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General Motors says that its sales in China in the first six months of 2014 increased 10.5 percent to 1,731,282 units - a new record.

The Passenger Car Association has reported a 14% rise in passenger vehicle sales for the Chinese market compared to June 2013.

The Passenger Car Association has reported a 14% rise in passenger vehicle sales for the Chinese market compared to June 2013.

News 7 Jul, 2014

The Government has axed planned restrictions on young drivers, despite research showing the move could save lives

Timed to coincide with a visit to China by German chancellor Angela Merkel, Volkswagen has announced that it and partner FAW Group will erect a further two car plants.

VW says it will invest 2 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to construct two new vehicle plants in China. The move is part of a wider plan by the carmaker to invest 18.2 billion euros in its No. 1 market through 2018.

VW says it will invest 2 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to construct two new vehicle plants in China. The move is part of a wider plan by the carmaker to invest 18.2 billion euros in its No. 1 market through 2018.

VW will invest 2 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to construct two more vehicle plants in China. The move is part of a wider plan by the carmaker to invest 18.2 billion euros in its No. 1 market through 2018.

What is it?

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has signed a components supply agreement with Mando's parent company Halla for various future models.

IKCO says its vehicle production rose by almost 180% between 21 March and 21 June 2014, the first quarter of the Iranian calendar year.

Articles 7 Jul, 2014

We explore the UK's top MPV contenders in the countdown to the Auto Express New Car Awards on July 15th

The latest issue of the Automotive News Europe monthly e-magazine is ready for you to view. This month's edition looks at the challenges facing Volkswagen Group as it tries to become the world's largest automaker.

VW Group Chairman Ferdinand Piech has succeeded in creating an automotive giant with huge cash reserves. However, problems gaining a foothold in key markets and a delicate power balance could threaten VW after Piech departs.

With the purchase of the Porsche brand in August 2012, VW Group added a 12th nameplate to its broad portfolio, which stretches from Ducati motorcycles via VW mass-market vehicles to 40-ton trucks.

One of the first things Ramzi Hermiz asked for after taking over Shiloh Industries less than two years ago was a slimmer corporate logo.

When it comes to customizing, there are the usual hot-rod-able models like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. But the Nissan Altima? Absolutely, says Eric Grubbs, CEO of Grubbs Nissan in Bedford, Texas.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed he is "ready to sign" a new contract with circuit officials at Monza.

The F1 chief executive sparked alarm among proponents of the historic Italian grand prix venue when he warned that he could axe the race after 2016.

At Silverstone, another of the sport's iconic and traditional tracks, he repeated his warning about the Autodromo Nazionale.

"Without an agreement, there will be no (Italian) grand prix," he told Italy's Sky television.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza. (Photo: Pirelli)

"The organisers know what to do and I'm ready to sign if they can comply with terms equal to those of all the other races in Europe," Bernie Ecclestone added.

"We do not want to lose Monza," he insisted. "It's not that Monza will be cut from the calendar, it's that the contract will expire and we still do not have a deal. I spoke with the organisers a couple of years ago to explain what the terms will be. They only need to accept the contract and sign it. As for me, I have a pen. There is only the need for a contract, that's all."

Asked to predict the outcome of Monza's new predicament, Ecclestone responded: "I don't know, I really don't, but we'll try. We do not want to lose Monza, but we need to bring them into line with the rest of Europe."

From GMM

Changes are afoot at Caterham, mere days after the team's takeover by mysterious investors.

"We're not even a week into this new chapter in the team's life, but we've already seen just how hard everyone at the track and at the factory is prepared to work to push us forwards," said new boss Christijan Albers.

Christijan Albers, Team principal Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

The departure of boss Cyril Abiteboul and the arrival of Albers, Colin Kolles and Manfredi Ravetto aside, it was business as usual at Silverstone as the green team continued to struggle at the back of the grid.

Some other changes are also visible.

On the green livery, Tony Fernandes-linked sponsors like Airbus were still there at Silverstone, but now conspicuously absent are the 'GE' logos of General Electric.

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper claims Caterham will lose more Fernandes-era sponsors in the coming days and weeks.

Driver rumours have also begun. Alongside the Red Bull teams, Caterham will be the only other Renault-powered team in 2015.

So it is rumoured that the Red Bull-backed Carlos Sainz jr is a candidate to move in at Leafield. Also linked with Caterham in the past few days has been Robin Frijns, who like new team boss Albers is Dutch.

For now, Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson are safe.

"Both have contracts," said Ravetto. "They are doing their best with what they have. The weak results are not their fault."

Turun Sanomat, however, claims team 'advisor' Kolles intends at least to open up another revenue stream for Caterham by selling as many Friday morning practice cockpits to well-backed drivers as possible.

And the report said Kolles also intends to shrink Caterham's 400-strong workforce.

"We have had four days to try to understand the reasons why the team is behind," Manfredi Ravetto continued. "We will try to get the most out of this season and make sure we're in a position to be further up on the grid next year. We will study the areas in which the team needs new blood."

Pros: Available as a coupe or convertible, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT may be the quintessential grand touring automobile. A stunning 2-door model that blends classic Bentley DNA with contemporary design and modern technology, the perfect fusion of supercar performance and handcrafted luxury.

Cons: This car's expensive, even by luxury standards. Its sheer size requires care when driving in tight spots. At the same time, rear-seat access and room is somewhat limited. Of course, the W12 engine will suck your wallet dry at the pumps.

Photo: Bentley

2014 Bentley Continental GT Price: Detailed pricing is unavailable. Contact your local dealer.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Fuel Economy: The official ratings for the Continental GT are 17.0L/100km in the city and 9.8L/100km on the highway. In the real world, though, expect to burn quite a bit more than that.

Improvements and Changes: Just a few revisions to the options and packages.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Powertrain: Outfitted with Bentley's 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 powerhouse, the Continental pushes out 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission, which translates into a top speed of 318 km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 4.5 seconds -- astonishing feats for a car that weighs nearly three tons. As with all Continental models, the state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system employs an advanced Torsen differential and a 40/60 rear-biased torque split.

Don't miss: A state-of-the-art air suspension, including Intelligent Continuous Damping Control, constantly monitors the car's attitude and poise, adjusting the settings hundreds of times per second to deliver a supple ride at low speeds and increased control at higher speeds.

Inside, over 80% of the entire cabin is trimmed with exquisite soft-touch leather, while Bentley's full range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals, and deep-pile carpets act as the perfect contrast.

Safety: The 2014 Bentley Continental GT comes standard with a full suite of airbags and electronic nannies including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control. Convertibles are fitted with automatic pop-up roll bars for added rollover protection.

Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental GT: Rivals include the Aston Martin DB9/Vanquish, BMW M6, Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo, Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG, and Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.