Jeep Compass replacement to be produce in Italy (IT)

Chrysler and Fiat will be investing more than $1.3bn into Fiat’s dated Mirafiori plant as part of a joint venture.

The factory will be assembling future Jeep and Alfa Romeo models – including replacements for the Compass & Patriot compact SUVs — for international distribution, starting in late 2012.

Fiat said the plan is to bring "a new platform from the U.S. to produce cars and SUVs for the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands."

Those models will include the midsize Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and wagon, replacing the 159 and will be sold in both Europe and North America. Mirafiori also will construct compact premium SUVs for Alfa and Jeep. Alfa Romeo is aiming at the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK.

These models will centre on a new Compact Wide platform, borrowed from Fiat's Compact platform, which underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Compact Wide architecture is currently being equally engineered in Italy and North America.

The Mirafiori assembly plant currently manufactures a verity of vehicles, from the Fiat Multipla to the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Its annual capacity will be increased from 250,000 to 280,000 units.

NHTSA investigate '06 CR-V compact SUV (U.S)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened up an examination into reports of fires in the doors of the ‘06 Honda CR-V. The investigation involves approximately 150,000 vehicles.

The probe was driven by three reports "alleging a fire occurred in the driver's door related to the driver's master power window switch," said.

"We are aware that NHTSA has opened a preliminary evaluation based on three reports of fires in the doors of the 2006 model year CR-V vehicles," said Honda in a statement. "Honda will fully cooperate with NHTSA once they begin the investigation."

Volvo recalls 6,046 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 models (U.S)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo is calling back 6,046 2011 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles because of unexpected engine stalling.

"The software calibration for the fuel cutoff functionality in the engine control module is too sensitive," said NHTSA. "Sudden engine stall could occur, increasing the risk of a crash."

Volvo clarified that the problem arises when the driver is braking "during city driving and/or releases the accelerator pedal."

"The engine idle speed may drop, resulting in a sudden engine stall without any prior warning," it said. "If this condition occurs, the transmission control unit will enter a temporary protection mode in order to prevent damage to the vehicle's transmission. When starting the vehicle again, the driver can operate the vehicle safely home or to an authorised Volvo repair facility, but may experience a louder than usual transmission and a harder gear engagement."

The recall is expected to begin on 10th December.

Vauxhall/Opel comfirms revival of Calibra sports car

GM has officially confirmed the revival of the Calibra sports coupe.

CEO of GM Europe, Nick Reilly said “I believe we should have one, so we will have one”.

While details are very scares, the newcomer will have a 2+2 seating layout and will be inspired by the GTC Concept.

The Calibra is likely to centre on the Insignia platform and will offer a wide-range of petrol and diesel engines. Flagship VXR/OPC Calibras may have all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 2.8 litre V6, producing a muscular 321bhp (325 PS) and 435Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque.

Jaguar recalls XJ due to faulty windscreen wipers (U.S)

According to the feds, Jaguar will be calling back 6,475 2010 – 2011 XJ sedans due to defective windscreen wipers, which could detach from the car.

"The front wiper arms to spindle fixings were not torqued to specification during manufacturing," said NHTSA. "As a result, the securing nuts could fail to perform as intended, resulting in a loss of wiper arm synchronization and a clash of the wiper arms. If the wiper arms lose synchronization and clash, they could detach from the vehicle, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash."

Jaguar is not aware of any consumer reports of accidents or injuries recognised by the fault.

Jaguar dealerships will guarantee the wiper arms are fitted firmly onto the spindle and the securing nuts will be tightened to the correct torque.

The recall is likely to begin on 13th December. Owners can contact Jaguar on (800) 637-6837.

Saab to offer free iPad with 9-4X deposits, denies 9-4X of diesel engine

Saab is looking too built up excitement by offering 9-4X customers a free iPad if they place an order before the end of February 2011.

The customer is required to put down a $500 non-refundable deposit in order to get hold of the iPad. If buyers decide to cancel their order, they will effectively be buying a 16GB Wi-Fi iPad for same price Apple charges, however, Saab predicts that most reservations will end in vehicle deliveries.

In related news, Saab won’t be selling the 9-4X SUV with a diesel engine in Europe said Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson.

As he explained, "...we have to find one, we have to test it, we have to install it, validate it, and you are two years into the life cycle." Considering the 9-4X is expected to exist in its current form for five to six years, Jonsson says a diesel would have a "very short payoff period."

The Saab 9-4X was mainly designed for the U.S market and will be available with two petrol engines; a 3.0 V6 262bhp (265PS) and a 296bhp 2.8T. The latter will be the only offered in Europe from August 2011.

Jonsson has also confirmed Saab will begin distribution in China in 2011 and a similar deal for Russian distribution is possible within the next few weeks.

Pontiac G8 may return with a Chevrolet badge

GM is apparently reviving the G8 sedan using Chevrolet. Like the previous G8, the rear-wheel drive sedan will be created by Holden.

Rumours of a new G8 sedan under the Chevrolet brand have been spinning the Internet rumour, but a GM executive supposedly confirmed the survival of a project at the 2010 LA motor show.

