Posts for 'Auto Shows' Category

Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all are showing positive signs in a challenging economy.

While the three are at different stages of their turnarounds with Ford clearly ahead of the pack based on profitability, sales.

And awards  there is little doubt Detroit-based auto makers have recognized the need to manage costs and build vehicles real customers want to own.

Here’s a look at some of the key vehicles coming from the three later this year. These are the offerings which will play a dramatic role in determining the success or failure of these restructured companies.

Audi No. 1 in luxury market in New Zealand for the last 3 years New Zealand's GM says Audi "definitely" will soon be global leader Growth strategy based on product innovation and ranging.

Audi has its sights firmly set on becoming the number one premium brand in the world, just like it is here, revealed Dane Fisher, Audi of New Zealand's General Manager.

New Zealand is ahead of the curve in terms of its preference for luxury European motor vehicles, having chosen Audi as their number one premium brand for the past three years.

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China is at the top of the sales market for General Motors cars. The iconic American automaker, which is owned by US taxpayers, is now more popular in its newly-announced top sales market.

GM and its Chinese joint venture partners have sold 1.21 million vehicles in China in the first six months of 2010. Its US sales have come in at 1.08 million. GM's Chinese auto sales are now up 48.5% over the first half of the year with sales in the US also showing improvement, at a far more modest 15%. Last year was the first year that overall auto sales in China surpassed those in the United States.

Changes on the outside are quite subtle. The front-end gets a new grille, a new bonnet, revised bumper, and LED daytime running lights. The rear-end benefits from re-designed rear lights also with LED technology, and a new deck lid spoiler. The interior of the new Mondeo now employs a new flow-through centre console design, revised door treatment featuring flush and integrated door release handles, and a new central overhead console featuring ambient lighting.

And as for new features you get LED interior lights and   new Satellite Navigation system, while music lovers will be able to enjoy the new Premium Sound System option which incorporates a 265-watt, eight-channel amplifier unit, all-new speaker system and large, 17-litre subwoofer. There’s also Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera.

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Tucked away in a secluded conference room in Cobo Hall on an arctic afternoon in Detroit last January, AutoWeek editors heatedly debated our Best in Show Awards.

As we pondered the Audi E-tron, the Cadillac XTS Platinum concept and a couple of other worthy candidates, an unlikely choice arose--the North American International Auto Show itself.

Naming the show Best in Show (aside from creating one of the most awkward headlines ever on the pages of this storied magazine) would have been a fairly unconventional move. But it had serious support, and we were in nearly unanimous agreement based on merit.

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The Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept car represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom. In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS.

In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the form of the FASCINATION concept car.

Now making its premiere at Auto China 2010 is the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept car - a further insight by Mercedes designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept.

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To learn more, we spoke with Michael Deitz, the product manager for the Sonata line. We started by talking about the design of the hybrid Sonata, which is expected to match the Toyota Prius for aerodynamics, by using sculpted front and rear bumper fascias, an alloy wheel design that’s filled in, and full cover underbody.

Deitz: The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will be highly differentiated from the conventional version. When a perspective buyer sees this car on the road, they’ll say that it looks like a Sonata, but there’s something different about it. They’ll immediate know it’s a hybrid.

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible Is it real? Yes. The Supersports Convertible made its global debut during the Geneva auto show in March. New York represents this luxury car’s first appearance in the United States.

What they said: This is Bentley’s “fastest, most potent convertible ever,” according to a company news release. What they didn’t say: The niche market for ecologically themed supercars is gaining momentum, based on recent auto shows. Ferrari and Porsche unveiled exotic, high-performance hybrids at the Geneva Motor Show, but not Bentley. It may be time.

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We already know that the 2011 BMW 5-Series will be making its stateside debut next week at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Joining the 2011 5-Series sedan will be the new 335is Coupe and Convertible and the BMW X5. Making its world premiere in New York, BMW will unveil the new Alpina B7 xDrive.

The BMW Alpina B7 made its North American debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show; however, for those requiring all-wheel-drive the B7 will now be offered with BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 will start at $122,875 for the standard wheelbase and $126,775 for the extended wheelbase. BMW has yet to release pricing details for the Alpina B7 xDrive.Make sure you join us next week as we bring you live coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show.

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The 2011 Optima will make its world debut at the New York auto show next month. Beyond releasing a couple of teaser images, Kia is staying tight-lipped regarding what powertrains will be offered in the United States until the New York press conference.

From the pictures we see the latest take on Kia's “tiger” front end complete with LED accent strip above the fog lights. a side view of the 2011 Kia Optima sedan. The 2011 Kia Optima.

Livening up things more is a coupe-like profile, higher and more pronounced shoulder lines, flared wheel arches and front fender vents. In addition to a more-stylish wrapper, the new Optima will grow some from the current model with an extended wheelbase. Sales begin this fall.