German luxury marques boom in China

The booming Chinese car market continues to be one of the few bright spots for German luxury manufacturers, which have drawn few benefits from scrapping programs in the UK, US and Europe.
Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW all posted year-on-year volume gains of more than 35 per cent in the China last month in stark contrast [...]

Chrysler sues former parent Daimler

According to a report published in Autonews today, Chrysler has accused former parent Daimler of refusing to honour contracts to supply components thus threatening production at some Chrysler factories, a claim Daimler strongly rejects.

The allegations are contained in a lawsuit filed last Friday in US Bankruptcy Court, New York.

Renault, Mercedes-Benz discuss new Smart model

Mercedes-Benz and Renault are said to be collaborating on a deal that is aimed at bolstering the German brand’s underdeveloped Smart division with a new four-seat model.

The new Smart, due in 2013, will replace the ForFour (as pictured) that was killed off in 2006 due to poor sales and is planned to sit on a [...]

World’s largest smart car gathering

A massive convoy, music concerts, creative competitions, technical discussions, fun and joy of life – yes folks such is the largest gathering of smart cars and enthusiasts in the world, and it all takes place at an old airport site in Austria from 21 – 23 August.

Over three days “Smart Times” attendees can look forward [...]

Daimler, BMW set to adandon hybrid JV – report

A report published in Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport says that due to current harsh economic times BMW and Daimler may part ways on their hybrid joint venture.

The pair had been collaborating on hybrid systems for some years now but by all accounts the deal is off as BMW chases “a better offer elsewhere”.

Toyota considers Daimler partnership – report

A report from German paper Auto Motor und Sport says Toyota is considering a partnership with European heavy-weight Daimler.

After Toyota’s recent collaboration with Aston Martin on a small car project, the idea may not be as silly as it sounds.

Lexus back on top in quality survey

Lexus has reclaimed the top spot in JD Power and Associates’ annual ranking of initial quality, while the Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota brands ranked virtually even in the benchmark survey.

Porsche slipped to second after holding the title for three years in the market research firm’s Initial Quality Study, released today.

Benz reveals more fuel efficient C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has revealed three new fuel efficient engines for its C-Class sedan and Estate, although as they are BlueEFFICIENCY engines its not clear when we will see them in Australia.

Mercedes-Benz says the engines raise performance and driving enjoyment to a new level, while demonstrating exemplary economy and environmental compatibility.

BMW concerned about deeper ties with Daimler

BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer says he is concerned that making compact vehicles jointly with rival Mercedes-Benz of Daimler, or merging their financial services operations, could be dangerous.

Mr Reithofer went on to say that no cost savings could possibly be great enough to warrant ruining the core of a brand.

Final 24 hours for Chrysler; unions agree deal

With less than 24 hours to go US carmaker Chrysler is rushing to seal a deal with Italy’s Fiat and its remaining creditors, to avoid having to file for bankruptcy under US Chapter 11 protection laws.

At the same time the powerful United Auto Workers union has voted overwhelmingly to accept a deal that will make [...]

Daimler quits Chrysler holding

Chrysler’s former business partner Daimler has come up with a deal to extract itself from the 19.9 per cent stake it still holds in the American carmaker.

A report carried on Reuters newsagency said that Daimler AG on Monday reached an agreement with Chrysler, the US carmaker’s owner Cerberus Capital Management, and the US Pension Benefit [...]

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