Volvo to employ 200 more workers to meet demand

Volvo is increasing its recruiting an additional 200 employees in Sweden, to meet likely demand in the New Year.

The assembly plant that’s receiving the boost in employment will be Volvo’s Gothenburg factory, which employs around 3,200 people. The additional 200 workers will increase the current production rate from 48 units to 52 units per hour.

A Volvo spokesperson said over the telephone: “We want to be prepared as we expect higher demand next year.”

BAIC bidding for Pininfarina

BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp.) is allegedly making a bid to acquire Italian design company Pininfarina, which has been on the market for a few months now.

BAIC formerly brought the tooling, powertrain technology and intellectual property associated with the outgoing Saab 9-3. The Chinese car manufacture is developing new models centred on the 9-3 that it plans to sell under the Beijing Auto brand name, and Pininfarina is apparently caught up in the design of that car.

According to Chinese auto-media, a nameless BAIC executive reportedly returned from Italy, where he spoke with Pininfarina about the firm’s joint venture on a bespoke adaptation of the Saab 9-3 that would premier at the 2011 Beijing motor show.

Other potential bidders include Anhui Jiangling, Mahindra and Baja, Brilliance Auto and Magna International.

Four-wheel-drive Fiat 500 spied in Italy

Here’s prove that Fiat is developing a 4x4 variant of the 500. Spied by an eagle-eyed reader in Catania, Sicily, Italy, this mule was attracting attention left, right and centre.

The 500 4x4 will target those who want a compact, fashionable 4x4 without the associated running costs and price-tag. The newcomer will likely to be sold with 5-doors and will underpin the current Panda 4x4, giving the 500 4x4 genuine off-road ability.

Shaft and rear differential

All engines, transmissions and 4x4 hardware will be taken off the current Panda 4x4, although, Fiat will be launching the all-new Panda in 2012, itself with new engines, transmissions and a new platform. That said, we can expect the 500 4x4 to sport the all-new 0.9 litre TwinAir (both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged), 1.2 69bhp, and the 1.3 litre 90bhp turbo-diesel MultiJet. Both 5 speed, 6 speed manual and 6 speed automated Dualogic transmissions will be offered. Prices may start around £13,000 for the entry-level model, rising to £16,000 for the range-topping models with the turbocharged TwinAir engines.

According to plans submitted to unions and the Government, Fiat is looking to launch the 500 4x4 sometime in 2012, alongside the restyled 500 and all-new Panda city-car.

Via Alvolante

Ford recalls 2011 F-Series, Edge and Lincoln MKX (U.S)

Ford is recalling 14,737 F-Series, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles due to a faulty body control module. The glitch might cause to an electrical short, resulting to overheating and a fire, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The module, assembled by Lear Corporation in Mexico, is faulty on some vehicles manufactured in late October to mid-November.

Ford reportedly informed the NHTSA that two 2011 F-150s caught fire outside its Dearborn, Michigan, manufacturing plant.

Neither Ford nor the NHTSA reported of any injuries or deaths. Ford will recall the vehicles on 1st January to fix the body control module for free.

Vauxhall Astra the most seized car in 2009 (UK)

Around 500 uninsured vehicles are apprehended on a daily basis, with the Vauxhall Astra taking the top spot.
The second most seized car is the BMW 3 Series according to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) police helpline.

The figures arrive as a new online video cautioning the consequences of driving without insurance is released by the MIB, which reimburses victims caught up in accidents with uninsured drivers.

MIB chief executive, Ashton West said: "Christmas is a time when household budgets are stretched to the limit and, for some, the renewal of insurance may be overlooked. Modern technology means that motorists who have no insurance are more likely than ever to be caught. It is simply not worth the risk."

He went on: "The proposed change in insurance law in 2011 will mean that the number of people caught without motor insurance will increase. We are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and expect to reduce the numbers of uninsured drivers on UK roads even further."

The 10 most seized uninsured cars in 2009 were:

1. Vauxhall Astra

2. BMW 3 Series

3. Vauxhall Vectra

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. Ford Mondeo

7. Ford Fiesta

8. Ford Focus

9. Ford Escort

10. Renault Megane.

U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad spied in Scandinavia

Spies have caught what seems to be a U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad, undergoing winter testing in Northern Sweden. Audi decided the A4 Allroad wouldn’t go on sale in the U.S due to the financial slowdown, however, an executive at Audi has overturned that decision.

