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Renault and Nissan will announce new managers for their alliance to increase cooperation between the two, a person familiar with the matter said.

Honda has reportedly developed an automatic braking system that is capable of preventing a vehicle travelling as fast as 60kph from colliding with a pedestrian

In the first major management change announced since Mary Barra took over as chief executive on 15 January, General Motors said China chairman and global manufacturing head Tim Lee would retire after almost 45 years and be replaced by Jim DeLuca from 1 February.

Isuzu Motors has established a new after sales centre (ASC) in Singapore, within its Isuzu Motors Asia unit, to support sales in ASEAN countries. It set up a regional ASC in Dubai in June 2010.

News 27 Jan, 2014

A 500bhp snowmobile developed exclusively for pro racing driver Ken Block. A video is due later this year

Karl Slym, managing director of Tata Motors, has died after falling from his room at a hotel in Bangkok.

At Proctor Honda in Tallahassee, Fla., salespeople are expected to respond to Internet leads within 20 minutes.

Auto dealers are longing for another outspoken advocate like Ron Tonkin, the Oregon dealer who crusaded against what he considered overbearing factories while president of NADA 25 years ago. Tonkin died Jan. 17 at age 82.

Automotive News Europe needs your help to find the Rising Stars in the European automotive industry.

BMW of North America is rolling out new dealership standards, patterning changes on what has happened to retail outside the automotive world.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra doesn't seem eager to discuss the glass ceiling that shattered with her elevation to GM's top job this month or whether her appointment can help transform the company's stodgy image.

A car dealership that makes salespeople go on vacation and throws in $1,000 spending money? That's how Peter Petito, general manager of Hillside Honda in New York, rewards his high performers.

To Andy Palmer, a British high school dropout who was anointed Nissan's global No. 3 executive on Nov. 1, it's an immutable mathematical truth: Brand matters.

Retailer Lithia Motors and supplier Plastic Omnium returned the most value to shareholders in their categories last year and over the past three years, according to the Automotive News/PwC Shareholder Value Index.

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius, the car that made "hybrid" a household word, won't arrive for at least another year. But emerging details paint a picture of a car that could be a breakthrough on multiple fronts.

Acquisitions aren't on the front burner at Sonic Automotive Inc. in 2014.

Pro: A bargain Porsche from Volkswagen is what the Touareg is. It is a pretty decent performance vehicle as well as designed to do what you need off road.

Con: Many consumers have trouble getting rid of the Volkswagen “economy car” image and the thought of paying between $50,000 and $70,000 for a Volkswagen that you don't see often or hear much about makes the buying decision even more difficult.

Price:

• MSRP for Gasoline Engine: Comfortline; $50,975, Highline; 57,175, Execline; $60,975.
• MSRP for Diesel Engine: Comfortline; $55,275, Highline; $61,475; Execline; $65,275

Fuel Economy (city/highway in l/100 km):
3.6 liter gasoline engine: 12.3/8.8
3.0 liter diesel engine; 10.8/6.7

Improvements and changes: There are a few changes to the standard equipment of the Touareg. Automatic door lock and unlock, depending on gear shift position and speed, is now standard on all trim levels. A tow hitch, minus the adaptor, ball mount and ball is standard on all Touaregs. The new easy Open power tailgate is standard on Highline and Execline, but not available on Comfortline. Wheel locks are no longer available on any line. The Sports package is still available on the Comfortline, but Highline and Execline get a new “R” package option instead.

Exterior styling: The similarities in design between the Cayenne and the Touareg cannot be ignored. Volkswagen has made minor changes to the sheet metal, front fascia and grille to put the Volkswagen image on the Touareg. Tail lights, accent crease in the sides all help provide an image of competence, which the Touareg really has.

Inside: Style wise the interior is definitely Volkswagen and very comfortable. Able to seat five in comfort, the Touareg uses trim to top up a pretty plush vehicle. Heated power adjustable leather seats up front are standard, but you need to step up to the Execline to get a heated rear seat.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo/towing/payload capacity: Maximum trailer towing capacity is 3,493 kg (7,700 lb). Maximum payload is 584 kg (1,287 lb). cargo volume behind the rear seat is 909 liters.

Powertrain: The standard engine is a 3.6 liter direct injected V6 that puts out 280 horsepower and 266 ft.lb. of torque. A 3.0 direct injected diesel that puts out 240 horsepower and 406 ft.lb of torque is optional. Both engines utilize an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. 4motion AWD is standard on the Touareg as well.

Safety: Front, front mounted side impact and full length side curtain air bags are standard. Three point lap belts are standard in all five seating positions. Rear door child proof locks and LATCH system of anchoring child seats as well as tire pressure monitoring system is standard. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, stability control roll mitigation, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard. Hill decent assist is standard as well.

Comparables: Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz M-Class, BMW X5, Infiniti QX70, Toyota Highlander, Cadillac SRX.