“We are definitely looking at that, although we have made no official announcement as yet,” GM senior engineer Al Oppenheiser said. “We are definitely looking at doing something with Holden for the retail market.”

Others say that a few GM officials confirmed that the rear-wheel drive car has already been agreed.

Mercedes and BMW shorten Christmas break to cope with demand

The end of the year is normally a slow phase for international car companies, but not for Mercedes and BMW. The German brands are facing growing demand and has forced the brands to postpone their holiday shutdowns.

Last year saw Mercedes and BMW shut up shop for three weeks, however, that won’t happen this year. The executive car market has bounced back drastically, leaving ample orders to fill.

Through the first 10 months of 2010, BMW (counting MINI and Rolls-Royce) has seen its global sales boost 13% to 1.19 million vehicles. During that same period, Mercedes sales have increased 12% to 1.04 million units.

“Production capacity is the limiting factor at the moment,” Michael Rebstock, a spokesman for BMW said. “We are producing as much as we can and are happy for every additional shift we can get.”

Both car firms will schedule two short breaks over the Christmas and the New Year’s for maintenance and restocking.

Honda may recall '05 Accord & Civic Hybrid over faulty brakes

Honda may recall 16,826 ’05 Accord Hybrids and 25,864 Civic Hybrids after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation linking the Honda Accord Hybrid over unplanned acceleration claims.

The NHTSA announced that it has launched an initial investigation over the Accord Hybrid after receiving a complaint related to a crash that happened in 2005.

According to a woman who sent the complaint, her ‘05 Accord lost control after driving on rumble strips on the side of a highway. The lady applied the brakes, but the car allegedly accelerated out of control. The car crossed into oncoming traffic, killing the passenger and critically injuring the driver and occupants of the other car.

Ever since the accident, the woman has discovered 22 other complaints in the NHTSA database alike to her accident, all involving Accord Hybrids or Civic Hybrids. The other 22 complaints quoted poor brake performance on bumpy surfaces.

Although no formal investigation has been launched, it sounds as if one is forthcoming. Both Toyota and Ford were forced to fix some of their hybrid vehicles after receiving similar complaints about braking over rough surfaces.

Oprah gives free 2012 Beetles to audience (U.S)

As part of Oprah's Ultimate Favourite Things giveaway, the multi-millionaire is giving every member of her audience a forthcoming 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, including taxes. The last time Oprah gave away car – she gave her audience Pontiac G6's – some had complexity accepting the gift because of the taxes they owed.


This promotion is sees Oprah giving her audience members lavish and pricey surprise gifts of all kinds of things.

Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, said that Winfrey approached the car firm about the giveaway, stating that as an owner of the current New Beetle, it has been one of her Favourite Things.

Oprah made the statement in front of an outline of the forthcoming model, after she drove her New Beetle on stage. While Browning confessed that Oprah had been given a preview at the finished product, her 275 audience members will be in the shadow about their new car look until Volkswagen premier the Beetle at a later. Audience members will take delivery of their cars next Autumn when Volkswagen begins production at its Mexico plant in Puebla.

Volkswagen executives has remained tight-lipped about the future Beetle, however, CEO Browning did reveal that it will feature Bluetooth, touch screen navigation, branded audio systems, ambient lighting, 19” alloy wheels, sports seats and sports suspension.

Volkswagen is keen to 'degender' the new Beetle (seen as a woman’s car and driven by mainly women). The German car manufacture needed to use Oprah Winfrey in promotions, in order for the next Beetle to be a success.

Mechanically, the 2012 Beetle will be offered with a 2.0 TDI diesel engine with clean diesel technology and a 2.0T petrol engine, in the U.S anyway. The international market will have a wider range of petrol and diesel units. We expect European models to be equipped with a 1.2 TSI 105bhp, 1.4 TSI and a 2.0 TSI petrol engines. A 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI will also be offered.

First the first time ever, the diesel powerplants will find their way under the bonnet of the Beetle Cabriolet. In the pipeline, may be a hybrid variant and a high-performance GTI model.

Press Release:

On "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Volkswagen revealed the design silhouette of its all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, and then shocked her audience – by giving each of them a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is an automotive icon, reinvented. The all-new, completely redesigned vehicle has been dramatically revolutionized by the same engineers and designers that brought the GTI and CC to life. After 12 years, the heart and soul of Volkswagen has evolved, exemplifying Volkswagen's engineering excellence, power, styling and sophistication.

Oprah owns and drives a New Beetle and asked Volkswagen to help her recognize the time, talents and contributions of select viewers by giving them one of her favorite things, a Volkswagen Beetle. As one of the most iconic vehicles in America, everybody, including Oprah has a Volkswagen Beetle story and this reveal kicks off the next chapter of a great saga. Volkswagen is donating two hundred seventy-five 2012 Beetles plus applicable taxes and fees, to each member of today's studio audience.

