Auto News 5

Porsche has said that it reported record sales in China in 2012, boosted by strong sales of the Panamera and Cayenne models alongside a sales network expanded to second and third-tier cities.

BorgWarner has opened a new 86,000-square-foot (8,000-square-metre) facility in Manesar, India, near New Delhi to produce exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers, tubes, valves and modules.

BMW said it aims for a third year of record sales in 2013 after January sales got off to a good start.

Honda Automobile Thailand (HATC) is to build a new car plant with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. The factory will be located within the property that Honda recently acquired in Prachinburi Province (approximately 120km east of Bangkok).

Nissan reported a 35-percent drop in third-quarter profit after sales tumbled in China and new models trailed rivals in the United States.

A French government minister said the state may take a stake in PSA/Peugeot-Citroen as the struggling automaker announced second-half writedowns of 4.13 billion euros ($5.53 billion).

The French government may buy a stake in PSA/Peugeot-Citroen if it is necessary to save the ailing automaker, a minister said. The comment came after PSA announced second-half writedowns of 4.13 billion euros ($5.

General Motors confirmed that the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible will make its world debut at the Geneva auto show on March 5.

Optimism about electric cars is fading as manufacturers scale back investment in response to weak sales. Just 8 percent of auto executives said their companies would invest in pure battery technologies over the next five years.

Peter Brown, publisher of Automotive News, has announced his retirement effective April 30.

Optimism about electric cars is fading as manufacturers scale back investment in response to weak sales. Just 8 percent of auto executives said their companies would invest in pure battery technologies over the next five years.

Daimler is determined to build its Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars in half the time it took just six years ago. Back then, the average production time at the Daimler subsidiaries was 60 hours, excluding the powertrain.

The Smart ForFour will share a rear-wheel-drive platform with Renault's future Twingo, executives at Smart said.

If you're even slightly savvy about commercial vehicles, you're probably up on the fact that Nissan's launching products to compete with Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes and the like currently available. They've even set up some 44 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships across Canada.

The latest model to drive Nissan's dip into the Canadian commercial vehicle market is called the NV200 and it took its official first bow at the Montreal Auto Show last month. It's no surprise that Nissan chose Montreal for the NV200's Canadian debut, given the strong European consumer presence in Montreal, and the strongly European character of the model itself. In fact, NV200 won the title of “European Van of the Year” in 2010.


"There is an increasing need for a 'right-sized' van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price -- the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200," said Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing at Nissan Canada. "Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light: smart, innovative, and professional."

The Nissan NV200 is the third commercial vehicle offering from the Japanese automaker in Canada, following the NV Cargo and NV Passenger vans which launched last year.

Though new to Canada, the NV200 is already in service in more than 40 countries around the globe. For North American duty, engineers extended the body by 200 millimeters, enabling a 3.5 cubic meter cargo capacity, despite a small external footprint.

Numerous interior storage solutions, including a laptop-friendly pocket in the centre console, are also present. A backup camera, Bluetooth, navigation and pre-wiring for GPS-based telematics systems will also be offered. All models will be powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and CVT transmission.

Look for the NV200 at Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers later this year.

Photo: Nissan

Kia yesterday unveiled its new Cross GT concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

This boldly styled, powerful-looking premium crossover shares bloodlines with the 2014 Kia Sorento, but appears even more imposing. It was penned in Irvine, California, by the same design studio that created the Track'ster, KV7 and Soul'ster concepts, and most recently the all-new production 2014 Kia Forte sedan.

Featuring rear-hinged rear doors, the Kia Cross GT easily accommodates four passengers and their cargo. A multipanel panoramic sunroof with hexagonal glass inserts lets daylight into the cabin and enhances the vehicle's upscale looks.

As for motivation, the Kia Cross GT uses a parallel hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.8L V6 with a flat electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Together, they generate 500 lb-ft of torque and 400 horsepower, while allowing an all-electric range of 20 miles (32 km).

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado, who in 2013 enters his third F1 season with Williams, thinks new teammate Valtteri Bottas will get quickly up to speed.

Actually, 23-year-old Finn Bottas is a rookie, and - once the Grove team gets its 2013 car up and running in Barcelona this month - he will have just four days at the wheel before making his grand prix debut in Australia.

But Venezuelan Maldonado told the MTV3 broadcaster: "Valtteri has been actively involved in the development (of the FW35) and has done a lot of long days in the simulator. He is not a complete rookie. I believe he will enjoy this season and will be immediately competitive."

Indeed, one of departed Williams driver Bruno Senna's complaints was that, despite racing throughout 2012, he usually had to give up his car to Bottas on Friday mornings at grands prix.

Valtteri Bottas driving the Williams FW34 in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Before and after those race weekends last year, reserve driver Bottas was often seen helping the Williams mechanics and truckies set up and dismantle the garage.

The Finn told British Sky television at Jerez: "I promised the guys, even though I am racing now, at least once I will come and help them again."

From GMM

Adrian Newey has revealed a secret of his success at Red Bull -- the team lets him get on with the job of designing formula one cars in peace.

"For me, here it's ideal," he is quoted by Speed Week. "I want to manage as little as possible, and spend as much time as possible thinking about the car."

"At Red Bull that's fundamentally different than when I was with McLaren," the Briton added.

Newey, however, acknowledges that he would have enjoyed some more time to stew over the RB9; the new Red Bull with which Sebastian Vettel will charge for an ultra-rare fourth consecutive drivers' title.

Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9. (Photo: WRi2)

Adrian Newey admits it is a "small miracle" that the RB9 was able to be unveiled at all this week at Jerez, due to Red Bull having to push last year's development right to the end of the title charge.

"This is also one of the reasons why the RB9 is an evolution," he acknowledged.

Finally, Newey gave a sobering analysis of the amount of input Vettel and his experienced teammate Mark Webber have in the design of a new car.

"Not so much. Basically, we know by now exactly what Seb and Mark want from a racing car," he smiled.

Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus E21) went quicker than everybody else today, testing ahead of the 2013 Formula 1 season in Jerez, Spain.

Exhaust system of the Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

The Finn completed a total of 123 laps over the two days he was behind the wheel of the new Lotus, which turn out to be the last two of the four-day test in Jerez.

Jules Bianchi, Force India VJM06 (Photo: WRi2)

Second fastest Friday was Jules Bianchi, the Force India reserve driver who is still trying to secure the vacant race seat at the Silverstone-based team.

Triple world champion Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) posted the third fastest lap of the day, without a single hitch to report.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04), who was limited by brake failures to only 15 laps Wednesday, got another go at his new car, recording a total of 145 laps. His best time was the sixth fastest of day, putting him just in front of Sergio Pérez, who replaced him at McLaren.

The Mexican was seventh fastest aboard McLaren's MP4-28.

Exhaust system of the McLaren MP4-28 (Photo: WRi2)

In the Ferrari F138, new development driver Pedro de la Rosa took over from Felipe Massa. The 41-year-old completed 50 laps.

The next pre-season test is to be held February 19-22, in Barcelona, Spain

Jean-Éric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8 (Photo: WRi2)

Winter testing, Jerez, Spain, Day 4*
1. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 83 laps
2. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
3. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 96 laps
4. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 142 laps
5. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 92 laps
6. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 145 laps
7. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 98 laps
8. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 92 laps**
9. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
10. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 109 laps
11. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 82 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:23.435, 49 laps

Aggregate times
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:17.879, 227 laps
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:18.148, 123 laps
3. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:18.175, 56 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:18.218, 149 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:18.565, 198 laps
6. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:18.669, 252 laps
7. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:18.760, 177 laps
8. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:18.766, 162 laps
9. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:18.861, 120 laps
10. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:18.905, 160 laps
11. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:18.944, 179 laps
12. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:19.003, 240 laps
13. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:19.134, 153 laps
14. James Rossiter, Force India, 1:19.303, 61 laps
15. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:19.338, 174 laps
16. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:19.502, 178 laps
17. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:19.851, 178 laps **
18. Pedro de la Rosa, Ferrari, 1:20.316, 51 laps
19. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:20.693, 155 laps **
20. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:21.105, 166 laps
21. Luiz Razia, Marussia, 1:21.226, 113 laps
22. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:21.269, 107 laps
23. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:21.311, 152 laps

*Unofficial timing
**Using 2012 car

From GMM

Ferrari on Friday denied rumours Fernando Alonso is nursing an injury.

Most suspect that the Spaniard is sitting out the Jerez test this week so that the new F138 car can be 'shaken down' by Felipe Massa and Pedro de la Rosa ahead of Alonso's debut on the much more representative Barcelona track.

But one or two whispers in the Jerez paddock this week suggested Alonso may have injured a rib whilst karting last month.

Fernando Alonso jogging in Dubai this week. (Photo: Twitter Fernando Alonso)

However, as the double world champion is currently running and cycling in Dubai and happily posting photos to Twitter to prove it, a Ferrari spokesperson said on Friday: "It's obvious how hard Fernando is training at the moment."

"This rumour (about the injury) is utter nonsense and totally untrue," Ferrari added.

Fernando Alonso biking in Dubai this week. (Photo: Twitter Fernando Alonso)

From GMM

Marussia parted with Timo Glock because a backmarker team needs every million.

That is the claim of Pat Symonds, the former Renault 'crash-gate' conspirator who - after serving his F1 ban - is now openly in charge of the 2013 Marussia MR02.

Devoid of many sponsors, the new red and black car will be raced this year by wealthy Max Chilton and Luiz Razia, who replaced German Glock at the last minute.

"For Red Bull, one million has little effect," Symonds is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "For us it's different."

Marussia has openly admitted it ousted the salaried Glock because it needed a driver to bring significant sponsorship.

Timo Glock will race the 2013 DTM championship with BMW. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

"I have to take my hat off to Timo," said Symonds, referring to the 30-year-old who has switched to DTM with BMW. "He understood our situation and told us that if his leaving can help 100 jobs, then he will make room for another driver."

Still, Pat Symonds regrets that Glock had to go.

"He is an excellent driver; with his experience and feedback he helped a lot with the development of the car," he said. "And he was excellent in difficult conditions. On a dry track, he was three to five tenths in front of (Charles) Pic (in 2012). But in difficult conditions, such as the last race in Brazil, it was one and a half seconds."

Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren boss who this week admitted he tried and failed to help former team driver Heikki Kovalainen stay in F1, said the current 'pay driver' situation is "a shame" for F1.

"It is exciting for those guys who can afford it, but in my opinion this is the top of motor sport," he is quoted by the Dutch magazine Formule1.

"For some teams it's difficult to survive, that's for sure," he acknowledged.