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BMW 5-Series

2010-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

On sale: March 2010
Price: from £28,165
Sixth generation 5-Series gets a smoother look and more efficient engines

BMW X5

2010-03-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

On sale: June 2010
Price: From £43,890
X5 gets minor exterior tweaks and more efficient engines

Audi RS5

2010-03-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Audi's sports flagship gets mammoth 450bhp V8 engine
RS5 paves way for long awaited RS4 and RS4 Avant
Priced at £57,480 with first cars arriving at showrooms in October

Audi A1

2010-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

On sale in May 2010 with first cars arriving in the Autumn
Prices expected to start at £13,000 with generous standard equipment
Efficient TDI and TFSI engines all emit less than 120g/km of CO2

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

2010-03-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

On sale: Summer 2010
Price: £16,000 (est)
147 replacement promises improvements in reliability and cabin quality

Kia Ray Concept

2010-02-12T12:10:00.001-08:00

While the Chevy Volt continues to mature towards production, other four door plug-in electric hybrid vehicles continue to emerge. Kia Motors debuted their sleek Ray concept car yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show. The Ray is a four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform powered by a direct injection four cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. On the electrical side the concept draws power from a lithium ion polymer battery pack which spins a 78-kilowatt electric motor. What this all means is that the Ray isn’t meant to be a high performance vehicle but Kia is aiming for efficiency and range. Kia speculates the car would get 202.3 mpg in electric only mode and 77.6 mpg running as a hybrid. Electric power provides 50 miles of travel and the overall range is estimated to be 746 miles.

What will likely capture a lot of attention is the Ray’s styling and design. The concept was produced at Kia’s California design studio under the direction of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer.

It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies. Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.

Likely learning a lesson from the design development the Volt went through, engineers and designers at Kia sought creative ways to make the Ray aerodynamically efficient to boost the range. This had obvious implications for the exterior styling so inspiration came from looking at aircraft. Referencing a wing, the car’s side profile tapers tapers towards the rear, reducing drag. The exterior glass incorporates new “cool car” technologies like nano-laminate films and integrated solar cells to keep the interior cool and reduce the need for air-conditioning. The transparent roof contains hexagonal solar cells that provide power to interior fans to keep the car cool.

The Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials and the design aims to create a light and airy feel. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials. The flooring is 100% wool, a renewable resource. The Ray features the new GreenEdge Infinity audio system with speakers that use less power and components that save weight.

Kia Ray concept finally unveiled

2010-02-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Chicago Auto Show is finally underway, and some of the cars that were expected to be unveiled have finally been unveiled, like the Kia Ray, which you can see above (and which Kia teased us with for the past few months). In fact, it’s only unveiled in looks, as the specs are still unknown, besides that it’s either a hybrid or a purely electric vehicle.

Saab Aero X concept car

2010-02-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, which only this week rescued Saab from automotive oblivion, was clearly enthused--"pumped" might be a better word--after along with Saab Automobile CEO Jan ?ke Jonsson (pronounced "yahn okie yonsson") addressing a group of Saab employees outside the Saab assembly plant in Trollhattan, Sweden, yesterday. And maybe it was the emotional champagne speaking, but Muller was laying the cards of Saab's future models on the table.
The main thing, said Muller, was to regain Saab's DNA, which "to some extent" had caused Saab's sagging sales. "If there's one thing we need to do in the coming years it's to build Saab Saabs rather than non-Saab Saabs," Muller said, adding "I think we'll see the results of that pretty soon."
As to what the Saab Saabs would be, Muller didn't elaborate, but there was a bit of smile as he continued, "But one has to bear in mind that the development time between the time one conceives a car and the moment it's on the road is about two or three years minimum."
Conceiving a car? Reading between the lines, that means something not in Saab's current repertoire, because Muller made clear reference to the new Saab 9-5, which "beautiful" and "a real Saab" (despite being designed and engineered during GM's occupation) will "sell like hotcakes."
Nor does it mean the Saab 9-4X crossover due out this year, of which just short of fifty examples have reportedly been built, most likely pre-production evaluation units, at the General Motors assembly plant in Mexico that also builds the platform-related Cadillac SRX. "I think we're looking at a tremendous development of that car in the marketplace," predicted Muller.
Nor does it mean the eventual replacement for the current Saab 9-3, as Muller also referred to it directly: "Over time we'll see the new 9-3 come up...."
But it was the next breath, "...and whatever other products we can think of."
Oh, do tell, Victor. A new, true, Saab Sonnet? The Saab Aero X concept come to production?
Alas, no, no word, not at the very least until the deal with GM is wholly consummated. For now, for whatever the new Saab may be, that card will remain face down.
Illustrations: Top and bottom, 2006 Saab Aero X concept car, perhaps a template for the new Saab, a Saab Sonnett for the '10's, perhaps? Photos copyright GM Corp.

