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Russia's Association of European Businesses (AEB) automotive chairman, says it will probable be "sooner rather than later" that Moscow introduces incentives to kick-start the alarmingly falling market.

NEVS, which has been attempting to revive Saab, has announced that, while it fully intends to pay creditors, it has nonetheless entered administration so as "to create more time for negotiations" [with potential investors].

News 28 Aug, 2014

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After two concepts, Suzuki is now about to give the production version of a new B segment SUV its global debut at October's Mondial de l'Automobile.

As German premium brands lose their exclusivity in a chase for volume, revived premium brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Maserati are challenging the luxury-car market dominance of BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Ford today officially launched production of the redesigned Mustang at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. With the 2015 model, Ford is making the Mustang to suit global tastes for the first time.

Ford will launch production of the redesigned Mustang today at a U.S. plant in Michigan. The automaker is making the Mustang to suit global tastes and will offer a first-ever right-hand-drive version.

Ford today officially launches production of the redesigned Mustang at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. With the 2015 model, Ford is making the Mustang to suit global tastes for the first time.

AvtoVAZ says it will likely increase revenue 50% by 2017 as a raft of productivity and management improvement levels take their cumulative effect with break-even forecast this year.

Imposition of import restrictions into Russia on the automotive sector would "massively impact" business and could lead to dealerships being swamped says a major industy body in the country.

From press release

Brighton Speedway is ready for the first of three huge events to conclude the 2014 season.

The Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) will thunder in to Brighton Speedway for two full nights of racing this Labour Day weekend. Lucas Oil, Rock 107, Extreme Rush Adventures, and Mystical Distributing present the SOS for the final time this season on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31.

Southern Ontario Sprints: The fifth and sixth SOS races of the season at Brighton will decide the 2014 champion. Mitch Brown (No.10b Pro-Fit Health Club) of Brantford, Ont. won the first three races of the year. Glenn Styres (No.0 Case IH Tractors) of Ohsweken, Ont. won the most recent meeting at Brighton on August 9 and enters the final weekend as the points' leader. Brown is second in the championship standings, trailing Styres by 70 points.

Saturday, August 30: The OilGARD Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill's Johns Comp 4s and Quinte Septic Stingers will also be in action on Saturday.

The OilGARD Canadian Modified division holds the tightest points battle of the weekly Brighton divisions. Dan Ferguson (No.11 Kilmarnock Enterprise) is the current points leader by 20 markers over Ryan Scott (No.33 J&J Automotive). Andrew Hennessy (No.87 Custom Automotive) is also in the mix, 100 points behind Scott. Doug O'Blenis (No.32 John's Car Care) and Adam Whaley (No.12 John's Equipment) round out the current top-five in the standings.

The Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks are one of two weekly divisions to pull a double header for the Classic Weekend. Point leader Doug Anderson (No.72 Hunt's Bobcat Service) is fresh off his sixth victory of the season. He leads Leslie Mowat (No.2 Cormier's Auto Recycling) and Justin Ramsay (No.03 Empey Tire) for the top spot in the standings.

The Bill's Johns Comp 4s will also pull double duty this weekend, racing on both Saturday and Sunday nights. Rich Sanders (No.29 Fowl Mood Racing) increased his point lead with a win last Saturday night. Brady Greer (No.94 Greer Excavating) remains in championship contention in the second spot ahead of Shelby Mills (No.78 ABC Taxi).

The Quite Septic Stingers have been the victim of rainfall twice so far this season, limiting their on track action. Del MacGregor (No.19 R.Ward Construction) leads the standings on the strength of four feature wins to start the year. Rick Phillips (No.7 Ontario Duct Cleaning) is second in the standings. Chris Lammle (No.95 Lammle Auto Repair) sits third after his win on August 2.

Sunday, August 31: The Southern Ontario Sprints will headline another full card of racing on Sunday evening. The SOS will crown the 2014 champion following their 25-lap feature. The SOS 'Dream' race for drivers who have yet to win an SOS race will run after the primary feature. One driver is guaranteed to pick up their first checkered flag in a sprint car.

At the conclusion of the SOS point race, the sprint cars will remove the top wing and race topless for bragging rights to conclude their season.

The Vanderlaan Building Products Pro Late Models will also compete topless on Sunday. The second-last points race of the season will see the drivers remove the roof. Drivers will have the opportunity to hot lap minus the roof on Saturday, but will not get in to race action until Sunday. Charlie Sandercock (No.57 Bellevue Fabricating) enters as the point leader with two points races remaining. Steve Baldwin (No.5 cigarchief.com) and Phil Potts (No.29 Vanderlaan) occupy the second and third spots in the standings.

At the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, leading experts in computer hacking revealed which vehicles are the most vulnerable to hacker attacks.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee and the 2015 Cadillac Escalade topped the list of the most hackable vehicles. Meanwhile, the 2010 Range Rover Sport, the 2006 Toyota Prius and the 2006 Ford Fusion were deemed the most secure.

The report also concluded that almost all models after 2010 have some potential vulnerability. Chrysler was rated the worst for security failings in all categories, including network architecture. The Infiniti Q50 also presents important security flaws, namely, hackers can remotely deactivate the vehicle's cruise control.

