Audi TDIs get it in the neck

motoringresearch.com

Audi is now fitting protective devices to the Audi A4, A5 and Q5 TDI variants, to stop incidents of misfuelling.

All 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 TDI cars get a new preventative device in the tank filler neck, which will only accept diesel fuel filler pipes.

Special contact points will only open an internal fuel flap when the larger diesel fuel filler pipe is connected: smaller-diameter petrol pipes will not connect, keeping the flap firmly closed.

It’s been introduced to provide reassurance to fleet operators. Today’s diesels are so refined, incidents of misfuelling are on the increase. This is being further driven this year by company car rules that increasingly incentivise diesels.

The RAC says there are around 150,000 cases of misfuelling in the UK every year. The cost of repairing the damage, adds Audi, can be £5,000 or more.

Eventually, Audi will roll out the fuel filler neck technology across its range of cars. For now, the fleet-focused Audi A4, A5 and Q5 TDI models have been prioritised.

Audi is not the only brand to offer such fuel protection technology. Renault and Ford also fit it.

http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=155330282

FOX PRESENTATION AT WARRINGTON VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCH PARTY

By Cheshire Life

 

Promotional Feature
Fine food, Champagne and the beautiful singing voice of Adam Glover greeted invited guests to the opening of the new look Warrington Volkswagen.

The state-of-the-art refurbishment is one of the first in the country to be completed by the automotive giant which chose Warrington for its exemplary customer service and commitment to the Volkswagen brand.
In fact it was a double celebration as the dealership owner Clare James Automotive, was named Best Retail Group for Volkswagen Excellence in the UK for the third consecutive year.

As part of the evening’s proceedings, Managing Director Ian Rutter presented the keys to a new Volkswagen Fox to Sam Newey and Lo Munro from St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, Northwich. The car will be raffled to help raise much needed funding to provide a new school for the children.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL WEAVER

http://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/fox-presentation-at-warrington-volkswagen-launch-party-27295/

2011 Wheego Whip LiFe Electric Car: First Drive Report

By John Voelcker Senior Editor

The 2011 Wheego Whip LiFe is a small, two-seat electric car from a startup company you've never heard of with an unusual name.

It doesn't have the fit, finish, or driving quality of a 2011 Nissan Leaf or the Japanese-market Mitsubishi "i" we tested two years ago. And it's only got two seats, which condemns it to a tiny sliver of the U.S. new-car market.

In other words, it faces some pretty long odds in getting a foothold in the brutally competitive U.S. new-car market. Especially with a list price of $32,995, which makes it $215 more expensive than the five-seat, five-door Leaf.

Beating Nissan to market?
Wheego says it will be first to bring an electric car onto the market and into dealerships, beating Nissan--which will only deliver five Leaf electric cars in December--by a few weeks. The company is now awaiting formal approval from the EPA to sell the Whip LiFe, which it says it expects to receive by the time its cars ship to dealers next month.

According to president Jeff Boyd, the genesis of the car--and the Atlanta-based company--was its founders' search for an inexpensive vehicle that could provide "gliders," or donor bodies to be fitted with electric powertrains in the U.S.

The Chinese company that makes the Noble on which the Wheego is based, Shuanghuan Automobile, got permission from the Chinese government to build an economical two-seater urban car. Some might call it a knockoff of the Smart ForTwo, although the Wheego is larger in every dimension.

Unfortunately, newly affluent middle-class Chinese car buyers had little interest in fuel economy. Instead, they bought the largest, most opulent vehicles they could afford, especially those carrying prestigious Western brands. The Noble languished until Wheego came calling.

Over the last year, the company has sold a few hundred Wheego Whip low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs, fitted with lead-acid batteries. NEVs are restricted to a top speed of 30 mph, but must meet far fewer regulations to be sold for local and off-street use (regulations for where they can be used vary by city and state).

U.S.-built lithium-ion batteries
Now Wheego is on the verge of launching the 2011 Wheego Whip LiFE, the suffix standing for the lithium-iron-phosphate cells in the 30-kilowatt-hour battery pack that replaces the lead-acid batteries. The result is a highway-capable vehicle expected to pass all NHTSA equipment and crash testing, so it can be licensed anywhere.

While the lithium-ion cells are sourced in China, Boyd says, the battery pack is assembled in Vista, Cailfornia, by Flux Power. The vehicle uses fully 90 percent of its 30 kWh, a more aggressive state-of-charge range than either the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Volt.

Like the Nissan Leaf, but unlike the Chevrolet Volt, the Whip LiFe uses airflow to cool its battery pack. Boyd said liquid cooling would be "extraneous" in the 2600-pound vehicle.

The drive motor is a 45-kilowatt (60-horsepower) unit, and the 2011 Wheego Whip LiFe is fitted with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and other mandatory safety gear.

Small, primitive, and cheap
Boyd stressed that the vehicle we drove was a pre-production model, with final tweaks to the suspension, control software for performance, and braking feel still underway. Final performance figures will be released December 10, he promised.

Nonetheless, the Wheego Whip LiFe is not a particularly pleasant car to drive. The doors shut with a tinny bang, and without an adjustable steering column, the bottom of the small square digital screen that displays a virtual instrument cluster was blocked by the steering wheel, even with the driver's seat raised as high as it would go.

Three drive modes--Drive, Sport, and Economy--give more or less power for given acceleration. Boyd says range is 90 to 95 miles in Drive, up to 80 miles in Sport, and 100 or more in Economy mode. Top speed is quoted at 70 mph, though on our 15-minute urban run, we had no chance to test that limit.

We were able to spin an inside wheel accelerating out of a corner in Sport mode, but the acceleration wasn't particularly brisk right from standstill, which is peculiar for an electric car--especially given the brisk 0-to-30-mph behavior of larger electric cars like the Leaf and Volt.

The centering action of the numb electric steering was inconsistent, with pronounced torque steer when accelerating on curves. For a relatively light car, the controls felt heavy, although the car rode smoothly considering its very short wheelbase. We experienced slightly crashing into ruts and holes on LA's not-very-well-maintained roads.


Finally, the electric motor whine was as loud as anything we've heard in the dozen or so electric cars we've driven. Boyd called that a deliberate choice: "Our customers told us they didn't want a silent car, they wanted to know something was happening." We're not convinced.

