Proving that its first compact 4×4 has as much substance as style, Renault’s recently launched Koleos has driven away with a hat-trick of titles at Planet 4×4 magazine’s 2008 awards, including the ‘4×4 of the Year’ trophy. (more…)
Author: Zahari Mladenov
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Renault Koleos Wins Hat-Trick At Planet 4×4 Magazine’s 2008 Awards
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Changes to the Peugeot 308 range
Driving pleasure expectations and environmental requirements Almost one year after the launch of the saloon and six months after the arrival of the SW version, Peugeot continues to enhance the 308 range to meet changes in customer expectations in terms of driving pleasure and in terms of environmental requirements. (more…) -
Volvo Cars’ whiplash system WHIPS celebrates 10 years
Whiplash injuries are among the most common of all traffic injuries. Volvo Cars was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce proper protection aimed at reducing the risk of whiplash. Volvo’s highly effective system, WHIPS, which halves the risk of long-term after-effects, is now celebrating ten years in operation. (more…) -
Chrysler Celebrates 25 Years Of The World’s First And Favourite MPV
Chrysler is celebrating a quarter-century of MPV innovation, on-going development and leadership since launching the world’s first MPV. The year was 1983. The Internet was created, and the first mobile phones were introduced to the public, U.S. astronauts completed the first space shuttle spacewalk; and Dallas was the most popular programme on TV …… and Chrysler hit a home run with the introduction of the world’s first MPV.
On November 2, 1983, the first MPV rolled down the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The launch of Chrysler’s MPV in 1983 created an all-new vehicle segment and was an instant success.
As the MPV became a cultural icon throughout North America in the 1980s, its introduction to the international markets helped establish and solidify the Chrysler brand worldwide. It was in 1987 that Chrysler’s new MPV began sales in Europe.
Diesel-powered MPVs were introduced in 1993, aimed at further strengthening the presence of Chrysler MPVs in Europe. In 1996, the Company offered right-hand-drive versions, opening up sales opportunities in markets such as the UK, Japan, Australia and South Africa. Since then more than 53,000 versions have been sold to date in the UK alone.
Chrysler defined the ‘family room on wheels concept’ in 1983. In 2008, Chrysler has taken this concept to a new level.
The newest, fifth-generation of Chrysler MPVs – The Grand Voyager, launched in March 2008 – encapsulates more than 65 MPV-first features and more than 25 years of development. The latest generation offers more than 35 new or improved features over the previous generation including: dual-screen DVD entertainment system that can play different media simultaneously on two screens; ambient halo lighting package with directional LED pinpoint lights; removable and rechargeable LED flashlight; a six-speed automatic transmission; stain repelling seat fabric. Not forgetting Chrysler’s unique, renowned and innovative Stow ‘n Go® seating and storage system.
Other new innovations include Chrysler’s Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system which allow the two second row seats to be rotated 180 degrees to face the third row of seats so rear passengers can chat face to face; three-zone climate control for ultimate comfort; power windows for all three rows of passengers; and standard power sliding side doors and tailgate.
Improved active and passive safety features have also been introduced: next generation, multistage front airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and supplemental front seat-mounted side thorax airbags. Additionally, electronic stability programme (ESP), panic brake assist, all-speed traction control and anti-lock brakes all become standard across the entire range.
Federico Goretti, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “The Grand Voyager is a firm favourite in the UK and the latest model has all the right ingredients to make it the most successful Chrysler ever. It has an unrivalled blend of luxury, equipment, comfort, versatility, performance and load-carrying capacity at a very competitive price – offering customers a hassle-free motoring package.”
UK models have a six-speed automatic transmission and either a 2.8-litre diesel engine or a 3.8 V6 petrol engine. There are three trim levels – LX, Touring and Limited. Prices start from £25,456.49 OTR.
