Bentley recalls cars built between 2004 - 2008 (U.S)

Bentley is launching an extensive recall of almost 13,500 cars. Cars affected are; Flying Spur, Continental GT and GTC and GT Speed models built 2004 - 2008.

The recall is to address potential corrosion of the fuel filter caused by road salt, which could lead to a fuel leak and even a fire.

It follows an investigation by America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Ford Fusion unveils new face

Updated: 13/06/08

Ever since its launch in 2005 in the U.S market, the successful Fusion sedan is now due a mid-life refresh. First prototypes were caught wearing a car bra on the front but new spy photos can reveal how the new face will look like.

Although the mule looks as if its been out in the sun for too long, the 3 bar grille could stay put. The radiator grille looks much bolder than the current model, with the top grille dipping down in the center for a "smiley" look. The outer edges of the bumper slant upward as they reach the side of the car. Such a slant would necessitate reshaped headlights to accommodate the new bumper shape.

It also reveals the shape of the new two air intakes on each side that would house fog lamps. The most telling bit, however, is a character line we haven't seen before that appears to bend down from the front wheelarch. This suggests that the entire front clip of the next Fusion will be all new, rather than just the mild refresh. The new Fudion is set to reach showrooms sometime in 2009 as a 2010 model.

Related links:

Ford Fusion caught cold

Ford Fusion gets electric power

EU demands health warnings for car adverts

The European Union is planning new rules that would see all car adverts clearly displaying the vehicle’s environmental credentials.

In the same way that some food packets now have coloured labels to show what ingredients it contains, car advertisements would be obliged to display warnings to show the respective vehicle’s CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

The legislation is based on a report that was published at the end of 2007 by Chris Davies, MEP, which called for 20 per cent of all car ad space to be dedicated to environmental warnings.

Angela Mills-Wade, executive director of the European Publishers Council, has criticised the proposal. She said, “If, as we believe, prescriptive legislation leads to less car advertising in the press, the regulators will not meet their objectives of promoting a certain type of information to consumers, yet the media will suffer unjustifiably by losing vital advertising revenues.”

A draft proposal for the new legislation needs to go before the College of Commissioners in the autumn before it can be passed through parliament and decreed EU law.

Car sales plummet (UK)

UK car sales have plummet since March. During March, sales fell down to 0.5% but last month sales of SUV's fell by 18.3% and small family cars like the Ford Focus, KIA Cee'd and Peugeot 308 saw a 8.3% drop compared with May 2007, despite cleaner engines added to the Focus range. Sales of large family cars (Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Chevrolet Epica) fell by 4.5%, however, its not all bad, sales of city cars (Hyundai i10/KIA Picanto, Suzuki Splash) rose by 120%.

The sports car segment suffered a sales drop of 14.5 per cent. But sales of luxury executive saloons, like the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series, are remaining buoyant, suggesting that company fleet schemes have yet to feel the pinch.

These latest SMMT sales results provide the first evidence of the impact of the Government’s proposed changes to Vehicle Excise Duty – commonly known as road tax - since their were put forward in Chancellor Alistair Darling’s budget. The drivers of some cars will see their road tax double.

Yesterday the Treasury revealed that more than a million households with gross incomes of less than £15,000 face above-inflation increases in road tax. Poorer families tend to drive older, less-efficient cars. Indeed, the Budget’s road tax increases have been described as a “poll tax on four wheels” by one rebel Labour MP.

The value of secondhand cars has also taken a blow since it emerged that the road tax changes will be applied retrospectively to vehicles registered since 2001.

“People are now finding themselves in negative equity,” said Edmund King, president of the AA. “We are talking to people who are extremely concerned. They can't afford to run their vehicles but they are trapped as they can't sell their cars.”

In another blow to Gordon Brown, Tony Blair told GMTV that the cost of motoring was contributing to the Prime Minister’s unpopularity and his disastrous poll rating. Blair said, “Voters are thinking, ‘It used to cost 30 quid to fill up the car; now it costs 60 or 70 quid.’”

In developing markets elsewhere in the world, car sales are booming. Ford has just announced a $500 million (£260m) expansion of its Chennai factory, South India, which will be used as a hub to serve the region. Meanwhile, Russia’s third-largest car maker, OAO Sollers, will invest $200 million (£110m) to expand its dealer network to respond to soaring demand.