In other words, it doesn't appear the car has evolved significantly since our sister site TheCarConnection tested a 2009 Wheego Whip NEV last year. And it's clearly not as refined as the vehicle most similar to it offered in the U.S. market, the limited-volume 2011 Smart Electric Drive, a factory electric conversion of the Smart ForTwo.

Dealers front and center
Unlike Coda, another electric-car startup that uses Chinese gliders with final assembly in the U.S., Wheego believes firmly in the traditional model of distribution through U.S. dealers. That may not be surprising, since company president Boyd was previously a dealer himself.

Boyd expounded at length on the superiority of the dealer model in bringing local credibility to new brands, and for giving customers a local focus for any service or handholding needs. Thus far, Boyd says, Wheego has 35 dealers in 15 states signed up, with a goal of only 100 to 120--giving each dealer a wide sales area.
Dealer handholding may be needed for potential fleet buyers, including Federal and state governments. With 73 percent U.S. content by bill-of-materials cost, Boyd says the Whip LiFe will be eligible for listing on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) list of U.S.-built vehicles--the starting point for many arms of government.

Thus far, Wheego has assembled roughly 100 vehicles, which are being tested and used as demonstrators. It will ramp up to 500 cars per month in December, January, and February. Once its Ohio plant is fully up and running in March, Boyd says, it will be able to build up to 5,000 Wheegos a month if demand warrants.

The $5.5 million car company
According to Boyd, Wheego has thus far been funded at approximately $5.5 million. The company is now attempting to raise another $15 milion.

Nonetheless, Boyd says a four-door crossover and a four-door midsize pickup truck are also under development. CEO Mike McQuary said at Wheego's 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show press conference that the next two vehicles were a five-passenger car (coming late in 2011), and a compact pickup derivative early the next year.


Finally, about that name. It comes, says Wheego, from the combination of the fun-to-drive characteristics of the car ("Whee!") and its ability to let you GO gas-free.

It was also one of the few domain names the company could find that was available--and even then, the Wheego Electric Cars website uses a "dot-net" suffix. The other Wheego site, the dot-com, is a children's game "where treasure hunting meets hide'n'go seek."

More cynical journalists might well be tempted to turn that in to a metaphor for Wheego, and its quixotic quest for a permanent toehold in the evolving electric-vehicle market.

http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051812_2011-wheego-whip-life-electric-car-first-drive-report/page-1

2011 Toyota Corolla

 

2011 is a big year for the compact segment with new entries from Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, and others competing. Toyota is responding with a refreshed 2011 Corolla, debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Refining the formula for 2011 starts with a few exterior modifications. The new front grille is easy to spot on the sport model pictured here. The taillights have a new design, as well, and the side view mirrors are larger. As on any properly refreshed model, the wheel covers and alloy wheels have been redesigned. Toyota notes that the Corolla's design was created with input from design studios in Turin, Italy, but we think it's safe to say the Corolla still isn't the segment's style leader.

 Click to view Gallery

Inside, Toyota has paid attention to details most consumers might actually notice. That includes a new seat color and pattern, as well as a new color on the door trim. The steering wheel on the S model is new. When the 2011 sedan goes on sale in December, it will offer two new colors.

 

The 2011 Corolla will come with two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance, like all new Toyotas. Will this be enough to fight off new compact sedan competitors? Wait just a few months and we'll have the answer.

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2010/1011_2011_toyota_corolla/index.html

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

By Benson Kong

 

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Has an Eye for Subtlety

Kia's first hybrid will be offered through one of the brand's most significantly overhauled vehicles in its history: the 2011 Optima..

 

The Optima's parallel hybrid powertrain uses a modified Theta II: The base, normally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four forgoes direct injection and runs on the Atkinson cycle and a 13.0:1 cylinder compression ratio. The revisions sacrifice torque and horsepower (final output: 166 hp, 154 pound-feet) in the name of efficiency (namely, a 10-percent gain in the engine's fuel economy) but a 40-hp electric motor mounted directly between the four-cylinder and six-speed automatic supplement the oomph of this uniquely styled car.

After tuning, the combined power rating is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, a two-pound-foot gain over earlier figures established by the sister Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. . A 96-pound, 1.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery serves electrical charge for zero-emissions driving up to 62 mph, with 151 lb-ft of starting twist available up to 1400 rpm from the electric motor.

 Click to view Gallery

Other key efficiency-related pieces include a Hybrid-Starter-Generator that helps manage hybrid operation, four-disc regenerative braking, electric steering, and an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor. The transmission oil pump is electrically assisted as well, and a hybrid-specific gauge cluster takes over the driver's view.

 

Dimension-wise, the Kia is slightly longer, narrower, and shorter than the Sonata, but contains the same 110-inch wheelbase. The Optima Hybrid's front end and underbody is altered to increase aerodynamic efficiency but doesn't embrace the radical front makeover strategy employed by the Sonata Hybrid. The headlights and foglights are very mildly retouched.

More importantly, an active, speed-sensitive air flap system has been installed behind the front grille to combat turbulence. The flaps are simple in theory: They shutter at high speeds (from 30 mph and up according to Kia staff) but their operation ultimately depends on engine operating and ambient temperatures. Larger engine loads at any given speed would presumably leave the flaps open for cooling purposes. In engineering metrics, a 0.26 drag coefficient is the final result, only 0.01 off the Hyundai.

 Click to view Gallery

 

An early curb weight estimate lists the Kia at 3490 pounds. Smoothly sculpted 16-inch alloy wheels come wrapped with low-rolling resistance rubber while chrome accents adorn the side sills and front and rear fascias. LED taillights and a trunk lip spoiler ensure pedestrian have something to look at from behind.

Speaking of the passerby populace, the Optima Hybrid comes standard with the Virtual Engine Sound System, which plays a pre-recorded engine sound when the car is running solely on battery and motor. A Premium Technology Package adds heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and 17-inch alloys (as seen on show car), for a fee of course. Most critically, Kia expects fuel economy to be 36 city/40 highway mpg.

The Optima Hybrid is due early 2011. With two new Korean hybrids on the market, the impending midsize sedan comparison can almost write itself.

