News in brief

KIA vice-president resigns following recalls:

Toyota and GM, take note!

KIA’s vice-chairman, Jeong Sung Eun, has quit his job last week due to 100,000 vehicles being recalled worldwide. Lee Hyong Keun will be replacing Eun as KIA’s vice-chairman.

“Quality is a top priority for Kia and Hyundai Motor Co. management,” Chae said. “They don’t want to tarnish their image.”

To date, KIA recalled 85,900 vehicles due to a wiring problem that could cause fires. Around 36,000 Souls, 33,000 Sorentos, 8,000 Mohaves and 8,900 Cadenza sedans are on the list. Kia is preparing to recall an additional 18,147 Sorento, Borrego and Soul passenger cars in China due to problems with circuit boards.

Toyota Prius III continues to be top seller (JP):

For 16 months now, Japanese customers have been flocking to Toyota showrooms across the country to buy a Prius hybrid. However, while sales are still rapid, they fell to their lowest level in 2010.

Government tax cuts and new car incentives that are aim at fuel efficient vehicles run out towards the end of September. Japanese buyers bought 22,263 Priuses last month, 30% better volume than the second place Honda Fit.

The Prius continues to be by far the best performing hybrid in Japan; although there was some premature competition against the Honda Insight just over a year ago, it ranked 15th on Japan's best-seller list last month.

Geely brand to disappear:

Geely is axing the Geely brand to focus on its sub-brand like Gleagle, Emgrand, Shanghai Englon and, Volvo. Gleagle, short for Global Eagle, is Geely’s global brand, while Emgrand is the firm’s luxury division. Shanghai Englon focuses on economy and some fleet vehicles.

The result to axe the Geely brand will most likely be a good move for the company as its on course to become China’s leading car company. Geely’s first half profits rose 35% to $119 million.

Toyota recalls over 116,500 Hilux pick-up trucks in Australia (AU):

Toyota’s Australian division is recalling 116,507 Hilux pick-up trucks due to a faulty rear driveshaft bracket support.

The recall covers Hiluxs produced between January 2005 – February 2010 with 4WD. Toyota says that the concern primarily affects vehicles used in rough road conditions, such as over cattle grids and on poor unpaved terrain.

Toyota said that 19 vehicles have suffered support tears, but only one suffered total failure. No injuries have been reported.

MINI plans Countryman Coupe:

MINI is preparing a sporty coupé variant of the all-new Countryman crossover, with initial images on the drawing board at MINI’s design studio in Munich.


With BMW planning front-wheel-drive models, the Countryman coupé would be the first of many models in a niche of its own. According to insiders, the concept is being probed because the BMW X6 is a success.

MINI is eyeing up the forthcoming Range Rover Evoque because MINI could give a cut-price rival for around £20k. If green-lighted, the coupé will arrive in 2013 with rear-hinged (suicide) doors and no B-pillars.

Via Autocar 
 

Police to fit parking sensors to reduce repair bills (UK):
 
Police in South Yorkshire, Northern England, will fit parking sensors on all police cars to shrink the amount of cash spent fixing the destruction caused by low-speed accidents; they spend around £60,000 annually.

Martin Whysall, South Yorkshire Police’s fleet manager, said, "Police station yards were not necessarily designed for cars and they can be tight in terms of space."

Police forces across the land spend hundreds of thousands of pounds repairing damaged police cars. From April 2009 – April 2010, Merseyside Police spent £205,403 on repairing crashed cars. Humberside Police buys cars with reversing sensors as standard, whereas North and West Yorkshire police already add parking sensors to the larger vehicles in their fleets.

Infiniti M30d pricing announced (UK):

Infiniti has released prices for its first-ever diesel saloon which goes on sale next month.


The M30d is available in 5 trim-levels; standard, GT, GT Premium, M30d S and M30d S Premium. The standard model starts at £36,750 and comes with heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, 10 way electrically adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors w/reversing camera and Infiniti Driver Selector.

The GT model – at £39,250 – features semi-aniline leather heated and ventilated front seats. The GT Premium starts at £44,600 and comes with a blind-spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, Connectiviti+ infotainment system and Infiniti’s Air climate control.

