582 units, with a record market share of 1.9 percent. Opel/Vauxhall also delivered good results, with 4.1 percent growth and sales of 1,506,657 units in the period. "The all-time sales record clearly reflects the success of GM Europe's multi-brand strategy. This is a result of building strong brands, offeri...
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KBB.com Names 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Best Redesigned Vehicle
2007-12-12 05:00:00
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Redesign Beats Out 2008 Honda Accord Kelley Blue Book®, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, announces the Chevrolet Malibu as the winner of the ?2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle ? award. According to the kbb.com editorial team, the newly redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is being honored for taking the important mid-size car category to a new level of overall refinement. Specifically, its stylish sheetmetal, attractive interior, well-sorted ride-and-handling characteristics and quiet ? all in a very affordable vehicle ? combined to produce a value equation that set it apart from the pack. More than 30 vehicles were redesigned for the 2008 model year. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editorial team reviewed the complete list to identify vehicles that demonstrated the greatest improvement relative to their predecessors and competitors. Factoring into the final decision were judgments on exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenienc...
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Around 893,600 Audi Cars Sold in First 11 Months of 2007
2007-12-12 04:58:00
AUDI AG sold approximately 893,600 cars worldwide between January and November, a rise of 7.3 percent on the prior-year period (2006: 833,021).In November itself, more than 75,600 cars were handed over to their new owners (up 0.5 percent; 2006: 75,258). Audi enjoyed further growth particularly in the intensively competitive European markets. Sales in European countries outside Germany in November rose to around 28,950 cars (up 3.5 percent; 2006: 27,972). Audi achieved growth of 8.4 percent in these countries in the first eleven months of the year, with the total climbing to around 408,200 cars sold (2006: 376,607). The biggest individual market in the region was the UK, where sales increased by 31.4 percent to 6,981 units in November (2006: 5,311) and a total of 96,909 cars for the first eleven months of the year (up 17.4 percent; 2006: 82,555). In Spain, another strong market for the Ingolstadt-based brand, Audi improved its sales total by 9.0 percent to 4,383 cars in November (200...
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