 

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2010/1011_2011_kia_optima_hybrid/index.html

President Obama on GM: "One of the Toughest Tales" Becoming a "Success Story"

Posted by Jesse Lee

The last time GM made as much news as their IPO has it was on the brink of destruction, at a point where many didn't think the situation was salvagable.  Today's news was considerably better, as the President explained this afternoon:

Today, one of the toughest tales of the recession took another big step towards becoming a success story.
General Motors relaunched itself as a public company, cutting the government’s stake in the company by nearly half.  What’s more, American taxpayers are now positioned to recover more than my administration invested in GM.
And that’s a very good thing.  Last year, we told GM’s management and workers that if they made the tough decisions necessary to make themselves more competitive in the 21st century -- decisions requiring real leadership, fresh thinking and also some shared sacrifice –- then we would stand by them.  And because they did, the American auto industry -– an industry that’s been the proud symbol of America’s manufacturing might for a century; an industry that helped to build our middle class -– is once again on the rise.
Our automakers are in the midst of their strongest period of job growth in more than a decade.  Since GM and Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, the industry has created more than 75,000 new jobs.  For the first time in six years, Ford, GM and Chrysler are all operating at a profit.  In fact, last week, GM announced its best quarter in over 11 years.  And most importantly, American workers are back at the assembly line manufacturing the high-quality, fuel-efficient, American-made cars of tomorrow, capable of going toe to toe with any other manufacturer in the world.

By contrast, independent estimates have said that a million or more American jobs would have been lost had the government not taken the tough steps it did, dealing another brutal blow to the larger economy when it was teetering on the bring of complete disaster...

That wasn’t an acceptable option –- to throw up our hands and to quit.  That’s not what we do.  This is a country of optimistic and determined people who don’t give up when times are tough.  We do what’s necessary to move forward.
So these last two years haven’t been easy on anybody.  They haven’t been without pain or sacrifice, as the tough restructuring of GM reminds us.  And obviously we’ve still got a long road ahead and a lot of work to do -– to rebuild this economy, to put people back to work, to make America more competitive for the future and to secure the American Dream for our children and our grandchildren.
But we are finally beginning to see some of these tough decisions that we made in the midst of crisis pay off.  And I’m absolutely confident that we’re going to keep on making progress.  I believe we’re going to get through this tougher and stronger than we were before.  Because just as I had faith in the ability of our autoworkers to persevere and succeed, I have faith in the American people’s ability to persevere and succeed.  And I have faith that America’s best days and America’s -- and American manufacturing’s best days are still ahead of us.

 http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/11/18/president-obama-gm-one-toughest-tales-becoming-a-success-story

Nissan re-imagines the sedan with its Ellure Concept

By Darren Quick

The sales of traditional sedans have taken a hit in recent years due to the popularity of crossover SUVs, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan coming up with a new sedan concept in the form of the Nissan Ellure Concept hybrid vehicle. The company says the car, which will debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show, isn’t intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, but is rather a confirmation that the sedan still has some life left in it yet and will remain a core part of Nissan’s product portfolio.

Under the hood

The Ellure is a hybrid vehicle with a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT transmission and front-wheel drive that would make it part of Nissan’s PURE DRIVE low CO2/low fuel range. The ICE produces 240 hp/254 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor produces approx. 35hp/147 lb-ft of torque. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering.

 

Exterior

To enhance its aerodynamics, the Ellure features a deeply skirted front fascia and semi-transparent front grille with small openings to direct the wind over and under the body. The vehicle also features a full underbody pan, molded side rearview camera housings in place of traditional outside mirrors, small wheel openings and full transparent covers over the 21-inch 5-spoke aluminum-allow wheels that are mounted with low-rolling resistance Michelin tires.

“Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We’ve used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan.

The most distinctive aspect of the vehicle’s exterior though, is probably the full tinted glass roof set between two flowing shoulder lines that is embedded with red mood lighting for the interior. Meanwhile, the sides of the vehicle sport large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access.

 

Interior

Inside, the instrument panel design reaches across the width of the vehicle with a “floating” center console featuring touch displays. A console-mounted central controller provides access to heating, air-con, ventilation, audio, navigation and other functions, while a truncated steering wheel provides a clearer view of the instrument panel and touch display screens. There are also touch controls with haptic feedback on the armrests.

The interior can seat five passengers and features a variety of eco-friendly materials, including black eco-suede made from recycled fibers for the front seats, chrome-free leather made using an eco tanning process for the instrument panels, and carpeting made from handmade strips of 100 percent wool felt.

“Our goal is to rejuvenate the sedan’s attractiveness to buyers who might have migrated to other segments, or who are coming reluctantly into the category,” says Nakamura. “It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion.”

http://www.gizmag.com/nissan-ellure-concept/16977/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GizmagAutomotive+%28Gizmag%3A+Automotive%29

LA show: Mercedes reveals four-door super-coupe

By DAVID HASSALL

 

Power haus: Thanks to AMG's new twin-turbo V8, the CLS 63 AMG will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds. 

MERCEDES-BENZ has unleashed its CLS 63 AMG at the Los Angeles auto show this week ahead of its global launch in March 2011.

The four-door super-coupe will go on sale in Australia early in the third quarter next year, about the same time as the ‘regular’ CLS model is launched here.

The highlight of the stunning CLS flagship is AMG’s newly developed twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine, which will replace the 6.2-litre non-turbo – claimed to be the world’s powerful naturally aspirated production V8 – at the top of each of AMG’s model lines.

The first application of the new M157 engine in Australia will be the two-door CL 63 AMG, which is being launched here next week.

In the CLS, the 5.5-litre V8 will exactly match the previous 6.2-litre unit for power at 386kW (but at only 5250rpm against 6800rpm) while torque output peaks at 700Nm from 1750-5000rpm (versus 630Nm at 5500rpm for the old engine).

Fitted with the AMG ‘Performance Package’ – a similar upgrade kit is available here for the naturally aspirated C63 AMG, but has yet to be confirmed for the CLS in Australia –power rises to 410kW at 5750rpm while torque leaps 100Nm (14.2 per cent) to 800Nm at 2000-4500rpm thanks to an increase in turbo boost (up from 1.0 to 1.3 bar).

Continuing with a ‘63’ model designation despite its smaller capacity, the new AMG V8 incorporates direct fuel-injection, a full aluminium crankcase, variable camshaft adjustment, an idle-stop function, air-to-water intercooling and, of course, a pair of Garrett turbochargers.

As well as confirming the extraordinary performance capabilities of the so-called ‘biturbo’ engine, Mercedes-Benz today revealed that the new CLS 63 AMG will have an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) fuel consumption figure of just 9.9 litres per 100km.

This is an improvement of some 32 per cent over the outgoing model and represents a CO2 output of 232g/km.