The sportier M30d S features 4 wheel steering, sports suspension, sports seats, 20” alloy wheels and gear-shift paddles. Flagship M30d S Premium adds the extra equipment included in the GT Premium over the standard GT model at £46,600.

Volkswagen Caddy facelift pricing announced (UK):

Prices have been announced for Volkswagen’s revised Caddy LCV and Caddy Maxi. The Caddy starts from £12,100 (excluding VAT) for the 1.6 TDI 75bhp, rising to £22,690 for the Caddy Maxi MPV 2.0 TDI 110bhp 4Motion. The Caddy Maxi starts at £14,050 (excluding VAT) and comes with a 102PS, 1.6 TDI.

Joining the 1.6 TDI 75PS and 102PS diesel engines is a 2.0 TDI that is available with 110bhp and 140bhp, while Volkswagen offers two Bluemotion models. These make use of stop/start, automatic battery regeneration, aerodynamic wheel arch spoilers and low rolling resistance tyres, in addition to the 102PS, 1.6 TDI engine for combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 134g/km. This gives the vehicle of range of 735 miles (1,181km).

All Caddy models come equipped with ESP, ABS, Traction Control System (TCS), automatic hazard lights, driver's airbag, speed sensitive power steering, remote central locking and a CD stereo w/AUX-in socket as standard. A 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion is available.

Order books open 27th September with first customer deliveries in November.

Daihatsu to recall 581,000 K-cars (JP)

Daihatsu, Toyota’s budget brand, is recalling more than 580,000 kei-cars (city-cars) due to concerns regarding the rear lights.

The orange colour on the indicator lights are fading fast due to rapid oxidation, causing them to turn white and confusing fellow motorists. To add insult to injury, Toyota decided to use clear bulbs, meaning that once the oxidation has set in, other motorists no longer see amber indicators and instead see a dull, white light.

The total number of vehicles called back is 435,423 1995 – 2000 Move and 145,769 1998 – 2000 Mira models.

We imagine in order to save money, Toyota will only be replacing the bulbs, not the rear light clusters. Although the light output will still be significantly reduced by as much as 60 to 75% , the light emitted from the tail lamps will be orange, rather than white.

Land Rover having problems with Defender replacement

Land Rover “knows what the new Defender should be”, according to a well-placed source, but Land Rover is still working out how it will be engineered and put into production.

The next Defender, internally known as “Project Icon”, will axe most of its commercial variants and will allow military sales to slow. Land Rover has begun work on the 62 year old replacement since March this year.

Tata Motors has signed off funds for a full engineering and design programme for the Defender and the project has therefore been granted a place in Land Rover’s product cycle and is due to be launch in 2014.

Land Rover executives have acknowledged that the brand needs a better clarity and some customers find the current model line-up puzzling.

The newcomer could possibly ditch its current nameplate, looks and values. The Defender had previously been rumoured to underpin by the T5 steel platform chassis. Although capable, Land Rover feels it will be too heavy.

Land Rover’s Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) technology could make production in Project Icon to help improve economy and reduce emissions.

Aston Martin pondering Lagonda sedan, Cygnet confirmed for U.S

According to a report, Aston Martin’s line-up will be revised with the addition of a few new models.

Following the decease of the Mercedes GL based Lagonda SUV concept, the Lagonda will be revived as a sedan, underpinning an extended platform of the Rapide sedan.

Coupe wise, the Vantage will endure a minor facelift in 2011 before a full redesign happens in 2014/2015. A new DB9/DB10 will debut in 2013 with styling inspired by the One-77 supercar.

Despite previous reports, Aston Martin will allegedly sell the Cygnet in the U.S. The Cygnet will be sold as a 2012 model and will cost around $35,000.

BMW M6 production ceased

BMW has ceased production of the M6 coupe, convertible and the 5.0 litre V10 507bhp petrol engine on 7th September 2010, however, BMW hasn’t hinted at replacing these models. The V10 is being replaced by a more fuel efficient, lighter V8 engines.

"With the departure of these two fascinating and exceptional athletes and the already-discontinued fourth-generation BMW M5, production will now also cease for the unique V10 high-rev engine," BMW said in a statement.

