Volkswagen T5 assembly begins in Indonesia

2012 Volkswagen T5

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles starts activities in growth region
• SKD kits dispatched from Wedemark to Jakarta

HANNOVER / JAKARTA : January 30, 2012 - By 2015, around 1,200 Transporters and Multivans are planned to roll off the assembly line in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. As of now, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is starting SKD assembly of the T5 in Indonesia for the local market, together with the importer Garuda Mataram Motor.

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ŠKODA to present the new Citigo at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

ŠKODA Citigo 

• Exhibition debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show
• Model line extended into new market segments
• ŠKODA model offensive is defining element in manufacturer’s Growth Strategy

MLADÁ BOLESLAV : January 30, 2012 – ŠKODA will present the new Citigo subcompact to the public as a five-door version for the first time at the Geneva Auto Salon in early 2012. Media representatives will be offered a preview of the new ŠKODA including test drives in February 2012. The five-door version will be successively launched in European markets together with the three-door version from mid-May 2012.

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Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine debuts in all-new focus

1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine

• Unique new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offered across Ford Focus range
• Up to 125PS – same as 1.6 naturally-aspirated engine
• Fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg
• CO₂ emissions as low as 109g/km, resulting in zero road tax (VED) in first year
• Maximum engine torque of 170Nm between 1,400 and 4,500rpm exceeds 1.6-litre for excellent drivability
• Developed by UK-based engineers at Dunton and Dagenham

BRENTWOOD, UK : January 30, 2012 – Ford’s high tech, ultra-efficient, turbocharged, direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine goes on sale across the Ford Focus range in the UK next month.  This unique, industry-first EcoBoost engine delivers performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine with significantly improved fuel efficiency and class-leading ultra-low CO₂ emissions.

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Marketing of the New Fiat Strada to kick off soon

2012 Fiat Strada

The New Fiat Strada will be available from Italian dealerships from the end of January. Made in the FIASA plant in Betim (Brazil), the new model will follow in the footsteps of South America's leading light transport vehicle. With no fewer than 127,800 vehicles sold worldwide, the Strada was the second most popular Fiat Professional model after the Fiat Ducato in 2011.

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The MINI Roadster

2012 MINI Roadster

MUNICH : January 28, 2012 - The driving fun sewn into the fabric of every MINI never fails to bring a smile to the face. And now it can also be enjoyed – with the roof up or down – in the first model from the brand designed strictly for two people. The MINI Roadster is the sixth model in the British premium carmaker’s line-up and the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. This typically MINI interpretation of a compact roadster gives the small car segment another shot in the arm. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning see to it that the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling is always on tap.

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The new BMW ActiveHybrid 5

2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

MUNICH : January 28, 2012 - BMW takes the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – another series-produced model in which a combustion engine and electric motor join forces to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.

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Aston Martin’s first production V12 ZAGATO to debut at Kuwait Concours d’Elegance

2012 Aston Martin V12 ZAGATO

GAYDON : January 27, 2012 - Aston Martin will debut the first production V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance on 15-18 February.

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Ram truck launches new luxury model : Laramie Limited

2012 Dodge RAM - Laramie Limited

AUBURN HILLS : January 26, 2012 , Auburn Hills - For 2012, Ram Truck will expand its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited.

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Mazda releases special edition Mazda Biante GRANZ in Japan

Mazda Biante GRANZ

HIROSHIMA, Japan : January 26, 2012 - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of the special edition of its mid-sized tall 'high-roof' Mazda Biante minivan. The special edition Mazda Biante GRANZ goes on sale from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan.

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The BMW M Performance Automobiles

2012 BMW M550d xDrive Sedan

New BMW M GmbH product range based on current BMW models; BMW M Performance Automobiles complement the model family with their clear focus on sports performance combined with unrestricted everyday usability and outstanding efficiency; new product category launches with four models: BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

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New BMW X6 : Unique - and now more exceptional than ever

2012 BMW X6

MUNICH : January 26, 2012 - The BMW X6 is the world's first ever Sports Activity Coupé, still a unique combination of sporty dynamics and supreme versatility and with further enhanced appeal from spring 2012. Selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive automobiles. Its exceptional standing and ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, combing the athletic and elegant lines of a coupé with the supremacy of a BMW X model, and the fascinating driving experience provided by powerful petrol and diesel engines fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive, including Dynamic Performance Control.

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Jeep rolls out new concept and name My Ride Contest

Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept

Are you one of those vehicle enthusiasts who names their car and says “Good Morning” to it when you get in each morning? Do you ever catch yourself thinking, I wish I had a vehicle named _____? Ever wonder who has the awesome job of coming up with such distinct names for all of our vehicles?