Fitted with the standard (and exclusive to Mercedes-AMG) seven-speed Speedshift semi-automatic transmission with a ‘Race Start’ function, the CLS 63 AMG will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

The more powerful Performance Package model – which is identified by a carbon-fibre boot spoiler, red-painted brake callipers and performance steering wheel – drops that time to 4.3 seconds and both models are electronically limited to 250km/h.

Specifications and pricing for Australia have yet to be finalised, but M-B Australia is understood to be keen to contain any increase over the current model’s $278,000 in the face of increasing competition from the likes of the $366,000 Aston Martin Rapide.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH boss Ola Källenius said the top-of-the-range version of the CLS four-door coupe is all about exciting design, ultimate performance and groundbreaking efficiency.

“The new CLS 63 AMG continues the success story of the previous models, the CLS 55 AMG and CLS 63 AMG, which have delighted our customers all around the world since 2004,” said Mr Källenius.

“The CLS 63 AMG is a unique high-performance car – it sets new standards in design, performance and efficiency.”

Mercedes-Benz claims the four-door CLS 63 AMG is the first passenger car in the world to offer LED high-performance headlights, which are made up of 71 LEDs in total and have been developed to work with the company’s adaptive high-beam assist technology to provide superior performance to bi-xenon headlights.

Although other cars have been fitted with LED headlights, Mercedes claims these are the first to offer uncompromised functionality and performance, making the most of LED’s inherent advantages of long-life (five times longer than xenon) and colour (most closely matching daylight).

The car also employs LED daytime-running light strips above the lower air intakes.

As well as the AMG Speedshift transmission, the CLS 63 AMG features the company’s Ride Control sports suspension system, with steel suspension struts at the front (which is 24mm wider in track) and air suspension struts on the rear, enhanced by electronic damping control with automatic level control function.

This automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving conditions and reduces the roll angle of the body. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport-plus at the press of a button.

Other mechanical features include electromechanical steering that only draws power when needed, saving 0.3L/100km in fuel use, and an optional high-performance ceramic composite braking system over the standard 360mm ventilated discs.

The car sits on titanium grey-painted, high-sheen 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a new triple-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 tyres on the front and 285/30 tyres at the rear.

Further weight is saved by fitting aluminium doors, bonnet, front guards, bootlid and parcel shelf, as well as making various support sections and even parts of the chassis in aluminium. The doors alone are 24kg lighter than conventional steel doors.

The exterior design, especially when viewed from the front, is said to be inspired by the gullwing SLS AMG, the first car designed exclusively by AMG.

Compared with the regular CLS, the AMG model is distinguished by a revised bonnet, wider mudguards with “V8 BITURBO” logo, a front apron with black painted cross-member, rear diffuser insert, bootlid spoiler lip, sports exhaust system with dual twin tailpipes, and – (as also featured on the SLS AMG) – an integrated rear fog lamp.

Inside are the sort of features you might expect, with lots of black piano lacquer, black leather and brushed aluminium spread around the swooping cockpit with its sports seats and three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles and flattened top and bottom sections.

Electronic driving controls include a switchable stability control system and new radar-based blind spot assist and active lane-keeping systems that actively take control if the driver fails to heed warnings.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/2FEEA86E74E6C273CA2577DE000AD86F

Bridgestone bows out of Formula 1

After 14 continuous seasons at the pinnacle of international motor sport, Bridgestone made its final Formula 1 appearance at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After this race, Bridgestone contested a total of 242 Grands Prix since making its full-time F1 entry at the Australian Grand Prix in 1997.

There was 175 wins, 168 pole positions and 11 drivers’ and constructors’ championships attained with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

“Abu Dhabi was an emotional weekend for everyone at Bridgestone Motorsport as it was our final race,” said Hiroshi Yasukawa, director of Bridgestone Motorsport.

“I have been involved in Bridgestone’s motor sport operations since our very first limited entry in the 1976 and 1977 Japanese Grands Prix and pushed hard for our full-time entry which finally came in 1997.

“In this time, Bridgestone has grown enormously as a company, with Formula 1 showcasing our company’s strength and qualities on a world stage, to an enormous audience.

“I have attended well over 200 races myself and have made so many good relationships with the participants in this wonderful sport.

“Next year will be very different for me and for all of my Bridgestone Motorsport colleagues.”
Bridgestone’s primary reason for its F1 entry was to enhance its brand awareness, and for this to be effective, their Formula 1 tyres had to demonstrate strong performance.

In charge of the technical development over Bridgestone’s 14 years in F1 is Hirohide Hamashima, director of Bridgestone Motorsport tyre development.

“Formula 1 was a big challenge for our company,” said Hamashima.
“We entered the sport in 1997 against a very experienced competitor in Goodyear, who had contested so many races before, yet we were able to be competitive in our first season, even when most of the front-running teams were using our rival’s products.

“We scored points in our first race and the first Bridgestone podium came in our second race. We even came very close to a win with Damon Hill in the Arrows Yamaha at Hungary, so this was a very good debut for us.”

Then, in 1998, Goodyear withdrew from Formula 1, leaving Bridgestone as the sole supplier.
“Our entry to Formula 1 came a year earlier than initially planned and after just two seasons in the sport we had to supply the entire field,” explained Peter Grzelinski, Bridgestone Motorsport service manager.

“This was a big challenge for us, but we responded well.
“We had two seasons where we could refine all our practices and methodology before the next challenge came.”

In 2001 Michelin entered Formula 1 as a rival tyre supplier to Bridgestone, and a period of intense competition followed.

“From 2001 to 2006 we battled hard with Michelin,” said Hamashima.
“Our engineers in Japan and at the track were dedicated to winning and we learnt so many things in this period.”

Bridgestone tyres shod the constructors’ and drivers’ champions four times in this period, while Michelin tyres equipped the winning constructors’ and drivers’ champions twice.

After Michelin’s departure at the end of the 2006 season, Bridgestone was the sole tyre supplier in 2007, before being appointed as the official tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One world championship for 2008 to 2010.

“Our second period of being the only tyre supplier in Formula 1 was characterised by intensely close title battles,” said Hamashima.

“We concentrated on our quality control to ensure that the tyres supplied to all teams were the same,allowing these close championship battles, which provided a fantastic spectacle for Formula 1 untill te very last race.”

