Auto News 5

As one of my colleagues remarked, the grille on the just facelifted BMW 7 Series is somewhat reminiscent of the front-end of a basking shark in full plankton filter-feed mode. I'm sure the Chinese will love it anyway (a staggering 44% of all 7 sales last year were in China - which explains the Shanghai roll-out). It was a lighter moment in a week that has had a more serious side on a number of fronts.

Opinion 20 Jan, 2019

Although car sales were down in the UK in 2018, Mike Rutherford still thinks there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic

We heard at CES last week how Harman is expanding its Over-the-Air (OTA) offering to allow OEMs to effectively tackle the ever-growing security complexity of their software supply chain's components. We also learned how its smart, secure technology is advancing personalised mobility that satisfies individual preferences. Continuing just-auto/QUBE series of interviews, we spoke to Oren Betzaleli, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Connected Services, Harman.

Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have said that results from their ongoing joint investigation into misconduct carried out by Carlos Ghosn, former chairman of the two companies, confirm that he received improper payments from a Dutch subsidiary (Nissan-Mitsubishi BV - a JV established by both companies).

Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG), a 100% subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation for the production of automobiles in India, has completed construction of the Gujarat Plant Number-2, and has started production of the Swift.

Nissan has unveiled the NV300 Concept-van to highlight the versatility of Nissan commercial vehicles for bespoke conversions of all types.

At the Brussels Motor Show, Ford of Europe has revealed an enhanced Ford Mondeo range - including a new Mondeo Hybrid wagon (estate).

News 18 Jan, 2019

This 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake has nearly doubled its previous record as the most expensive Mustang ever sold at auction

Mahindra Electric, part of the Mahindra Group, says it has launched the all new 'Next-Generation Mobility app' - Nemo Life. This announcement coincides with the completion of over 100m electric kilometres by Mahindra EVs on Indian roads.

Harman used the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week to showcase its expertise and latest innovations in connected car, audio and connected services technologies. The company says it is expanding the traditional measures of MPGs or RPMs to deliver what consumers today demand, namely Experiences Per Mile (EPM). Connected, personalised and adaptable experiences driven by technology, not horsepower, is the main differentiator of new vehicles, says the supplier. It further believes it is "democratising vehicle experiences" through solutions that enable smarter interactions, improve safety and security, and help automakers seamlessly scale offerings across car segments. To find out how, we met with Rashmi Rao, Senior Director Global Engineering, Advanced Product Development, User Experience, Connected Car, Harman.

Hyundai Mobis and KT Corporation are to form a connected vehicle alliance that will focus on 5G communication opportunities for connected vehicles. 

Eaton says its eMobility business has developed compact power-dense automotive inverters capable of increasing the range of electric vehicles.

News 18 Jan, 2019

Chinese auto manufacturer Geely reveals its latest all-electric saloon, tasked with taking on the global EV market

Audi has released details of its Münchsmünster production site that produces key components - such as chassis modules - for Audi and other VW Group brand models.

It seems hard to believe Toyota's RAV4 is 25 years old and entering its fifth generation. Seems only a few years ago I had my first go in the little three-door launch model with its cheeky look a larger Toyota iteration of Suzuki's Vitara, a two-litre petrol engine, side opening rear door and tailgate mounted spare wheel.

A number of automotive trends were evident at last week's CES, notably how Artificial Intelligence, smart audio and voice control systems are shaping the in-car user experience. To learn more, we caught up with Bill Wyman, VP - Global Marketing - Car Audio, Harman.

Osram has sold its North American service business, Sylvania Lighting Solutions to Wesco International.

Groupe Renault has posted 2018 sales up 3.2% to 3.9m vehicles, while integrating the Jinbei and Huasong brands, although at 2017 scope, volumes declined by 1.2% in a world market down 0.3%.