The A4 Allroad will be similar to the European model; grey/black bodykit, increased ride height and front and rear skid plates will feature as standard.

The biggest giveaway to this virtually undisguised U.S spec A4 Allroad was its amber reflector lights. Other little clues included a reduced license plate surrounding hidden behind the vehicles European plate and the miles-per-hour on the speedometer.

Under the bonnet will be a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder 211bhp petrol engine, mated to a 7 speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission.

Expect the car to debut at next month’s Detroit motor show.

Via Roadandtrack

Honda gets attacked by cyber criminals (U.S)

Honda has contacted millions of customers after cyber criminals stolen a database enclosing names, email addresses, and VINs (the Vehicle Identification Number).

Around 2.2m Honda customers have been affected by the security breach. One theory suggests hackers sent out e-mails on behalf of Honda, tricking the end user into clicking on malicious attachments or links, thus handing over personal information.

A report by the Columbus Dispatch suggests the data was taken from a third-party company who sent out "Welcome" emails to customers who created accounts with the firm.

Honda’s luxury arm, Acura, also contacted a further 2.7m consumers after hackers stole customer e-mails addresses from a separate list.

Rising fuel prices threaten SUV sales (U.S)

Recently, sales of SUV’s and pick-up trucks have risen, but at late so have fuel prices, which may hinder sales and residual values of large SUV’s and pick-ups.

With fuel prices across the States averaging around $3 a gallon, it’s signing the highest levels observed since October 2008. An additional ¢50 may see customers purchasing smaller vehicles.

“If you see a ¢20 -¢30 price increase per gallon over the course of a couple weeks then of course people are going to panic,” Alec Gutierrez, analyst for vehicle evaluation at Kelley Blue Book, said. Nevertheless, Gutierrez noted that if prices increase steadily, it’ll give the “market a chance to react rationally.”

Some showrooms have already begun to see consumer’s down-size. A large amount of customers are ditching large SUV’s in favour for compact ones like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mercedes GLK.

Jason Stewart, general manager of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Beach in Florida said: “Our small SUVs are doing OK but the large SUVs and large trucks have definitely cooled off since the pickup in gas prices”.

He also claimed sales of the Toyota Prius have tripled at his dealership. Dealers are also reporting a decline in prices as an end result to shove consumer’s into smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Paris may ban SUVs from the city (FR)

If you’re living in France and want to take your SUV into Paris, you might want to think again. According to reports, environmental official, Denis Baupin has proposed a new set of limitations that could potentially ban old diesel car and SUV’s.

Baupin is a hardcore SUV-hater and has even suggested that current sport utility owners should “sell it and buy a vehicle that’s compatible with city life.” He then added, “I’m sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense,” when exclamation to local radio station.

Unfortunately, the proposals are legal and are backed by French law, as the Environment Ministry said that each city can independently choose what types of vehicles can be under attack, in which neighbourhoods and during what hours and/or times of the year certain vehicles could be banned.

Cadillac debuts 4-cylinder 2.0T SIDI in SLS sedan (CN)

GM has unwrapped the new SLS 2.0T SIDI at the 2010 Guangzhou motor show. While the car hasn’t changes cosmetically, it sports a new petrol engine.

A Cadillac and large executive sedan first, the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine SIDI signs the first usage of a turbocharged four-cylinder in a Cadillac. This engine gives Cadillac a workable competitor into the Chinese premium large sedan market, which is dominated by 2.0 litre – 2.5 litre cars.

The 2.0T SIDI kicks out 260bhp with 358Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. The turbocharged 2.0 litre is likely to be just as powerful as the STS V6 sold in the U.S.

It is very doubtful at the engine will arrive in North America as the SLS/STS are at deaths door.

Dodge Journey to replace Fiat Ulysse (EU)

The Dodge Journey will be the first Dodge vehicle to bare the Fiat emblem. The revised Journey, dubbed Freemont will arrive in dealerships across Europe from June 2011. Historically, large Fiat models haven’t been successful in the UK, so Fiat has its work cut out.

The Freemont will obtain minor revisions inside and out, as well as receiving suspension adjustments that are better match European tastes.

Out goes Volkswagen 2.0 TDI 140PS PD diesel engine, in favour of Fiat’s sophisticated 2.0 litre 170bhp MultiJet engine.

