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BMW Group's Rolls-Royce has broken sales records in the past two years but it will not be able to continue growing once capacity is reached at its factory at Goodwood, southern England.

German supplier Schaeffler said demand in North America and Asia will more than make up for a sales drop in Europe to allow volume growth in 2013.

The latest of the 10 new model launches that have renewed 90% of the Chevrolet range in Brazil in just 20 months, the Prisma has arrived to contest a segment filled with no less than 18 small saloons ranging in price from BRL26,000/US$13,000 to BRL55,000/$22,500.

Volkswagen doubled output of its Slovak factory to a record level last year as the introduction of the Up minicar offset slowing demand for cars across Europe.

SEAT UK, currently launching the third generation Leon to local media, claimed this is the first car to offer full LED headlights.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Like the Boss Mustang (and I'd argue, the Bullitt before that), this is the and#8220;just rightand#8221;

Growth in the Colombian economy has begun to slow due to the European crisis and a fall in export prices for raw and mining materials and mining. This is hitting incomes and consumer confidence.

Geely will not bid for a majority stake in Fisker Automotive, mainly because of the electric car maker's obligations to the US government, reported Reuters, citing two sources.

The European Union's Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani say he will enforce new rules that ban extremely potent greenhouse gases in car air-cooling systems, defying opposition from the German government and the country's automakers.

The first Rolls-Royce Motor Cars exhibition at the BMW Group museum in Munich, Germany, has opened. The unique exhibition, entitled Strive for Perfection, marks the 10th year of BMW's ownership of the famous UK brand and also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Henry Royce.

Due to transmission technologies' ability to provide better efficiency and performance, dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) are expected to play a defining role in the global gearbox mix by 2020, according to a new study.

General Motors faces a test in its plans to restructure the money-losing Opel brand today as workers at its Bochum, Germany, assembly plant vote on a deal that would guarantee the jobs of more than 20,000 German workers in exchange for a wage freeze...

General Motors faces a test in its plans to restructure Opel as workers at its Bochum, Germany, assembly plant vote on a deal that would guarantee the jobs of more than 20,000 German workers in exchange for a wage freeze through 2015, and keep their...

The Rolls-Royce Wraith, a fastback that debuts in the final quarter of 2013, will use satellite data that detect changing road conditions to help shift its ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota has made its latest RAV4 longer and wider to win back ground in the compact SUV segment. First launched in 1994, the RAV4 for many years led the segment in Europe, but last year slipped to sixth place.

The UAW has won the backing of the head of the German IG Metall union in its effort to represent the hourly workers at Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant.

Highlights*
The 2013 Scion xB stands out with unique looks, generous interior room, a reliable powertrain, comfort, and easy access.

Lowlights*
Inside trim quality is disappointing, the interior is noisy, and the shock absorbers are too firm. Poor ergonomics also betray this ageing model.


Pricing
The 2013 Scion xB starts at $18,860. The lone trim level comes standard with an impressive list of features, including air conditioning, cruise control, heated mirrors, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Buyers can add options such as a Pioneer sound system, 16” or 17” alloy wheels, as well as a number of TRD performance parts. Scion is all about customization, so a wide array of accessories are available, too.

Fuel consumption
The Scion xB burns 9.5L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on the highway, which represents an average of 8.4L/100km -- no matter which transmission you select.

New for 2013
The 2013 Scion xB offers a “Release Series 9.0.” special edition with many unique features, such as a Hot Lava exterior finish, an exclusive honeycomb-style grille, LED lighting, and perforated suede-like seats. Only 200 Hot Lava units are available in Canada.

Styling
With its signature boxy shape, the 2013 Scion xB is easy to spot in a crowd. The blocky front fascia, stylish air intakes, and high beltline make it an attractive urban crossover. Muscular wheel arches, protruding taillights, and an oversized chrome exhaust tip add a sporty touch. As mentioned earlier, the brand offers plenty of tuning parts and accessories to make your Scion xB a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Powertrain
The 2013 Scion xB is motivated by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions include a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic.

Cargo capacity
Versatility is one of the strengths of the 2013 Scion xB. The trunk alone can hold up to 329 litres of cargo. Folding the rear seatbacks forward creates a flat floor that increases cargo possibilities.

Safety
In addition to six airbags, the xB benefits from Toyota's STAR Safety System, which consists of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Smart Stop Technology, and Brake Assist.

Competitors
Nissan cube, Nissan JUKE, Kia Soul, Suzuki SX4

Photo: Scion

About the brand
Scion is owned by Toyota and targets younger drivers. The company started selling cars in Canada in 2011.

* Based on expert reviews.
journalmetro.com
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.538
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.530

Hyundai's HND-9 Concept might just be a preview of what the second-generation Genesis Coupe will look like when it goes on sale around 2015. The car will be featured at the Seoul Auto Show next week.

According to a press release from Hyundai, the HND-9 Concept boasts a 3.3L turbocharged V6 that produces 370 horsepower, all of which drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other advanced technologies will be announced in Seoul. Stay tuned!

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Browse our photo gallery of the sexiest machines at the 2013 Daytona Bike Week, and tell us which one's your favourite. We'll soon come up with a reader's Top 10. Enjoy the eye candy!

Scion will host the world premiere of its all-new 2014 tC sports coupe during a press conference on March 28th at the New York Auto Show.

Unfortunately, that's all the information we have so far. Don't miss our coverage of the New York Auto Show starting next Wednesday.
Source: Scion

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour