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Do you know any talented young automotive executives with the potential to become future CEOs or management board members? In the past two years, Automotive News Europe has identified more than 40 people who are already demonstrating the...

Europe's shrinking car market has changed automakers' marketing messages. Since early 2012, carmakers have shifted from generic, brand-focused campaigns to ads that show how specific features benefit drivers -- and their wallets.

First Look: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Some new decor, a new diesel, and eight speeds.

"You might not be tired of looking at the Grand Cherokee," says Mark Allen, director of Jeep design, "but we've been looking at it for quite a while." He's not kidding. Although it didn't reach dealers until the summer of 2010 as a 2011 model, Jeep first showcased the WK2-platform Grand Cherokee at the New York auto show in 2009.

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Automobile Magazine

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From GMM

Toto Wolff, a shareholder and director of the Williams team, doubts he will continue his role of driver manager.

That is despite the Austrian's latest charge, Valtteri Bottas, having successfully risen through the ranks to make his formula one debut in 2013.

But Wolff told Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell that 22-year-old Finn Bottas is more an exception than the rule.

Rather, "If you now need 100,000 for a national karting season, and 250,000 euros for international, then eventually the level (of the drivers) will drop."

But Wolff said he hopes drivers with little money but big talent will still be able to rise through the ranks in future.

A current example, he said, is Bottas.

"He never had much money, but he always had support, just because he was good," Wolff insisted.

Valtteri Bottas and Christian Wolff, Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

But actually, he said managing motor racing drivers is a "thankless job".

"If the target fails," said Wolff, "everything's the fault of the manager. If everything goes smoothly, you never know what happens -- some drivers are champions of short memory."

He said he has no plans to repeat the Valtteri Bottas project with another young talent.

"If you have to put two million on the table for GP2, then driver management makes little sense," said Wolff.

So, every now and then I give into the uber girlie and pathetic world of reality TV (I can guarantee a majority of you just clicked off this blog, hopefully to return next week when I promise never to mention this fetish again). I know, horrible of me; but I promise you it's a good one.

I've been watching The Amazing Race for nearly a decade now. They're on season 11 and I've watched every single moment of every single episode. I'm obsessed because it's all about travel, the world and the dynamic relationship between two people stressed out of their brains as they race around the globe to win $1 million dollars. It's quite entertaining and I implore anyone who hasn't watched it to get over the reality-TV stigma and give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

After 11 seasons, I was sure I'd stop seeing a common trend amongst the travelling teams; because it never fails: someone always fails to complete a leg of the race (or at least come in dead last and, therefore, be eliminated) because they can't drive stick.

Yup. Out $1 million because you didn't think to learn how to put a vehicle into first gear before heading out to be on The Amazing Race. I would assume those who apply to be on the show are fans of the series and so have seen, season after season, teams stall, breakdown and basically bow out because they can't get their brand new Ford vehicles (which have been the show's only vehicles since the beginning) into that all-important first gear on the streets of Czechoslovakia.

As usual, the last episode I watched which featured the final four teams racing for the $1 million, showed a team of twin sisters who fell dangerously to last spot because the sister who'd promised to learn manual for the race only took one lesson at home and thought that was enough to get by. Lurching, stalling, and causing traffic in Barcelona, Spain only made the situation worse and their strong team spirit dissipated as quickly as their lead did.

While most of us will never be featured on a show like The Amazing Race, that's no excuse not to learn how to drive a manual vehicle. It's an invaluable lesson to learn, in my opinion, and one that will no doubt come in handy down the road (quite literally).

Whether you learn when you earn your license, or choose to take lessons with a friend or family member: Learn. Just do it.

Imagine you have to get a friend home from a party after he's had one too many and his car is manual, or you have to drive a family member to the hospital and they only have a stick-shift available, or you're on a race for $1 million dollars and in the lead...

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone thinks a forthcoming $100m trial will be "amusing".

The F1 chief executive and others, including convicted bribe recipient Gerhard Gribkowsky, are being sued by the sport's former co-owners Constantin Medien over the sale of F1's rights to CVC some years ago.

Constantin claims the manipulation of the sale cost it more than $100 million.

Bernie Ecclestone, who may also be prosecuted by German authorities for allegedly bribing Gribkowsky, told the Telegraph he is prepared to appear at the Constantin Medien case to testify.

"I wish they would bring it forward," he told leading F1 business journalist Christian Sylt. "It's going to be amusing. Sure I am looking forward to it."

Sylt said Ecclestone has been approached with an offer to settle.