Meanwhile, the Audi A8 was praised for its secure gateway that separates the car's connectivity and communications from the driving systems, such as steering, brakes, and throttle.

Source : trucktrend.com

Photo: Cadillac

An accident took place this morning at the building site of the new Toro Rosso factory in Faenza, Italy.

From press release

This morning, at the site where construction of a new building is underway, to become part of the team factory here in Faenza, an accident took place.

Two of the construction workers were injured while working on the second floor, as they fell when the ceiling collapsed.

After receiving immediate attention at the site, both men were taken by ambulance to the Cesena Hospital, where neither men is in a serious condition. We wish them both a full and speedy recovery.

Photo: ToroRosso.com

Who else than former F1 Mark Webber can explain the rivalry that exists between the teammates of a Formula 1 team?

During five consecutive years, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel fought hard at Red Bull Racing.

During a visit to Red Bull sports show Sport und Talk, Webber described what went so wrong between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes AMG.

This past weekend, the pair touched on lap 2 of the Belgian Grand Prix, damaging Rosberg's front wing and causing a puncture to Hamilton's left rear tire.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

“This is not just about one incident in one corner,” Webber said.

“Obviously this whole situation has been brewing like it always does inside the teams and you've got two guys fighting for victories”.

Webber continued: “Well, it's ... a passing move. Nico is trying to have a look on the outside, but it's Lewis's corner.

“At this point (moments before the contact) Nico knows he has no chance to get the move done. It's strange that he tried to come in so tight behind Lewis.

“It wouldn't have been a big deal at all ... it would have been nothing if there was no puncture, but the puncture changed the whole race. In the end both of their races were in trouble,” Webber continued.

Mercedes AMG now made of two teams?
The new Porsche driver thinks that the Mercedes team's management, comprising of Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe and Niki Lauda, is going to have a tough time getting the pair to work together again.

“Now we have a very difficult situation at Mercedes where the drivers are not enjoying a good relationship,” Webber declared.

“It's going to be interesting, not just for the rest of this year but can they drive together in the future? Is it okay for 2015 for the team to have the two guys together?

“The thing is, who is now going to try to put this back together? Is it the people who pay Niki's and Toto's wages? Because at the end of the day, if the drivers are not listening to these guys, do they have to say, ‘Lewis and Nico, you go chat to the big guys at Mercedes, because they're paying you guys to get the job done in a team environment.' At the moment it's not a team, it looks like the drivers are doing their own thing'. Webber said.

Complexe situation for Niki Lauda and Paddy Lowe at Mercedes AMG. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Media nightmare in Monza
Webber predicts the Italian Grand Prix in Monza to be a nightmare for the entire Mercedes team.

“The (tought) thing is for the drivers to stay focused on driving the cars now, because for them it's going to be a nightmare. The Thursday, the Friday, all the stuff out of the car, the media ... and this will just keep going up,” Webber explained.

“Let me tell you, when they get to the track, they'll only be thinking about each other. There's no one else really in the race. They are really only focused on beating each other, and that's what happens when you have a car that is so dominant,” Mark Webber told.

PROs: When you're talking about a behemoth 550 hp V8, it becomes earbleedingly obvious that its restrained engine roar is a key quality for those who love this type of car. Plus, it must be said that the 2015 XF is niftily agile despite its hefty weight. And the integrated transmission offered on the V6 version is no stranger to this purring sleekness of the new 2015 Jaguar XF.

CONs: Certainly (and everyone knows it) a Jaguar, and especially the XFR-S, is not the type of cuddly beast that can be left in the hands of just anyone. Indeed, letting loose 550 horsepower from this rear-wheel-drive throroughbred makes it a risky proposition for winter driving.

Photo: Jaguar

2015 Jaguar XF Price: In 2015, Jaguar will be offering the XF in seven different versions: the XF 2.0T at $55,543, the XF 2.0T Luxury at $58,643, the XF 3.0 TI at $63,643, the XF 3.0 TI Luxury at $69,643, the XF 3.0 TI Sport at $71,143, the XF XFR at $90,643 and finally the XF XFR-S at $106,643.

Fuel Economy: At the time of publication, fuel consumption rates for the 2015 Jaguar XF were unavailable.

Improvements and Changes: This is a model that gets revised from one year to the next, but we see no major changes for the 2015 version of the XF.

2015 Jaguar XF Powertrain: Under the hood of the XF, Jaguar is offering four different engines. First, for the XF 2.0T and XF 2.0T Luxury, you get an inline 4-cylinders 2.0L turbocharged DOHC that develops 240 hp. Second, the XF 3.0 TI Luxury and 3.0 TI Sport models feature a DOHC force-induction 3.0L V6 generating 340 hp. Third, a 5.0L V8 supercharged DOHC produces 510 hp for the XF XFR. Fourth, the 5.0L V8 supercharged DOHC produces 550 hp for the top-of-the line XF XFR-S. All engines are coupled with automatic 8-speed transmissions.

Cargo Capacity: Whether you choose the least expensive or the most expensive, you can take advantage of a 500L trunk capacity.