Via AutoCar > UK car sales fall

Emerging car markets to receive Ford KA sedan

Ford Ikon. This name may not be very known by European or North American readers, but ask a Mexican or an Indian car buyer about it and he/she will surely know this is the sedan version of the fourth generation Fiesta (the most recent is the sixth). Well, Ikon is still for sale in India and, as the Indian magazine Overdrive stated, it is in desperate need for changes. The same magazine was the first one to state the Ikon replacement would be a small sedan based on the Brazilian Ford Ka.

The new sedan will be sold in India by September, according to Overdrive, and will reach other markets. Brazil is a sure destination, once it will probably be made in the South American country, more specifically at the Sao Bernardo do Campo plant, already in charge for Ford Ka production and also in desperate need of more products. Small sedans are very popular in Brazil, what makes the Ka Sedan (the name the car may receive there) a natural choice. Low investment figures for the development of this version are also something Ford has surely taken into consideration. As we have already said, Ford has confirmed the sixth generation of Fiesta will be made in Mexico.

Brazil has a free trade agreement with this country, what allows them to exchange vehicles with no import taxes. The new Fiesta tends to be very popular in Brazil and the Ka Sedan/Ikon could also succeed with the Mexican public. Nothing seems more obvious than the swap of new Fiesta units for Ka Sedan vehicles and vice-versa. Even the date when both are expected to start production, in 2010, proves this would be a perfect cost-cutting combination, or, in other words, the best way to maximize resources and production.

Via WorldCarFans > Ford to sell Ka sedan in emerging markets

'09 Jaguar XK & XKR go on the prowl

Updated: 16/06/08

Following my recent post on Jaguar's future schedule, the revised XK and XKR has now been spied undergoing testing in Northern England. Although changes to the front seem minimal with the exception of restyled front apron and air ducts, at the rear, lights will be slightly tweaked and should feature LED's. The electric aerial has been ditched in favor for a receiver located on the boot-lid. The interior should also receive a nip and tuck to keep it looking fresh and will feature the JaguarDrive rotary gear-change.

What we don't have confirmation on yet is the engine in the 2009 changed XK; it's most likely to receive the new 5.0 V8 in place of today's 4.2, but some insiders suggest that the engine isn't ready for production quite yet. Whichever engine is used, count on more than today's outputs of 298bhp (XK) and 416bhp (XKR).

Engineering changes will be limited to chassis mods garnered from the XKR-S. That means the XK could potentially receive a quicker steering rack, revised suspension, Alcon brakes and up to 20in wheels with specially developed Pirelli rubber. A Paris motorshow debut is likely in October, with UK sales starting in summer '09 with a price-tag of £62,000. The outgoing model has been on the market since 2005.

Related link:

Upcoming Jaguar and Land Rover rumors

Ford KA spied in Poland

The current Ford Ka has been on the market for over 12 years. When first launched, the car wasn't very popular, however, when times went passed, popularity increased. The new model, set to be launched later on this year, will be based off the successful FIAT 500.

Set for a world debut at the Paris motorshow this September, these two pre-production prototypes were caught just outside Ford's Tychy Plant in Poland, the same location where the Fiat 500 is built.

Petrol and diesel engines will be taken from the 500, entry level 69bhp 1.2 litre along with a 100 bhp 1.4 litre and the 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel option will be available too. Ford Europe also states we can expect to see a ST version of the KA powered by the same 135bhp 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the Fiat 500 Abarth, although power is said to be slightly boosted up to 150bhp for the Ford version. This should do 0-60mph in less than 8 seconds and have a top speed of 125mph making one of the most powerful cars in its class. As with the Fiat 500, Ford is promising that the Ka will be among the most luxurious small cars on the market so there should be a generous optional equipment list.

In the pipeline, we can expect to see a 2+2 convertible version and even a tax-busting hybrid version. This promises to mate diesel-beating economy with petrol refinement and low emissions. This model will have CO2 emissions that fall below the 100g/km, therefore skipping any form of road taxation. Pricing should start at around £7500(€9500,$14775) raising to £12,000 (€1500,$23640) for the flagship ST model.

