Dacia, the top sales growth in Europe

Dacia has registered a significant growth in sales in the EU in may, while auto manufacturers share from 1.9% to 2.3%, according to the information provided by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). In the fifth month of the current year, the car House in Mioveni has posted the second most powerful evolution.

While the auto market  is dropping, and most European car manufacturers show losses, continue to enjoy a sustained growth in sales. May be registered in Europe, up units 25.239 16% compared to may 2012 (21.763 units).

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Group had a sales decline of 2.8%, 13.3% for PSA Peugeot Citroen, 10.1 percent for the Renault Group, 11 percent for the General Motors Group, 0.5% for Ford, 11% for Fiat Group and 6.6% for the BMW Group.

Increases were recorded in Daimler (0.5%), Nissan (5.7%), Hyundai (0.4%), Jaguar Land Rover (9.3%) and Mazda (29.8%).

In the first five months of the year were registered, a total of Dacia cars the has sell 115.405 in the 29 States
 of the European Union, up 17.5 percent compared with the same period in 2012.



The recession in the euro area and the high level of unemployment has affected sales by major auto manufacturers in Europe in the first five months of this year, Volkswagen's sales thus came with 3.4 percent of PSA Peugeot Citroen, with 13.9% of Renault Group, with 6.2 percent of the General Motors Group with 10.8 percent, Ford by 13%, of the Fiat Group with 9,6% of the BMW Group, 2.4 percent.

In the period from January to may 2013, increases in the number of new cars registered were recorded Daimler (2.4%), Kia (2.6%), Honda (12%), Jaguar Land Rover (12.9%) and Mazda (6.9%).

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Lamborghini prepares the new Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini is transforming the Sesto Elemento concept into a series version. The supercar will be produced in only 20 units and it could cost no less than one and a half million euros.

 The Sesto Elemento prototype, presented almost three years ago in Paris, will be introduced in series production. The Sant’Agata Bolognese auto plant will produce the exclusivist model in the very small number of 20 units. The ”excessive” use of carbon fiber on this model promises a weight/power ratio of 1.75 kg/hp.

The propulsion will be handeled by a V10 engine that can produce 570 horsepower. Under this configuration, the future Sesto Elemento will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.5 seconds and will reach a top speed of 320 km/h. Each model will be built at the new Lamborghini center, specially created to transform the prototypes into pre-series versions, therefore guaranteeing a high level of quality and performance, each detail being treated with maximum atention. At the design chapter, the series Sesto

 Elemento won’t be different from the concept unvelied in 2010, at the Paris Auto Show. The interior showuld remain the same, the chairs being built form carbon fiber. Although there isn’t a launch date for the series version momentarily, The Geneva Auto Show should represent a good oportunity for the Italians.

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Hyundai, champion at the design category

Hyundai won three awards at the second edition of the automanufacturers competition, organised by the german council of design. The new i30 generation won the awards “Best interior” and “Best exterior” , while the award “Best concept” has been won by  the i-oniq model.

Both the new i30 and the i-oniq were designed at the technical center from Rüsselsheim, Germany, by the Hyundai Motor Europe team.

The two victories of the new i30 generation prove the commitment of Hyundai to the design of their products, in accordance with the needs of the european clients. The exterior look enrolls in the “fluid sculpture” philosophy used by Hyundai, giving the feeling of continuous movement  even when the car is still, offering it a confident attitude, due to its dynamic proportions. The interior of the new i30 represents a significant progres from the previous model, while the use of superior quality materials increases the visual impact.

The i-oniq model debuted at the Geneva Auto Show 2012, presenting the new technology and the new design line from Hyundai. Known as  HED-8, the i-oniq concept car is characterized by a  refined design and muscular look, the visible  premium qualities being found both in exterior and in interior. The futuristic design of the cabin combines the ergonomic driving position, whith a high level of comfort for the passengers.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe declared: ” The Recognition from the german council of design, represents a  confirmation of the transformation of Hyundai in the last years. The stylistic influence of the concept added the emotional component to our products, which also keeps the rational characteristics that contributed to the success of the brand. The new i30 generation represents the best confirmation  of our commitment to offer vehicles that meet the expectations of the european clients, as a part of the Hyunday product strategy.”