World Debut of Rinspeed sQuba, First Underwater "Flying" Car

2009-12-15T05:38:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwStjAS9xTY&feature=fvw

Control a car with your iPhone

2009-12-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.wannahaves.com/item/babef33c/a/control-a-car-with-your-iphone

Skycar

2009-12-15T05:06:00.001-08:00

The Skycar is the latest invention when it comes to ultra light aircrafts. Yeah you read it right, this car can fly. It uses a wing of 38 square meters which can be ejected to get the car airborne. Within 650 feet the wheels will not touch the surface anymore and you get a speed up to 100 miles an hour ones in the air. It isn’t complete designed just to fly, it has also some spectacular road specifications. It can reach a speed up to 110 miles an hour and will pass the 60 miles an hour mark within 4,5 seconds. If you are interested, you can buy the Skycar for 60000 pounds.

Rio Ferdinand (Bentley Arnage)

2009-11-30T02:24:00.001-08:00

The Manchester United player has run into trouble several times over his driving, but given his choice of wheels it is easy to see why. Ferdinand's 6.8-liter Bentley Arnage was given a baptism of strawberry yogurt by his teammates when he bought it in 2005, a prank which apparently did not get too many laughs out of the player.

David Beckham (Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet)

2009-11-30T02:22:00.000-08:00

The Manchester United player may only be 22 years old, but he can already afford treats like the $200,000 Lamborghini Gallardo. And according to the gossipy British tabloids, he has already gone one further, putting an order in for a $340,000 Lamborghini LP640 Murcielago.

BMW X5 Sol Campbell

2009-11-30T02:14:00.000-08:00

England defender Sol Campbell is not the only soccer player to appreciate the virtues of this luxury SUV, which is hefty but made for city life rather than off-road escapades. Rooney, Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo are just a few of the names associated with this $55,000 gas-guzzler.

Wayne Rooney Lamborghini Gallardo

2009-11-30T02:12:00.001-08:00

David James Chrysler 300C

2009-11-30T02:10:00.000-08:00

James' choice of Chrysler's classic sedan may seem unusual, but the England goal-keeper is a new breed of "footballer." He spent $4,000 converting his Chrysler to run mostly on biofuels, which certainly sets him apart from his teammates. The only problem is, James told local media, the car broke down two months later.

Alessandro Del Piero Fiat 500

2009-11-30T02:09:00.000-08:00

Italian star Del Piero is the captain of Juventus, a team effectively controlled by the Agnelli family, who also owns Fiat. That may explain why Fiat offered Del Piero his own exclusive "No. 10" white Fiat 500 mini car last year. Del Piero wears the No. 10 shirt for Juventus, and Fiat gave him the tenth newly revitalized model to roll off the production line. The "cinquecento" first made its name as a cheap and cheerful model for post-war Europe.