In the first 25 years, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million MPVs – more than any other manufacturer in the world and have claimed over 260 awards – including 2008 “MPV of the Year” and “International Truck of the Year” by the International Car of the Year organisation – Chrysler MPVs are continuing to make history.
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GM EUROPE And IBERDROLA Sign Agreement To Analyse The Recharging Infrastructure For Plug-In Electric Vehicles
General Motors Europe and Iberdrola have signed an agreement to jointly perform a feasibility study which, ultimately, will analyze the technical requirements of a recharging infrastructure for the integrated marketing and viability of plug-in electric cars. The agreement has been signed by Javier Villalba, Director of Spain Network Business, and Jamal El-Hout, Vice President, Product Planning from General Motors Europe. (more…) -
HAMANN 22 inch light alloy wheel design “ANNIVERSARY RACE ANODIZED”
From now on the new 22 inch forged split-rim ANNIVERSARY RACE ANODIZED with the spider in black, titanium screwing and polished flange is avilable for all BMW X6 E 71. (more…) -
Suzuki Announces Pricing For Award-Winning Equator Pickup, Grand Vitara Compact Suv
American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced pricing for its all-new Equator pickup truck, 4-Wheel & Off-Road’s “4X4 of the Year,” and freshened Grand Vitara compact SUV. The Grand Vitara now offers a standard, all-new four-cylinder engine, providing drivers with better mileage, along with a new, significantly more powerful V6 delivering both better fuel economy and lower emissions than the V6 it replaces. (more…) -
All-new Mazda3 to be Exhibited at the 2009 North American International Auto Show
Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models will be shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), to be held in Detroit from January 11 through January 25, 2009. (more…) -
BMW Hydrogen 7 cars provide shuttle service for the COP 14 climate change conference in Poznan
Using hydrogen as a fuel, mobility generating practically no CO2 emissions is now very much a reality – and one that delegates at the UN climate change conference COP 14 taking place in Poznan, Poland can experience for themselves. (more…) -
Mustang Equus CDC
Equus-CDC is an international program to bring the feeling and passion of the “67 to a world Market. Designed in Italy by Tom Tjaarda, developed and engineered in the USA by Classic Design Concepts. (more…) -
Five Volvo models Green Car of the Year candidates
The C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models and the V70 2.5FT and S80 2.5 FT (bioethanol powered) have all been nominated for World Green Car of the Year 2009. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2009. (more…) -
Corsavan – Small Van Of The Year 2008
Small vans with low running costs have never been more popular – and according to leading light commercial vehicle magazine What Van?, the Vauxhall Corsavan is the best of the lot.
The prestigious publication awarded Corsavan the title of ‘Small Van of the Year 2008’ – the second year in succession that it has taken the accolade – citing its road manners, fuel economy and modern, streamlined styling as the key features that made it more attractive than rivals.
What Van? Editor Neil McIntee said that Corsavan’s car-derived origins gave it extra appeal in a heavily competitive sector.
“On the face of it the latest breed of small vans ought to spell the end for commercials based on hatchback cars,” he said, “but from the viewpoint of status-conscious customers Corsavan is a far more acceptable sight on the typical suburban driveway.
“What’s more, Corsavan comes with all of the virtues of the car on which it is based. As a consequence, it comfortably outclasses similar products so far as driveability is concerned”
Corsavan’s popularity is reflected in its sales figures – By the end of November, Vauxhall had sold 2,253 Corsavans in 2008, 169 more than in the whole of 2007.
“The small van market is growing more and more important as businesses look to keep their costs under control,” said Steve Bryant, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Brand Manager. “The fact that Corsavan shares so much with the multi-award winning Corsa car means we have a van that offers class-leading levels of quality, dynamics and roadside appeal, all of which are increasingly important to commercial vehicle customers.”
Vauxhall sold over 53,000 vans in the UK in 2007, and is Britain’s biggest manufacturer of light commercial vehicles. By the end of 2008, the company will have constructed over 100,000 vans in the UK at plants in Luton, Bedfordshire and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