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Subaru to release three new models and a hybrid in the next five years!

Subaru wants to become the world’s leader on the auto safety market in five years, and they also want to increase their sales by 40 percent. Fuji Heavy Industries, the corporation that owns Subaru announced their plans for the next five fiscal years.

They target the solidification of the Subaru foundation by reaching 1,000,000 units sold per year for 10 years. In the mean time, Subaru also wants to increase their fan base by offering quality products. In the future, Subaru wants to improve their safety technology and to offer ecologic products. Subaru will include three new models in the next five years, along with a hybrid.

The United States and China markets will be favored because Subaru wants to increase their sales with 40 percent in the next five years. To accommodate their sales increase efforts, Subaru will have to increase their production capacity. The Subaru development and production costs will be reduced thanks to the partnership signed with Toyota Motor Corporation.

The base philosophy of this five years plan will be client oriented and will integrate the “Confidence in Motion” motto as a guiding principle of all activities. Subaru wants to become the world leader regarding innovation for safety by providing active and passive security system, along with elements that can prevent crashes. In five years, the efficiency of Subaru engines will be enhanced by 30 percent, according to Fuji Heavy Industries.

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First Details About The Next Audi A6 Hybrid

Audi A6 Hybrid will officially make it’s debut in 2012. The new Audi will offer 245 horse power and 450 nm torque, guaranteeing a 6,4 liters / 100 km fuel consumption. Audi recently published the first official information about the Audi A6 Hybrid, a version from Audi that will try to protect the environment starting with year 2012. To create a successful recipe, Audi engineers used the services of a 2.0 liters TFSI engine, already familiar to the public, a engine capable of providing 211 HP and 350 nm.

 The engine uses direct Audi injection and automated AVS valve control, technologies that make an important contribution in reducing fuel consumption. 7,3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h The thermal engine will be joined by a 54 HP electric unit, powered by a set of 72 cells batteries positioned in the drunk. Thanks to this combination, Audi A6 Hybrid provides a total of 245 HP and 450 nm torque.

 These resources are enough to make the Audi A6 go from 0 to 100 km /h in 7,3 seconds and to guarantee a maximum speed of 238 km/h. Even so, Audi guarantees an average fuel consumption of 6,4 liters / 100 km and 146 g/km Co2 emissions. Trunk Reduced To 275 Liters The batteries located in the trunk reduces it’s capacity, but not by much. The Audi A6 will still be able to provide a 375 L capacity under normal conditions. Although it will use lithium-ion batteries, the Audi A6 Hybrid will also come with a fuel tank.

Despite the batteries, the Audi A6 weight will not go over 1770 KG. Electric Autonomy: 3 km The next Audi A6 Hybrid will come with 8 gears automated transmission. It will offer three working modes. The EV mode, where the focus will be made on the electric engine, a D step meaning that both engines will be used and a S step where the focus will be made on a sportive behavior.

These three special steps will be correspondents of five working modes: a fully electric mode, thermal mode and a mode that recovers the breaking energy, power mode and hybrid mode. The Audi A6 Hybrid will be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 100 km / h using the electric engine alone, but the autonomy will only be of 3 km.

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Ford Focus Electric Entered Production

Ford started to produce the new Focus Electric. The model has a autonomy of maximum 160 km / h and it costs 39,995 dollars in the U.S.

Ford started the Focus Electric production a model with a autonomy between 112 – 160 km/h. The battery of the Focus Electric requires three hours to be charged at a 240 volts outlet, two times faster than a Nissan Leaf, according to Ford. Nissan Leaf has a autonomy of 160 km. Unlike volt, Focus Electric is not equipped with a internal combustion engine to charge the battery.

