The Korean car manufacturer Kia has received the red dot design award for its new MPV, the Venga. The car has been picked as the winner of the "product design" category for the compact MPV’s departure from the conventional mini-van profile. This is not the first time Kia has been recognized at the red dot awards, as Kia Soul received an "honorable mention" in 2009.
"Our design teams can be truly proud of this additional red dot award. It underscores the success of our… (read more)
Robert C. Stampel, who served as a Chairman and CEO of General Motors during 1990-1992, has been named a Board of Directors member by Genesis Fluid Solutions Holdings today, increasing the company’s board members to four directors.
"In addition to Mr. Stempel’s extraordinary accomplishments in the business world, his tenure as the Chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Industries will provide valuable insight into the complex problems that plague America’s largest bodies of water," … (read more)
As liquefied natural gas becomes more and more popular as fuel for cars, it is only natural that corporations are interested in exploiting LNG. Exxon Mobil Corporations has just announced that it will start its Papua New Guinea (PNG) LNG project, as all purchasing and financing agreements are complete.
This means that Exxon will start gas production in the Southern Highlands and Western Provinces of Papua New Guinea. The company will also build liquefaction and storage facilities with capacit… (read more)
The American hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, who has also been present on the U.S. tuning stage, has now signed a partnership with the U.S. aftermarket exhaust systems producer Flowmaster Mufflers. This will result in the development of a complex marketing campaign for Flowmaster’s products, including TV, radio and live events promotion.
"We’re really pleased to have connected with Flex for 2010 and see the bond between our groups as a great way to further increase the Flowmaster message and… (read more)
Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo is set to make his return to testing this week, when the MotoGP field will head to Qatar for the last test of the off season. Having missed the last test of the winter, at Sepang, due to an injury he picked up in a motocross accident, the Spaniard has now confirmed he will make the Qatar outing with Yamaha.
Today we are leaving for Qatar for the last Winter test. I think that it is important that we are there, said Lorenzo, stressing the importance of the Qatar test… (read more)
The Chinese automotive market is passing through a booming period, but domestic automakers must make sure that they can sustain the sales growth by offering a complete range of services and maintaining a decent level of production quality.
The Chinese Ministry of Information and Technology has recently released an advisory statement, urging the country’s carmakers to develop a nationwide quality standard in order to improve the quality management process.
The authority stressed the fact th… (read more)
Although the Bahrain Grand Prix was his first race in Formula One, Russian driver Vitaly Petrov left the Manama track more disappointed and frustrated than ever. The new Renault driver had made a great start in the race and was running on an impressive 11th place at the end of the first lap, before a suspension problem put an end to his first race in the series.
Talking to the media after the race, the former GP2 Series runner-up made no secret from his frustration, as he was convinced a poin… (read more)
As part of the now almost year-old partnership between Italian manufacturer Fiat and American Chrysler, the research and development of hybrid powertrains will be taken over by the latter, who will develop the technologies for both its vehicles and Fiat’s.
The American manufacturer will take care of the raw build of the technology, while the Italians will be in charge of the fine tuning of the powertrain to make it suitable for each brand.
According to Inside Line, the first Italian car t… (read more)
Electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo announced today it has signed a partnership with JCAM Advanced Mobility Company, co-founded by action move superstar Jackie Chan. The deal will have JCAM sell the Brammo electric motorcycle product line in Hong Kong and Singapore beginning early to mid-2010.
"Partnering with a global film and business icon like Jackie Chan further validates the Brammo brand — much like our U.S. partnership with retailer Best Buy — as being an innovator in both pr… (read more)
LG Chem has just announced today that it intends to build a new $303 million lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan. According to the officials, over 400 jobs could be created by 2013 and many of the people will be hired and trained in advance – prior to the plant being operational.
"LG Chem’s selection of Holland to house the company’s battery cell facility was a balanced decision based on the city’s excellent infrastructure and proven, quality workforce," … (read more)
Seeing the made in China label on an iconic performance vehicle didn’t seem too probable, but it looks like this will happen during the course of the current year: Volkswagen will domestically produce the GTIs destined for the Chinese market, as China Daily writes.
