Auto News 5

Fiat debt grew by about EUR1bn in 2012 as European car sales fell 14%, leaving the carmaker ever more dependent on strong growth at its Chrysler US unit in the US.

GM's Opel unit appointed Karl-Thomas Neumann as its top executive, tasking the former Volkswagen AG manager with ending years of losses at the German subsidiary.

Opel named Karl-Thomas Neumann as its new CEO. Neumann, 51, a former head of Volkswagen China and the supplier Continental, will take up the post on March 1.

Fiat will discuss long-delayed investments at its Mirafiori factory in coming months, CISL union leader Raffaele Bonanni said after a meeting with Fiat management.

Chinese supplier Wanxiang Group, which just won approval to acquire battery maker A123 Systems, said it now wants to help support A123's main customer, Fisker Automotive, the financally troubled plug-in hybrid sports car maker.

AutoNation says it will drop regional brand names on its dealerships and use the AutoNation moniker on most of its 221 stores coast to coast.

News 31 Jan, 2013

The new SsangYong Rodius has been teased ahead of its Geneva debut

One of the most unusual press conferences at the recent Detroit Auto Show saw a broad coalition of the UAW labour body, civil rights activists, politicians, Baptist Ministers and the Hollywood actor, Danny Glover, gather to protest against what they claim is Nissan's reluctance to allow its Canton, Mississippi workers to unionise.

Videos 31 Jan, 2013

Watch this dog imitate the new VW Golf as part of a Dutch advertising campaign

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I was looking forward to driving the

Daimler Trucks plans to increase sales this year despite the market downturn in Europe.

Volkswagen plans further temporary halts in Passat production in Germany because of weak demand in Europe.

General Motors will spend $200m at its global powertrain engineering headquarters to build a new 138,000 sq ft test wing, expected to be completed during the second half of 2014.

Honda Motor said it all but tripled operating profit for the fiscal third quarter ended 31 December, 2012 to JPY131.9bn yen. The 198% year on year rise was due to recovery from the impact of the Thai floods in 2011 and an increase in car sale, mainly in North America.

Daimler will sign a deal in Germany on Friday to take a 10 percent to 20 percent stake in Beijing Automotive Group's car unit, China's National Business Daily newspaper said on Thursday.

Honda cut its full-year profit forecast as lower sales in China and Europe overshadowed the benefits from the weaker yen. Net income will likely be 370 billion yen ($4.

Surviving winter is often about preparing for the unexpected. That's why all drivers should carry an emergency kit in their car. You can assemble yours for less than $100, and without giving up too much -- if any -- space in your trunk.

Here are the must-haves...

Poor lighting

• A torch light can prove very useful on many occasions. Just make sure that the batteries haven't run empty because of the cold.

Engine issues

• Fill a small bottle with engine oil, and another with coolant. Make sure to use the same type of fluid (mineral or synthetic) that's currently found in your vehicle. It won't cost you a lot, but the payoff could be big. If you feel like your engine is overheating, checking the coolant level and adding some more is an easy thing to do. As for the engine oil, check the level every three gas fill-ups; if it's too low, that small bottle will come in handy!
  
• Jumper cables are great to boost a battery, especially on the coldest days.
  
• Should you wind up stuck in snow, mud or even a ditch, you'll be glad to have a tow rope. The only thing missing will be a kind spirit with a dependable truck to pull you out of there!
  
• Finally, an all-purpose socket wrench will tighten just about anything that comes loose.

Tire issues

• A tire pressure gauge is a must. Walk around your car and assess your tires before stepping inside. If one or several tires look under-inflated, check the pressure.
  
• It's common for tires to lose a few PSIs of pressure during the winter months. A small air compressor will help you add some. If there's a crack or leak, a compressor will allow you to inflate your tires enough to get to the nearest repair shop.

Body damage

• In case of emergency, your only resort here are tie-wraps and good ol' duct tape. If a body panel is damaged to the point of touching the ground or a tire, tie-wraps will help you secure the loose section until you find a repair shop. These items take little space in your winter survival kit, and they can prevent a world of nightmares!

Other important tools

• Warm blanket
• All-purpose gloves
• Tuque
• Candle

Ideally, a telescopic or folding shovel and a pair of traction aids should also find their way into your arsenal. However, they will cost you an extra $65 or so, bringing the final tally to about $160.