The Focus Electric starting price on the U.S. market is 39,995 dollars, just like the Volt, but more expensive than the Leaf. The Nissan Leaf costs 35,200 dollars. Clients receive $7,500 from the authorities. Ford Electric comes in a single equipment option, and only leather upholstery is optional along with a two colors paint. Standard, the car comes with the MyFord Touch system with a 8 inch display, two 4,2 inch LCD screens, 17 inch alloy rims, recycled materials on the seats, rear camera video and parking sensors, particles filters for the climate system, audio system with nine speakers, GPS and many others.

The first Ford electric vehicle debuted in December 2010 when Ford released Transit Connect Electric, a vehicle developed along with Azure Dynamics. In 2012, Ford will release two more electric vehicles: C-Man Energi plug-in Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid. The future C-Max Energi will have a total autonomy of 800 km and will be more efficient than the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. 

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Toyota NS5 Plug-In Hybrid Concept Debuts At Detroit

Toyota presented a teaser image of the NS4 concept that they are going to bring at the Detroit Auto Show. The model is a prototype and it represents a advanced plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Toyota and Lexus will come to Detroit with two special concepts. Both vehicles have hybrid propulsion systems and both teasers suggest a sport vehicle. The Toyota vehicle that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show is named NS4 and it is a Plug-In Hybrid, which is a prototype right now. The teaser images represents the right front optic block, which has a futuristic and aggressive look. More than that, the respective optic block is smaller than the one used by a series model.

Toyota also presents the edge of a frontal wing, along with the edge of the engine hood. The three elements suggest that the model based on this concept will be aggressive. The concept presented by Toyota has connections with the Lexus model, most likely being a common platform. If we are talking about a common platform, Toyota will present another coupe!

The teaser presented by Lexus shows the interior of a sports coupe, dressed in leather and other quality materials with top designs. The optic blocks present on the Lexus model are different than the Toyota, which is a sign that we are talking about more than just design changes. The Lexus has a retro look, even if the dimensions are reduced as the Toyota concept. 

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BMW is preparing a special package for electric vehicle customers

Germans from BMW say they are working on a package of services for i3 clients. They could receive special functions for the navigation system and replacement vehicles equipped with conventional propulsion system.

 BMW has announced that they will provide i3 and i8 customers special services, in addition to those offered to customers who choose cars with conventional propulsion system.Some services offered to “i” range customers are optional fast charge systems at home, offering occasional replacement vehicles with conventional engines, navigation systems showing charging points for electric vehicles and even making a chain of fast charging points for electric vehicles between Munich and Berlin. Industry experts estimate that BMW i3 will cost about 40,000 euros.

This value is given by Stefan Bratzel, director of Auto Management at the University of Applied Sciences Berghisch Gladbach, Germany. Meanwhile, the electric supercar i8 will cost 100,000 euros, say BMW, pointing out that both models are intended for wealthy clients. Despite i3 model won’t be produced in a large number, BMW are confident that they will get profit with each unit sold. One of the key elements in i3 development was the reduced costs of light and resistant materials, so BMW has incorporated a series of thermoplastic elements instead of steel, which can be painted even from the production process by injecting the right shade.

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Historic premiere for Aston Martin: The first hydrogen-powered vehicle throgh the Nürburgring circuit

An hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S crossed a lap of the Nürburgring circuit in Germany , a first for a vehicle that uses this alternative fuel.

Aston Martin and Dr. Ulrich Bez, the CEO of the British company, have secured their place in the history books through the premiere achieved on the Nürburgring circuit. We are talking about the first lap crossed by a hydrogen-powered vehicle, without any CO2 emissions throughout the lap. Rapide S in the hydrogen-powered version is not the first vehicle with zero CO2 emissions to visit the circuit near Nürburg, but it’s the first one hydrogen-powered and it is not a 100% electric vehicle, as the models prepared by Toyota and 

Peugeot in their fight for the title of “the fastest electric car on  Nürburgring.