Fiat-Chrysler forecast substantially stronger sales of the Freemont, because of Fiat’s popularity in Europe. The Freemont will also replace the Ulysse large MPV, which has just gone out of production.

Dodge Journey sales increased by 62% across Europe, at 8,395 units. Compare that to Ford, both the S-Max and Galaxy sold 42,991 units and 26,103 units in 2009.

A world debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2011 is likely.

A Mercedes utility van? It happened.

If you’re a tradesman, and you own a Mercedes 3C, what do you do with it? You turn it into a working car. In this case a utility van, complete with original panels. A work of art, no less, and a work of art with a real lesson for Mercedes owners. We’re not too sure how he handled the car insurance, but the job was superb.


The tale of the Mercedes

A 3C is an old Mercedes, but a good one. This was one of the last versions of the traditional Mercedes sedans, the classic model from which the modern Mercedes are derived. Finding parts for the 3Cs isn’t easy. It takes time, but being Mercedes parts, they don’t get thrown out. It’s usually possible, if you have the patience, to restore a Mercedes from about 1960 onwards.

This tradesman must have had the patience of God, or better. Even the upholstery was immaculate. It was all leather, the sort a hardworking tradesman can truly appreciate. Green leather, and good quality, heavy duty, stitched like the Mercedes grew it itself. It was absolutely immaculate in the easily recognizable front cabin. The dashboard was also fully authentic, the true classic Mercedes interior to the last detail, all in brilliant condition.
 
The notable difference, however, was an oversize radiator. It looked a little odd at first, but even the radiator was a very good effort at an authentic Mercedes radiator. A bit of investigation located the reason. Being a working car, the 3C had had its engine up-gunned. A reasonable precaution, because being a tradesman, the revamped Mercedes was carrying a tradesman’s load. The thing purred. Even the little suburban lawnmower cars around the neighborhood made more noise than it did.

What was interesting was that the car’s engine housing and the body wasn’t modified for this obviously much more powerful engine. This was our first clue to how well the conversion to a utility had been managed. The replacement was seamless. No body work, no resizing, just a new engine under the original cream yellow

The suspension was also reworked to deal with a back load. Tools, materials and heavy equipment can take a working truck apart over time, let alone a Mercedes. If you’re now getting the impression that this guy knows a bit about cars, you’d be right.

The piece de resistance, without a doubt, was the body work. The tradesman managed, somehow, to find a complete panel to join the large tray to the Mercedes body. This was a customized piece, and it was identical to the unmistakable original Mercedes body and doors. A perfect color match, too, absolutely authentic. 
The sheer visual impact of this car, sitting majestically in the car park outside a local village retirement home, where the tradesman was working, was astonishing. A Rolls Royce couldn’t have got more attention from the local car aficionados. Wherever this guy gets his car insurance quotes, he must have to talk for hours to the insurance people.

Chelsea tops 4x4 popularity chart (UK)

According to a survey conducted by Diamond Insurance, almost 20% of vehicles in Chelsea are SUV’s.
Kensington is following in at 17.4% while the rural areas of Banchory and Turriff in Scotland come third and fourth.

The survey exposed that the Range Rover was the most preferred model followed by the Land Rover Freelander. Haulage contractors, bank directors, farmers and agricultural contractors are most likely to purchase an SUV.

Top 10 areas for 4x4s:

Position:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Area:

Chelsea, London

Kensington, London

Banchory, Aberdeenshire

Turriff, Aberdeenshire

Ashford, Kent

Cobham, Surrey

Dorking, Surrey

Guildford, Surrey

Wadhurst, Kent

Brentwod, Essex

Percentage of 4x4s:

17.8

17.4

17.0

16.4

16.2

15.7

15.7

15.5

15.5

15.4

Ford offers custom graphics for 2012 Focus (U.S)

Ford is extending their well-liked vinyl graphics program to the 2012 Focus. On a side note, did you know that shows 40% of Millennials (those born between 1980 and 1995) posses a tattoo.

Produced from 3M Scotchprint film, the graphics will be available in 200 designs, starting from $120, rising to $470. While that sounds expensive, Ford dealerships will be fitting them and will include a three-year/36,000 mile restricted warranty.

The Focus brand executive, KC Dallia said "Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that. With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization."

