Dec
18th
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News
18 Dec, 2012
- Coleman Pack-Away 4 Person Table & Chairs Set review
- New Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI 2025 – pictures
- New Volkswagen ID. Polo 2025 – pictures
- New Volvo EX60 – pictures
- BYD Seal 6 DM-i Comfort Lite Touring – pictures
- New Halcyon Corniche EV – pictures
- Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition 2025 – pictures
- Wild MINI x Deus Ex Machina concepts are a new type of fast fashion
- New MINI x Deus Ex Machina concepts – pictures
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 preview: the Auto China car show juggernaut returns
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 – pictures
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5
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Do not miss the latest Auto News !
Dec
18th
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Johnson Controls has filed an appeal in the bankruptcy court of the 11 December, 2012 sale order approving Wanxiang's purchase of A123 Systems.
Dec
18th
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Nissan's Hong Kong-based Infiniti division has announced a new system of model names to be applied from 2013.
Dec
18th
Gearheads around the world know that car culture is facing something of an existential crisis: Kids don't seem to care all that much about cars these days.
Dec
18th
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Renault plans to build a factory in Algeria as part of its push for growth in Africa. The factory will produce vehicles in the same segment as the Symbol sedan.
Dec
18th
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Volvo is expecting roughly flat sales next year but has no plans at present to cut more staff in its production, CEO Hakan Samuelsson said.
Dec
18th
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Honda Motor Co., hit by Consumer Reports' stinging review for its Civic small car last year, got high marks for the revamped 2013 Accord that the magazine said ranks among the market's best mid-sized cars.
Dec
18th
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Infiniti is renaming its entire product portfolio for the 2014 model year, returning to the letter 'Q' from the brand's early history for every car and 'QX' for every Infiniti crossover and SUV.
Dec
18th
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Renault has given Gerard Detourbet, the man behind the no-frills Logan, a mission to devise an even cheaper vehicle program for India that can compete with such champions of frugality as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
Dec
18th
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Toyota was the first automaker to bring a compact crossover to the U.S. market. But since 1995, Toyota's dominance of the segment has eroded. It now resides in fourth place in the segment sales race.
Dec
18th
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Mont-Tremblant, Québec -- Land Rover/Range Rover sales are up 20% globally, year to date. The key to any successful car company is product, this is no secret. With new and innovative vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque or highly revamped existing models like the new Range Rover, it's no mystery as to why the brand is doing well.
The revised 2013 Land Rover LR2 addresses shortcomings present in the first LR2 launched as a 2008 model in North America. The previous entry-level Landy cabin's fussiness was pushed aside and a new, modern and efficient engine has replaced the old, and the exterior shell got a quick once-over. Is it enough?
Jaguar/Land Rover have kept the 2013 LR2 current. With the right ingredients and wise spending, they've managed to accomplish exactly that.
Although, on looks alone few could distinguish a 2008 from a 2013, driving it will show differences. If the drive takes place off-road, many competitors may fall out of favour or fall behind altogether. By driving the 2013 Land Rover LR2 as much as I did, I've rediscovered a player capable of going 10 rounds.
2.0L turbo
This is, in my book, the most noteworthy change made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: Gone is the Volvo-derived 3.2L I6 and in is the Evoque's delightful 2.0T. With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard.
Mated to the Aisin 6-speed autobox, the mill is spiritedly quick, displaying little to no lag, depending on engine speed. The ‘box is quick to play along; however, on some of our great, local country roads, I would have liked some wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
This powertrain combination renders the 2013 Land Rover LR2 far more pertinent on multiple levels. Somehow, the promise of small displacement efficiency and turbocharged performance makes the whole product loads more interesting.
It is, after all, a Landy
Although we spent a fair amount of time rediscovering how competent the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is on the road (which it really is), the fine people from Land Rover did take us on a number of trails less travelled.
Although every bit as comfortable as any other compact SUV on the road, the LR2 shines as bright as the Eddystone Lighthouse did in its heyday when removed from tarmac. To be quite honest, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 doesn't look like a hardcore off-road machine, but it can be.