"Oprah Winfrey and the Volkswagen Beetle are two American icons, so when the "Oprah" show approached us with this incredible opportunity to share her Beetle experience with deserving viewers, we instantly wanted to be a part of it," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "Our all-new 2012 Beetle exemplifies power, styling and sophistication, and is an automotive icon reinvented to create the new shape of performance."

As revealed today, the new Beetle will feature a sportier, more aggressive stance, and features sleeker styling and a wealth of new technologies that provide a heightened driving experience. It is also customizable, with options that will offer the performance, styling, accessories and features that will appeal to everyone from the driving enthusiast to the driver motivated by value, excellent fuel economy and nostalgia.

The 2012 Beetle will be revealed in the spring of next year and will be available in showrooms next fall. U.S. pricing is not yet set, but with trim packages and unprecedented personalization and customization options, the Beetle will offer the performance, styling, accessories and features that will ensure there will be a Beetle everyone.

The new design lines draw upon the vehicle's legacy, but the 2012 Beetle will be a true, performance driving machine perfected by German engineering, offering a wealth of technologies that will provide a heightened driving experience over the previous generation. The 2012 vehicle is sporty, aggressive and comes with Volkswagen's carefree maintenance and known safety standards. The vehicle will offer dual exhaust, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and new, sleeker styling. New technologies, like Bluetooth, touch screen radio, branded audio speaker systems, navigation and unique ambient lighting provide a heightened driving experience.

Jeep Patriot obtains new diesel engine (UK)

Jeep has reworked the Patriot compact SUV for 2011.

The 2011 Patriot receives modified trim levels and a new diesel engine. The 2.2 CRD diesel engine is taken from Mercedes, replacing the previous Volkswagen-sourced 2.0 TDI 138bhp. The new 2.2 CRD has a 23bhp increase.

Performance figures for the Patriot include a top speed of 125mph and 0-60mph time of 10.7secs. Jeep claims a combined fuel economy of 42.8mpg.

2011 Jeep Patriot facelift

Four trim-levels are now available; Sport, Sport+, Limited and Overland. Entry-level Sport is equipped with body-coloured door handles and mirrors, hill-start assist w/ESP, leather handbrake and active front head rests.

Lower mid-spec Sport+ adds privacy glass, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather steering wheel w/audio controls and cruise control over the base Sport.

Upper mid-spec Limited features leather handbrake and 6 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

Range-topping Overland model adds 18” aluminium wheels, leather interior w/’Overland’ logo, rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The new Jeep Patriot range starts at £14,995 for the 2.4 Sport petrol, rising to £21,995 for the 2.2 CRD Overland.

Volkswagen revises Scirocco and Passat CC for 2011 (UK)

Volkswagen has added ‘Bluemotion Technology’ adjustments to the Scirocco and Passat CC 2.0 TDI to improve fuel economy and lower emissions for the 2011 MY.

The Scirocco now achieves 62.8mpg, up from 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions drop to 118g/km, from 134g/km.

The 2.0 TDI 138bhp Sciroccos will obtain stop/start and battery regeneration systems, which is mated a 6 speed manual gearbox. In DSG form, fuel efficiency improves from 51.4mpg to 57.6mpg and CO2 drops from 145g/km to 129g/km.

The more powerful Scirocco GT with 168bhp with a 6 speed manual gearbox will also see CO2 emissions drop from 139g/km to 134g/km and fuel economy improve to 54.4mpg from 53.3mpg.

The Passat CC also receives stop/start and regenerative braking as standard. The 2.0 TDI 138bhp will see fuel economy boosted from 50.4mpg to 60.1mpg and CO2 cut from 146g/km to 125g/km. This is too linked to a 6 speed manual.

The revised Scirocco and Passat CC Bluemotion Technology models are available to order now.

New Car: 2011 Audi RS3

Audi has taken the wraps off what will be the UK’s most powerful production hot-hatch, the RS3.

The RS3 will be powered by a 5-cylinder, 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, developing 335bhp (340PS) and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque from a diesel-like 1,600rpm. For those who are seeking driving engagement will be disappointed, since the RS3 is only available with a 7 speed S-tronic dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, although the RS3 will be fitted with a Quattro 4WD system.

While the RS3 Sportback has no direct rivals, BMW’s 350bhp 1 Series M Coupé is the closest competitor in terms of image. BMW is signifying a £40k price tag for the M Coupé, while the RS3 starts at £39,900. Audi is staying tight-lipped on whether a 3dr is coming.

At 1,575kg, the RS3 is 60kg heavier than the S3. The top speed is electronically-limited to 155mph and fuel economy is a very respectable 31mpg (9.1l/100km) combined, with CO2 emissions of 212g/km. The RS3 can reach 62mph from 0 in 4.6 seconds.

A new sport mode is added to the stability control programme, which Audi says can also be switched off.

The equipment list will be long; Nappa leather interior w/silver stitching, rear parking sensors, climate control, ESP, x6 airbags, xenon headlights w/LED day-time running lights, 19” alloy wheels, DVD based satellite navigation system w/MMI (Multi Media Interface), rear spoiler, flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/rain sensor and silver-matte door mirrors. Order books open next month with first customer deliveries in April 2011.