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The EU launched a case against Brazil at the World Trade Organization to challenge Brazil's taxes on imports ranging from cars to computers.

Brembo and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a financing contract for EUR55m (US$75m) aimed at supporting the Bergamo-based company's research and development activity in the fields of control of the environmental impact and further reduction of braking systems weight.

UK car production rose 4.5% in first 11 months of year to 1,424,023 units according to data issued by the SMMT.

News 19 Dec, 2013

Honda Jazz-based SUV arrives in showrooms in Japan ahead of 2015 UK launch

Honda has begun sales in Japan of its Vezel small SUV. The model is due to be launched in Europe in 2015, so details on specifications, engine options and naming of the model are still to be confirmed for the European market.

Pictures See all 5 pictures 19 Dec, 2013

Johnson Controls says it expects to post year-on-year segment income improvement of around 15% and consolidated net sales of US43.8bn in 2014.

Japan's Nissan Motor has established a new national sales joint venture in the Philippines with its long-standing local partner Universal Motors Corporation and its Nissan Motor Philippines manufacturing subsidiary.

Daimler will own as much as 5 percent of Aston Martin as part of an agreement to supply the British sports-car maker with technology.

Daimler will own as much as 5 percent of Aston Martin as part of a deeper agreement to share technology with the British sports-car maker.

Daimler will take a 5 percent non-voting stake in Aston Martin, the Financial Times reported, completing a deal between the German and British car makers.

Schaeffler has appointed Norbert Indlekofer and Peter Pleus, currently business division heads of Schaeffler Automotive, to its executive board.

American Honda is counting on two new-generation cars debuting next month at the Detroit auto show to boost U.S. sales in 2014. Honda will unveil the third-generation 2015 Fit subcompact at the show, the company said today.

Honda will join Europe's booming subcompact SUV/crossover segment by launching a European-version of its new Vezel, which is based on the Jazz/Fit.

The Toyota Camry, headed for its 12th consecutive year as the best-selling car in the U.S., returned to Consumer Reports' recommended list after showing improvement on an insurance-industry crash test.

Honda is ready to take a run at one of the auto industry's fastest-growing segments in the United States: compact, sporty crossovers.

Audi confirmed that its chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, will move to Italdesign Giugiaro, where he will become the design house's styling director on Feb. 1, 2014.

Audi confirmed that its chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, will move to Italdesign Giugiaro, where he will become the design house's styling director on Feb. 1, 2014.

Pros: Cadillac's smash hit, the ATS, enters 2014 on an award-winning rampage that combines lightweight engineering and advanced powertrain technologies into a striking package targeted towards driving enthusiasts. Plenty of selection, world-class features and highly acclaimed ride and handling characteristics continue to define Cadillac's entry-level luxury sports sedan that takes a place beneath the all-new CTS in the model range.

Cons: The size of the ATS isn't conducive to travel with 4 or 5 adults on board, and is likely best-suited to a young family or couple. The high-tech systems and interfaces may pose a learning curve for some drivers, too.


2014 Cadillac ATS Price: For 2014, the ATS starts at $35,195 although numerous options exist to increase that figure by moving up through various powertrain combinations, trim grades, options, and equipment packages.

2014 Cadillac ATS Fuel Economy: Combined fuel efficiency ratings range from 7.8L/100km to 9.8L/100km, depending on the powertrain selected.

Improvements and Changes: Other than a few minor changes to colour options, equipment and trim levels, and a new rearview mirror, the ATS enters 2014 unchanged from last year's launch model.

Don't Miss: The CUE infotainment system. By combining numerous functions related to entertainment, navigation, and communication onto a vivid touchscreen with an easy-to-use interface, Cadillac has advanced connected driving to the next level. The ATS even allows owners to use their Smartphones to capitalize on various functionalities including remote start, vehicle service scheduling, and GPS locating in busy parking lots.

2014 Cadillac ATS Powertrain: The ATS is available with two 4-cylinder engine options, and a single V6. Standard is a high-efficiency 2.5L 4-cylinder tuned for 202 horsepower. A celebrated 2.0L turbo engine turns in 272 horsepower and robust low-end torque. Finally, the line-topping 3.6L V6, which was recently reworked for lighter weight and more power, turns out 321 horsepower. Shoppers can specify rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD), and manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the selected model.

Safety: ATS ships with the latest hazard-detection systems as available or standard, depending on the model. Look for blind spot, lane-departure and pre-collision warning systems, as well as the new Safety Alert seat that discreetly alerts drivers of potential hazards with subtle seat vibrations. OnStar, xenon lighting and a powerful braking system add further confidence.

Comparables: The ATS competes with other luxury sports sedans like the Acura TSX, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Mercedes C-Class, to name a few.

Photo: Cadillac

The all-new 2015 Acura TLX, set to replace the venerable TL, will make its debut next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The company wants to appeal to current and next-generation luxury sports sedan buyers including existing TL and TSX customers.

"This all-new Acura TLX is the perfect blend of style and muscle with its elegant, well-proportioned exterior that cloaks the true sport sedan chassis and powertrain beneath," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president, American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. "The sporty characteristics that customers found appealing in the TSX are even more pronounced in this aggressive new TLX."

Expect the 2015 Acura TLX to go on sale in the second half of 2014. From that point on, with the elimination of the TSX, Acura's sedan lineup will consist of the entry-level ILX, the mid-range TLX, and the top-of-the-line RLX.