Legacy

So, while 2010 was the final season for Bridgestone in Formula 1, the legacy left for the company will be enormous.

“Bridgestone has gained significantly from our involvement in this fabulous sport,” said Yasukawa.

“We have also tried to benefit society as a whole by working with the sport’s governing body, the FIA, with its road safety and environmental campaigns over the years.

“We can only hope that everybody enjoyed our final Grand Prix season and race as much as we did.”

http://www.citizen.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=144658&catid=72:motorsport&Itemid=77

Obama: GM public offering marks 'major milestone' in turnaround of company and auto industry

Associated Press

Last update: November 17, 2010 - 6:51 PM

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says General Motors' plan to sell stock marks a major milestone not only in the turnaround of that iconic company, but of the U.S. auto industry as a whole.

A slimmed-down GM will begin offering stock Thursday, ending the government's role as majority shareholder.

Just later year, the automaker was near bankruptcy and dependent on financial aid from the government. Obama was criticized for bailing out GM and Chrysler.

But the president says it helped save jobs, rescue an industry at the heart of America's manufacturing sector and position it to be more competitive in the future.

http://www.startribune.com/business/108804109.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1OiP:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUoD3aPc:_2yc:a_ncyD_MDCiU

AMG partners with Ducati

By Paul Gover - Herald Sun

 "A lot of people who own AMG Mercedes-Benz cars also have a high- performance motorcycle. We know they like Ducati," says AMG marketing boss Mario Spitzner.

A thumping V8 engine roar and a motorcycle burnout announce the latest automotive collaboration at the LA Auto Show.

The new partners are AMG and Ducati, who have forged an alliance intended to tap the shared attractions of their go-faster two and four- wheelers.

"A lot of people who own AMG Mercedes-Benz cars also have a high- performance motorcycle. We know they like Ducati," the marketing boss at AMG, Mario Spitzner, tells Carsguide.

"It's the same with our Ducati owners. Many of them have a Mercedes-Benz car in the garage," says Gabriele Del Torchio, head of Ducati.  The announcement comes as AMG Mercedes rolls its latest CLS 63 into action in the USA and Ducati reveals its all new Diavel, which is ridden into the show by former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden.

Apart from a tie-up that will see Diavels at AMG customer drive days and vice-versa, the new link is also likely to see MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi - who will race for Ducati from 2011 - wearing a three- pointed star on his helmet.

It's a move that means he will join Australia's five-time world motorcycle champion, Mick Doohan, as an AMG ambassador.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-news/amg_partners_with_ducati?utm_source=carsguide&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carnews

Toyota RAV4 EV debuts in LA

By Carsguide team

The RAV4 EV is scheduled to hit the US market in 2012.

Toyota's tie-up with niche-market electric-car maker Tesla has resulted in the Toyota RAV4 EV - an electric vehicle that has made its debut at the LA Auto Show.

Tesla developed the drivetrain,  including the battery, power electronics module, electric motor, gearbox and software.  The RAV4 EV first started in 1997 as a plug-in vehicle and in this first generation, was available in the US for six years.

Toyota said it sold or leased 1484 units during that time – and that nearly 750 of them are still in operation – but could never make them a mainstream hit like the Prius.

"Making these alternative-power vehicles isn't that difficult,'' said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales US president and chief operating officer.

"The hard part is bringing them to mainstream customers.''

The RAV4 EV is scheduled to hit the US market in 2012. The initial batch of test vehicles, the so-called Phase Zero machines, are already achieving up to 160km of range.

Toyota is working to ensure that the Phase One vehicles (thatis, the next batch) will be able to reach that range regardless of ambient temperatures.

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• LA Auto Show gets set
• • Toyota RAV4 CV for sale
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  • Toyota RAV4 CV values
  • More on TOYOTA

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-news/toyota_rav4_ev_debuts_in_los_angeles?utm_source=carsguide&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carnews

General Motors Fast Adoption of DuPont™ Zytel® PLUS Nylon Captures 2010 SPE Most Innovative Use of Plastics Award

General Motors’ use of DuPont™ Zytel® PLUS nylon for its Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo powering Cadillac CTS vehicles captured the ‘Most Innovative Use of Plastics” Award in the Materials category from the Society of 

Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division last night. 

 

The award-winning engine-appearance and acoustic cover is molded by Camoplast Polymer Solutions, Richmond, Quebec, Canada. Accepting the award for General Motors was Shawn Owen, lead design engineer – GM Air Delivery and Engine Covers.

“It took GM just 90 days from our product launch to capitalize on this remarkable material,” said Terry Cressy, DuPont Automotive OEM executive account manager. “The speed with which this innovative material was adopted shows how powerful collaboration can be in bringing innovation to market quickly and cost effectively.”

Introduced in March, 2010, the family of DuPont™ Zytel® PLUS nylon products grabbed the industry’s attention for its ability to provide the kind of long-term protection against aggressive environments that can double the life of a component.

For this application, Zytel® PLUS nylon was selected because it retains its mechanical properties and great surface appearance despite long-term exposure to hot temperatures – 180°C and above – common in turbo-charged engines. “It even likes 210°C,” added Cressy.

Camoplast Polymer Solutions, which specializes in molding automotive under the hood components such as engine covers, reservoirs, ducts and air induction systems, identified advantages in processing, aesthetics and dimensional stability after using new Zytel® PLUS nylon. “There is no complexity in molding with this material,” said Omar Khennache, PhD., program manager – Materials, Camoplast Polymer Solutions. “Despite the 35-percent glass content, this part retains a high-gloss, uniform appearance, which is critical in engine beauty covers, and held its dimensions, a critical factor in helping ensure that large components like this can be assembled efficiently and accurately.”

“We developed this family – and the new family of Zytel® HTN92 Series PPA resins – to meet the industry’s need for a portfolio of lightweight materials they can use to eliminate metal while helping to ensure that components will last the service life of the vehicle,” said Patrick Ferronato, global marketing director – DuPont Automotive Performance Polymers. “Today’s engines create more demanding environments and each component and system faces a different formulation of “chemical cocktail” or a different load at temperature – one material can’t do it all.”

Currently DuPont Automotive offers five Zytel® PLUS nylon grades and now two grades of Zytel® HTN92 Series resins based on DuPont™ SHIELD Technology, which combines several innovations, including a new polymer backbone, polymer modifications and a special set of additives, to enhance many performance characteristics.

