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News 7 Nov, 2012

Lexus has expanded its CT 200h line-up, with a new trim level that adds lots of kit for an extra £500

Pictures 7 Nov, 2012

Qoros Auto Company, a new division of Chery Auto, has announced plans to launch its first model at the Geneva motor show next March. The car, a C-segment sedan, will be "aimed at discerning young buyers in China and Europe".

Renault and Caterham Car, the UK sports car manufacturer owned by Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, have agreed to form a joint venture to develop and produce sports vehicles and city cars in Malaysia as well as France.

New estimates from data firm Carfax suggest that the number of vehicles flooded and destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in the US may 'greatly' exceed the 640,000 units destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

One of Renault's major unions is claiming the automaker is using the current economic difficulties in France to impose new conditions, as the manufacturer concluded the first of several key meetings with its labour bodies.

The next generation Chevrolet Cruze, due in late 2014, will not be built at General Motors' South Korean unit. Instead some production is expected to be moved to an Opel factory in Europe.

Daimler's premium brand, Mercedes, sold 6 percent more cars globally in October, but endured another weak month in the key growth market of China.

News 8 Nov, 2012

Study claims poorer families are at greater risk of injury on our roads

President Barack Obama's second term likely will include a return to an agenda of support for electric vehicles and also could clear the way for new rules on tailpipe emissions and auto safety that his appointees have been eager to release.

Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors stand to fork over about $100 million to compensate consumers after overstating fuel economy claims on several models, Moody's Investors Service said.

It's a small stumbling block in the mountain of problems plaguing Suzuki in America, but its ugly fallout with partner Volkswagen made it even more untenable for the Japanese carmaker to keep selling cars in the United States. With VW gone, the U.S.

Australian supplier Autodom was thrown a lifeline when local units of Ford and GM agreed to underwrite the company's $6.5 million debt to avoid a crippling vehicle production shutdown.

Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another MINI, there it is! That's right, BMW has released the brand new (though eerily similar to the Clubman) 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan. Just as the Clubman brought to mind images of the '60s-era Morris Mini Traveller, the Clubvan is meant to conjure up that image once again with even more purpose.


Aimed more towards hip, cool business needs than the average family consumer, the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan offers a stylish option for commercial applications. With exactly the same dimensions as the MINI Cooper Clubman, the main difference lays in the removal of the rear seats (for more cargo room) and the rear side windows are blocked-out with body-coloured polycarbonate reinforcement. This makes the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan the ideal marketing tool (it's sides are a great canvous for company logos and contact info) while also keeping your cargo in complete privacy with all windows covered.

So, with the rear seats removed, how much room does the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan really have? Because the Clubvan features a partition directly behind the driver and front passenger's seats, the entire cargo area can be loaded up to the roof which means this MINI has some serioulsy non-mini cargo volume at 860 litres, and a max payload capacity of up to 500kg.

Those are some big and heavy numbers for a MINI, which is why it's clear BMW had businesses in mind when they released the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan.

As far as the dash is concerned in the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan, you'll instantly recognize it as a MINI because it looks the same as its stablemates. From the centre-mounted speedometer to the rounded door accents, it's standard MINI fare.

Four body colours are available on the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan: Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green and Midnight Black. The body colour is then mimicked on the roof, mirror caps and rear windows. Unique to the Clubvan are its 15” Delta-spoke wheels. Options are not as plentiful on the Clubvan, but then as a work vehicle they shouldn't need to be.

Just as the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan shares its shape and look with the Clubman, it also shares its engine which is the same 4-cylinder 1.6L found in the Clubman. With 121 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, the MINI Cooper Clubvan offers just the right amount of power to get your high-end goods to your customers on time and in one piece.

Why add another MINI to a stable already loaded to the brim? Well, BMW is targeting urban, high-end businesses (photographers, architects, florists, upscale bakeries) who want to make an impression on their customers with a delivery vehicle that has as much flare and fun as their product.

Pricing will be announced when the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan becomes available later this year.

This makes the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan the ideal marketing tool.(Photo: MINI)

Suzuki Canada's 2013 model lineup will offer more content than ever. Leading the way are the Grand Vitara, SX4 (AWD versions) and Kizashi (SX and Sport), which all receive a new infotainment system with touchscreen, USB port, navigation, voice command and Bluetooth connectivity.

Other key upgrades include new alloy wheels (Grand Vitara, SX4 Crossover), new seat fabric (Grand Vitara, SX4 Crossover and Hatchback), a redesigned front grille (certain SX4 trim levels), and a rearview camera (included in the Kizashi SX and Sport, available on the SX4 Crossover and Grand Vitara).

The 2013 Grand Vitara also sports a revised front fascia and turn signals, while offering new exterior colours.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel remains the overwhelming favourite to become 2012 champion, despite Red Bull's qualifying crisis and the loss of 3 points to Fernando Alonso in Abu Dhabi.

That is the view of F1 legend Niki Lauda, who was asked by Osterreich newspaper if he has changed his mind after Red Bull bungled qualifying last weekend, forcing Vettel to fight up to the podium from a pitlane start.

With just two races to go now, Vettel is 10 points ahead of Ferrari's Alonso.

Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull stopped after the qualifying session. (Photo: WRi2)

"Nothing has changed," Lauda insisted. "I believe Red Bull will have learned from its errors and now have everything technically perfect in the last two races. Then it will be up to Vettel, and he has the fastest car."

Spaniard Alonso, however, remains determined and feisty, continuing to espouse samurai quotations and push Ferrari to improve the F2012.