"All this is about finding a way to get money," Ecclestone, 82, confirmed. "It is as simple as that."

"(Constantin shareholder) Dieter Hahn had some intermediary, who is a friend of ours, to talk to me about 'you know you should settle, you don't want to go to court'. I'm not settling," he insisted. "The judge will settle the case. I can't see that it could go any other way than in my favour."

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen harmed his chances of staying in formula one beyond 2012 by demonstrating a lack of "respect" to Caterham.

That is the claim of Mike Gascoyne, the team's former technical boss who now oversees the technical operations of the entire Caterham Group.

After three years at the back of the grid with Caterham, Finn Kovalainen - now managed by IMG - attempted to secure a better seat for 2013 but ultimately now faces dropping out of formula one altogether.

Gascoyne confirmed speculation Caterham is considering replacing the 31-year-old with a so-called 'pay driver'.

Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

"We realise what the game is," Gascoyne told the motor sport news website crash.net. "People (teams) boom and bust easily. We have come in and done a very steady job compared to other new teams and have been professional, but we've taken a step back and said 'Ok, we are not going to get there straight away, we need to manage our budgets, manage investment and build up our resources so we are here for the long term'."

It is believed the favourites to become Frenchman Charles Pic's teammate this year are Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna.

"It is actually a great shame," Gascoyne said. "Heikki is a very talented driver but, last year, his management did not handle him very well and he has not done himself any favours. He has had three years with Caterham, was paid well, and he should have shown more respect about that."

From GMM

That is the view of F1 experts and former drivers Martin Brundle and Sir Jackie Stewart, despite team boss Martin Whitmarsh's claim that Sergio Perez will enjoy full equality at the British team as he replaces Lewis Hamilton from 2013.

"That is the mentality in our team," the McLaren chief told British broadcaster Sky. "They will have equal treatment. I think that competition in the team is good."

Jenson Button. (Photo: McLaren)

But F1 legend and triple world champion Stewart is quoted by the Daily Express: "It's not a question of equal footing this year. You've someone in Jenson who knows the business and who has been there, seen it and done it. He has to see himself as number 1."

Former McLaren driver turned top television commentator Brundle agrees: "With Lewis' departure, Jenson takes the lead of the team.

"He can now concentrate on that role and I think he will grow into it," he is quoted by Speed Week.

Stéphane Peterhansel (MINI) retained his first place in the Dakar overall standings, the eighth and most recent stage having been interrupted by heavy Argentinian rains.

Peterhansel lost several minutes in the stage following a navigational error, and would have lost even the lead to his main rival Nasser Al-Attiyah, had the rain not stopped the stage.

After Peterhansel reached the finish, the stage was cancelled, all the following cars being stuck at a river crossing impossible to negotiate because of the heavy rains.

Even Al-Attiyah's progress was cut short.

In the end, Guerlain Chicherit (SMS Buggy) was declared winner, even though only five cars reached the end of the stage. Organizers decided to allot to the following drivers the same time as Peterhansel, last to reach the finish.

The Frenchman could therefore hold on to his lead in overall classification, by 3.14 minutes ahead of Al-Attiyah.

Sunday, the drivers enjoyed a break before resuming competition today.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla - After more than a year's hiatus, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class returns with more power, better handling and improved fuel economy. But is it deserving of the 3-pointed star?

Those who put great stock in their status symbols value exclusivity above all else. The CEO who shells out one hundred-thousand large on an S-Class isn't looking for kinship with the underling who manages to swing the payments on a B 250. That's the risk that premium brands take with entry-level models -- the more attainable vehicle that attracts new buyers can also dilute the exclusivity that's made the brand so desirable.


B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way
First introduced in Europe in 2005, the B-Class arrived here in Canada later that fall. U.S. distributors took a pass on the tiny Benz, but the company took a chance that it would find favour with Canadian buyers -- a gamble that paid off as it has since become one of their best selling models in Canada.

Criticized in the past of being not quite worthy of the coveted badge, the B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way. In fact, according to Dr. Thomas Weber, of Daimler's development management board, no model change in the company's history has ever seen "so many developments introduced in one fell swoop".

The B-Class boasts over $7,000 in added value, yet the $29,900 MSRP remains the same.

More sports tourer than minivan
Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces which, with its tall outline and arched roof, resembled a small minivan more than the hatch it was meant to be.