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Nissan to build new, $2.0 billion manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, grow capacity in The Americas

Nissan Plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

• Phase I to enable 175,000 units of small car production capacity in the Americas
• 3,000 direct and up to 9,000 indirect positions will be created in the community

MEXICO CITY : January 25, 2012 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to invest up to $2.0 billion USD for an all-new manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to support the company’s Americas growth strategy. The facility, which will complement Nissan’s two existing Mexican factories, is scheduled to begin operations in late 2013. During the initial phase of its development, the new complex will support production of up to 175,000 units annually of Nissan’s ‘B’ platform products. Further expansion of the site will be considered in phases as product and capacity needs are formalized.

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The new ABT AS4 is sporty, assertive and chic!

2012 ABT AS4

Congratulations! With the launch of its very latest version, the Audi A4 turns 40! This means a full four decades of success, first for the Audi 80, then for the A4 – and ABT has been part of this success from the very beginning. “The A4 is an important car for us, too. It always re-defines the premium standard for medium-sized cars,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The renowned Bavarian tuning company’s CEO is proud to be able to present the newABT AS4 on the occasion of the series model’s fortieth anniversary: “Our AS4 is definitely state-of-the-art. It combines sportiness and assertiveness,” Hans-Jürgen Abt explains. The AS4 is a most dependable car in every situation. But it also means sheer pleasure!

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Prindiville design relaunches in style

The stunning new Prindiville Lamborghini Aventador

London-based bespoke coachbuilder, Prindiville, has relaunched in flamboyant style with a range of stylish visual tuning packages and performance enhancements for three of today’s most iconic cars – the Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 458 and Range Rover Evoque.

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Toyota is back in Motorsport with TS030 HYBRID - 2012 Le Mans challenger

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

Toyota Racing today announced more details of its forthcoming FIA World Endurance Championship participation, including an intention to race two cars in specific races.

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Volvo part of successful road train test - SARTRE project enters final phase

SARTE test

GOTHENBURG : January 24, 2012 - The SARTRE project (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) - with Volvo Car Corporation as the only participating car manufacturer - has successfully completed the first test demonstrations of a multiple vehicle platoon.   

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2012 WRC : Loeb and Elena win Rallye Monte-Carlo for the sixth time

2012 WRC - Rallye Monte-Carlo winners : Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena - Citroën Total World Rally Team

• Loeb and Elena win Rallye Monte-Carlo for the sixth time
• Citroën Total World Rally Team score a 1-2 finish in the power stage for additional points
• Citroën now lead both the drivers and manufacturers championship standings 

The 80th Rallye Monte-Carlo drew to a close yesterday with victory going to Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, their sixth win in the Principality. The eight-time World Champions enjoyed a clean sweep as they also picked up the three bonus points awarded to the winner of the Power Stage. Fourth overall in the rally, Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen also collected two points for their performance on the final stage. This result means that Citroën Total World Rally Team takes the lead in the Manufacturers’ World Championship.

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Volkswagen presents the four-door version of the up!

2012 Volkswagen up! 4-door

WOLFSBURG : January 23, 2012 - All signs point to a big future for the small up!. In Germany, the two-door city specialist immediately garnered first place in its class in registration statistics. Now Volkswagen is raising the bar by presenting the four-door version of the up!. In May, the latest member of the New Small Family – Volkswagen’s internal name for the model series – will arrive at dealers; advanced sales begin on the 6th of March (both dates for Germany). The four-door car will have launched on the entire European market by early summer.

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100,000th latest generation Cayenne rolls off production line

100,000th latest generation Cayenne rolls off production line at Leipzig plant

STUTTGART/LEIPZIG : January 23, 2012 - The 100,000th second generation Cayenne was assembled in Leipzig on January 20, 2012. At the same time, this production anniversary is the curtain raiser for an eventful anniversary year at Porsche’s Saxony site. “Ten years ago the success story of Porsche Leipzig startet. What was a greenfield site, today ranks among the most modern car plants in the world. 

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BRABUS offers tuning program for the new Mercedes M-Class

2012 BRABUS M-Class

Exclusive, individual and ecofriendly strong in compliance with EURO VI emission standards: these three attributes best describe the latest BRABUS tuning program for the new Mercedes W 166-series M-Class. From a visual standpoint the SUV receives an upgrade with a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program and custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. The program also includes engine tuning for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC that is as powerful as it is ecofriendly. Further on offer are stainless-steel sport exhaust systems for all models and striking interior designs including an all-leather interior in any desired color. 

