Auto News 5

New vehicle sales in the ASEAN region's six largest markets jumped by over 28% to 941,279 units in the first quarter of 2013, from 733,522 units a year earlier, as strong domestic economic growth continued to offset sluggish exports and weak commodity prices.

Parc data produced by Polk for the US Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) shows a strong rise in registrations (vehicles in use) for diesel cars and hybrids in the US in the two years to the end of 2012.

News 30 Apr, 2013

The new limited-edition Land Rover Defender LXV celebrates the manufacturer’s 65th birthday

Volkswagen Group is feeling the effects of mixed fortunes for automotive markets around the world. The group announced last week that first quarter revenue and operating profit were down, but has now provided further detail revealing a drop of 46% to operating profit at the Volkswagen passenger car brand in the quarter.

Daimler and Renault said they are holding discussions to build a large van together as part of a possible expansion of their existing partnership.

Porsche SE, the family-owned company that controls a majority stake in Volkswagen, remains confident of success in lawsuits in a German court over alleged market manipulation during a failed takeover of VW in 2008.

General Motors resisted the urge to jack up the price on the 2014 Corvette Stingray, despite major enhancements on the seventh-generation sports car.

At last week's politically charged congressional hearing on the troubles of Fisker Automotive, Rep.

The Motor City is gearing up for a summer of events that celebrate the region's automotive heritage.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata had plenty of job possibilities after leaving the French automaker last summer.

PSA has received the backing of five of its six main unions to push ahead with plans to eliminate 11,200 jobs and shutter a French factory, a central part of wide-ranging reforms at the French carmaker aimed at halting ongoing losses.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata fell on his sword to save his boss and friend Carlos Ghosn -- and maybe his company. Pelata left the automaker after a botched espionage investigation.

Volkswagen expects sales in China this year to outpace total sales volume in the market, which the carmaker believes will increase 6 percent to 8 percent.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata had plenty of job possibilities after leaving automaker. He now sells customer-retention software from an office in San Francisco.

Volkswagen expects sales in China this year to outpace total sales volume in the market, which the carmaker believes will increase 6 percent to 8 percent.

From GMM

Valencia's mooted return to the formula one calendar next year is now under a dark cloud.

We reported earlier this month that the Spanish port city - absent from this year's schedule - could be back in 2014, after its president Alberto Fabra met with Bernie Ecclestone in February.

"The agreement is (now) awaiting the signature of the Catalan president Artur Mas," wrote journalist Pedro Blasco, referring to a deal that would see Valencia annually alternate with Barcelona.

Photo: WRi2

But, whilst not completely ruling out an alternation, Mas said the Circuit de Catalunya is willing to continue to organise the Spanish grand prix each year.

"We are able to fulfil the contract that we signed," he is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"Since more than a year ago, when I spoke of an alternation, we have worked very hard and we are able to take on the challenge of organising the race every year."

Mas said the issue is likely to be discussed further next weekend, when Barcelona hosts the 2013 Spanish grand prix.

Sebastien Loeb, who is about to make his WRC return with Citroen this weekend at Rally Argentina, fears his lack of running will cost him dearly.

The Frenchman is back in world rallying after a three-month break. Argentina will be his first rally since Sweden. The nine-time World Rally Champion did not remain inactive as he made his debut in the FIA GT Series, running for his own team.

But Loeb, who missed the Rally Mexico and Rally Portugal (all won by Sebastien Ogier in his Volkswagen Polo), fears he will be disadvantaged due to his lack of running in world rallying.

Sebastien Loeb. (Photo Citroen Racing)

"Apart from one day of testing, I haven't driven on gravel since the 2012 Rally de Espana," he explained to WRC.com.

"So I don't know what sort of feeling I'll have on the first few stages in Argentina. I think that you can lose your rhythm pretty quickly, and that's why I'm cautious about my chances."

"There's no denying the fact that I have pretty much moved on from rallying and am now focused on the future. This reduced programme is a good way to continue to compete for Citroen in 2013, but I'm not as well prepared as Mikko (Hirvonen), Dani (Sordo) and the other guys. We'll see what happens when we'll put our helmets on..."

Chrysler-Fiat President and CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the Italian automaker is negotiating with representatives of the UAW's VEBA health benefits organization to buy the 41.5% share in Chrysler it doesn't already own.

Apparently, Chrysler-Fiat has all the necessary funds, which financial experts estimate at $3.5-$4 billion.

Marchionne would like to merge the two manufacturers in hopes of becoming the world's seventh-largest automaker in terms of sales. This would also allow Fiat to use Chrysler's capital to compensate for losses in the European market.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Toyota has developed a new In-car Traffic Signal Alert system that monitors upcoming traffic lights to warn drivers of red lights. By knowing in advance the colour of the light at the next intersection, drivers can better prepare for what's ahead and reduce their speed earlier.

The Japanese automaker is currently testing the system on one of the roads in Toyota City.

The traffic information gets to the car through a 700 MHz bandwidth on the radio. It can also appear on the navigation display or be read out loud.

Toyota said the 700MHz band would be effective for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, as well.

Source: Autoguide

Tesla Motors Club and Tesla Motors have joined forces to create Teslive, an action-packed conference event that will take place July 12-14, 2013 in San Jose, California, near the electric car company's headquarters. Participants will be limited to 300.

The program will include a tour of the assembly plant in Fremont, interaction with members of the Tesla team, discussion panels, meetings with experts, group drives, and much more.

Teslive organizers also hope to break the world record for the largest gathering of electric vehicles. Last November, Nissan lined up 225 LEAFs during a special event in the U.K.

Obviously, charging stations will be available at the plant and hotel.