Engineers from Gaydon have developed the hydrogen fuel supply of Aston Martin Rapide S, with the support of the Alset Global specialists and, according to the representatives of the British brand, it exceeded initial expectations through the performance displayed. Following this test lap, Aston Martin engineers are convinced that their model is ready for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring circuit, where Rapide S will compete against 200 other models.

The fuel supply of Rapide S in the pictures above allows both hydrogen and gasoline feed. The engine of the Nürburgring model is a prototype version of the 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 found in the Aston Martin range. The hydrogen supply has four carbon fiber tanks that can hold 3.5 kg of hydrogen  at a pressure of 350 bar. The hydrogen is supplied into the combustion chamber through a separate injection system and the engine uses a different injection map when supplied with this gas.

An hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S crossed a lap of the Nürburgring circuit in Germany , a first for a vehicle that uses this alternative fuel.
Aston Martin and Dr. Ulrich Bez, the CEO of the British company, have secured their place in the history books through the premiere achieved on the Nürburgring circuit. We are talking about the first lap crossed by a hydrogen-powered vehicle, without any CO2 emissions throughout the lap. Rapide S in the hydrogen-powered version is not the first vehicle with zero CO2 emissions to visit the circuit near Nürburg, but it’s the first one hydrogen-powered and it is not a 100% electric vehicle, as the models prepared by Toyota and Peugeot in their fight for the title of “the fastest electric car on  Nürburgring.
Engineers from Gaydon have developed the hydrogen fuel supply of Aston Martin Rapide S, with the support of the Alset Global specialists and, according to the representatives of the British brand, it exceeded initial expectations through the performance displayed. Following this test lap, Aston Martin engineers are convinced that their model is ready for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring circuit, where Rapide S will compete against 200 other models.
The fuel supply of Rapide S in the pictures above allows both hydrogen and gasoline feed. The engine of the Nürburgring model is a prototype version of the 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 found in the Aston Martin range. The hydrogen supply has four carbon fiber tanks that can hold 3.5 kg of hydrogen  at a pressure of 350 bar. The hydrogen is supplied into the combustion chamber through a separate injection system and the engine uses a different injection map when supplied with this gas.
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BMW has unveiled its new series 4 Coupe

BMW has released the first official images and information with the new series 4 Coupe, 3 series Coupe's replacement. The new model will be offered in the company of three engines, two petrol and one diesel.

The new series 4 is longer and wider than the model it replaces the BMW range, but decreases in height. Although it differs significantly from the level design, the distinctive elements of the mark as prominent double kidney grille BMW and optical blocks that amalgamate with front grille to remain standing.

In terms of the range of EcoBoost engines, which will be composed of three units, two petrol and one diesel. Diesel fans will have at launch, 420d Coupe version. The unit is a TwinPower Turbo that delivers 184 HP at 4000 rpm and with a maximum torque of 380 Nm at 1750 rpm.

Thus equipped, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h, according to the official BMW 420d Coupe consume 4.7 litres/100 km in the joint environment and CO2 emissions reach a low of 124 grams CO2/km.

On the other hand, the supply of gasoline engines will comprise two units representing the initial versions 428i and 435i Coupe Coupe. The first model develop 245 HP at 5,000 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,250 rpm. The Sprint from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.9 seconds and promises an average consumption of just 4.1 liters Medley/100 km.



For those who want more power, will propose the new BMW 435i Coupe, equipped with a six-cylinder powerplant disposed in line which develops 306 HP at 5,000 rpm and 400 Nm at 1200 rpm. With 5.4 seconds for 0-100 km/h and a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h, the Bavarian model announces an average consumption of 7.9 litres mixed/100 km.

All three versions of the engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optionally, the Bavarians put at your disposal a box with 8-speed automatic. Gasoline models can be ordered with the xDrive all-wheel drive system.

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Dacia Duster, aggressive tuning

Dacia Duster has done further tuning operations. The folks at LZParts have dared more and have prepared a special kit, called the Admirable, which gives the SUV Terrier looks much more aggressive than we have been accustomed.