The outgoing model was notable for its "sandwich floor" an interesting piece of safety technology that nonetheless compromised its handling, leaving it tall and top-heavy. A more conventional unibody construction on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 results in a lower roofline and much improved stability thanks to a 46mm lower ride height. Seating has also been lowered by 86mm, leaving the occupants feeling less perched.

Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Single, more powerful drivetrain
Instead of choosing between naturally aspirated and turbo-charged engines -- and a continuously variable transmission vs. manual -- the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 now sports a single drivetrain: a turbo-charged 2.0L 4-cylinder that puts out 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With no torque convertor and the ability to pre-select gears, the DCT offers better efficiency with no interruption in power.

Not only does this combination offer far more power than either of the outgoing powertrains, but there's an 18% improvement in fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250.

The NRCan ratings for the new B-Class are 5.5L/100 km highway, 7.9 city and 6.8 combined -- which puts it ahead of some of the most economical cars on the market: Mazda3 (7.5L) Nissan Versa (7.5L), Toyota Matrix (7.4L); and equal to the Ford Focus (6.8L) with only 160 hp.

Cabin receives material and technology makeover
Inside, the cabin of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 receives a premium makeover: instead of cloth upholstery, there's standard Artico leather and soft-touch materials. There's a solid, leather-wrapped wheel with paddle shifters and a 5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. Steel sill plates and pedals add a nice, premium touch. The shift lever has been moved to the steering column to free up console space.

While the base models make do with manual seat adjustment, moving up to the Exclusive trim package adds Mercedes' signature door-located power seat controls. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo space increases from 486 litres to 1,545 litres -- 15 litres over the outgoing model.

However, the big news is on the safety front: Mercedes-Benz has chosen the B-Class to launch the Collision Prevention Assist package; a suite of safety technology that was previously available only as a pricey option on premium models. Sensors determine the distance between the B-Class and other cars then trigger visual and audible warnings to the driver when too close; Adaptive Brake Assist measures the amount of braking force applied by the driver, and increases it if needed; Attention Assist measures deviations in steering inputs and cheekily presents you with a cup of coffee on the info display to suggest a rest break is in order.

To further accentuate the more elevated image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250, it's now available with all the cosseting features previously limited to Mercedes' plush sedans: Distronic Plus, adaptive high beam assist, speed limit assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist -- which was an absolute godsend when navigating the oblivious, weaving Miami traffic.

5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

No sports car, but manoeuverable and cheerful
There are three drive modes in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250: Economy, Sport and Manual. Selecting "Sport" tightens up the throttle and shift response, which is fine on the highway, but feels twitchy and abrupt in traffic. There's no way the B-Class is ever going to be considered a sports car, and the demographic that will embrace this interesting little hatch will probably never use this mode anyway. The steering is a bit numb, but the handling improvements are evident. Independent rear suspension replaces the old torsion beam setup resulting in better cornering stability. Overall, it's a comfortable, manoeuverable and cheerful car to zip through even congested traffic.

More power, a phalanx of safety systems, and terrific fuel economy in a much swankier package make the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 a very compelling little tourer.

French driver Jules Bianchi has won the “Desafio das Estrelas” the international karting event organised by Felipe Massa in Brazil, featuring a host of top drivers, including Massa himself and, making his debut here, Fernando Alonso.

Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. (Photo: Ferrari)

At the Beto Carrero World kart track, the Ferrari Driver Academy driver won the first race and was fourth in the second, amassing 40 points, five more than the runner-up, Brazil's Felipe Nasr and ten more than another Brazilian, Lucas Di Grassi who was third.

Felipe Massa (Photo: Ferrari)

The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers were out of luck on their 2013 competition debut. Massa finished eighth overall on 14 points, after finishing tenth and eighth in the two rounds. Alonso had a more difficult time. He failed to score points, with a twenty first and an eighteenth place to his name, because of accelerator problems which saw him retire from race 1.

Fernando Alonso. (Photo: Ferrari)

“It was a very enjoyable weekend and I hope the spectators had has much fun as I did. Will I be back next year? If Felipe asks me, definitely!” said Alonso.

Jules Bianchi, winner of the 2013 "Desafio das Estrelas". (Photo: Ferrari)

Final results after 2 heats (top 10):
1. Jules Bianchi
2. Felipe Nasr
3. Lucas di Grassi
3. Nelson Piquet Jr.
5. Vitantonio Liuzzi
6. Beto Menteiro
7. Sebastien Buemi
8. Felipe Massa
9. Vitor Meira
10. Antonio Pizzonia

Making its global debut, Volkswagen has unveiled an SUV concept at the Detroit Auto Show that's sure to grab a few Canadian's attention.