Safety: Concerning safety issues, the 2015 Jaguar XF benefits from ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, adaptive cruise control and side blind zone alert.

Comparing the 2015 Jaguar XF: In this prestigious luxury car category, the Jaguar XF competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW Series 5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Cadillac CTS.

From GMM

Mika Salo has added his voice to concerns about the 2015 debut of teenager Max Verstappen.

Finn Salo, who raced in F1 against the 16-year-old's father Jos, backed 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve who has questioned whether Verstappen's signing by Toro Rosso is good for F1.

"I think it's really bad for formula one," Salo, now a pundit for Finnish television, told MTV3.

"In my opinion, a guy that young should not be allowed to drive in F1. It should be the very top category of racing for which drivers train for years. F1 is not a junior series," he insisted.

Salo, who raced for Sauber and Toyota and even Ferrari, also said Verstappen risks being thrown into the deep end and having a promising career ruined early.

"What happens when it doesn't work out after two years? An unemployed F1 driver at the age of 19," he said.

The freshly F1-retired Mark Webber also weighed into the debate, laughing to Austrian Servus TV that Verstappen's 2015 debut rules out any hopes of a return to the category for himself.

"I had a wonderful career, but when I see that a 17-year-old is coming into formula one, I think it's not hard to see that it's over when you're 38!"

Dr Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull, however, is strenuously defending its decision to sign F1's youngest ever rookie, with Dr Helmut Marko arguing that while other teams "talk about young talents, we make it a reality".

"I bet 100 euros that in his first race Verstappen will be able to compete with (Daniil) Kvyat," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Meanwhile, Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost said that while Verstappen is ousting Jean-Eric Vergne in 2014, that doesn't mean the 24-year-old Frenchman is a bad driver.

In fact, "Of the drivers we have had, I think he (Vergne) is the best, although Sebastien Buemi also did a good job and has shown talent for Toyota (at Le Mans)," Franz Tost is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I hope he (Vergne) has the chance to develop and to show more, because for me, he deserves to be in formula one," he added.

From IndyCar.com

A Verizon IndyCar Series race on a newly configured 13-turn, 2.67-mile road course at NOLA Motorsports Park will debut in April as part of the 2015 season.

The Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana, held April 10-12, will feature a three-day festival combining Louisiana's culture - including live musical acts, entertainment and local cuisine - with the excitement of a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

The race weekend will compliment the French Quarter Festival, a popular music festival held in and around the historic neighborhood in New Orleans.

Earlier this year, the state of Louisiana committed $4.5 million to make enhancements to the racetrack in support of the event. This investment, combined with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park, helped facilitate required track and facility improvements necessary to host a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

Improvements to NOLA Motorsports Park include a reconfigured course layout, which was designed in collaboration with INDYCAR officials and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, including James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal.

Layout of NOLA track. (Image: NOLA)

From press release

Kids will get to take the front seat at Scotia Speedworld this Friday for the second and final Kiddie Rides Night of the season.

Gather up the kids and kick-off the Labour Day long-weekend with one of Scotia Speedworld's most popular events - Kiddie Rides, where kids get the unique opportunity to go for a ride in a racecar with their favorite driver! Kiddie Rides get underway at 7pm sharp so be sure to get there early. Grandstand gates open at 5 pm.

The format for Kiddie Rides is simple and safe. Drivers bring their cars to the front stretch and park. Once all engines are stopped, the grandstand gate is opened and children come onto the track and climb into their favorite car.

When all children are safely in the cars the drivers are led around the track at a safe speed by the pace car. After a few laps, the cars are stopped; the children climb out and proceed back to their seats in the grandstand to enjoy the rest of the night's events.

Following Kiddie Rides fans will enjoy great racing action from five Weekly Racing Series divisions. First up are the Hydraulics Plus Bandoleros who will run a 20-lap feature. This race will serve as their INEX National Qualifer, which was originally scheduled for August 15th but was postponed due to rain.

The rain soaked August 15th date also cancelled the Thunder & Lightning Twin 50's, one of the biggest events of the season for these two divisions. This week the Thunder cars will run their 50-lap feature; the Lighting cars make up their 50 lapper on September 5th. The Lightning cars will run a 25-lap feature this week.

Also on the Kiddie Rides Night bill are the Strictly Hydraulics Legends and the Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman.

Admission for Kiddie Rides is just $12 for Adults; Youth (8-15) are $2 and children 7 and under are free. Tickets are available at the gate on race day (cash only).

For complete schedule and event information please visit www.scotiaspeedworld.ca

Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey has just signed a multi-year promotion contract with Lincoln. A long-term lover of the brand, he will narrate upcoming Lincoln broadcast and digital campaigns.

Speaking about his passion for driving and for this American brand, McConaughey will start his promotional campaign with the 2015 Lincoln MKC.

“Authenticity is a word that kept coming up in our initial meetings. It was clear from the start they appreciated me as an individual first and foremost, and I would be able to be myself in this collaboration,” said Matthew McConaughey, a long-time admirer of Lincoln. “Lincoln is an iconic American brand and I like where they are heading with their transformation. I had the chance to drive the new MKC around Texas and I think they are doing a good job.”