John Terry Bentley Continental GT

2009-11-30T02:05:00.000-08:00

Former England captain and Chelsea star John Terry is not shy when it comes to spending money, and his $180,000 Bentley is a case in point. Unfortunately, his decision to leave it for two hours in a disabled parking space may have cost him the position of England captain this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo Audi R8

2009-11-30T02:04:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits of being a Manchester United player is that the luxury cars tend to come to you. Hence Cristiano Ronaldo's complementary Audi--part of the brand's sponsorship deal with the team--which otherwise would have set him back $200,000.

Thierry Henry Aston Martin Vanquish

2009-11-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

French striker Thierry Henry made his name at the British Arsenal, so it is no surprise that one of his reportedly prized possessions is a classically British sports car. The $350,000 Aston Martin Vanquish was James Bond's car of choice in the Die Another Day movie, but was discontinued in 2007.

GM used the Lexus ES350 as their target car for the 2010 LaCrosse Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w

2009-09-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

GM used the Lexus ES350 as their target car for the 2010 LaCrosse; they've come close to hitting a bull's eye
Could 60-days-or-less in a LaCrosse convince a die-hard Toyota/Lexus/Asian-only buyer to go with an American car for perhaps the first time in several generations of his or her family?
In my opinion, absolutely.
The only problem, as always, is getting those buyers into GM dealerships in the first place. If Ed Whiteacre, Bob Lutz and what is hopefully a newly-invigorated GM marketing team succeed in that undertaking, they might get that US market share up over 20% again ... at least for a start.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

Buick's 2010 LaCrosse could do a lot to Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

2009-09-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

convince US buyers that US cars are up to import quality and even in some cases beyond
Even with objective things about the various cars being shopped very similar to most buyers, it's those subjective items --- how the switchgear feels, adjustability of the seats, rear seat room (which most buyers never check), how bright or dim the instrument panel can be made, if reflected sun makes the gauges hard to see in the daytime, if wide A-pillars make front/side vision difficult --- which can turn the buyer one way or another.
I usually drive one or more new cars a week to stay familiar with each car-maker's offerings and be able to answer your questions and make recommendations.
Recently, I spent a week in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and even though the early "pilot" model I drove was not off the actual assembly line (so some glitches are expected), this LaCrosse was more than a rival for its target: the Lexus entry-level luxury sedan, ES350.
LaCrosse's fit-and-finish, performance, appearance inside and out and styling are all impressive and even outdo the Lexus on many accounts.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

2009-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

For instance, the average price of a new car in the US is right around $32,000; driving all the cars in that price bracket will yield a lot of good experiences and very few negatives. Objectively, cars and trucks in each major price bracket reflect most of the same positives and quite few negatives.
Here's what we think of the new GM program:
Apart from price, safety, performance, appearance and fuel mileage, the most important part of the car-buying decision comes from the test drive. Many shoppers make the mistake of being timid during this critical part of the process, often allowing themselves to be "muscled" into driving the car only on certain roads (which will show-off the car's strengths) and for a specific period of time "recommended" by the salesperson.
But if buyers test-drove the new car in their own real-world situations, it would have a huge influence on which car they'd buy. In a very real sense, isn't this what GM is offering potential buyers with this new money-back scheme?

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

GM's "60-day Buy Back" plan - more gimmicks or smart sales move? Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_

2009-09-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

Another "Hail Mary" from GM? Or the real thing?
Starting today and running through November, General Motors is offering buyers of their Core Four brands, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC, a 60-day money-back guarantee on their new car and truck purchases. It's called the "60-day Satisfaction Guarantee."
The campaign marks GM's efforts to rebound after a 39-day bankruptcy and a $50 billion federal bailout. GM, which is shedding half of its US brands (Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Hummer) will try to boost their US market share that has fallen to 19.5% this year from a peak of 50.1% in 1962.
It's the second radical marketing move in just a few weeks by GM to try and resurrect consumer confidence in the company since the bankruptcy ended.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

Could 60 days in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse convince import-buyers to make Detroit their car-maker of preference?
The first was begun last month in conjunction with online buying service Ebay. In that program, which has had only modest success but will continue for the time being, some 250 GM dealers in California are posting their new-car inventories for California-only buyers, some cars and trucks up for bid in a traditional auction environment, some marked with a no-haggle "buy it now" price.
Here are the details of the new money-back plan:
• Covers Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models for the 2009 and 2010 model years.
• Allows customers to return their cars after 31 days and before 4,000 miles.
• Does not cover leased vehicles.