"That's what he's paid for," Lauda said, "but he can only carry on as before. Although he does everything right, it's not enough, because Ferrari cannot compete with Red Bull."

Niki Lauda, however, said he is not expecting Vettel to wrap it up in Texas next weekend, but that F1 will get its "super finish" to the championship in Brazil.

David Coulthard, the former McLaren and Red Bull driver, warned Vettel to be wary of the wily Alonso.

"Fernando is a teak-tough competitor and I have a feeling these last two races could get a bit dirty," he wrote in the Telegraph.

"Fernando wants to go to war, wants this to become a battle of wits as much as machines. He is trying to unsettle Seb, while at the same time exuding confidence and serenity. My money is on Seb, but only just," added Coulthard.

Automakers, especially those that are banking on alternative energies, must be thrilled about Barack Obama's win in the U.S. presidential election last night. After investing billions of dollars to rescue GM and Chrysler in recent years, his administration will now keep pushing the development of hybrid and electric vehicles as well as more fuel-efficient technologies.

"Obama clearly still has a goal of 1 million plug-in EVs on the road by 2015," said Roland Hwang, director of the transportation program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The president will also insist on the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, set at 54.5 mpg (4.4L/100km) by the 2025 model year.

However, given the reluctance of many American drivers to embrace alternative technologies, Obama has his work cut out for him if he hopes to change the face of the automotive landscape in the U.S. He has four more years to reach his goal, and you can bet the consequences will be felt north of the border, too.

Soure: Automotive News

Formula 1 cars were supposed to be powered by a single electric engine in the pitlane starting in 2014, however, this arrangement has been postponed.

Autosport revealed today that FIA president, Jean Todt, has agreed to delay the introduction of this technical regulation.

Article 5.19 of the 2014 Technical Regulations states: "The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pitlane."

This measure was requested to adhere to environmental measures, and for the purpose of developing electric power.

According to several sources, engine manufacturers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari wrote to the FIA to request a postponement of this regulation.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, at Singapore. (Photo: Pirelli)

Two arguments were taken into consideration: First, the cost of developing such electrical systems only to be used in the pitlane. Secondly the danger of having moving noiselessly at high speeds without warning of their presence to team members.

The FIA President confirmed he has agreed to delay the introduction of electric engines. The rule change must be ratified at the next FIA World Motor Sport Council at the end of the year.

Jean Todt told Autosport: "I have accepted to delay it. It has to go through the World Council, but it will be delayed for around three years."

A total of 4,812 Britax child seats manufactured in 2012 are being recalled because the chest pads on the restraint harness are made of a soft, pliable material. If children were to bite or chew on the pads, small pieces could break off, presenting a choking hazard.

Therefore, consumers are advised to call Britax Child Safety, Inc. at 1-888-427-4829 to request a remedy kit containing replacement chest pads and instructions for their installation.

Make Model Model Year(s) Affected
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG91A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93N (SERENE) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93P (ZEBRA) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93X (OPUS GRAY) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93Y (ANNA) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11M (CAITLIN) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11S (SILVER BIRCH) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK13P (ZEBRA) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK13S (AZTEC) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK41A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK41Q (COWMOOFLAGE) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK42D (BLUEPRINT) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK42Z (SOPHIA) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK43Q (BISCOTTI) 2012

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Britax

For the second day of Formula 1's young driver test in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull Junior driver António Félix da Costa was back in the cockpit of the Red Bull-Renault RB8, and today he set the fastest lap.

Da Costa clocked a time of 1m42.679. His day was again split into sessions of aero and mechanical work, with the morning given over to aero mapping and the afternoon to tire work as well the testing of some car components.

Antonio Felix Da Costa, Red Bull RB8. (Photo: WRi2)

Briton Oliver Turvey spent the morning session driving the McLaren-Mercedes, and he set the second fastest time of the day. Gary Paffett, the team's reserve driver, took over the driving duties in the afternoon and set the fifth time.

Audi DTM driver Edoardo Mortara drove the Lotus-Renault, and emerged third quickest. Mortara worked on aerodynamic programming and DDRS testing in the morning, and then focused on set-up adjustments and balance change.

Edoardo Mortara, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

In fourth place was Mexican Esteban Gutierrez in the Sauber-Ferrari. His focus was on aero work with a set up change over the lunch break. Later in the afternoon, Gutierrez ran on a set of medium and a set of soft Pirelli tires.

Esteban Guetierrez, Sauber C31. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Venezuelan Johnny Cecotto Jr. was behind the wheel of the Toro Rosso STR7 and he completed a total of 76 laps, setting the sixth fastest time.

Johnny Cecotto Jr, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Seventh and last was Giedo van der Garde in the Caterham-Renault.

Young driver test, Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi, Day2:
Pos   Driver  Constructor  Time*   Laps
1. Antonio Felix da Costa  Red Bull-Renault   1m42.679s 61
2. Oliver Turvey  McLaren-Mercedes   1m43.176s  + 0.497 62
3. Edoardo Mortara  Lotus-Renault  1m43.418s  + 0.739 75
4. Esteban Gutierrez   Sauber-Ferrari   1m43.486s  + 0.806 93
5. Gary Paffett  McLaren-Mercedes   1m43.771s   + 1.092 41
6. Johnny Cecotto Jr   Toro Rosso-Ferrari  1m44.569s   + 1.890 76
7. Giedo Van der Garde  Caterham-Renault   1m46.106s  + 2.427 72
*Unofficial timing