BMW said they built 14,152 M6 models in total. It sold 9,087 M6 coupes, which launched in 2005, and 5,065 convertible models, which launched in 2006. The U.S, Germany and the UK were the biggest M6 markets.

The news about the end of the M6 comes as reports suggest that BMW will expand the BMW and Mini models to "fend off Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG." It said BMW plans to "widen" the 6 Series and Mini model lines as well as build an EV for town driving.

2011 KIA Picanto spied in Southern Spain

Updated: 07/12/10

Kia has begun testing the all-new Picanto city-car. Now entering its second generation (launched in 2004, facelifted in 2007 & 2009), the Picanto is set to be bigger and wider than the current model.

Spied sunning itself in Granada, Southern Spain, the newcomer is wearing very thick disguise, but that doesn’t mean we can’t visualise the basics. Judging by this prototype, the Picanto will ditch its curvy, feminine look for something more manly and masculine.

Up front, out go the circular headlamps, in favor for ones that are swept back along the flanks, while the Schreyer tiger nose grille is visible and will be similar to that of the Venga sub-compact MPV. In fact, the new model will take most of its design cues off the Venga mini-MPV.

The rear side window kink has been replaced with a muscular shoulder line, lending the Picanto a sportier, leaner look. The boxy side profile will amount to excellent headroom and visibility. While the rear is hidden, we imagine KIA will play it safe.

While the 5dr (pictured here) is the only body-style currently available, KIA is reported into looking at a 3dr variant to help lower the base price. Expect the Picanto to be even more practical than the outgoing model.

Internally, the Picanto is likely to bare resemblance to the Venga, Soul and forthcoming RIO supermini.

Hyundai-KIA’s all-new 1.0 litre petrol engine will live under the bonnet, alongside a 3-cylinder 1.1 CRDi. The 1.0 litre petrol will emit 99g/km. A turbo-charged 1.2 litre petrol engine, developing anything upto 150bhp may be in the pipeline.

Like the current line-up, value for money is key here. So we expect electric front windows, air-conditioning, x4 airbags, MP3 compatible radio/CD player, and electrically adjustable door mirrors to be standard. The all-new Picanto is likely to premier at the Geneva motor show next March, before going on sale next Summer. We anticipate a modest price increase compared to the current £6,500 before topping out around £9,000. Automatics will add anything upto £800 on top of manual models. European prices may start at €8,000.

Via Secretnewcars.com 

Kia Sportage launched with 2.0 litre petrol engine (UK)

Kia has priced the all-new Sportage 2.0 litre from £19,495, £1,282 less than the diesel model. The Theta-II 2.0 litre petrol unit produces 161bhp and 194Nm of torque. It churns out 188g/km of CO2, with combined fuel economy of 35.8mpg. The engine is linked to a 5 speed manual. It has a top speed of 113mph and does 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds.

As with the newly launched 2.0 CRDI Kia Sportage, the four-wheel-drive petrol variant is available in one trim-level; First Edition. It includes the same features found in the 2.0 CRDi like 4WD, LED day-time running lights, cruise control, 18” alloy wheels, leather interior w/ heated front & rear seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/ reversing camera and Bluetooth.

Originally, 850 diesel Sportage First Editions were produced for the UK, however Kia says these have now all been sold. The full line-up, including 2WD and 4WD models and lower powered engines will be available later this year, but Kia says it’s selling the petrol First Editions available now to meet customer demand.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “From the moment we announced the all-new Sportage our dealers were under siege from new and existing customers who wanted to be among the first to get hold of this exciting car. But it was clear that many wanted a petrol option – so we are very happy to have secured 300 units to meet that demand.

“We will not have too long to wait for the full range of new Sportage – from November we will have 2WD and AWD versions featuring four engines including a 1.6GDI and a 1.7 Turbo-Diesel, but such is the excitement about new Sportage that we simply couldn’t disappoint those customers who wanted First Edition but with a petrol engine,” he added.

Deliveries start in October.

Maybach brand to continue; hybrid, four-door coupe in pipeline

Mercedes uber-luxury counterpart, Maybach, will continue to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, despite reports suggesting the brand was folding.

Although details are unclear, Maybach is a profitable brand despite selling 300 vehicles last year. Daimler's Joachim Schmidt said he sees ample opportunities for growth in China and North America.