SSC Ultimate Aero

2009-07-18T06:58:00.001-07:00

SSC Ultimate Aero

Base manufacturer's suggested retail price: $654,400

Top Speed: 257 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.78 seconds

Horsepower: 1,183

Country of Origin: U.S.

Spyker C8 Double

2009-07-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Silva GT3

2009-07-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

Silva GT3

Base MSRP: $75,000

Top Speed: 205 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.7 seconds

Horsepower: 530

Country of Origin: U.S.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

2009-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Base MSRP: $555,000

Top Speed: 248 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds

Horsepower: 750

Country of Origin: U.S.

Pagani Zonda F

2009-07-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

2009-07-18T06:50:00.001-07:00

McLaren Mercedes SLR

Base MSRP: $497,750

Top Speed: 206 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.8 seconds

Horsepower: 617

Country of Origin: England

2009-07-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini

2009-07-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago MSRP$354,000 - $382,400

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo $198,000 - $221,000

Koenigsegg CCX

2009-07-18T06:46:00.001-07:00

Koenigsegg CCX

Base MSRP: $695,000

Top Speed: 250 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds

Horsepower: 806

Country of Origin: Sweden

Bugatti Veyron

2009-07-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Bugatti Veyron

Base MSRP: $1.5 million

Top Speed: 253 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.5 seconds

Horsepower: 1,001

Country of Origin: France

Bristol Fighter T

2009-07-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

Bristol Fighter T

Base MSRP: $700,000

Top Speed: 225 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.5 seconds

Horsepower: 1,012

Country of Origin: U.K.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best

2009-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Flex isn't light, but it feels light on its feet, a neat trick. Back in the bad old days, when we all climbed into rear facing third rows for a puketacular family ride, a wagon of this size and weight would be powered by something large, iron, and sporting eight cylinders. Technology has marched on, and the Flex packs Ford's 3.5 liter V6. You'd think that it would pale in comparison to the lazy old V8s of yesteryear, but in reality, its output is about the same. We're not talking fire-breathing high performance engines here - and it's a much more modestly sized power unit. Coupled with an excellent six-speed automatic transmission that shifts like butter, Ford has turned a potential downfall into a net positive. No, you're not going to win any races, but the powertrain is smooth and refined and goes about its business unobtrusively. The Flex returned about 20MPG, which also isn't going to set the world aflame with its efficiency, but it's not horrible, and it'd do better with more highway mixed in there.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best. Surely, the design polarizes, but it never fails to generate conversation. While American cars have long been known as some of the most stylish, it's been a long time since the average consumer would even glance over at a domestic product. The Flex is a vehicle that's executed in the most stellar manner. It's not perfect, but neither are its competitors. It's well built - as well built as anything else you might cross-shop with it - and refined. Think back, when was the last time you called any domestic family vehicle refined? Ford's biggest challenge with the Flex will be enticing people to pony up between $30- and $45,000 in a time when nobody seems to be biting on much of anything.

2009-04-09T12:47:00.002-07:00

Thoughtfulness is a common thread inside the Flex, too. In the past, that's where other automakers have built their reputations, and an area that American brands have commonly fallen short. Not with the Flex, there's little touches everywhere that remind you that this car was fussed over. Folding the third-row seats is but one example. The operation can be carried out with one hand and only takes seconds. There are two folded positions, too, one offering a deep well, and the other providing a flat loading surface that can be extended by also folding the second row seats. Of course the rear hatch power itself open and shut, which makes it easier to load and unload all those groceries the Flex can hold. The model I drove also sported a massive multi-panel moonroof and a refrigerator between the two second row seats. The Flex is also full of tech, with a fantastically easy to use system that incorporated navigation, a surround-sound audio system by Sony, and the Sync system, all under touchscreen control.