Safety
Road flares that maximize visibility and safety when you're stranded on the side of the road are a good idea for an emergency kit. A first aid kit can be extremely useful as well, especially after a crash.

Storing your emergency kit
Whether your own a brand new vehicle or an old jalopy, you'd be wise to keep all of these accessories in a dedicated storage tray or a 30L-40L hard bag. For added convenience, keep that tray or bag under the rear cargo floor, if possible.

Ready-made emergency kits
Want to save time and energy? Consider a ready-made emergency kit at your local hardware store. Some of these kits are quite comprehensive, but more often than not, they still lack certain items. Run down the list, and add what you believe is missing in order to be fully prepared should the unexpected happen.

An emergency kit in your trunk can go a long way toward ensuring safe, confident driving this winter. Also, remember to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Grab a snack and a bottle of water, and you're all set to go.

Drive safely!

DETROIT, Mi - Like a delicate blade of green grass pushing up through the dreary, grey January landscape, there was a spark of hopeful optimism during this year's Detroit Auto Show.

Since the economic meltdown of 2009, the NAIAS had gone from the "place to be" on the spectrum of auto shows to one with a dreary sense of impending doom filled with hostile media.

While the city itself is trying desperately to reinvent itself, promoting a vibrant artistic and musical culture, and with the refurbishment of areas like Brush Park with its glorious, post-Depression era mansions -- its commitment to urban renewal -- Detroit is once more feeling like the Motor City.

The vibe on the show floor was positively energetic. The fever pitch surrounding the Corvette C7 reveal reached near-frenzy, and didn't let up for the duration of the show. It was difficult to find an opportunity to photograph the car, so swarmed was it by clamouring media and Corvette admirers.

Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffer/Auto123.TV

Ford's press event was held in the Joe Louis stadium, and it was nearly filled to capacity. Of the 5,212 media reported to be at the show, probably 90% were at the unveiling of the Transit Connect Lineup and the introduction of their new Atlas pickup truck.

The coveted Car of the Year, and Truck of the Year trophies were awarded to the Cadillac ATS and Dodge Ram respectively -- both North American manufacturers.

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has long been the pinnacle of the auto show circuit, and a barometer of how the industry itself is faring.

"It's clear that the industry is back and that the global manufacturers have saved their best for Detroit," said NAIAS Chairman, Jim Seavitt. "You walk on the show floor and immediately sense a renewed feeling of confidence in the auto industry."

It was an infectious feeling that quickly spread to all in attendance. Gone were the scowls of snarling media jostling for a seat at the press events. Instead, there were smiles and greetings, an atmosphere of congeniality and genuine excitement over some of the unveilings. Of the 59 vehicles introduced, nine were making their North American debut.

After several years on life support, it does appear that the auto industry is recovering and showing signs of vital health. Executives spoke of their rising sales numbers after the disastrous recession, and many were boasting of all-time record sales.

The buzz and clamour over the new Corvette, and exotic brands like Maserati and Bentley, as well as the lingering "oohs and ahs" over the newly revised NSX proves that the public is ready to embrace the luxury vehicles that took such a hit during the economic meltdown.

Welcome back Motor City, we've missed you.

McLaren unveiled its 2013 Formula 1 challenger earlier today in Woking.

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren)

The new MP4-28 Formula 1 car was presented to the world medias by Jenson Button and Sergio Perez.

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren)

The new car has been designed by a team of engineers led by Paddy Lowe. It is powered by a Mercedes 2.4-litre, V8 engine.

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren)

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren)

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren)

After he could not secure a WRC seat for this season, Petter Solberg will create his own team again to run a Citroen DS3 in rallycross.

The 2003 rally world champion, who could not retain his seat with Ford after last season after 14 seasons in the championship (including 13 wins), will run the X-Games this season, and also the Global Rally Cross or the Rallycross European Championship. Solberg began his career in rallycross, being norwegian champion back in 1995 and 1996.

Furthermore, Petter Solberg said he could enter the famous Pikes Peaks race, and even the Le Mans 24 Hours, but he did not give further details on this.

Citroen DS3 XL. (Photo: Citroen Racing)