The VW Crossblue, if produced, will sit firmly between the current Tiguan and Touareg in the Volkswagen SUV lineup. With room for six, the VW Crossblue concept features a combination of the German brand's renowned TDI engine and two electric motors for optimal performance and fuel economy. With mileage numbers in the 2.1L/100km range, the VW CrossBlue was designed with fuel efficiency as a high priority.

Thanks to the plug-in hybrid engine, the VW CrossBlue also offers impressive performance numbers with 516 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 127 mph (75 mph in full electric mode). It also features VW;s spectacular six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. On a full battery charge, the CrossBlue can travel 14 miles (according to North American tests).

The VW CrossBlue was developed in Germany in cooperation with Volkswagen of America and was specifically designed for Canada and the United States. Equipped with an electric all-wheel drive system, the CrossBlue features a wide stance on the road (1,686 mm in front and 1,696 mm in the rear) and sits atop 21” alloy wheels.

Inside, the VW CrossBlue concept features all the necessary gadgets and tidbits, from banana wood accents to an Apple iPad Mini in each headrest for backseat passengers; this is Volkswagen's foray into the future of fuel efficiency.

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

Following reports he was the favourite to secure the other Caterham race seat, Vitaly Petrov's manager actually sounds far from optimistic.

German reports had suggested the Russian has found new sponsors and was on the cusp of sealing the deal to secure his place at the team for 2013.

"So far, we haven't managed to find new sponsors," Petrov's manager Oksana Kosachenko is quoted by R-Sport.

"Where do journalists get this information from? I'm a journalist myself and I know very well how this can just pop into someone's head."

Vitaly Petrov and Oksana Kosachenko. (Photo: WRi2)

She admitted Petrov is not close to sealing the deal.

"At the moment there are a lot of unanswered questions," said Kosachenko. "There are too many nuances that need to be sorted out.

"We're at the waiting stage, which is linked to the team's restructuring. We completely depend on them and can't speed anything up."

Caterham has already signed 2012 Marussia driver Charles Pic, and at the weekend Caterham Technology CEO Mike Gascoyne hinted it is likely Petrov's 2012 teammate Heikki Kovalainen will be dropped.

Alongside Petrov, it was believed the sponsored drivers Bruno Senna and Giedo van der Garde were also in the running to be Frenchman Pic's 2013 teammate.

The highly anticipated world debut of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette finally took place last night and, in a nod to the second-generation model, marked the return of the Stingray nameplate.

Featuring a carbon fibre hood and roof, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) is 99 lb lighter than its predecessor. Fuel economy will improve as a result and reportedly exceed the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model, making it the most fuel-efficient Corvette ever. The car is also just 0.2'' longer overall than a Porsche 911.

Sprinting from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in less than four seconds, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray uses a new 450-horsepower V8 engine mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time, the automaker promises.

Meanwhile, the cockpit boasts refined materials such as premium leather, aluminum and carbon fibre, and offers a choice of standard or racing-style seats (both with a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support).

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will hit the market in the third quarter of 2013.

Photo: Chevrolet

Honda will invest US$23 million at its Marysville, Ohio assembly plant to integrate the production of the new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid. Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the fall, this model is set to become the Japanese automaker's third American-built hybrid after the Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid.

"With more than 30 years of continuously building eight generations of the Honda Accord close to our customers, our team now is using its experience and flexibility to add this sophisticated Accord Hybrid model," said Jeff Tomko, manager of the Marysville assembly plant. "At the same time, we are continuing with our commitment to manufacture new models in Ohio, along with the resulting growth in jobs."

Adding the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid to Marysville will require lengthening the main assembly line and expanding the facility by 95,000 square feet.

Volkswagen will introduce the world to the Passat Performance Concept at the NAIAS in Detroit next week.

This model stands out from the regular Passat with a 250-horsepower 1.8L TSI engine that has already proven quite popular in Europe and Asia.

Other upgrades include a dual exhaust, 19'' alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with Volkswagen's Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS), and carbon-trimmed mirror caps. A lowered sport suspension and electro-mechanical steering enhance handling.

Photo: Volkswagen

“This exciting new Infiniti Q50 stretches the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be, propelling Infiniti in a bold new direction.” -- Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti President.

And propel it into a new direction it shall, since the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan currently features two powertrains: a 3.7L V6 (rated at 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.5L Hybrid (rated at a combined 354 horsepower). The 3.7L is coupled to Infiniti's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL), while the Hybrid features the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control with a 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Photo: Infiniti

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is available in rear-drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in both powertrains.