This family can stand up to long-term exposure to hot oil, calcium chloride, impact after aging and temperatures as high as 230°C, making them desirable for automotive engine and oil system applications, such as: charge air coolers, exhaust mufflers, turbo air ducts, resonators, cylinder head covers, oil pans, EGR coolers, oil modules, thermostats and transmission components, such as front covers, and radiator end tanks where calcium chloride resistance is especially important due to road treatments.

For four decades, the Society of Plastics Engineers has honored the "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" in automotive and ground-transportation applications, becoming the largest competition of its kind in the world and the oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries.

Company:	DuPont
Telephone:	+1 302 774 1000
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A3 saloon 'in spirit of Audi 80'

Audi boss Rupert Stadler has given the production green light to a new saloon version of the A3 — a car Ingolstadt insiders describe as a spiritual successor to the Audi 80.

The premium-priced four-door, slated for a UK launch in 2013, will join newly designed three-door hatchback (pictured), five-door Sportback and two-door cabriolet models in an expanded third-generation line-up.

See Autocar's exclusive rendering of the new Audi A3
The A3 saloon is planned as an entry-level model in the world’s two largest car markets: the US and China. But Audi also sees the saloon as a car to slot below the A4, which has grown in length by 220mm since it arrived in 1994.

The A3 saloon’s styling is expected to follow today’s family look, and at 4.51 metres long it will be slightly shorter than the new Volkswagen Jetta.

Under the skin is VW’s new MQB modular platform, which is said to be cheaper and easier to make than today’s PQ35 platform. The suspension layout is the same — front struts and rear multi-link — and both front and four-wheel drive are available.

Read Autocar's full scoop on the next Audi A3, plus see more exclusive renderings
Petrol engines for the UK are likely to range from a turbocharged 1.4-litre four to a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo powering an RS3 performance flagship. Among the diesels will be 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units. Also planned is a hybrid based on the 1.4 turbo and lithium ion battery pack shown in VW’s Compact Coupé concept.

The A3 saloon will battle new compact four-doors from BMW and Mercedes: a still-secret booted version of the second-generation 1-series and a production version of Mercedes’ F800 Style concept, based on the new platform of the third-generation A-class.

Greg Kable

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=254180

Renault plans electric hot hatch

Renault’s plan to release an electric performance hatchback remains on course, and it could produce fruit as early as 2013.

The ‘electric Gordini’, uncovered by Autocar in April 2009, will be a higher-powered version of the Zoe supermini, seen in concept form at Paris.

See official pics of the Renault Zoe concept
Using Nissan’s higher-output electric powertrain, as used in the Leaf, it could get as much as 134bhp and more than 200lb ft of torque.
“We have a higher-powered version of the car [Zoe] in mind for slightly later in its life cycle,” said the deputy director of Renault’s EV programme, Matthieu Tenenbaum.

Read the full story of the new Renault Zoe
At its 2012 launch, the Zoe will be equipped with a 79bhp electric powertrain shared with the Kangoo ZE. Although the ‘hot’ EV will offer higher performance, it won’t suffer a lower officially rated range: “There would be little penalty in range when measured on the standard European driving cycle.”
Renault will spread out the launch of the standard and hot Zoe models, just as it might with hot and standard IC-engined models. “We considered offering two versions of the car from the beginning, but thought it would over-complicate the buying process for early adopters,” said Tenenbaum.

Matt Saunders

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/254183/

Infiniti readies stylish 3dr

Infiniti’s small car project is on track to be previewed by a concept at next spring’s Geneva motor show, according to well placed sources.

Nissan’s luxury division is said to be preparing a style-led three-door, possibly mixing coupé cues with a measure of hatchback practicality in the same manner as Mercedes’ soon-to-be-discontinued CLC. It’s likely to be based on a front-drive platform sourced from the next-gen A-class as part of a tie-up between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan alliance.

See pics of the Infiniti Essence concept
Insiders have now revealed that Geneva showgoers will be given an early sight of the car, which is regarded by Infiniti as a crucial model as it aims to crack western Europe. The car could then be revealed in production form next autumn, at either the Frankfurt or Tokyo motor show.
“Next year’s Geneva concept will be something pretty special, and pretty different,” said a source. “It’s a small car, but not what you might expect.”

Read more on the new small Infiniti
Insiders also say the concept will be “close” to the production car. It’s likely the styling for both is being overseen by Infiniti designers working at the firm’s studio near Paddington in London.
Meanwhile, the new diesel-powered Infiniti M30d is expected to make up about 55 per cent of the model’s sales across western Europe, but the firm admits that figure could be as high as 80 per cent in some markets. Infiniti hopes to sell around 2000 examples of the car in Europe next year.

John McIlroy

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/254185/

Hyundai wants 50 mpg out of cars

Malaysia Sun
Sunday 14th November, 2010 

South Korean automaker Hyundai has said it wants to reach an average fuel efficiency mark of 50 mpg by 2025.

Hyundai Motor America President John Krafcik has told Detroit Free Press that achieving 50 mpg is "do-able."

The projection follows an Obama administration proposal to lift the average mileage requirement to 62 mpg by 2025.

Hyundai has two 2011 models, the Sonata and Elantra, which are advertised as 40 mpg cars.

http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/3a8a80d6f705f8cc/id/707342/cs/1/

Mercedes: Fastest-growing sales in premium segment

By Fu Jingjing (China Daily)

The premium urban car brand smart on display at the 2010 Chengdu Motor Show. Provided to China Daily

BEIJING -While Western economies are still grappling with economic recovery, a study released by Bain & Company last week showed that China's consumer luxury goods market is outpacing every other luxury market in the world, with a projected growth of 23 percent this year.

Another report, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences earlier this year, forecasted that by 2015, China will become the No 1 market for luxury goods, with annual sales of $14.6 billion. Currently, it trails only Japan.

The premium car market remains one of the most important for all major industry players - as a result, competition has become extremely fierce, with all leading manufacturers following aggressive sales and marketing initiatives.

Within the last few months, the biggest players have all released statements, marking milestones for each company.

At the end of September, Mercedes-Benz announced an unprecedented explosion in sales, having already surpassed its annual forecast. A further announcement in October said China would be its No 1 market by 2015.

The same month, Audi saw its millionth car roll off the production line, having already enjoyed a 22-year presence in the China market, with a further million predicted sales by 2013.

In November, BMW released news that within the next 5 to 10 years, China will be its largest market globally.