After getting enough attention from the tuner Elia, specialized in changing production patterns and of the Renault group, the time has come that the Dacia Duster to catch more courage, with the help of LZParts.

Easily noticeable, the Duster has gained a much more sporty appearance, the result of several contributing factors: new projectors with LEDs, positioned in the middle of the grid, plastic protections at the level of bosajelor and a protective shield for the engine. At the same time, the ground clearance has been increased by about 30 centimetres.

The character of off-roader has been underlined with the 20-inch rims, alloy black window, black bonnet and stops redraw. Tuning kit are glazing with momentum, and an outdoor thermometer and stop lights for emergency situations.

The passenger compartment has not escaped either unchanged, the design of the exterior being found, and it is on the inside. Thus, LZParts has opted for red plastic inserts on the central console, steering wheel and doors. Moreover, Dacia Duster has been equipped with a generously sized touchscreen, anticipating such a  SUV, which is most likely, and MediaNav system.

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Toyota in the top Best Global Green Brand 2013

Toyota confirm for the third year in a row the leading position in the annual report the constant Interbrand "Best Global Green Brands". Key ratio methodology in determining the gap between environmental performance of a company's environmental practices.

Over 10,000 consumers around the world recognize Toyota not only commitment and it has taken in order to achieve the leading position in terms of responsibility towards the environment, but also for investing in truly innovative products such as the Toyota Prius, and pioneer in its various programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and the consumption of water and energy in the entire operational process.

At present, sales of Toyota and Lexus Hybrid cars worldwide are of 5,22 million, resulting in an estimated reduction in CO2 emissions by approximately 35 million tonnes.

Globally, Toyota is in a cycle of release of the products for a period of three years, which, until the end of 2015, will introduce 21 new hybrid models and upgraded. Bid for European clients includes 12 hybrid models Toyota and Lexus (1). Currently, hybrid cars represent 18% of the total sales for Toyota Motor Europe.

In 2015, Toyota plans to sell hybrid car with fuel cell technology based on hydrogen. The company's commitment to sustainable operations and to obtain the leading position in terms of responsibility for the environment will leave their mark on the entire life cycle of products.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing United Kingdom (TMUK) is the first production unit of the company abroad and the first passenger car plant in the United Kingdom which received certification of its IS0 14001 for environment management. In 2011, the largest park of solar panels in the United Kingdom linked to an industrial unit was developed to TMUK and comprises 16.800 solar panels. At full capacity, the solar Park can provide enough energy for the building of some 7,000 cars a year.

Last year, it has reduced CO2 emissions by over 3,700 tonnes, because Toyota dealer network in the United Kingdom has reduced the carbon footprint by 15%.

Toyota also responds to the challenges of the future in relation to mobility, offering an experimental program for electric cars in the town of Grenoble in France. The joint use of the machines in the self-service scheme will include about 70 electric urban car  from Toyota, including the TOYOTA model i ROAD; This project comes to fill existing public transportation systems, aiming to reduce the total emissions generated by shuttles.

Users will be able to use a unique system of centralized management for the use in common of cars developed by Toyota Motor Corporation for planning trips, check availability and compare their cars through the smartphone.

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VW has produced 30 million Golf copies

Volkswagen Golf has reached 30,000,000 of exemplareu products. The first generation of germans  was launched in 1974, he received throughout his career countless awards both at european level and worldwide.

During its 39 years of existence, Volkswagen sold worldwide no less than 30,000,000 units. A special copy is a Golf TDI BlueMotion, the most effective version of the history of Germans. After the presentation in front of the audience, scheduled for Saturday, will be able to be seen at the Museum of Volkswagen.

The 7th generation, was launched last year at the Paris Motor Show. Model designated the "World Car of the Year 2013" is available starting from 15.578 euros, the rate valid for the Trendline 1.2 TSI 85 engine HP. For extra power (105 HP), but the same level of equipment, clients must pull out of Pocket 18.720 euros.