Some of the terrain traversed in the LR2 seemed to be above the vehicle's perceived capabilities, but never did it falter even when some of the deep, muddy ruts seemed to pose a mild challenge for the leading Land Rover LR4. With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential.
Truly, and much like the Evoque, looks are clearly nothing when it comes to judging a Land or Range Rover's depth of abilities.
The Oil of Olay effect
The seven signs of aging (don't ask me what they are) were mostly addressed on the 2013 Land Rover LR2. Mandatory LEDs in the headlights were added for a touch of cool class, and the taillights were also revised. As well, updated wheels were thrown into the mix as an added ”new” bonus. That essentially sums up the outside.
The interior was tackled with the same light-and-easy approach. Land Rover simplified the LR2's cabin by reducing the switch count. Essentially, they've classed up their entry-level player by giving it a more business-like environment -- like a Range Rover.
I'm not sure if the new aesthetics are enough to make a marked difference in the 2013 Land Rover's take rate; however, the addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2.
The new centre console with a 7” colour touchscreen and the optional satellite navigation system are always winners in the high-end luxury game. The kicker for me is the Meridian audio system which simply belches out flawless sound. As well, the new instrument cluster with a 5” screen centre display is as attractive as it is functional.
In related news
There are a few other noteworthy changes made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: One has to do with the improved chassis bracing and structure reinforcements which not only affect NVH highly, but serve to stiffen up the vehicle's structure. This Land Rover displayed no -- I repeat, no -- rattles. True story.
Also, the LR2 now features Land Rover's Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM). This Smart Regenerative Charging system means the alternator only charges the battery while the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy. Nice touch.
The 2013 Land Rover LR2 offers comfort, class and on- and off-road performance like few others in its class. As quality continues to improve (which involves reliability), Land Rover products are becoming even more alluring. Few would not want to own one of these robust and luxurious vehicles.
 |
The revised 2013 Land Rover LR2 addresses shortcomings present in the first LR2 launched as a 2008 model in North America. The previous entry-level Landy cabin's fussiness was pushed aside and a new, modern and efficient engine has replaced the old, and the exterior shell got a quick once-over. Is it enough?
Jaguar/Land Rover have kept the 2013 LR2 current. With the right ingredients and wise spending, they've managed to accomplish exactly that.
Although, on looks alone few could distinguish a 2008 from a 2013, driving it will show differences. If the drive takes place off-road, many competitors may fall out of favour or fall behind altogether. By driving the 2013 Land Rover LR2 as much as I did, I've rediscovered a player capable of going 10 rounds.
2.0L turbo
This is, in my book, the most noteworthy change made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: Gone is the Volvo-derived 3.2L I6 and in is the Evoque's delightful 2.0T. With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard.
Mated to the Aisin 6-speed autobox, the mill is spiritedly quick, displaying little to no lag, depending on engine speed. The ‘box is quick to play along; however, on some of our great, local country roads, I would have liked some wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
This powertrain combination renders the 2013 Land Rover LR2 far more pertinent on multiple levels. Somehow, the promise of small displacement efficiency and turbocharged performance makes the whole product loads more interesting.
 |
| With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
It is, after all, a Landy
Although we spent a fair amount of time rediscovering how competent the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is on the road (which it really is), the fine people from Land Rover did take us on a number of trails less travelled.
Although every bit as comfortable as any other compact SUV on the road, the LR2 shines as bright as the Eddystone Lighthouse did in its heyday when removed from tarmac. To be quite honest, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 doesn't look like a hardcore off-road machine, but it can be.
Some of the terrain traversed in the LR2 seemed to be above the vehicle's perceived capabilities, but never did it falter even when some of the deep, muddy ruts seemed to pose a mild challenge for the leading Land Rover LR4. With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential.
Truly, and much like the Evoque, looks are clearly nothing when it comes to judging a Land or Range Rover's depth of abilities.
 |
| With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The Oil of Olay effect
The seven signs of aging (don't ask me what they are) were mostly addressed on the 2013 Land Rover LR2. Mandatory LEDs in the headlights were added for a touch of cool class, and the taillights were also revised. As well, updated wheels were thrown into the mix as an added ”new” bonus. That essentially sums up the outside.