Via WorldCarFans and AutoExpress > Ford KA spied in Poland, Ford KA undisguised

Nissan announces new crossover for Sunderland plant (UK)

Nissan has announced that a new vehicle will be produced at their Sunderland plant in 2010 after the Micra moves to India. The new vehicle, described as a crossover will sit below the Qashqai in the Nissan line-up and is expected to take hints of the 2006 URGE concept. Company officials have said that the overall styling of the vehicles has not been finalised yet.

Press Release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced that it will source an innovative all-new compact car from its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom (UK), starting in 2010. Building on the success of the Qashqai, the all-new product will reinforce Sunderland’s role as manufacturer and exporter of high-value products.

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.

"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.

Carlos Ghosn said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”

The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.

Next generation Micra:

Nissan will compete in the entry-car market with a dedicated new A platform that will be used for at least three models, including the next generation of Micra, and will be built in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCCs).

Production sites for this family of compact cars will include the new plant in Chennai, India, being constructed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The development of a competitive A platform is one of several business breakthroughs announced as part of Nissan GT 2012, the company’s new five-year business plan.

The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced a record 374,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2007. Nissan is the largest vehicle exporter from the UK, with around 80% of production sold outside of the country, hence why sales have been plummeting over the last few years. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.

Lancia Fulvia to make production?

According to sources in Italy, the Fulvia is likely to reach production soon. Lancia first showed its modern update of the classic Fulvia coupe in concept form at the Frankfurt show in 2003, where it received positive feedback.

However, a combination of Fiat’s then-rocky financial situation and the fact that the show car was based on the ageing Mk2 Fiat Punto platform put the concept on ice.

Sources now say that the project has been revived and it could appear as soon as the Paris motor show this September. However, industry opinion differs on the form the car will take. Some sources say the Lancia Fulvia will be engineered with a folding hard-top, others say it will be a regular coupe.

In any case, it’s thought that the Fulvia will get the same platform that underpins Alfa Romeo’s Mito hatch. Although this chassis is based on the current Punto, its A-pillar design has been expensively re-engineered to make cleaner rooflines more feasible.

It’s thought that the final car will differ from the retro-styled concept of 2003. Lancia design chief, Marco Tencone hinted at the fresh design direction of future new models.

“When you start in a new segment, you need a new design,” he said. “In future you need different languages for different cars, sporting and mainstream. We will be evolving the Lancia design language.”

Teaser: 2009 KIA Spectra/Forte

Updated: 24/06/08

Kia has released more teaser photos of its upcoming Spectra replacement. Styling has been adopted from the Koup and Kee concept cars.

The Forte is an important model for the US market, where demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is growing sharply. The outgoing model was sold in Europe as the Cerato until the launch of the Cee'd. Think of the new Forte as a sedan version of the Kia Cee'd.

Kia is expected to bring the Forte to Europe, where it will rival small sedans like the Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla, however, it is very unlikely to arrive in the UK where demand for hatchbacks are constantly rising.

According to sources, the Spectra name could be ditched in favour for the new name, Forte.

The Forte will make its public debut at the Paris autoshow this October, after being unveiled in South Korea on 21st August.

Related link:

KIA Spectra caught cold

Volvo XC60 pricing announced (UK)

The Volvo XC60 is set to reach British showroom's in October with first deliveries in November. Prices start from £24,7501 for the 2.4D S. Available in S, SE and SE Lux trim packages, there will be a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 producing 285PS and two turbo-diesel engines generating 185 and 163 horsepower.

Press Release:

PRICES ANNOUNCED AS NEW VOLVO XC60 GOES ON TOUR:

Preliminary prices announced for the new Volvo XC60:

New Volvo XC60 goes on tour across the UK this summer:

Volvo Car UK announces preliminary prices for the new XC60, the safest and most stunning Volvo ever. This new crossover vehicle combines XC capability with sports coupe styling and will start at £24,750 for the 2.4D S. The Volvo XC60 will arrive in dealer showrooms and be available for customer test drives this October, with first customer deliveries arriving in November. For those wanting an early preview, the car will be on display at several shows and events across the UK this summer. The Volvo XC60 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and has already won a UK technology award for its innovative City Safety system, an autobrake collision avoidance system which is a standard feature on this new car. Popularity for the XC60 is building with more than 250 confirmed orders placed so far.

Volvo XC60 pricing and specification:

Starting at £24,7501 On The Road, the Volvo XC60 will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SE Lux and will have the choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 producing 285PS, and two variants of the D5 turbo-diesel generating 185 and 163 horsepower, respectively.