Diesel front, the cheapest version of the VW Golf TDI is equipped with a 1.6-liter 90 HP, which costs at least 18.004 euros. VW Golf with the 2.0-liter TDI engine size and 150 HP has a starting price of 22.639 euros, the unit comes bundled with top equipment Highline.

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BMW unveils the new Z4

BMW has published the first official pictures and information about the new Z4. The Bavarian Roadster will be officialy launched at the Detroid Auto Show and it will be on the market in the company of five gasoline based engines.

The new Z4 has been fully unveiled. The Cabriolet has a series of estetical, dynamical and technical modifications which guarantee notable performances. The roof can be opened in 19 seconds, and it can be operated at speeds up to 40 km/h.

The body color range consists of 11 colors including the new metalized Mineral Grey, the metalized Glacier Silver and metalized Valencia Orange, which can be ordered only in combination with the Design Pure Traction optional package.

For the interior, the Germans propose Alcantara black leather, which contrast with Valencia Orange stichings. The Fineline Anthracite wood was added to the list of optional inserts for the interior of the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is variants are available with Kansas leather which can be optionally ordered for the other two versions of the model.

To the list of light alloy wheels has been added two new variants, including 17 and 18 inch wheels, with 

V-spoke design, which can be equipped with mixed tires.

Even from the launch, BMW Z4 will have a range of five gasoline engines, the clients being able to choose between the three versions with four cylinders, and the two with six cylinders, all of them being equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive 18i is equipped with a 2.0 liters engine, with BMW TwinPower Turbo, developing 156 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm in a broad rev band interval between 1,250 and 4,400 rpm.

BMW Z4 sDrive18i is equipped with a standard six gears manual transmission, but optionally it can be ordered an automatic gearbox, with eight gears. The new model reaches from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (8.1 seconds for the automatic transmission) and has a top speed of 221 km/h (220 km/h). The average fuel consumption for BMW Z4 sDrive18i in the EU testing cycle is 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers, both for the manual transmission and the automatic one.

The technological package BMW TwinPower Turbo for the new BMW Z4 sDrive18i includes twin-scroll turbocharger and High Precision direct gasoline injection. An identical version of this technological package is found at the 2.2 liters BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

The current engine variants sDrive20i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is will remain in the range.

On the list of standard features are xenon headlights, air conditioning, heated glass rear window, Soft Close Automatic function for the hood of the trunk and tyres with pressure indicator.

The new BMW Z4 can be equipped with features like rain sensor, High Beam Assistant adaptive headlights (long range assistance).

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BMW: 10 new models by the end of 2014

BMW will launch ten new models on the market by the end of 2014, according to the German publication Auto Motor Und Sport. More than that, the Bavarian will introduce a total of 22 new model versions in this period of time.

Herbert Diess, head of the development department at BMW, stated for Auto Motor Und Sport that by the end of 2014, 22 new model versions will be proposed, ten of them being completely new, and they serve as to complete the range of models of the automotive manufacturer.

BMW official confirmed the launch of the X4 crossover in 2014. The Germans decided to enrich their offer of small-dimension SUVs, desiring to profit from this booming segment.

In this period of time, there will get into public’s attention front wheel drive  models, but the fans of this brand,used to rear wheel drive models shouldn’t worry: 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series will keep their rear wheel drive configuration. Also, there will still be the possibility to choose for the all-wheel drive xDrive.

BMW will also focus on the environmental aspect,  the German planing to make more hybrid and hybrid plug-in versions of the current models including the X range crossovers.The development of eco cars will continue with the “i” range models, which will have electric propulsion.

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Ford Focus ST: best selling hot-hatch in the last months of 2012

Ford Focus ST enjoys a growing popularity in Europe. The American model ended 2012 on the first place at the hot-hatch segment in Europe, after three months when it exceeded Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The popularity of established models like Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS is threatened since the summer of the last year by a new contender for the champion title of this segment: Ford Focus ST. The hot-hatch battle became increasingly tight in Europe,where the clients are big fans of compact models with hundreds of horsepower. Even though many experts predicted that Opel Astra GTC would be a good contender for the reigning Megane RS, the danger comes from Focus ST.