The interior was tackled with the same light-and-easy approach. Land Rover simplified the LR2's cabin by reducing the switch count. Essentially, they've classed up their entry-level player by giving it a more business-like environment -- like a Range Rover.
I'm not sure if the new aesthetics are enough to make a marked difference in the 2013 Land Rover's take rate; however, the addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2.
The new centre console with a 7” colour touchscreen and the optional satellite navigation system are always winners in the high-end luxury game. The kicker for me is the Meridian audio system which simply belches out flawless sound. As well, the new instrument cluster with a 5” screen centre display is as attractive as it is functional.
 |
| The addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
In related news
There are a few other noteworthy changes made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: One has to do with the improved chassis bracing and structure reinforcements which not only affect NVH highly, but serve to stiffen up the vehicle's structure. This Land Rover displayed no -- I repeat, no -- rattles. True story.
Also, the LR2 now features Land Rover's Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM). This Smart Regenerative Charging system means the alternator only charges the battery while the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy. Nice touch.
The 2013 Land Rover LR2 offers comfort, class and on- and off-road performance like few others in its class. As quality continues to improve (which involves reliability), Land Rover products are becoming even more alluring. Few would not want to own one of these robust and luxurious vehicles.
Dec
18th
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Starting with the 2014 model year, all Infiniti vehicles will be sold under a brand new name. Sedans, coupes and convertibles will use the ''Q'' prefix, while SUVs and crossovers will wear a ''QX'' badge.
Each one will also be defined by a two-digit number relative to its position within the lineup. For example, the current FX and JX crossovers will be called QX70 and QX60, respectively.
The new naming strategy will first apply to the 2014 Infiniti Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January to replace the G sedan.
"The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident,'' said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
''To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that 'Q' captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 - Infiniti's first iconic flagship product in 1989."
Each one will also be defined by a two-digit number relative to its position within the lineup. For example, the current FX and JX crossovers will be called QX70 and QX60, respectively.
The new naming strategy will first apply to the 2014 Infiniti Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January to replace the G sedan.
"The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident,'' said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
''To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that 'Q' captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 - Infiniti's first iconic flagship product in 1989."
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| Photo: Infiniti |
Dec
18th
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GM's all-new extended-range electric luxury coupe, the 2014 Cadillac ELR, will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.
Based on the 2009 Cadillac Converj Concept, the ELR features an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary driving power source, and when the battery's energy is low, the system seamlessly switches to a gasoline-powered electric generator to boost range.
No word yet on when the 2014 Cadillac ELR will hit the market, or what kind of performance buyers should expect.
Based on the 2009 Cadillac Converj Concept, the ELR features an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary driving power source, and when the battery's energy is low, the system seamlessly switches to a gasoline-powered electric generator to boost range.
No word yet on when the 2014 Cadillac ELR will hit the market, or what kind of performance buyers should expect.
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| Photo: Cadillac |
Dec
18th
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Introduced at the Paris Auto Show in September, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax will arrive in dealerships across Canada this winter with a starting MSRP of $18,495.
Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine, the Trax delivers 138 horsepower while burning just 7.8L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission (8.1 and 5.9, respectively, with the six-speed automatic). When equipped with all-wheel drive, fuel consumption increases to 8.7L/100km in the city and 6.5L/100km on the highway.
The 2013 Chevrolet Trax, which can seat five and swallow up to 1,370 litres of cargo, will rival the likes of Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi RVR and Scion xB.
''Trax is an important addition to the Chevrolet portfolio in Canada,'' said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet in Canada. ''We believe Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, which will be ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.''
Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine, the Trax delivers 138 horsepower while burning just 7.8L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission (8.1 and 5.9, respectively, with the six-speed automatic). When equipped with all-wheel drive, fuel consumption increases to 8.7L/100km in the city and 6.5L/100km on the highway.
The 2013 Chevrolet Trax, which can seat five and swallow up to 1,370 litres of cargo, will rival the likes of Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi RVR and Scion xB.
''Trax is an important addition to the Chevrolet portfolio in Canada,'' said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet in Canada. ''We believe Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, which will be ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.''
