Car News

A report from Handelsblatt states Daimler, owner of the Mercedes-Benz and Smart marques, will decide the fate of the city car brand by the end of the year. The decisive moves will take place from May onwards, when Ola Kallenius, currently Daimler's head of research and development, takes over from Dieter Zetsche. While Zetsche has proven to be a keen and patient supporter of Smart, it looks possible Kallenius could pull the plug.

Skoda will build three pure-electric models on the modular Volkswagen MEB platform by 2023, including a low-cost compact. According to Automotive News Europe, the range will be headed by a production take on the Vision IV concept unveiled at the Geneva motor show. A cheaper, simpler SUV will sit below it in the range, once again with styling inspired by the concept.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall for nine 2018 model-year S-Class sedans over concerns the Pre-Safe safety system may not engage even if a passenger is in the seat. According to the German marque, affected vehicles may not detect when a seatbelt is engaged, which will see a warning tone sound and a symbol illuminate in the instrument cluster.

The PSA Group reportedly approached Fiat Chrysler (FCA) about a merger as early as this year's Detroit motor show in January, only to be rebuffed by the American-Italian company. Sources have told The Wall Street Journal the offer was rejected by FCA, and talks about a possible combination have not recommenced. According to the paper's sources, senior executives at FCA kiboshed the proposal as it would it lead to the automaker being even more reliant on the European market.

Given how much time we spend in our cars, getting your driving position right is important. It's also something of an inexact science, given each manufacturer sets up their cabins differently. Although it's a branded piece of YouTube content, this video from Jaguar takes an interesting walk through the key elements of a good driving position – even if the animated driver is wearing what appear to be fairly high heels. Check out the video below.