Press Release:

TATTOOS COME INTO FOCUS - LITERALLY - WITH FORD'S HOT NEW SMALL CAR

Tattoos are not just body art anymore; customers will soon be able to express themselves with vehicle tattoos for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus

•Ford Custom Graphics will offer more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos in an array of different colors for the new Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/

•Available in a variety of designs - from geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls - the Custom Graphics offer the look of custom paint at half the cost

•Ford Custom Graphics are currently available for the Ford Mustang, Explorer F-150 and Fiesta

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2010 - The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement - especially among Millennials - and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.

From geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls, customers will soon be able to choose from more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos to find a design that reflects their personality at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/.

"Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that," said KC Dallia, Focus brand manager. "With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization."

Tattoo trend extends to cars:

According to the Pew Research Institute, nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo, and Gen Xers are not far behind at 32 percent.

Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager, says the migration to vehicle tattoos is a natural progression of the tattoo craze.

"The one-size-fits-all model isn't really relevant to today's consumers, and it's not necessarily a desire to stand out from the crowd. It's more of a desire not to be lost in the masses," she said. "People are personalizing everything - cell phones, computers and clothing - and it's no different with automobiles."

Ford Custom Graphics developed for the new Focus will range in price from $120 to $470 and can beasily removed, providing younger customers with an economical way to "grow with their car," says Connelly.

"People are holding on to their vehicles longer, and the way we identify ourselves today may not be the way we want to express ourselves tomorrow," she said. "Customers can easily change the tattoos as their life situation and style evolves."

Test your creativity with the 2012 Ford Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/

With a few clicks of the computer mouse, customers can choose the exterior color of their Focus, select the tattoos they like and then be able to see exactly how the designs will look on the car.

All of the tattoos are made with 3M Scotchprint® Personalized Vehicle Graphic Film plus a clear graphic protection layer. They are professionally installed at Ford dealerships and include a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

Original Wraps Inc., a provider of on-demand custom graphics to the automotive industry, developed the tattoos and the website for Ford. According to the company's chief executive officer Tom Stemple, the tattoos offer customers the look of custom paint at half the cost.

"Another important benefit is that the tattoos are made to order. We don't manufacture any graphics until they are purchased," said Stemple. "That gives us the flexibility to keep updating the designs to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from."

Custom Graphics are currently available at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/ for the Ford Mustang,

F-150, Explorer and Fiesta. Because orders are processed at individual dealerships throughout the country, there is no way to track how many tattoos have been sold, but consumer response to the site has been strong with an average of 15,000 unique hits per month.

Focus graphics are expected to be online in mid-January.

2012 Ford Focus offers customers more choices at production:

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which will arrive in dealerships early next year, will offer customers plenty of choices at production, including four trim series - S, SE, SEL and Titanium - and 11 unique wheel styles.

The vehicle also will be available in 11 exterior paint colors. Four of the choices are premium paints. Tri-coat paints that offer deeper, richer color will be available in White Platinum and Yellow Blaze, and two tinted clearcoat paints will be offered in Red Candy and Blue Candy.

Vehicle Personalization: Ford Custom Accessories make it easy and fun:

The automotive aftermarket has grown into a $34 billion industry. And Ford Vehicle Personalization continues to come out with cool new products - from wheels and decklids to hood scoops, grille inserts and vehicle tattoos - to meet increasing customer demand for accessories.

"The goal of Ford Custom Accessories is to give customers new ways to make the vehicle their own," said Jim Abraham, Ford Licensed Accessories manager, noting that the business of Vehicle Personalization at Ford has grown exponentially over the last few years. "Our accessories are designed alongside our vehicles, so the integration is seamless and reflective of Ford quality."

To learn more about Ford Custom Accessories, please visit http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/.

Car Modification

Honda Accord

BMW-M6 Wallpaper

It has been 15 years since the BMW M6 last graced these shores. With the new M6, which is based on the new 6 Series, the engineers from BMW M GmbH have created a truly awe inspiring sports coupe.

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power while the exterior treatment is subtle, yet distinctive. In the interest of improved responsiveness, the M6 takes the lightweight technology of the 645Ci to an even higher level.

Together with the outstanding, uncompromising suspension designed and built exclusively for sporting performance, this supreme power unit gives the BMW M6 all the qualities of a thoroughbred supersports. But unlike its competitors usually offering only two seats, the BMW M6 comes with all the space and comfort of a typical 2+2-seater, plus the luxurious features of a typical luxury performance BMW.

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power 

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power

The new BMW M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The new V10 produces 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power 

BMW Walpaper