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex

2009-04-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex. Just swing one of those beefy doors open. The seats are chair height - no stooping required to get in. Space in all directions is pretty massive. With the driver's seat positioned for my 5 foot 6 frame to drive comfortably, the second row seat, which slides, had more legroom than I can recall seeing in most vehicles, with the possible exception of a minivan. There's a third row of seats, too, one that actually fits humans. Many times, third rows are just a suggestion of a seat, useful in a pinch and offering very little legroom. In the Flex, there's space for two normal adults back there. Families with little ones will find LATCH anchors on the center row, and another on the right side of the third row, making it possible to carry both adults and children without resorting to a van. Nice.
Nice certainly describes the way the interior of the Limited trim level Flex was outfitted. Leather seats with a cross-hatch pattern sewn in are comfy, though it's still weird to have a bottom cushion that's power adjustable, and a manual lever for backrest rake. Between the adjustability of the seats and the steering column, it's not hard to find a good driving position. Big mirrors and lots of glass area bring great visibility, too. Most of the materials have a high quality look, though there are still some areas that might be scuff prone. Everything is put together well, and if you haven't been in an American car for a while, the Flex might surprise you - it's a class job. Toyota's Venza offers a similarly roomy interior, but I prefer the layout, design, and materials in the Flex.

Ford Flex Limited

2009-04-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Gigantor, otherwise known as the Ford Flex. Families love cars with space, and the Flex definitely offers that. There are smaller apartments in the North End than the amount of space in the latest classification-defying vehicle from Ford. Classically, lots of room has meant penalties. Either the vehicle was a floaty barge, or more recently, it's based on a truck and much more heavy duty than most people needed. The Flex doesn't suffer those two maladies, offering a cavern inside while still no harder to drive around than a car.

Is it a wagon? Is it an SUV? Ford calls it a Crossover - the latest fashion in catchall categorization. It's available with all wheel drive, like many SUVs, and the ride height is taller than a normal car's. The weight, while substantial at 4600-plus pounds with all wheel drive, is well disguised. The Flex doesn't bob around like you're out at sea, and it's far easier to handle than something carrying a full frame and four wheel drive. Looking at the family tree, the Flex is actually derived from a car, tracing its lineage back to the first generation Volvo S80 by way of the Five Hundred/Taurus models. Given that heritage, it makes a lot of sense that the Flex is very well mannered.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2009-04-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Interior shots and teasing sketch of the new 563bhp Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing

The Mercedes SLS AMG supercar is edging closer to reality. It's a car that's been teased to us for a while now, with a variety of official 'spy shots' and footage of disguised cars out playing in the snow.

These latest shots include designer's sketches that confirm what the car is set to look like, as well as shots of the interior. Exterior styling apes the Mercedes 300SL, the firm's original gullwing supercar, especially at the rear, which seems curvier and shaplier than the front might suggest. The inside isn't exactly the stuff of supercar fantasy however, with things kept reasonably sedate. It's not dissimilar to other Mercedes cabins, although parity with its rangemates is something Merc is likely keen to achieve.

The 6.2-litre V8 supercar could be classed as a successor to the McLaren SLR, but the SLS will major on different talents. It's set to be a lot cheaper, for a start - under £150K is touted - while the 563bhp engine is front-mid mounted, which means a near perfect weight distribution of 48:52 front/rear. It should add up to a more dynamically sound package than the outgoing supercar. It is set to hit 60mph in 3.8sec (thanks to a trick twin-clutch seven-speed auto) and have a top speed just shy of 200mph, although the speedometer does go up to 224mph and the revcounter to 9000rpm...

Lada to introduce new car in Porto

2009-04-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Lada will introduce its new Priora challenger at the Porto rounds of the World Touring Car Championship on 5 July.

Vladislav Nezvankin, the Lada Sport director, expects a big step forward with the Priora, which will replace the 110 model used for the Russian company's initial entry into the series.

