Auto News 5

Honda, the automaker at the center of a global auto-safety crisis, is seeking to hire a senior quality engineer who would lead audits of suppliers' quality assurance.

Tata Motors' Land Rover has unveiled augmented reality (AR) technology ahead of the launch of the Discovery Sport, the Freelander replacement, bridging the gap between the announcement and vehicles arriving in showrooms. The technology will be available at all 117 dealers in the UK.

Mitsubishi has built its three millionth Pajero since the model line, sold worldwide, was introduced in 1982.

PSA has agreed to invest 150 million euros ($187 million) over the next three years to add models such as upscale compact car at its plant in Poissy, France, unions said.

News 11 Dec, 2014

Following the Citroen and DS separation, the luxury DS brand will introduce 6 global models by 2020

News 11 Dec, 2014

BMW has given its 6 Series and M6 coupe, convertible and saloon a mid-life makeover, with better interior quality and engine tweaks

Things are hotting up at Hyundai Motor which will introduce its fastest production model yet with the arrival of the new i30 Turbo next year along with a coupe version of the smaller i20.

Fiat Chrysler Automobile's share sale will carry a discount of 4 percent after the stock plunged the most in New York since FCA's October debut. FCA is selling stock to counter mounting debt and fund a five-year investment plan.

Fiat Chrysler's share sale will carry a discount of 4 percent after the stock plunged the most in New York since the company's October debut. CEO Sergio Marchionne is seeking to raise about $5 billion to counter mounting debt.

Fiat Chrysler's share sale will carry a discount of 4 percent after the stock plunged the most in New York since the company's October debut. CEO Sergio Marchionne is seeking to raise about $5 billion to counter mounting debt.

India's Mahindra is close to sealing a deal to buy NEVS, the investment group that bought the assets of Saab Automobile, a report said. Mahindra wants Saab to accelerate its expansion into western markets and into premium and electric cars.

India's Mahindra is close to sealing a deal to buy NEVS, the investment group that bought the assets of Saab Automobile, a report said. Mahindra wants Saab so it can accelerate its expansion into Western markets and into premium and electric cars.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi will recall more than 500,000 cars globally to replace air bag inflators made by Takata. Honda will recall 100,000 cars in Europe while Nissan's recall includes 49,000 vehicles in Europe.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi will recall more than 500,000 cars globally to replace airbag inflators made by Takata. Honda will recall 100,000 cars in Europe while Nissan's recall includes 49,000 vehicles in Europe.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi will recall more than 500,000 cars globally to replace airbag inflators made by Takata. Honda will recall 100,000 cars in Europe while Nissan's recall includes 49,000 vehicles in Europe.

A customer visited a dealership an average of six times in the UK before completing a purchase in 1994. That number dropped to 1.2 visits in 2012 and it's still falling, a successful retailer says.

Audi's cyberstores in London, Beijing and Berlin showcase the brand's technology by presenting its entire model lineup in a digital format. Horst Hanschur, Audi's head of business development, explained the benefits to Automotive News Europe.

BMW's Future Retail program, which launched last year in the UK, France, China and the Netherlands, offers customers a high-tech but unrushed explanation of BMW products.

From GMM

F1's youngest ever driver Max Verstappen is expecting controversy about his age and experience to continue for now.

At just over 17 years of age, the young Dutchman raised eyebrows when backer Red Bull announced that after just a single year of single-seater racing, he would debut for Toro Rosso in 2015.

Less than a year out of karts, Verstappen already made history in 2014 when he began to appear in Friday morning practice sessions, smashing the former record held by Sebastian Vettel who began practicing for BMW in 2007 at the age of 19.

The controversy about Verstappen's age and inexperience even elicited a response from the governing FIA, who now intend to set a minimum age of 18 for new drivers from 2016 and a range of other tougher qualifying conditions for a super license.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, Japan. (Photo: WRi2)

Speaking to Italy's Autosprint, even Verstappen himself admitted he was surprised by just how quickly he graduated from karts in 2013 to the F1 paddock less than a year later.

"Last winter, the plan was to stay for two years in Formula 3 and then decide what to do" he admitted.

"Then I started getting very good results immediately and from there many things happened very quickly," said Max Verstappen. "I definitely didn't expect it to happen as it did. At first I wondered if I have what it takes to do it. I analysed it and realised that I did."

Nevertheless, he says he understands the controversy surrounding his meteoric rise and expects it to continue for some time yet.

"Honestly I don't have any problem with what has been said," Verstappen explained, "and those sorts of things will probably continue for a while still.

"So far I've had the chance to get on track in formula one for three free practice sessions and I have not got involved in accidents, unlike some other drivers," he added.

"I'm adapting gradually, without rushing, but the laptimes I have done have already been positive," said Max Verstappen.

From GMM

The new team boss, is the former Marlboro branding executive Maurizio Arrivabene, who this week has given one of his first interviews to the Ferrari media insider Leo Turrini.

He told Turrini's Quotidiano blog: "When people ask me when things will change on the track, I reply that I do not have a magic wand.

"In 2015 it would be enough to win a couple of races -- one with Vettel, one with Raikkonen.

"Seb is beginning to understand what Ferrari is. Kimi knows already and, incidentally, Kimi has the advantage of being a normal guy in a world - formula one - where many, but fortunately not Vettel, are quick to lose touch with reality," Arrivabene added.

"None of us are here to regret the past. We are all here to build the future. I have no doubts about our president (Sergio) Marchionne's dedication to our battle. You'll see with time the concerns of those who do not know him will vanish," he predicted.

Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. (Photo: WRi2)

Maurizio Arrivabene also spoke more broadly about the state of today's F1, saying: "At the political level, Ferrari asks not what is right for our company, but what is right for anyone who loves the sport.

"Whoever runs the racing world has to realise there is an audience to regain. I'm not interested in speeches about Rolex, I want a formula one that is as popular as the Olympics and the World Cup.

"It once was so, and we have to go back to those levels," he insisted.