Pros: Entering its third year, the 2014 Toyota Prius v is a larger, stretched version of the popular Prius, making it more attractive to families after versatility and fuel economy. Like all Toyotas, it boasts superb quality, reliability, and high residual value.

Cons: Despite the increased dimensions and extra weight (about 100 kg), the same exact hybrid system can be found; the Prius v could use more than 134 horsepower when hauling heavier loads. Also, beware of pricey options.


2014 Toyota Prius v Price: While the base MSRP is set at $27,480, buyers can get their Prius v with a Luxury Package ($30,475), Touring Package ($33,505), or Touring + Technology Package ($37,175).

2014 Toyota Prius v Fuel Economy: The automaker claims the Toyota Prius v achieves 4.3L/100km in the city and 4.8L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: No significant changes.

2014 Toyota Prius v Powertrain: Under the hood is a 1.8L 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine mated to an electric motor and CVT. Net output of this hybrid system is rated at 134 horsepower.

Photo: Toyota

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area in the Toyota Prius v is quite roomy, offering 971 litres for your luggage. Fold the rear seats, and you get 1,906 litres.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as smart stop technology, which automatically cuts engine power and allows the brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time.

Comparing the 2014 Toyota Prius v: Other gas-electric models worth checking out include the Ford C-Max and Fusion (Hybrid and Energi), Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and Kia Optima Hybrid. Don't overlook the Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI, though.

British motorsport magazine Racecar Engineering recently posted a feature about Cosworth's V6 turbo hybrid engine that will not be raced this season.

British engine maker Cosworth left the Formula 1 scene at the end of last year with their last race with Marussia with the 2.4L V8 engine.

Sources at Cosworth told Racecar Engineering founder Ian Bamsey, now editor of Race Engine Technology magazine, that work on the initial 4-inline turbo engine started as early as 2010.

The magazine claims that the work was a request of German car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Cosworth V6 power unit (Photo: Racecar Engineering)

In June 2011, the rules were changed and the 4-inline configuration was changed to a V6 at 90 degrees. This decision from the FIA made the board of Volkswagen change its mind and drop the project.

Cosworth engineers continued to work on the V6 power unit so the British company will be ready to return to F1 when the required financial support is found.

The Cosworth V6 turbo hybrid will not be raced this year but Racecar Engineering says it would be ready for next season.

Efficient performance an Eos priority

Price Range: $39,875 to $45,000-plus

Description: Volkswagen's convertible-only Eos model hits 2013 after a refresh and packs more features and styling than ever before. Offering seating for four, a decent trunk and plenty of on-board storage, Eos is ideal for the shopper after the magic of a convertible motoring experience and room for some friends and family. It's a drop-top big on safety and refinement, and carries a price-tag to match.

Feature content includes push-button start, steering-wheel mounted controls, automatic climate control, heated leather, a touch-screen navigation system and adaptive xenon headlights with LED running lights. All Eos models get a power-operated convertible roof that stores neatly into the trunk at the touch of a button.


Helping set Eos apart, designers created a body that's upscale and sophisticated, but without excessive ornamentation or attention-grabbing add-ons. It's a clean, discreet and low-key look that's also street smart and sporty.

On board, contrast generated by available beige leather, black accents and aluminum trim gives the Eos a relaxing atmosphere that's conducive to relaxation and socialization amongst passengers. A multi-function driver computer keeps vital information a mere glance away at all times.

Consider this one alongside models like the Chrysler 200 Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible.

Drivetrain: VW's acclaimed ‘2.0T' engine powers all models, generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft of torque for pleasing performance. Designed for maximum efficiency, the powerplant utilizes direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger for maximum extraction of energy from every molecule of fuel it burns.

All models get a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and are front-wheel drive.

Consider it if: your priorities in a convertible centre around efficiency, luxury and refinement more than all-out style or performance firepower. Eos will make a great year-round, everyday convertible that's great on fuel. The heavily-insulated roof and numerous winter-busting features make it a true year-round drop-top that doesn't have to spend winters in the garage.

Skip it if: you want a manual transmission (one isn't available), or if you don't need a convertible top, as the Eos isn't available as a fixed-roof coupe. Also, skip this one if you're after maximum sports-car bang-for-your-buck in terms of power and performance.

Photo: Volkswagen

Don't Miss: Eos is the only convertible on the road to also offer a sunroof—thanks to the unique design of its folding hard-top. Translation? Drivers can take in the sunshine, even if it's too cold to go totally topless.

Rain-sensing wipers automatically engage and adjust their intermittence based on precipitation.

The snorty, high-torque 2.0T engine is a favorite amongst enthusiasts, too—and has been named to Wards ‘Top Ten Engines' list numerous times.

Eos's lightning-fast DSG gearbox can complete a gearchange in four tenths of a second, and with no break in power delivery.