Inside the Industry

Audi A6 LED lights can adapt to driving situations

(February 15, 2011) The new Audi A6 is set to outshine its premium sector competitors as the world’s first mid-sized sedan to feature all-LED headlights.

Available as an optional alternative to the more familiar halogen or bi-xenon lamps also offered, the advanced LED units emit a strong white light that is similar to daylight, and use just 40 watts of electricity each, making them yet another important weapon in the battle against energy consumption.

Ford's overall European sales stable despite decline in Western Europe

(February 15, 2011) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford's sales in Europe were stable in January, with strong sales in Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey offsetting a decline in Ford's Euro 19 traditional Western Europe markets. Ford's sales volume in its total 51 European markets was at 114,100 units, slightly up by 100 units on January 2010.

First Saab 9-4X crossover rolls off assembly line

(February 15, 2011) The first Saab 9-4X crossover to be commercially produced has now rolled off the assembly line at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Saab Automobile President & CEO Jan Åke Jonsson was on hand to see regular production begin, just three months after the 9-4X was unveiled last November at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

European VW diesel crosses U.S. for $192 in fuel

(February 15, 2011) The Golf BlueMotion is one of the most efficient and low CO2 emitting cars currently on sale in Europe. To test just how efficient, European CAR Magazine recently embarked on a unique road trip, taking the Golf BlueMotion out of its normal environment.

Kankkunen sets ice speed record in Bentley Continental Supersports convertible

(February 15, 2011) OULU, Finland — Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, at a breathtaking 205.48 mph to set a new world speed record on ice.

Consumers, bloggers to meet in Madrid for Focus test drives

(February 15, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Anticipation is building among Focus Global Test Drive participants — bloggers and consumers, hailing from 13 countries where the all-new Ford Focus will soon be available — as they prepare to convene in Madrid later this week.

These cause-minded consumers — many of whom will receive $10,000  to be donated to their favorite charity — will be the first members of the public to test drive the new Ford Focus, in exercises and dynamic driving challenges that highlight features and attributes of the newest car from Ford, which will eventually be sold in 122 counties.

Dorel recalls nearly 800,000 car seats

(February 14, 2011) A company is recalling nearly 800,000 car seats because a faulty release button can loosen the harness, putting children at greater risk of injury in a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today.



London's flagship Fiat dealership features international art exhibition

(February 14, 2011) LONDON — A collection of huge bionic eyes forms the centrepiece of a stunning new international art exhibition which opened last week at Fiat’s London flagship dealer.

Fiat Marylebone was once again chosen as a venue for this leading art showcase thanks to its unique design and space. It was created in 2008 with art and fashion shows in mind as well as the ability to display cars, and has proved the perfect site for previews and receptions.

Ponzi scheme felon's cars to be auctioned on March 1

(February 14, 2011) Auto Remarketing reports today on the government auction of 17 vehicles belonging to Byron Keith Brown, convicted recently of a huge Ponzi scheme.

Working on behalf of the U.S. Treasury, VSE Corp. — a federal services company — is holding a public auction next month to sell the seized and forfeited vehicles owned by Brown.

Infiniti releases pictures of ETHEREA concept sedan

(February 14, 2011) Infiniti today released the first images of its concept car for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Called ETHEREA, it is a compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look.

The pictures show an evolving Infiniti identity along with a profile distinctly different from anything currently available in the premium compact class.