Auto News 5

The next frontier for BMW AG is growing the digital end of its business, both in its vehicles and the retail environment.

Two U.S. senators have asked the world's biggest automakers for information on steps they have taken to protect cars from being hacked, as attention on vehicle security has surged following the first car recall over a cyber bug.

News 16 Sep, 2015

Audi has underlined the importance of electric cars in its future model line-up

The tentative contract agreement between the UAW and Fiat Chrysler stirred quite a reaction out of those who follow the auto industry, despite the disclosure of virtually none of its details.

Features 19 Sep, 2015

As Rolls-Royce prepares a new 4x4, we drive the 1914 tank that set the blueprint for its forthcoming SUV

A small UK automotive supplier of insulation materials to Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Honda and VW Group has doubled its staff since moving into new premises last year as part of a GBP6m expansion programme. Automotive Insulations (AI), part of the British owned Autins Group, has taken on around 80 staff over the past 12 months, both on the shop floor and in administrative positions to help meet growing demand from vehicle manufacturers.

Mercedes is open to the idea of creating an alliance with rivals BMW and Audi to manufacture next-generation batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the automaker's CEO, Dieter Zetsche, said.

News 16 Sep, 2015

Ford EU boss says the brand needs a higher trim level to stop customers moving upmarket

Software company Elektrobit has announced it is working with Infineon Technologies, a leading semiconductor supplier for autonomous driving, and NVIDIA, a specialist in visual computing, to make it easier for the automakers and their suppliers to create advanced driver assistance systems.

Ratings company Fitch has warned the automotive industry that China's car market is entering a new phase with annual sales volume growth slowing to mid-single digits over the next decade due to slowing demand. In a note it said that slowing demand in top-tier cities will be the result of a maturing market and a "rebalancing" in China.

The BMW Group achieved record August sales result with deliveries totalling 156,437 for the month, an increase of 7.2% year on year. It's also been a company record first eight months with year-to-date sales up 7.4% (1,429,390).

Opinion 16 Sep, 2015

There are plenty who want a sports car but can’t have one, so the more SUVs and crossovers the merrier, says Steve Fowler

Despite the subdued mood in China, Porsche delivered 4,821 vehicles to the region in August - an increase of 17.2% compared to the same month last year. In July 2015, Porsche had already gained ground with a growth of 6.2% despite the Chinese automotive economy cooling down. From January to August 2015, Porsche achieved an increase in deliveries of almost 38% in China.

News 16 Sep, 2015

New Rolls-Royce SUV is likely to retain Cullinan codename, and will go on sale in 2018

News 16 Sep, 2015

The new British-built Vauxhall Astra will form part of the strongest Vauxhall range in years under GM's bold plans for the brand

The partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG accelerated and strengthened as it entered its sixth year in 2015, the companies' leaders said today in their annual media update during the Frankfurt show. Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Alliance, described the partnership as "one of the most productive in the auto industry."

News 16 Sep, 2015

A production car based on the Mazda Koeru SUV concept is a real possibility with bosses looking to gauge public reaction.

As vehicle makers come under tighter CO2 emission limit rules, Johnson Controls says it sees a further opportunity to take weight out of seats. Johnson Controls says it has made lightweight construction a priority in its research and development.

Renault will supply motors for electric versions of Daimler's Smart city cars under their deepening five-year-old alliance. Renault already uses the motors in its Zoe EV.