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| Photo: Chevrolet |
Dec
18th
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From GMM
Gary Hartstein has admitted his fury at F1's governing body.
Last month, the 57-year-old American revealed on Twitter that the Jean Todt-led FIA had decided not to renew his contract as F1's chief doctor beyond 2012.
He said at the time: "Not sure about the 'why's' of the decision, but not down to me to know."
But Hartstein's tone changed radically this week, when he admitted to his almost 8,000 Twitter followers that he is "righteously pissed off" to have lost his job.
"I might launch a crusade to get some answers, or get my f***ing job back, or let the world know what's really going on on the medical side of the FIA.
"Understand this: I am not bitter or sad," Hartstein insisted. "I am seriously angry. And that's bad. Not sure how or when, but there's dark clouds a-gatherin'. This is gonna be a f***ing blast!"
Gary Hartstein has admitted his fury at F1's governing body.
Last month, the 57-year-old American revealed on Twitter that the Jean Todt-led FIA had decided not to renew his contract as F1's chief doctor beyond 2012.
He said at the time: "Not sure about the 'why's' of the decision, but not down to me to know."
But Hartstein's tone changed radically this week, when he admitted to his almost 8,000 Twitter followers that he is "righteously pissed off" to have lost his job.
"I might launch a crusade to get some answers, or get my f***ing job back, or let the world know what's really going on on the medical side of the FIA.
"Understand this: I am not bitter or sad," Hartstein insisted. "I am seriously angry. And that's bad. Not sure how or when, but there's dark clouds a-gatherin'. This is gonna be a f***ing blast!"
Dec
18th
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Volvo is partnering with Ericsson to offer a ''Multiservice Delivery Platform'' allowing drivers, passengers and the vehicle to connect to cloud-based services and applications, including entertainment, information, and navigation. These will be accessible through the centre display.
The system will combine Volvo's expertise in driver behaviour and traffic safety with Ericsson's consulting, system integration and managed services expertise from mobile communication solutions.
Look for it to appear in various Volvo models in the near future.
The system will combine Volvo's expertise in driver behaviour and traffic safety with Ericsson's consulting, system integration and managed services expertise from mobile communication solutions.
Look for it to appear in various Volvo models in the near future.
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| Photo: Volvo |
Dec
18th
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From GMM
Kamui Kobayashi has announced he will not be on the F1 grid in 2013.
Dropped by Sauber, the exciting Japanese driver had been raising money via a fans' website in a bid to secure an alternate race seat for next season.
Alan Jones, Australia's 1980 world champion, publicly backed his campaign.
"Perhaps now is the right time for corporations in Japan to get behind (Kobayashi) to secure his future in the sport," Jones said last week. "Kamui is the best so far from Japan to compete in formula one."
But after Lotus late on Monday confirmed that Romain Grosjean is staying put in 2013, 26-year-old Kobayashi acknowledged that he is dropping out of F1 for now.
"I was in the position to bring a budget of eight million euros at least," he announced on his website.
"Unfortunately, the time was still short and I am not able to secure a seat with a competitive F1 team for 2013. I have to admit that it is very sad and I feel sorry for the fans and Japanese companies who supported me. But I am still confident to make it happen in 2014. I would like to stop the donation for now and while I will save all the money for 2014, I will start to look at what is the best option for 2013 and also 2014.
"My main priority is to secure a competitive F1 seat in 2014. I have no interest in racing in any other categories," he said.
Kamui Kobayashi, likeable and popular also for his exciting wheel-to-wheel style and audacious overtaking, debuted for Toyota late in 2009 before being signed by Sauber full time.
Kamui Kobayashi has announced he will not be on the F1 grid in 2013.
Dropped by Sauber, the exciting Japanese driver had been raising money via a fans' website in a bid to secure an alternate race seat for next season.
Alan Jones, Australia's 1980 world champion, publicly backed his campaign.
"Perhaps now is the right time for corporations in Japan to get behind (Kobayashi) to secure his future in the sport," Jones said last week. "Kamui is the best so far from Japan to compete in formula one."
But after Lotus late on Monday confirmed that Romain Grosjean is staying put in 2013, 26-year-old Kobayashi acknowledged that he is dropping out of F1 for now.
