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Hyundai Motor reached a preliminary agreement with its South Korean union to raise wages, paving the way for the end of a strike that's resulted in an estimated $910 million in lost output.

Volkswagen has taken the Golf R hatchback in a more aggressive styling direction, according to photos and details released before its debut at the Frankfurt auto show.

At this year's Frankfurt auto show, fast but fuel-efficient supercars from German premium brands will compete for attention with striking design concepts from Jaguar and Lexus against a backdrop of key mainstream launches from European brands aiming...

Ford CEO Alan Mulally said he intends to lead the automaker through next year, following reports that Microsoft may seek to recruit him.

For years, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen sang the praises of diesel in the United States as a lonely trio. But now that other car companies are launching diesel-fueled vehicles, the German brands hope to find new allies.

Gregoire Olivier is the front-runner to succeed Philippe Varin as CEO of PSA, but don't expect the change to happen overnight.

The executives chosen as 2013 Automotive News Europe Eurostars raced ahead of their rivals through hard work and timely decisions.

For years, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group sang the praises of diesel in the United States as a lonely trio.

Gregoire Olivier is the front-runner to succeed Philippe Varin also CEO of PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, but don't expect the change to happen overnight.

Volkswagen has taken the Golf R hatchback in a more aggressive styling direction, according to photos and details released before its debut at the Frankfurt auto show.

The executives chosen as 2013 Automotive News Europe Eurostars achieved success by exceeding expectations. Gerhard Steiger, Robert Bosch president of chassis systems control, is this year's Eurostar winner for Supplier Division CEO.

Volkswagen has taken the Golf R hatchback in a more aggressive styling direction, according to photos and details released before its debut at the Frankfurt auto show.

For years, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group sang the praises of diesel in the United States as a lonely trio.

Our fellow journalist, Briton Craig Scarborough reports Friday that Lotus is running at Monza its revised E21 fitted with a longer wheelbase.

Scarborough reports that the wheelbase has been extended by around 100mm, which is achieved by moving the front wheels forward relative to the rest of the car.

This long-wheelbase package comprises a revised front suspension, a longer nose and an extended floor.

The British team has found a handling advantage in extending the wheelbase and altering the car's weight transfer characteristics.

With the wheels moved forward, the aerodynamic department has also been able to find some performance gains from the front tire wake being further from the sidepods.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, Monza 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

Arthur William Sidney Herrington, the man behind the Jeep, died on this day in 1970, at age 79. Born in Coddenham, England, he migrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 5.

First employed at Harley-Davidson, Herrington was a participant in WWI. When he came back as a civilian, he was hired as a consultant. Afterwards, he constructed a series of 4 and 6-wheel-drive vehicles, with the help of the Marmon Motor Car Company of Indianapolis. These vehicles helped troops during WWII, but the most popular among them was the small quarter-ton, designated GP (General Purpose), which then became the Jeep.

Herington served as a technical consultant for the American mission in India during WWII, as well as heading the American Medical Center in Burma.

Source : britannica.com

2013 Jeep (Photo: Jeep)

1941 Willys (Photo: Jeep)

Much nicer to look at than to drive
When I saw the latest Rondo at the Toronto Autoshow this past February, I understood right away that Kia was a hot topic. The company's desire to revamp their image is obvious.

I believe the company has succeeded in developing a more youthful edge with the family-oriented Rondo. Its look won me over right away. All that was left to do was to give it a spin. Recently, I got the chance to do just that. Unfortunately, what I experienced behind the wheel of the 2014 Kia Rondo did not live up to the promise of its new design.


What is a Kia Rondo?
Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can't decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. So, to increase the vehicle's versatility, the Kia Rondo draws on a few specific elements from each.

It's plain to see that Kia ventured to build a roomy car that isn't cumbersome. Plus, the basic model is offered at a pretty attractive price.

Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can't decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. (Photo: Kia)

2014 Kia Rondo Price and Specs
This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. You can couple that with either a manual 6-speed or automatic Steptronic transmission with the same number of gears (optional).

Suspension-wise, the 2014 Kia Rondo has support legs in the front and a beam axle in the back. All four wheels have disc brakes, and the front wheels are vented.

Estimated fuel ratings for the automatic (my test vehicle) are 6.3L/100km on the highway and 9.2L/100km in the city. I managed 10.5L/100km during a mixed urban/rural drive.

The cost? $23,360 for the LX and $33,860 for the EX Luxury. The intermediate model, the EX, is available for $28,660.

This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2014 Kia Rondo
Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it's not that impressive, either. Don't expect sporty handling. The semi-independent suspension does nothing for the rolling action. However, the engine runs pretty well. 

What disappointed me the most about the 2014 Kia Rondo was how badly its technology worked. The vocal commands are practically impossible to use, not to mention extremely irritating. The ridiculously complicated GPS won't adjust to traffic. Finally, the noise signals from the parking assist sensors are sure to make drivers more nervous, especially when parallel parking on city roads. I had to deactivate them over and over again. My preferences weren't saved, as I've seen before on other models from Hyundai and Subaru. So, I had to press the deactivation button each time I put the 2014 Kia Rondo into reverse.

I loved the front and rear visibility, thanks to small windows located in front of the A and C pillars. The back-up camera looks after the rest.

Strictly speaking, I enjoyed the drive itself, overall. Words like “calm” and “silent” come to mind. There's one hitch, though: To stay competitive, Kia should improve the technological devices it already has before offering a greater array of them.

Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it's not that impressive, either. Don't expect sporty handling. (Photo: Kia)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Rondo
The latest Rondo is simply breathtaking. It has been completely redesigned and is far more modern than its predecessor. It's more elegant, too, with LED brake lights and brand new front grille.

The Rondo's roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. The modern dashboard in the 2014 Kia Rondo is filled with all kinds of controls. I would have liked a more minimalist approach to the dash and the wheel, which is also pretty much packed.

The 2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury's panoramic roof is wonderful. It lets the light in and brings occupents closer to the outdoors. However, is it worth spending $34,000 for? I'm not so sure...

Although both 5- and 7-passenger models are available, I was assigned a 2014 Kia Rondo with two bench seats in the back. We can't expect miracles, here. Because of its relatively compact size, only children can access the third row. However, the first bench slides -- an effective solution to larger occupents accessing the seats.

Honestly, there's not much cargo space to speak of: even with only five passengers, the trunk ceases to exist once the second bench is up.

However, small details like a flashlight integrated into the trunk, make the vehicle very practical for day-to-day use.

The Rondo's roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. (Photo: Kia)

Comparing the 2014 Kia Rondo
Its biggest rival, the Mazda5, has sliding doors. If you prefer standard doors, consider the Dodge Journey or the Chevrolet Orlando. Roughly the same size, Ford's C-MAX hybrid would also be a good alternative.

One thing is for certain, the 2014 Kia Rondo is the most charming of the lot. If you'll allow me to give you a tip: Get the basic version without an arsenal of overly complicated technology -- the price is definitely more appealing.

Gary Sowerby and his wife, Lisa Calvi, drove across Canada in a Chevrolet Cruise Diesel which consumed an average 4.3L/100 km, thus establishing a new Canadian record. The previous mark, 5.59L/100 km, was set in July 2012 by a 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

The couple drove 5,955.8 kilometres at an average speed of 80.3 km/h. Their trip lasted 189 hours, 3 hours under the 192-hour goal they had set.

‘'We had a fantastic trip across Canada, proving to Canadians, and ourselves, that a long car trip can be entertaining, affordable and not cost a fortune in fuel expenses,'' explained Lisa Calvi. ‘' Our greatest feat was squeezing over 1,400 kilometres on a single tank of gas. The total fuel consumption of our diesel Cruze amounted to 250.9 litres for the entire trip, costing us a bit over $300.''

Photo: Chevrolet

Photo: Chevrolet

Chinese manufacturer Geely, which owns the Volvo brand, is planning to expand by exporting its vehicles to the U.S. market in 2016. A past attempt failed, as consumer confidence in the brand failed to materialize. Geely is now counting on the Volvo brand to break into this market.

‘'Our Volvo acquisition improved our image, as overseas buyers now view us as an international company,'' explained Geely CEO Gui Shengyue, to Bloomberg News. ‘'Our European and American deliveries will rely on the models put in place by the Geely and Volvo teams.''

Geely hopes that by 2018, 60% of its sales will come from overseas markets.

Source: Bloomberg

Photo: Geely

Lexus has issued a recall of 3922 vehicles including the GS 350 (2007 to 2011), IS 350 (2006 to 2011) and IS 350 C (2010-2011). On certain vehicles, the bolts used to secure the housing and sprocket of the intake-side Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) gear assembly could loosen and fall.

Engine stalling, thus propulsion may occur, which could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the VVT unit with an improved version.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Charles Renny

Photo: Charles Renny

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Tens of thousands of spectators turned up last weekend at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, formerly known as Mosport, in Ontario.

They travelled to the small town of Bowmanville to greet the arrival of NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series as part of the Chevrolet Silverado 250 race.

Interest from the spectators was big, since there was no NAPA 200 Nationwide race in Montreal this year. Furthermore, the Silverado 250 marked the first road course race for the truck series since Watkins Glen, in 2000.

The race went down to the wire, which happens to be in Turn 10 at CTMP, a quick right-hander that leads the field back onto the pit straight. As is often the case in high-stakes NASCAR competition, the fight for first place got rough and dirty.

It's obvious to whoever watches the replay that Chase Elliott, in second place before Turn 10, had no intention whatsoever of taking that last turn in the last lap. Then, leader Ty Dillon is under braking and even starting to turn when he's rammed on the right rear corner. Elliott is nowhere near Dillon until the two trucks collide.



I won't make any friends with what I'm about to say, but I need to get it out anyway: NASCAR is not a racing series anymore. It's a demolition derby for crying out loud because officials keep closing their eyes to the stunts drivers pull ever more often.

It's almost as bad as WWE fighting on TV.

You get that sense the show was scripted to grab the attention of the general audience. At the end of the race, journalists and cameramen even got a shot of driver Max Papis' girlfriend slapping him in the face.

I'm sorry, but in my book, that's not racing, that's Roman gladiator fighting from another age. I think it's appalling that NASCAR refused to take any action against Elliott. What are they bloody waiting for? Even on superspeedways, where Cup cars reach speeds upwards of 350 km/hr, drivers are no strangers to using their bumpers to get what they want.

Is NASCAR waiting for someone to die before doing anything?

As far as Dillon is concerned, he said on the record he'd get his revenge at the next race.

Sounds like NASCAR is becoming more and more like NHL ice hockey, where fights and dirty hits are common sights. When you think about it, why ban such violence? Fans love it! Sad for me then, because I don't see the point. I want real racing back.

Am I the only one?

Photo: Philippe Champoux