The announcement was made by Winfried Vahland, president of Volkswagen Group China."(Sales) volume is not important for the Golf GTI. The important thing is that we can do this (produce sports cars) in China," Vahland tol… (read more)
If the sound system in your Nissan 370Z just isn’t enough, JL Audio now offers you a solution. The high-end audio features manufacturer has just launched its newest addition to the Stealthbox line of vehicle-specific subwoofer systems, engineered to deliver bass performance in the Nissan 370Z coupe.
The JL Audio Nissan 370Z Stealthbox contains two 10-inch, 10W3v3 subwoofers in a sealed fiberglass enclosure. The subwoofer system will be mounted ahead of the rear axle. This way the producer say… (read more)
The partnership between the Emirate of Qatar and the Volkswagen Group, born out of necessity last year, is about to expand to aspects other than the financial ones agreed so far. According to the German carmaker, Qatar will also get involved in research, development and education.
The first embodiment of this increased involvement will be the vocational training and further study courses at Qatar University and the AutoUni in Wolfsburg.
"The development of modern and resource-efficie… (read more)
Audi has prepared both technologically and sponsor-like for the upcoming Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours race campaign, as the German carmaker today confirmed a new partnership with well-known watchmaker TAG Heuer for the 2010 season.
A new partner has now joined the project: the logo of the renowned watchmaker TAG Heuer will be featured on the Audi R15 TDI, said a statement from the multiple Le Mans winner earlier today.
And speaking of the Audi R15 TDI, the German manufacturer confir… (read more)
A new version of the Volvo FM truck had just been released by the Swedish manufacturer today. Exterior enhancements include new grill, headlights and air-intake, all inspired by the Volvo FH. Volvo also emphasizes other highlights of its new truck, such as anti-slip steps, and interior trim enhancements.
The new Volvo FM, however, keeps the previous version’s innovations, including the recently updated I-Shift gearbox and Volvo’s recently introduced new engine range that offers more power and… (read more)
After an incredible 2009 in terms of sales and an at least as promicing start of 2010, Chinese manufacturer BYD posted 1.46 billion yuan ($214 million) earnings for Q4, nearly doubling the initial forecast of 891 million yuan. Full year net profit was 3.79 billion yuan up from 1.02 billion yuan a year earlier.
"BYD is a company that can’t be underestimated," Charles Guo, analyst with JP Morgan told Reuters. "If the Chinese vehicle market expands 10 percent this year BYD’s sales… (read more)
As it has been shown before, the United States are willing to offer financial support to green car technology manufacturers. With this in mind, Douglas Pelmear, President of HP2g.com and Henry County Commissioner Richard Myers, met with officials of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
The aim of the meeting was to secure funding for the manufacturing operations of Mr Pelmear’s E86 hybrid engine capable of 110 mpg and 400 hp. During the meeting, Pelmear explain… (read more)
Platform sharing is a commonly used concept in the automotive industry, one that offers multiple advantages, such as a lower price for some models, or a technology infusion for brands that would have otherwise been left behind in terms of engineering progress.
But there are a few high-end segments of the market, where platform sharing can be dangerous, as it may affect both the donor and the receiver in terms of image. The Fiat group is stepping further on this dangerous ground, by planing t… (read more)
Navigation solution provider TomTom announced today the release of an updated iPhone app (version 1.3), complete with live traffic updates, local Google searches and better overall integration with the smart phone’s functions.
"TomTom continues to expand its offering of premier navigation services and features to a growing base of TomTom app for iPhone users," Tom Murray, vice president of market development for Tom Tom said according the Tech Radar.
"Among the many enhance… (read more)
Sebastian Vettel was congratulated by all the staff members of the Red Bull Racing team despite the engine problem that deprived him of a well-deserved win on Sunday. While leading the Sakhir race with a comfortable 3-second lead from Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, his RB6’s engine broke down and the German eventually had to settle for 4th place.
Nevertheless, Red Bull’s advisor Helmut Marko emphasized the impressive performance managed by Vettel throughout the 49 laps of action, insisting that h… (read more)