A few world firsts are seen on the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan including Direct Adaptive Steering technology, which allows independent control of the sedan's tire angle and steering inputes. This system works faster than a mechanical system and intelligently communicates with the road's surface with four different steering settings.

Active Lane Control (the other world first), is a camera-controlled system that not only offers driver's a warning when lane drifting occurs, but offers a bit of steering input as well to keep the Q50 on the straight and narrow, and within the lines.

With style cues taken from the Essence concept vehicle, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is sporty and sophisticated with all the standard design flare we've come to expect from Infiniti as well as a host of technological gadgets within.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is set to go on sale in North America starting the summer of 2013.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada has just issued a press release to announce the upcoming arrival of a new subcompact model, to be unveiled at the Montreal International Auto Show on January 17th.

No further details have been provided, including the name of the car, but it's probably safe to put your money on ''Mirage.''

Photo: Mitsubishi

From GMM

Jules Bianchi is still in the running to become Paul di Resta's teammate at Force India in 2013.

At the weekend, Scottish driver di Resta admitted he is "surprised" the Silverstone based team is taking so long to make its decision.

Reportedly, 2012 reserve driver and Frenchman Bianchi is a leading candidate. And according to French commentator Jean-Louis Moncet, the 23-year-old's chances have just stepped up a notch.

In his Auto Plus column, Moncet wrote that Sahara Force India will switch from Mercedes to Ferrari power in 2014, with Sauber having now signed a Mercedes engine deal.

Part of Force India's Ferrari deal could be that the Nicolas Todt-managed and Ferrari-contracted Bianchi is placed in the race seat, with immediate effect.

Jules Bianchi, reserve driver for Sahara Force India in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

"I am waiting," Bianchi, who at the weekend won Felipe Massa's karting event, told the French-language RMC Sport in Florianopolis. "It has been quite a hard winter this time because I haven't known what I am doing (next). We have a chance, and it's a good one. We'll wait and see what Force India will decide."

Also waiting on the final pieces of the 2013 grid to take shape is Bruno Senna, who has been linked with the other remaining race seat, at Caterham.

"For 2013, it is still unclear," the Brazilian, also in Florianopolis, is quoted by Totalrace.

"We are in the game but it is not easy to know where I'll end up even if I imagine that it will not take long for the pieces to fit together. I hope everything goes well. We are looking at all the options, both inside and outside of formula one," added the former Williams driver.

Asked if Sahara Force India is one of those options, Bruno Senna answered: "I am talking to the teams that still have seats free."

In 1990, Subaru produced a Formula 1 engine and bolted it to the back of a Coloni chassis.

Subaru invested in Enzo Coloni's small F1 team. The Japanese car manufacturer then asked former Ferrari engine man Carlo Chiti, also the father of the Alfa Romeo F1 engine in the '70s and '80s, to design and build the motor.

Chiti produced a low centre of gravity, 60-valve, flat-12 engine called the “1235.” It is said that not only was the engine overweight, but the Coloni gearbox was not a prime example of lightness. The complete assembly is said to be 112kg overweight!

Carlo Chiti and the Subaru flat 12 engine. (Photo: Archives Auto123.com)

The Coloni C3B was to be driven by Belgian driver, Bertrand Gachot. The car completed a quick shakedown and was shipped to Phoenix, Arizona for the opening race of the 1990 season.

As most onlookers expected, the car did not complete one single lap in Phoenix. The engine was started, but Gachot stopped at the pit exit when the gear-change linkage broke (I was there!). His first run lasted about 250 metres!

At the following race in Brazil, the C3B ran a few laps, but was 10 seconds off the pace to be able to prequalify, and 17 seconds slower than the pole time set by Ayrton Senna!

In the streets of Monaco, Gachot was 18 seconds off the pace. In Montreal, he was 24 seconds down from the pole time. In France, Gachot took 14 minutes and two seconds to complete one lap of the Paul Ricard circuit!

It was clear that the underfinanced Coloni-Subaru F1 car was never going to be remotely near the prequalifying pace and, indeed, poor Gachot never managed to make it past Friday morning in the first half of the year.

Political tensions inside the team and a lack of sponsorship money led Subaru to cease its involvement. From the German Grand Prix onwards, Enzo Coloni was back in full control of the team, and reverted to a Ford DFR V8 engine prepared by Langford & Peck.

That was it for Subaru's time in Formula 1.