According to the statistics published by the specialized company Polk, in the last three months of 2012,  Ford Focus ST was the best selling in the hot-hatch segment, managing to collect 44% of the orders placed during this period, with 1984 units sold.

This result is higher by 33% than that of Volkswagen Golf GTI and 12% than that of Renault Megane RS. The markets that brought the most customers for Focus ST and also the countries where this model was sold best were Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands.

It is predicted that the sales will also increase this year, Ford launching Focus ST to Asia-Pacific markets too.

Since the European official debut of the model, Ford managed to sell 3819 units; 74% of them were hatchbacks and 25% break. The most popular color was Frozen White (41% of the orders).

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Audi A3 Sedan, the rival of Mercedes CLA, will be produced in China

Audi will launch next month at the Shanghai Motor Show the new A3 Sedan, the official rival of Mercedes CLA. The German model will be produced, for the first time, at a factory in China.

After Mercedes surprised the public at the Geneva Motor Show with the live debut of the new CLA, Audi makes the final preparations for a rival. It is the sedan version of the current A3, scheduled to enter the market at the end of this year.

The first contact with the tree volumes model of the German auto manufacturer will take place next month, more specifically on April 20, at the Shanghai Motor Show. Developed on the same MQB platform, the new A3 Sedan will take some of the design lines from the concept with the same name, presented in 2011, also at the Geneva Motor Show.

The absolute innovation consists in the Ingolstadt officials decision to produce it in three volumes at a factory in China, which they own with their local partner FAW. This decision reaffirms Audi’s intentions to focus on the Chinese market, where the premium segment experienced a positive evolution.

With a length of 4.4 meters, a with of 1.84 meters and a height of 1.39 meters, the Audi A3 Sedan will borrow the engines from the current hatchback, the 1.2 and 1.8 TSIs and the 2.0 TDI with 184 and 150 horsepower

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Volvo launches new variants for the V40 model

Volvo has announced an upgrade for its range of engines and transmissions offered in the near future for the V40 model. CO2 emissions will be reduced and V40 Cross Country gets the 4×4 tranction for the T4 version too.

The range of engine variants will have an upgrade offered by the Swedish manufacturer. Starting May this year, Volvo will offer a second all-wheel drive variant of the V40 Cross Country. Until now, V40 Cross 

Country could be ordered with the AWD system only if it was equipped with T5 emgine with 255 horsepower. Starting May, the customers can opt for V40 Cross Country AWD with the T4 engine with 180 horsepower. Moving on to diesel engines, the V40 D2 version can be configured with automatic transmission. Volvo says that this model will only consume 3.9 liters/100 km and the CO2 emissions will be 102 g  CO2/km. Volvo V40 D2 with manual transmission will have 88 g/km CO2.

As for the petrol engines, V40 will have from May a new variant of the 1.6 L four-cylinder with direct fuel injection engine that produces 120 horsepower and 240 Nm. This engine consumes an average of 5.4 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 124 g/km.

Volvo will add Sensus Connected Touch  infotainment system as an option for the V40 model. The new system uses a seven-inch display and provide internet connection via 3G/4G or by driver`s phone. The system allows browsing, music streaming, internet radio and online navigation (Google). Moreover, it can provide information about weather, various applications, App Store and it can locate  parking lots or nearby Volvo services. For muzic lovers, the Volvo system also has Spotify, a service that lets you search music by voice comands.

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The next generation of Mercedes-Benz GLK won’t have a AMG variant

The next generation of the smallest SUV in the current range of Mercedes-Bentz will not have an AMG performant variant. The hypothesis was launched by an AMG division official.

The next generation of Mercedes-Bentz GLK is scheduled for 2015 and it will be based on the MRA platform, also used by the E-Klasse model. The fans of performant versions with AMG logo will be disappointed. AMG officials say that the next GLK will not be based on the AMG variant. “At this point we believe that there is no market for such a model”, says Tobias Moers, chief of AMG models development.