"The first aerodynamic tests in the windtunnel have showed that our new Lada Priora is well balanced, which is extremely important on all the tracks we will visit. The drag coefficient is very low and that makes us competitive.

"The original Lada 110, which serves as a base for the new Lada Priora, already had a very low drag factor. This makes Lada one of the best cars in its class."

Driver and project leader Viktor Shapovalov added that the 110, which has so far failed to get above the midfield, would receive several upgrades as work continued on the Priora.

"Lada's latest challenger is undergoing improvement all the time, with several new parts and details constantly being tested," he said.

"In particular, the car's suspension will be heavily revised, with some of these changes being seen on the current car in time for the Morocco race in Marrakech from 2-3 May.

"By the end of May the Lada cars will also receive more powerful engines. This will allow the team to increase the car's top speed on the straights and to reduce the gap between Lada and the championship leaders."

The latest Mercedes E-class is one of the stars of this year's Motorexpo

2009-04-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

The latest Mercedes E-class is one of the stars of this year's Motorexpo
Car enthusiasts dismayed by the cancellation of next year's British International Motor Show should take heart - organisers of the London Motorexpo this June have revealed plans for their biggest show yet.
More than 200 vehicles from 40 manufacturers are lined up for the event, which takes place in the imposing Docklands setting of Canary Wharf.
Mercedes-Benz will headline the show with a full line-up of vehicles on Canada Square, using the occasion to debut its long-awaited new E-class in the UK.
Other makers who have booked stands at the show include Saab - which will show off its new 9-3X - and Land Rover, which has promised to debut its 2010 model line-up. The off-road firm will also entertain visitors with an "interactive consumer driving experience", both on and off-road.
Suzuki will show off its new Alto city car while Vespa and Piaggio will showcase their latest scooters for those who prefer two wheels. Superbike World Championship manufacturer Aprilia will also be there, displaying the road-going version of its RSV4, among other high-powered machinery.
Volvo will exhibit a range of models at the London Motorexpo, with the emphasis on its "green" technology, while Porsche will be celebrating the recent opening of its new Canary Wharf dealership.
Footballers wives' favourite - the Hummer - will be on hand with the firm promising to demonstrate its "versatility and suitability" for the "toughest of terrains through to the most elegant of urban environments". Other big marques to present their model ranges at the Motorexpo include BMW, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Corvette and Jaguar, with more names to follow.
Graeme Carver, the managing director of the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, said: "I am delighted that we are seeing such strong support from across the spectrum of manufacturers. Our 2009 exhibitor line-up already surpasses that of last year's event; we look forward to working with all our exhibitors to try and generate sales as this very tough time".
The Motorexpo will run from June 8-14, between 9am-5pm weekdays and between 10am-6pm at weekends. Entry is free. More details at www.motorexpo.com.

Toyota takes on smart car with iQ

2009-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Toyota will soon join the smart-car ranks in a segment that will soon include Volkswagen's up! and additional micro-cars coming from other brands.
Toyota is moving ahead with a car called the iQ that will be more accommodating than the smart fortwo.

The little Japanese runabout will actually be "for four," three up front and one very small person in the rear, which will give it a serious advantage over the tiny European despite being almost as small on the outside.

The iQ will be released in Europe early next year, and should be popular due to its fuel efficiency and stylish duds. It looks good, wearing Toyota’s “Vibrant Clarity” design language more fittingly than it does with some of the brand’s larger cars.

The iQ will also make all of the latest audio and connectivity technologies available, targeting the young and young at heart who are expected to flock to Toyota showrooms, fall in love and take one home.

But will Toyota bring it to North America? While no announcement has been made, it only makes sense that they will import the car to compete with the strong-selling smart fortwo.
With Toyota's large dealer network and strong brand loyalty, as well as awareness, the iQ could attract more buyers who want a fun little car but are hesitant to spend money on the smart brand managed by Mercedes-Benz.