The recent revision of the Maybach 62 S will keep the brand fresh until a replacement arrives in 2013/2014. This new model will underpin the current S-Class (W221) and will spin-off several other variants including a short-wheel base, long-wheel base, hybrid, four door coupe and a long-wheel base convertible. The hybrid variant will feature a 7 speed automatic transmission and a 20bhp (20PS) electric motor. This system will allow the car to travel upto 10 miles (16km) on electricity.

Like the current model, a standard and S trim-level will be available. The base model will be powered by a 6.0 litre V12 engine, producing 545bhp (553PS), while the ‘S’ will bump that figure upto 630bhp (639PS). These will be mated to a 9 speed automatic.

Ford agrees to $131m settlement after 2001 accident (U.S)

Ford has decided to give a $131m (£85.5m) payment regarding the case involving a ’02 Ford Explorer Sport in a rollover accident. The case involved New York Mets AA player Brian Cole, who was 22, at the time driving the vehicle, who was ejected and killed, and his teenage cousin was hurt. The cousin was awarded $1.5m (£979,000) in the settlement.

Lawyers for the victims said Cole had been wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, referring to the physical evidence on his body, but Ford disagreed and pointed out that Cole had been traveling around 80mph at the time of the rollover accident. A jury in Jasper County, Mississippi, found in favor of the claimant this week after two previous trials had ended in hung juries, and Ford settled before the damages phase of the trial was completed.

Ford spokeswoman, Marcey Evans was quoted as saying Cole "was not wearing his safety belt" and noting that the passenger, "who was properly belted, walked away from the accident."

The accident took place on 31st March 2001 on a Florida motorway at the end of the Mets' Spring training season as Cole traveled to see his family in Mississippi. The family filed a lawsuit against Ford in 2002. Their lawyer, Tab Turner, was also lead lawyer in an earlier massive class-action suit against Ford over the allegation that the Explorer was prone to roll over.

Ford launches '11 F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew (U.S)

Ford has revealed the F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to the world.

With the exception of an extra two doors on the side, the 2011 SVT Raptor SuperCrew hasn’t changed visually. The wheelbase has grown by 12” (1ft), to 145” (3,683mm). The SuperCrew has a 60” (5.5ft/1,524mm) load bay, 36 gallon fuel tank and 8,000lb (3,600kg) towing capacity. Ford customers do get revised graphics and an updated colour palette.

Internally, the interior is fitted with a 4.2” LCD information screen, electric front windows, perimeter alarm, 110V power outlets, and a telescoping steering wheel.

Optionally, there are a couple of new packages. The Plus Package has a rear view camera and trailer brake system, while the Luxury Package features electric folding door-mirrors and remote start.

In under the bonnet is a newly-standard 6.2 litre V8, packing 411bhp (417PS) and 588Nm (434lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a SelectShift automatic transmission which "doesn't second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection."

Press Release:

A new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 411 horsepower, new technologies and a newly available SuperCrew option that gives Raptor customers more choices in cab size all ensure the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will remain the off-road performance truck champion in the new model year.

“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150’s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or the new SuperCrew.

The new available 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew offering with a 5.5-foot box adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew delivers performance as well.

Applying lessons learned from the SuperCab F-150 SVT Raptor, engineers were able to tune the truck to handle off-road events with ease. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase on SuperCrew also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations.

“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”

A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck.

Revved up and ready:

The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

New color and graphic options:

Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic – that will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten Orange Interior Accent Package.

A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics – including the F-150 SVT Raptor logo – run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to “SVT” on the side vent. “F-150” and “SVT” are written in dark gray. The graphic is available with or without the box side graphics.

More capability, more technology:

Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.

The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control™, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™).

An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline is doing.”

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.

New standard technology features for 2011 include:

•Perimeter alarm

•Integrated spotter mirror

•Express up/down driver and passenger front windows

•110 V power inverter in the center console

•Head restraint for second-row middle seat

•Telescoping steering wheel

2010 Raptor equals hot seller:

Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling four times quicker than the average F-150, with the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at dealerships. In fact, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest model year sales of the F-150 SVT Lightning.

Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year.