Auto News 5

Ford said it would start building the latest Transit commercial van in Russia later this year. US assembly is also set to start soon.

News 22 Jan, 2014

Kia offers new VR7 trim on all Picanto, Rio and Cee’d models, featuring added kit and savings of up to £1,000

Bosch got a big boost from its automotive division, which was the only business unit within the diversified company to report a sales increase in 2013. The supplier's automotive unit had an EBIT margin of 8 percent, up from 4.5 percent in 2012.

Indonesia expects a new wave of automotive component sector investments to result from the expansion of passenger vehicle production capacity that is taking place in the country.

Verizon Enterprise Solutions has signed an agreement to provide a range of connected services including safety, security, diagnostics and infotainment to Hyundai vehicles starting in 2014.

VW will build its Crafter van in Poland after ending a partnership with Daimler, a German newspaper reported. Currently, Daimler builds the Crafter alongside the Mercedes Sprinter in Germany.

The Malaysian government has announced a new National Automotive Policy (NAP) initiative to help attract investment in energy efficient vehicle (EEV) production.

Nissan's Europe boss, Trevor Mann, says the second-generation Qashqai crossover will match the success of the original model, which consistently ranked as one of the region's top-selling models from 2008-2013.

TI Automotive, which make auto fuel systems, has delayed a vote on a $2 billion sale to Bain Capital Partners as shareholders review a rival bid from Pamplona Capital Management, people with knowledge of the matter said.

TI Automotive, which make auto fuel systems, has delayed a vote on a $2 billion sale to Bain Capital Partners as shareholders review a rival bid from Pamplona Capital Management, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Volkswagen Group's Porsche sportscar unit is expanding its dealer network in India.

Minicars such as the Fiat 500 and Honda Fit performed worse than any other vehicle segment in a U.S. frontal crash test that mimics what happens when a car hits another vehicle, utility pole or tree.

News 22 Jan, 2014

A rugged 4x4 version of the SEAT Leon ST estate will be revealed soon, according to an insider

A sturdy dairy barn outside a small town halfway between Omaha, Neb., and Bullwinkle's Frostbite Falls, Minn., became the ideal spot for a and#8220;resto-creationand#8221; of a Porsche single-seat road-going sports car.

Tesla will officially open new Supercharger locations connecting the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the week beginning 20 January.

News 22 Jan, 2014

SEAT announces tie-up with Spanish fashion retailer MANGO and launch new version of Mii supermini

News 22 Jan, 2014

Special edition Fiat Panda Antarctica revealed, featuring exclusive styling and added kit

Most of the tiniest cars on the road fared poorly in the challenging new small-overlap crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with only the Chevrolet Spark getting an acceptable rating, the group said today.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.

Just a year into his grand prix career, the Dutchman will not even be on the 2014 grid, but serving only as Sauber's reserve and occasional Friday driver.

Well backed by his father in law Marcel Boekhoorn's McGregor brand, he told De Telegraaf newspaper that he turned Caterham down.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham F1 Team, in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

"I liken it to Jasper Cillissen," van der Garde said, referring to a Dutch goalkeeper who gambled on a transfer between football teams, sat on the bench for a year but ultimately went on to great success.

De Telegraaf said van der Garde was offered the race seat at Caterham for 2014.

"I didn't do it," the 28-year-old confirmed, "because this is a better option.

"My goal this year is to show what I can do and race for Sauber in 2015. I'm a driver who wants the maximum possible, not to race around at the back."

Van der Garde said he is happy with his 2014 programme.

"It looks good," he said. "There are more test days this year and I can do some of the Friday free practices. And if it is necessary, I am ready to race."

From GMM

Paul di Resta has admitted his aim is to combine his return to DTM this year with a role in formula one.

Having lost his Force India seat, Scot di Resta, 27, is returning to the German touring car series with Mercedes, for whom he won the 2010 title.

And although the media announcement made no mention of F1, authoritative reports suggested it is likely he will be called up as a test and reserve driver for the German carmaker's works Brackley based team.

"Everyone knows I didn't leave F1 because I didn't perform," he is quoted by The Scotsman newspaper. "There were other issues.

"If the opportunity comes up, I'm still young enough that I can get back in there. Racing in the DTM makes sense and it lets me combine something with F1 and keep my foot in the door should something come up," di Resta added.

Paul di Resta. (Photo: Mercedes AMG)

Importantly, none of the ten races on the DTM calendar this year clash with F1's 19 grands prix, meaning di Resta would in theory be able to seamlessly combine the two roles.

"First, though, I need to concentrate on DTM," he insisted.

"Once we get this rolling the way we want, then we'll explore whatever other opportunities are on the table.

"Do I feel my F1 career is over? No, definitely not," di Resta continued.

"As is the case with any championship, I am now fully committed to winning the DTM title again with Mercedes.

"But they also know I want to remain in the F1 paddock. They are well aware of the fact that's where I want to be, and I know I have their full support. That's hugely important for me," he concluded.