With such a dynamic market in China, having the right strategy in place is key, believes Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

"Our record sales of over 115,330 units and our high growth rate of 128 percent in the first 10 month of this year shows our continuous high sales momentum month over month. This is a reflection of the appreciation of our customers for our dynamic and exclusive brand, our fascinating cars and the first class service of our dealers," he said.

Maier attributed this rapid growth partially to the diversification of Mercedes-Benz's product portfolio, especially with the introduction over the past few years of "younger" Mercedes-Benz models, such as smart, C-Class Estate, GLK-Class, B-Class and C-Class.

"Different demographic sectors have different lifestyles and, therefore, different demands - we have found that our younger customers tend to want luxury, not necessarily in the bigger traditional sense, but in terms of practicality, comfort and safety," he said.

This trend is now being borne out by sales, with "young" products accounting for approximately 40 percent of the automaker's overall sales to date this year. In fact, with ever-increasing monthly sales, October saw the best performance yet for smart in China.

"With nearly 1,000 units sold, we saw an impressive 179 percent year-on-year growth for smart in the first 10 months of this year," said Bjeorn Hauber, executive vice-president of Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

This may, in part, have been aided by an innovative sales strategy adapted to suit the fast-changing, modern environment of the Chinese market.

These sales figures are set to be further strengthened by the imminent introduction of the A-Class this month, which, according to Maier, has witnessed strong pre-sales orders.

"With the arrival of the A-Class in China, the full Mercedes-Benz product line-up will be available here, broadening our image in the market and allowing us to reach an even wider customer base," he said. "This is part of our ongoing commitment to China," he added.

And in terms of commitment, Mercedes-Benz intends to be in China for the long-term.

Last month saw the lighting ceremony of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star atop the Daimler Tower in Beijing, presided over by Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

During his visit, which was his third to China in this year alone, Zetsche underlined the company's commitment to the market by announcing a 3 billion Euro investment together with the Chinese partners over the next few years, which includes the establishment of a Mercedes-Benz Design Center, R&D centers, and an engine plant.

"Daimler's success this year in China has truly been unprecedented - as the only luxury automaker to have full market segment penetration, our Passenger Cars, Trucks, Financial Services and Daimler Parts business have all achieved outstanding performance, " said Ulrich Walker, chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia.

"We have the confidence to remain as the fastest-growing premium auto brand by continuously taking note of the market trends in the future."

Understanding the market, offering the right products and looking at new avenues for sales and marketing initiatives appears to be the secret of success for Mercedes-Benz. It is hardly surprising that they remain the fastest-growing carmaker within the premium segment.

China Daily

(China Daily 11/15/2010 page19)

Subaru Liberty And Outback Getting Bluetooth For 2011

Subaru's Liberty and Outback models are rolling into the Australian market's 2011 model year with the most modest of updates, gaining Bluetooth connectivity across the range.
Previously, the technology was available only with selected models, but the addition of Bluetooth connectivity with the entry-level Liberty 2.5i and Outback 2.5i models rounds out the line-up.

“It’s a logical progression to include this increasingly popular feature across all models in our Liberty and Outback line-ups," Subaru Australia MD Nick Senior said.
“It continues our commitment to steadily refining our specifications with the start of every new model year.”

Beyond the Bluetooth update, the Liberty and Outback ranges remain unchanged for 2011, drawing power from the same 2.5 litre naturally aspired and turbo petrol engines, along with the 3.6 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The Outback is also available with a 2.0 litre diesel engine.

In Australia, sales for the Liberty range are up 27 percent over the same period last year, while sales for the Outback have increased by a significant 80 percent.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Convertible Revealed In New Teaser

Nov 15, 2010


Some may have hoped it remained just a rumour, and others might be excited by the idea. Wherever you stand, it's happening, and this official image offers the first look: the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.
Available in limited numbers in the US early next year, the Japanese carmaker has revealed little else of its quirky open-air SUV. Whatever, it's clear we're in for a show.

"Murano CrossCabriolet, the world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways," a Nissan press release reads.
"With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design."

Speaking with US industry paper Automotive News, Nissan of America's Brian Corolin, the company's Senior Vice-President for Sales and Marketing described the convertible Murano as an "image vehicle" for the brand.

"It's not going to be a volume car, but there's a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now," Carolin said. "It will surprise a lot of people."

Australia

If only because of the limited numbers and likely left-hand-drive-only specification, the Murano CrossCabriolet is unlikely to make its way to the Australian market.

Land Rover launched 110 pick-up

Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia  Nov 14, 2010
By toreksulong

The Land Rover and Jaguar emblems are pictured at the Land Rover assembly plant at Halewood 

 Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.. launched the 110 pick-up Land Rover Defender Double Cab is an icon of rugged four-wheel drive in Malaysia.

Manager II, Senior Vice President (Marketing Communications), Queenie Tham said that the latest model of the encouraging response in Sabah and Sarawak.

Driver''there would appreciate that there is robustness in the Defender is a symbol of excellence and the ability to 'go anywhere',''he said here recently.

Defender 110 Double Cab priced at RM148, 888 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM152, 388 for Sabah and Sarawak (excluding insurance).

According to Tham, Defender 110 Double Cab is equipped with a variety of new features designed to make it suitable pickup being driven to work and leisure.

Land Rover''is now featuring 16-inch alloy rims sport style (not a steel rim), gloved leather seats and power windows,''he said.

Defender 110 Double Cab driven engine common-rail turbo diesel 2.4-liter four-cylinder is enhanced to produce a torque of 360 Newton meters with a 122 horse power that led his class.

This powerful engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly to give a wider spread of ratios than before.

A lower gear to join the output of the engine torque increase to be delayed on the road and out of the way easily. Puma new engine also features an anti-death system of the engine.

In the column driver, a new dashboard ensures enhanced ergonomics and the Defender is now more integrated, more powerful and superior function.

Scratch-resistant materials used, and can withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring Defender can operate in the toughest environments.

Defender Double Cab 110 new locally assembled (CKD) in the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah with fully imported components from manufacturers, Land Rover UK.