 Moers added that the situation could change after the launch of the rival model, Porsche Macan, but right now the chances of making a GLK AMG for the next generation are very thin.

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BMW could launch a new brand for the Chinese market

BMW and Brilliance are prepared to lauch a new brand for the Chinese market. The name of the new brand could be Zhi Nuo and the first model will be based on the BMW X1 model.

The Chinese market is extremely attractive for European auto manufacturers, so they adapted their offer to appeal to customers in Asia. BMW will soon launch the new brand especially designed for China, say sources close to the German auto manufacturer.

The Chinese press says that the new brand will be called Zhi Nuo, which in translation means “promise”. Other details of the new brand developed by BMW are yet to be expected, but it is speculated that the first model could be based on the current generation of the X1 crossover or the previous generation of 3 Series (E90). Although there is no official confirmation from BMW, this move is kind of obvious because the Chinese Government is forcing for European auto manufacturers to develop independent brands for China within existing partnership to avoid additional taxes. If BMW will launch a Chinese subsidiary brand, it will also recieve the right to build a new factory with their partner Brilliance in Shenyang. 

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Opel: “The next Mokka generation will be produced in Europe”

One of Opel officials from the Management Board of the German company announced that the next generation of Mokka crossover will move the production from South Korea to Europe.

The next generation of Opel Mokka, the subcompact crossover launched in Europe by the German company last fall, will be built in Europe, not South Korea, like the current model. This information comes from Tomas Sedran, a member of the Management Board of Opel, quoted by the journalists from Automotive News.

Thomas Sedran claims that the alternation between European factories and South Korean ones will also continue with the future Opel models, the new generation Antara and Agila being analyzed for fixing the priorities of production on the Old Continent. Therefore, these could be built either just in Korea or in both Europe and Korea or only in Europe.

In other news, it is very likely for the new Opel Cascada, the compact cabriolet launched by the Germans at Geneva Motor Show, to be “exported” to China, where it will be sold under Buick logo, another automotive brand that is part of General Motors portfolio. 

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Mercedes CLA45 AMG: the first pictures of the performance compact coupe

Mercedes has released the first photo gallery of the new CLA45 AMG, the performance version of the four-door compact coupe. The live debut will take place at New York Auto Show next week.

The photo gallery reveals the aesthetic changes of the four-door compact coupe, implicitly the new aerodynamic kit, which includes the extended front spoiler, a rear deflector, twin tailpipes and also AMG wheels.

According to the first information an judging by the technological borrowing logic, CLA45 AMG will be powered by the same petrol engine also found on A45 AMG, his hatchback brother. We are talking about the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, with 360 horsepower and a 450 Nm torque. It will have the same dual-clutch automatic transmission and seven gears.

Earlier this month, at Geneva Auto Show, Mercedes officials have revealed that the upcoming A45 AMG will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its starting price is estimated at over 50,000 euros.

Mercedes has released the first photo gallery of the new CLA45 AMG, the performance version of the four-door compact coupe. The live debut will take place at New York Auto Show next week.
The photo gallery reveals the aesthetic changes of the four-door compact coupe, implicitly the new aerodynamic kit, which includes the extended front spoiler, a rear deflector, twin tailpipes and also AMG wheels.
According to the first information an judging by the technological borrowing logic, CLA45 AMG will be powered by the same petrol engine also found on A45 AMG, his hatchback brother. We are talking about the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, with 360 horsepower and a 450 Nm torque. It will have the same dual-clutch automatic transmission and seven gears.
Earlier this month, at Geneva Auto Show, Mercedes officials have revealed that the upcoming A45 AMG will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its starting price is estimated at over 50,000 euros.
- See more at: http://www.auto-manufacturer.com/mercedes-cla45-amg-the-first-pictures-of-the-performance-compact-coupe.html#sthash.6ZU0M7iq.dpuf

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