The S model offers a high level of specification with exterior features such as 17" Segin alloy wheels, front fog lights, roof rails and rear spoiler, as well as the advanced safety systems you'd expect from a Volvo including City Safety and RSC (Roll Stability Control). Interior details include electronic climate control, information centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, aluminium trim and performance sound audio system with aux input and CD player.

The SE trim level adds Hill Descent Control, power driver’s seat with memory and auto-folding power door mirrors with ground lights, Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile upholstery, auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and chrome window trim.

The SE Lux enhances the SE specification with luxury features such as chronographic instrument dials, leather upholstery and Nordic Light Oak natural wood trim, while both front seats will be powered and heated. Further enhancements include luxury floor mats and chrome detailing, 18" Merac alloy wheels, active bending headlamps, power tailgate and rear park assist.

Pricing:

S:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£24,750
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£25,750

SE:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£26,250
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£27,250
T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
£31,995

SE Lux:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£28,750
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£29,750
T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
£34,495

Volvo XC60 on tour:

The new Volvo XC60 makes its first UK public show appearance in Canada Square Park at the 2008 Canary Wharf MotorExpo. Taking place in the heart of London’s business district from 9 to 15 June, the XC60 will be joined by a selection of desirable Volvo models including last year’s star car, the C30 SportsCoupe, the elegant C70 coupe convertible and the versatile 7-seat XC90.

Celebrating the very best of Scandinavia, the stylish new XC60 will be served up alongside fresh, modern Swedish cuisine at three Taste festivals this summer. These are taking place in London on 19-22 June, Bath from 3-6 July and Birmingham between 10-13 July. As well as a number of regional activities, the Volvo XC60 will also be on display at the Round the Island sailing race on the Isle of Wight between 27-29 June and at the CLA Game Fair in Blenheim from 25-27 July.

Chevrolet confirms RHD Camaro's

Chevrolet has announced that a maximum of 1000 Camaro coupes and another 1000 Camaro convertibles will be produced for the RHD market.

Exact numbers of the 400bhp, 6.0-litre Camaro due to be officially imported to the UK are undecided but sources suggest that it will be about 300 units of each variant. If you're not a fan of the V8, a 3.6 litre V6 (used in the Cadillac CTS) and a turbo-charged 2.0 litre 4-cylinder will be available. A 425bhp Camaro SS model is still said to be under consideration. The V8 is expected to account for 30% of overall Camaro sales in the UK.


Wayne Brannon, Chief Executive of Chevrolet Europe, said “We can have a maximum of 1000 right-hand-drive coupés, and 1000 right-hand drive cabriolets, so the UK should get a good number of models.”

Fans will get their first opportunity to see the new Camaro at the London motorshow, where the American company will have a big presence. It is also likely that the Excel event will reveal whether the Camaro is to get the Chevrolet badge or remain a standalone brand, in the same way as Corvette without Chevrolet.

The company had planned not to brand the Camaro with the Chevrolet name in order to preserve the firm’s budget philosophy, but with new plans being implemented to expand the range, sources have said that that the new model is likely to get the Chevrolet name and be sold through Chevrolet dealerships.

Expect UK sales of the Camaro coupe to begin in early 2010 with the convertible to follow later. Prices are unconfirmed but are likely to be in excess of £37,000.

Related links:

Chevrolet Camaro spied in Northern Europe

Chevrolet Camaro caught in Australia

Chevrolet Camaro mule caught in Australia

Honda's advertisement aeroplane crashes

The plane used for Honda’s live television commercial, in which a team of sky divers formed each letter in the company’s name during their drop, has crashed in an unrelated incident.

The Swiss-built Pilatus PC-6 was carrying 10 sky divers and one crew member when it lost a wing and crashed near Lillo airfield in Southern Madrid, Spain. The pilot and one sky diver were killed in the crash and four other passengers were injured.

Honda has published a statement saying “No one in the plane was in any way connected with Honda or with the company’s advertising shoot. Honda extends its sincerest condolences to the families of the two people killed.”

There are no reports yet on what caused the plane’s wing to come loose.

Related link:

Difficult is worth doing TV advert

Mercedes C-Class sells in excess of 300,000 units

In the year since Mercedes-Benz launched the new C-Class into the market on March 31, 2007, more than 300,000 customers have purchased either a sedan or wagon variant of the new model.