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Chevrolet achieves best-ever global sales in 2011

DETROIT : January 20, 2012 – Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world in 2011, setting a global sales record and driving General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) global sales to more than 9 million vehicles, a 7.6 percent gain compared with 2010.

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The new SEAT Ibiza – dynamic and innovative

2012 SEAT Ibiza 5-Door

•    New design language with clear identity
•    Improved functionality for day-to-day life
•    Upgraded quality throughout
•    Three body styles, perfect for every lifestyle
•    Thrilling driving fun thanks to state-of-the-art technology
•    Ibiza E-Ecomotive with 89 grams/km CO2
•    1.4 TSI and 110 kW (150 hp) in Ibiza ST, too


The next generation of the successful Spanish model is here – the new SEAT Ibiza captures the heart with its young, emotional design and fun-to-drive zest, and convinces the head with its innovative technologies and further improved functionality and quality.

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Mitsubishi to unveil an all-new vehicle at 2012 Geneva Auto Show

2012 Geneva Auto Show -New Mitsubishi vehicle teaser 

For the first time, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has decided to select the most demanding European market as global launch pad for an all-new vehicle. Next March, the Geneva Motor Show will see the world premiere of a strategic and innovative premium vehicle, to be retailed sequentially during 2012 – a car of substance that will reflect a gradual transformation in Mitsubishi’s design language.

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Peugeot to withdraw from Endurance competition

After 14 victories in the last 16 races, including a double at the Le Mans 24 Hours 2009 as part of the ILMC championship won by Peugeot two years running, in 2010 and 2011, the Brand has decided to close its 2012 endurance programme and will not be taking part in the next Le Mans 24 Hours.

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Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept - a unique blend of gasoline and electric power

VOLVO XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

 The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one.

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Kia unveils sporty and sophisticated new cee’d

2013 KIA cee'd

The new Kia cee’d combines styling typically found on a sporty coupe with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch.

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ŠKODA initiates practical testing of Octavia Green E Line

2012 SKODA Octavia Green E Line

• Fleet of ten E-Octavia in road tests around Mladà Boleslav
• ŠKODA’s first purely electric vehicle
• Technological expertise in cooperation Volkswagen Group
• ŠKODA’s existing model line excels in fuel economy

MLADÁ BOLESLAV : January 19, 2012 – ŠKODA has begun testing electric traction in everyday operation with a fleet of ten electrically powered Octavia Green E Line. The Octavia Green E Line is the Czech’s carmaker’s first purely electric vehicle. The aim of the test is to gain practical experience with electric propulsion.

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Suzuki acquires site for constructing new plant in Indonesia

JAKARTA : PT. SUZUKI INDOMOBIL MOTOR (SIM), subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in Indonesia, has acquired site for constructing new plant in Indonesia, a growing market of automobiles and motorcycles. 

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New Audi A1 Sportback

2012 Audi A1 Sportback

Audi is extending the A1 family – the A1 Sportback is rolling up to the starting line in early 2012. The compact five-door is emotional, individual and youthful, sporty and efficient. Audi offers it with seven powerful and efficient engines, the high-end S tronic transmission and numerous multimedia features.

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The “Estate of the Art” in sport – the new ABT AS6 Avant

2012 ABT AS6 AVANT

Amazing what it can do: the ABT AS6 Avant is a fast luxury liner which likes going on long journeys. Both sporty and dynamic, it offers driving pleasure – its excellent comfort ensures that this pleasure remains even on long trips. And in the rear it impresses with large luggage space as well as the typical ABT view of four exhaust pipes. "This estate stands for lifestyle and power. Which is also going to be honoured by the driver behind you", Hans-Jürgen Abt clarifies. The CEO of the now 115 years old company adds: “The vehicle shows all of our experience in tuning.”

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The all-new Volkswagen CC

         
                                                      2012 Volkswagen CC

• To the point: The all-new Volkswagen CC Styling and technologies of the luxury class 
• Bi-xenon headlights and fatigue detection are standard 
• World’s first Volkswagen with symbiosis of Side Assist and Lane Assist 

WOLFSBURG / NICE : January 16, 2012 - The new Volkswagen CC made its debut last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Now, the European market launch of the avant-garde four-door begins with the international driving presentation in Southern France. The new Volkswagen CC will be on the market at the beginning of February, first in Germany and Luxembourg, then across Europe at the end of February. In spring 2012, this Volkswagen will then launch globally, including in America, Russia and Asia.

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