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Shell says it has become "Innovation Partner of Scuderia Ferrari" for the next five years as part of a new agreement that will see the pair work "closer together than ever before". Shell says the arrangement marks a significant new chapter in a partnership that dates back to the 1930s.

Continental's CFO has told Bloomberg that after a pause for the remainder of 2015, automotive production in China should resume growth again in 2016. He also said that the latest stockmarket falls in China were an "overreaction".

Ford of Europe plans to expand its range and increase sales in the fast-growing SUV segment in Europe, as well as significantly increase its offering of all-wheel drive (AWD) technologies so, natch, its has released results of a Ford-sponsored survey in the region showing "SUVs are highly desired by Millennials - those aged 17-34 - indicating Europe's SUV boom is poised to accelerate". More so than other age groups, Millennials say SUVs make them feel powerful when they drive, are the kind of vehicle they want to be seen in and are more sporty and fun to drive than other vehicle types - according to strategic research consultancy Benenson Strategy Group.

Mahindra and Mahindra, India's largest maker of SUVs, is close to an agreement to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina SpA, people familiar with the matter said.

General Motors said sales in China declined for the fourth time in five months, deepening its slump in the world's largest auto market.

Continental says it is on track to reach its recently raised full-year target despite a seasonal downturn in summer.

India's Mahindra is said to be close to an agreement to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina after talks stalled earlier this year. The companies are seeking to complete negotiations in the next few days, sources said.

Renault has given its new Megane a distinctive design as part of its ambition to make the model more upscale and help it stand out in the competitive compact market against rivals such as the VW Golf and Peugeot 308.

Vietnam's new vehicle market continued to grow strongly in August with sales rising by close to 46% to 16,019 units from 11,001 units a year earlier, according to data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association.

Nissan has released a teaser picture showing a crossover concept that will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt auto show. Reports say the concept will preview a new direction for the automaker's Z sports car subbrand.

Continuing just-auto's series of interviews with tier one suppliers, Matthew Beecham spoke to John Fuerst, Vice President Engineering, Delphi Powertrain Systems about how developments in aftertreatment are affecting the choice of engine management strategy. Delphi Powertrain Systems encompasses gasoline and diesel engine management systems. It also has responsibility for diesel and automotive aftermarket activities and original equipment services.

General Motors and its joint ventures booked record retail sales of 2,197,192 vehicles in China during the first eight months of the year, which was up 2.3% year on year. The increase, the automaker said, was driven by successful new product launches and an improved mix of SUVs and MPVs.

Skoda global car deliveries declined by some 3.4% in August to 70,700 vehicles. The company said the economic situation in China, Russia and Eastern Europe led to the decline.

Wabco said it had entered into a new long term agreement as major supplier for a comprehensive range of advanced and conventional technologies with one of Russia's largest heavy duty commercial vehicle manufacturers.

News 8 Sep, 2015

This is the SEAT Leon Cupra 290, the most powerful car in the range - with 286bhp

The Ford Mustang was the best-selling sports car worldwide during the first half of the year, independent registration data showed, as right hand drive production began in the US.

Ford sold 79,608 vehicles in China during August, a 3% decrease compared to August 2014. Year-to-date, sales surpassed 700,000, down 1%. Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's passenger car joint venture, sold 59,651 vehicles in August, a 1% decrease compared to 2014. CAF sold 512,377 vehicles from January to August, steady compared to the same time last year.

In the first half of 2015, the Mahle Group achieved sales of EUR 5.53bn (US$6.17bn), up 12.5% year on year. At EUR324.5m, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were up 17.2%. EBIT margin rose to 5.9%.