READ MORE: Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., rand rover, Double Cab driven engine, Newton meters, system of the engine., British brands, double cab, Off-road vehicles, Peninsular Malaysia, Queenie Tham, business-news, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, off-roading, Recreation, outdoor recreation, Land Rover Defender, Rover Company, Inokom, Rover, Land Rover, car manufacturers

SAIC Motor Corp in talks with General Motors over 1% stake

Potential deal combined with US treasury-backed IPO could place 4% of firm in Asian and Middle Eastern ownership

Edward Helmore in New York
The Guardian, Monday 15 November 2010

The General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. Any deal with SAIC would inflame trade sensitivities. Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/Reuters

In a deal certain to inflame existing trade sensitivities, China's biggest carmaker SAIC Motor Corp is reported to be in negotiations with General Motors for a 1% stake in the US carmaker.
In addition to the $500m deal, a US treasury-backed IPO next week – designed to reduce the government's 61% stake in the manufacturer – could place 4% of the firm in Asian and Middle Eastern ownership.
The deals are politically sensitive and follow several transactions in which significant stakes in US firms, including Morgan Stanley, Blackstone and IBM, have been transferred to Chinese government-backed ownership.

The SAIC-GM deal – which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal – as well as the IPO offering, are part of US efforts to recoup some of the $50bn of taxpayers money it spent on the GM bailout two years ago.

Last week GM announced it is on track for its first profitable year since 2004. Despite the unpopularity of such deals domestically, China has the world's biggest and fastest-growing car market, and GM executives have been actively courting Asian sovereign fund investment.

GM recently overtook Volkswagen as the top-selling foreign brand in China and will this year sell more vehicles there through a preexisting partnership with SAIC than in the US itself. US sensitivities around the issue of a Chinese stake reach the highest levels, and officials from the governments of both nations have been involved in negotiations, sources said. Close ties between the two carmakers, in terms of technology-sharing and ownership, also signal SAIC's ambitions to move beyond the Chinese market.

Volkswagen's concert-ed launch

2010/11/14
By Naveen Mathew Menon

KUALA LUMPUR : It was the eve of Halloween and revellers dressed as pirates, she-devils, skeletons, zombies, bloodthirsty vampires, werewolves and Freddy Krueger couldn't resist taking a break from scaring others to visit Changkat Bukit Bintang to party. The event had nothing to do with Halloween but they joined thousands of party goers who were lured to the hip and happening area because world-renowned singer Leona Lewis and Australian pop-rock group The Veronicas were in town for a street concert like no other.

Halloween this year was unforgettable, thanks to automobile giant Volkswagen which brought in international and local music acts for a night of head-banging and rocking in the street.

Setting this musical extravaganza in Changkat Bukit Bintang, celebrated for its pubs, restaurants and nightlife proved to be perfect for the re-launching of three popular Volkswagen cars which comprised the Polo, Golf and Scirocco.
The free street party hosted by Volkswagen Group Malaysia turned out to be a very unique launch for its new models.

Choosing a good watering hole was no easy feat at Changkat Bukit Bintang which is chock-full of them but the good folks at Volkswagen had given special guests wristbands to visit four pubs, El Cerdito, Bermuda & Onion, Elixir and El Cerdo where beer and soft drinks flowed freely during the night along with tidbits.

The air was thick with anticipation by 7pm. Everyone's eyes were glued to the stage as the street party kicked off with music from two groups, Liyana Fizi and Bittersweet.

Their mix of rap and heavy metal music was just the beginning of a long and memorable night.

The audience grew rapidly as visitors sent tweets, called and SMSed friends and family on their mobile phones to join the party pronto.

Much to the delight of the screaming crowd, the emcees for the night gave away freebies such as T-shirts, frisbees and other stuff.

Models positioned strategically at the entrance of various pubs handed out free flags bearing the Volkswagen name, glow sticks and noise-makers to party animals.

Then, Sarawak singer Arabyrd hit the stage, clad in white shorts, a T-shirt which bared her midriff, stockings with the love symbol all over them and a matching Dick Tracy hat. Wasting no time, she got the audience grooving to the beat as she belted out songs like LOV.

Talking to Streets, Arabyrd whose real name is Arafah Edruce said her selection for the night included songs like Blank Wall, LOV, Byrdkick and Drop It. "My music is racy and something that you can always dance to," she said.

"Blank Wall is about a girl telling her ex-boyfriend that she doesn't need him, being gangsta about being broken-hearted. LOV is the first song I ever wrote and it's very special to me," she said.

"I started learning music when I was 15. My father Boudeng and my mom Magie Abg Saufi are in the music industry," she explained.

She brought Famous Crew known for their break-dancing and beat-boxer Shazet on stage to surprise the audience with an added bonus.

Threatening to steal the limelight from the artistes on stage was Mohd Naim Mohd Isa, 25.

You couldn't miss him in the audience because he was hopping and leaping into the air, courtesy of his special hi-tech jumping stilts which allowed him to defy gravity.

The result was spectacular as he leapt, danced and did splits in the air while the divided audience cheered him on.

The crowd was now geared up for one of the two main events.

The Veronicas took over the stage to raucous applause which motivated them to tear the house down with their hits, Untouched, This Is How It Feels, Take Me On The Floor, Hook Me Up and When It All Falls Apart.

Formed in Brisbane in 1999 by twin-sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, The Veronicas have been enjoying sell-out concerts with their electro-pop rock music.

The duo have two albums under their belt, one being The Secret Life of... from 2005 and Hook Me Up from 2007.

They teased the audience by telling them "it's hot out there, but it's going to get hotter" and coaxed them to wave their hands in the air and jump up and down in sync with the music.

They revealed that since local fans were familiar with The Veronicas and their music, they would return for a proper tour in Malaysia.

The organisers saved the best for last.

Fans couldn't wait for Leona Lewis!

She came out dressed in a black lacy dress with a slightly glittering top and a series of bangles wrapped around one wrist.

The crowd went ballistic as she crooned several songs which got everyone's adrenaline pumping. Bleeding Love, Run and Better In Time, her chart-topping hits got the audience singing along.

On the other hand, when she belted out the classic 80's song, Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This, a cover version of Eurythmics' popular song, all she got was silence from a crowd of mostly youngsters who were not familiar with the band.

Sexy songs like Naked, a cover version of Justin Timberlake's hit Cry Me A River and Outta My Head kept the mosh pit going.

Several of her fans kept screaming out for Happy and she obliged.

Her dancers with their chiselled six-pack chests and clad in office attire kept the rhythm going as she rendered several songs.

The night culminated with a series of breath-taking fireworks for the second time that night, providing a fitting end to what many in the audience agreed was one of the best street parties of the year.

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/13concert-2a/Article/