- CHINA: Chevrolet looks for a Cruze boost – Just-auto: General Motors will launch the updated Chevrolet Cruze sedan this month at the Beijing show, choosing China for the model’s global debut as the carmaker seeks to boost sales of the brand in its biggest market.
- BMW i3 production boosted 43% as demand exceeds expectations – Automotive News: BMW has increased production of the i3 electric city car 43 percent to meet demand that has exceeded the carmaker’s initial expectations.
- CHINA: Tesla eyes partner for charging network – report – Just-auto: Tesla Motor chief Elon Musk is set to meet with China’s largest refiner Sinopec Group to discuss possible cooperation on building charging units during his visit to the country next week.
- MEXICO: Nissan to triple local purchases to US$7bn – Just-auto: Nissan’s Mexican unit has said it looks to triple purchases from domestic manufacturers to US$7bn by 2016.
- SWEDEN: SKF Q1 sales up 10.4% to US$2,546m – Just-auto: SKF reported an increase of 10.4% in net sales to SEK16,734m (US$2,546m) in the first quarter 2014 as compared to SEK15,152m in the previous year.
- Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Gets Out-of-this-World Debut – thedetroitbureau.com: The Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept made an out-of-this-world debut during a New York Auto Show preview, appearing alongside a mock-up of the Virgin Galactic Enterprise, the world’s first commercial manned spacecraft, aboard the retired aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid. TheDetroitBureau.com has more on the new SUV concept.
- Despite risks, many recalled vehicles will remain unrepaired as drivers ignore notices – Automotive News: Even with auto recalls on pace to reach the highest level in a decade this year, there’s a good chance many of the vehicles won’t get fixed.
- Nissan Versa Gets a Familiar New Look – thedetroitbureau.com: The Nissan Versa sedan received a makeover for the 2015 model year and now the company’s starter vehicle looks like the rest of the line-up. The automaker said Versa’s new “‘Nissan family’ front-end styling adds a more substantial visual presence.” To get a look, click on TheDetroitBureau.com.
- VIETNAM: Sales rise 22% in March, 29% YTD – Just-auto: New vehicle sales in Vietnam increased by close to 22% to 9,313 units in March, from 7,650 units in the same month of last year, according to data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association.
- Discovery Sport name for Land Rover Freelander replacement – Autocar: The long-awaited replacement for the Land Rover Freelander will be badged Discovery Sport, and will form part of the expanded new Discovery family.
- VW picks former Audi R&D boss to run Bentley, Bugatti brands – Reuters: Volkswagen has appointed Audi’s former development chief to take the reins at Bentley and Bugatti, the third top management change at the two ultra-luxury auto brands in just over three years.
- SWEDEN: Nevs inks Orio parts deal as rumours indicate EV start – Just-auto: National Electric Sweden (NEVS), has inked a spare components deal with Orio, formerly Saab Automobile Parts, as rumours swirl it has started pilot manufacture of its 9-3 electric vehicle.
- Video: A 25-Year Affair With a Mazda Miata, Still Going Strong – NY Times: Tom Voelk still drives the 1990 Miata he bought new. It was a purchase that opened up a new career for him.
- Sales Performance for Luxury Brands — March 2014 – Automotive Digest: Luxury brands had strong sales in March 2014 – higher growth rates than mainstream brands Lexus had best performance with a 51.6% increase over February and 23% over last year Cadillac was only luxury brand with drop in year-over-year US sales – down 6.3% The Article Sales Performance for Luxury Brands — March 2014 appeared first on Automotive Digest.
- IRAN: Renault monitors diplomacy as sanctions ease – Just-auto: Renault says it is “closely monitoring” the diplomatic situation concerning Iran as automakers and suppliers start to take advantage of the slight relaxation in sanctions against Tehran.
- New Kia Sedona revealed ahead of NY debut – Autocar: Kia MPV offers seating for up to eight passengers, and represents the ‘final chapter’ in the brand’s design transformation.
- Fiat wraps up employees’ foreign-made cars – Automotive News: Some Fiat employees at two Italian factories got a surprise last week: their foreign-made cars from brands such as VW, Peugeot and Toyota were ‘wrapped up’ in a giant plastic bags.
- Barra hopes to shine positive light on GM – DetN: Automakers are sparing little expense to unveil new cars and SUVs at this week’s New York International Auto Show as rising auto sales prompt a lot of new entries.
- Ford to put ’15 Mustang on top of Empire State Building – DetN: Ford Motor Co. will put a new 2015 Mustang GT convertible on the top of Empire State Building this week, commemorating a stunt it used to tout the new vehicle nearly 50 years ago.
- GM CEO Shakes Up Staff Amid Recall – WSJ: General Motors disclosed the departure of two senior executives as Chief Executive Mary Barra posted another blog saying she intends to hold managers accountable in the company’s ignition-switch recall.
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