“The sedan got off to an excellent start, and since its premiere at dealerships at the end of last year, the new C-Class station wagon has also been enjoying high popularity,” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz.

As expected, the C-Class’ largest market is Germany which accounts for 25% of total sales, followed by the U.S., UK, Italy and South Africa. A total of 290,000 C-Class sedans have been sold worldwide since market launch in the spring of 2007, and 25,000 customers have taken delivery of a new C-Class station wagon since that model variant was introduced in December 07.

In terms of powertrains, about one-third of the sedan model’s customers worldwide have opted for the C220 CDI (diesel), while 20% have purchased a C200 Kompressor (petrol). The C220 CDI is also the vehicle of choice for around half of the station wagon model’s customers. 75% of all C-Class station wagons sold around the world are diesel engine versions.

9 month waiting list for eco-friendly models (UK)

If you want a fuel efficient and low-emission car, prepared for a huge wait. 1 VW dealer said it had no Polo BlueMotions in stock and that we would be lucky to see a car within 36 weeks of placing an order. But a VW spokeswoman claimed: “The national average is closer to 27 weeks, and there are 124 in stock in the UK for immediate delivery.” A Honda garage said that while base ES-spec Civic IMA models were readily available, there was a 20-week delay for the in-demand EX.

One Skoda dealer said the standard Fabia with a 1.4-litre TDI, which was in stock would be a better choice as a supermini than the new Green-Line model, as it didn’t have a power-reducing diesel particulate filter.

Thanks to Toyota, the Prius hybrid can’t be specified with options and delivery takes around three weeks at present.

Waiting list:

Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion - 36 weeks/Passat 2.0 TDI 12 weeks

Honda Civic IMA Hybrid EX - 20 weeks/Legend 3.5 V6 EX - 2 weeks

Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI GreenLine - 12 weeks/Octavia 2.0 TDI - 6 weeks

Toyota Prius T4 1.5 VVT-i - 3 weeks/RAV4 2.2 D-4D XT4 - 5 weeks

Vauxhall/Opel Astra spied: best spy photos yet

Updated: 07/08/08

These are the best spy photos yet of the new Astra. After the cold-weather testing season ended, engineers descended upon the Austrian Alps and the Nurburgring race-track in Germany.

Caught testing alongside these 6 prototypes (see 12th picture) were the Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus. The new Astra is set to storm the European market in 2009 with a freshly designed exterior and interior. U.S sales should being in 2011 but badged as a Saturn.

Judging by the outside, the new Astra is considerably longer (check out the a-pillar window by the door mirrors), wider and taller than the outgoing model, thus creating more interior space. On these vehicles, the turn-indicators are located on the corners of the front bumper unlike being integrated into the headlamp cluster like the current model. It'll be interesting to see where the front fog lamps go...

Going to the rear, it looks like the newcomer will feature bootlid mounted lights and these will be influenced by the Insignia. The '09 Astra will be based on General Motor’s new global Delta platform, which also underpins the electric-hybrid Chevrolet Volt.

The interior will also be influenced by the new Insignia. There are 4 deep dials right in front of the driver and an array of switchgear; the current Astra is let down by a baffling sea of switches and the latest model’s cabin appears to be button-heavy again. The prototypes have basic spec; urethane steering wheel and gear shift lever, steel wheels and halogen headlamps. Better equipped trim levels will be available along with optional adaptive front lighting (AFL) bi-xenon headlamps, leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats and electrically operated sunroof etc.

Key innovations inside include an electronic parking brake, incredibly thin, upright air vents and a split, twin digital read-out.

In the pipeline will be a sleeker three-door variant that is claimed by insiders to be ‘very stylish’ and the estate will also be available from launch. Expect the Twintop coupe-cabriolet 12 months later alongside the VXR/OPC sport variant. Under the bonnet will be GM’s all-new 1.4 litre turbo to a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine developing at least 250bhp in the VXR/OPC model. The 1.4 litre turbocharged engine will be offered in 2010 with outputs ranging from 120bhp - 140bhp and torque values of 175 to 200 Nm. It is estimated that this unit will deliver an approximate 8% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6 and 1.8 litre engine that it will replace.

Related link:

Vauxhall/Opel Astra spied in Finland