"I was in the position to bring a budget of eight million euros at least," he announced on his website.
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| Kamui Kobayashi on the podium in Japan. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team) |
"Unfortunately, the time was still short and I am not able to secure a seat with a competitive F1 team for 2013. I have to admit that it is very sad and I feel sorry for the fans and Japanese companies who supported me. But I am still confident to make it happen in 2014. I would like to stop the donation for now and while I will save all the money for 2014, I will start to look at what is the best option for 2013 and also 2014.
"My main priority is to secure a competitive F1 seat in 2014. I have no interest in racing in any other categories," he said.
Kamui Kobayashi, likeable and popular also for his exciting wheel-to-wheel style and audacious overtaking, debuted for Toyota late in 2009 before being signed by Sauber full time.
Dec
18th
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From GMM
Mark Gillan, chief operations engineer, has left Williams.
Citing the confirmation of a team spokeswoman, Reuters news agency reports that Gillan - who only joined the famous British team just over a year ago - wants to "spend more time with his family".
Gillan worked for Jaguar from 2002, moving from Red Bull to Toyota in 2006 to head the Cologne based team's aerodynamics department.
Reuters claimed that, alongside Mike Coughlan and Jason Sommerville, Gillan was "one of a top technical trio credited with turning around" Williams' fortunes after its abysmal 2011 season.
Mark Gillan, chief operations engineer, has left Williams.
Citing the confirmation of a team spokeswoman, Reuters news agency reports that Gillan - who only joined the famous British team just over a year ago - wants to "spend more time with his family".
Gillan worked for Jaguar from 2002, moving from Red Bull to Toyota in 2006 to head the Cologne based team's aerodynamics department.
Reuters claimed that, alongside Mike Coughlan and Jason Sommerville, Gillan was "one of a top technical trio credited with turning around" Williams' fortunes after its abysmal 2011 season.
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| Valtteri Bottas, Williams FW34. (Photo: WRi2) |
Dec
18th
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From GMM
Niki Lauda is looking to tweak the Christmas holiday plans of team staff, as he bids to get Mercedes up to speed for 2013.
Germany's Bild newspaper said that, since the triple world champion started his new job as Mercedes' non-executive chairman, he often "arrives unannounced" at the team's Brackley headquarters.
The report said Lauda, 63, has concluded that "the communication between the departments of the factory is in great need of improvement".
Bild claimed that great Austrian Lauda has also been studying the vacation plans of Brackley's 450 staff, with many to be completely absent in December and January.
"Understandable after a long season," said Bild. "But that is when ideas for the new car are needed."
Lauda told Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "I am in England very often; right now just to analyse things. It is interesting that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were always in the top five at the beginning of the year, and we won in Shanghai. Everything was on track until suddenly it was completely backwards. Together with Ross Brawn we have to ensure that never happens again."
He also confirmed that Christmas will not be a period for quiet reflection.
"When everyone else is on vacation, I will use the time to do everything to bring Mercedes to the front again -- because that's where we belong," said Niki Lauda.
Niki Lauda is looking to tweak the Christmas holiday plans of team staff, as he bids to get Mercedes up to speed for 2013.
Germany's Bild newspaper said that, since the triple world champion started his new job as Mercedes' non-executive chairman, he often "arrives unannounced" at the team's Brackley headquarters.
The report said Lauda, 63, has concluded that "the communication between the departments of the factory is in great need of improvement".
Bild claimed that great Austrian Lauda has also been studying the vacation plans of Brackley's 450 staff, with many to be completely absent in December and January.
"Understandable after a long season," said Bild. "But that is when ideas for the new car are needed."
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| Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W03. (Photo: WRi2) |
Lauda told Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "I am in England very often; right now just to analyse things. It is interesting that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were always in the top five at the beginning of the year, and we won in Shanghai. Everything was on track until suddenly it was completely backwards. Together with Ross Brawn we have to ensure that never happens again."
He also confirmed that Christmas will not be a period for quiet reflection.
"When everyone else is on vacation, I will use the time to do everything to bring Mercedes to the front again -- because that's where we belong," said Niki Lauda.