Filed under: Hatchbacks , Concept Cars , Mercedes-Benz , News One of the more welcome surprises at this week’s Shanghai show was the radically different direction Mercedes seems to be intent on taking the humble A-Class. The manufacturer revealed its new Concept A in China – a sculpted, flowing design which is hotly tipped to form the basis of the forthcoming production version. Continue reading Mercedes plots radical new direction for next A-Class Permalink | Email this | Comments Go here to read the rest: Mercedes plots radical new direction for next A-Class See the rest here:  Mercedes plots radical new direction for next A-Class

Filed under: Audi The seventh generation A6 has to be Audi’s most serious contender in the executive car stakes when compared to BMW and Mercedes rivals. David got to drive the 2.0-litre TDi diesel and 3.0-litre TFSi petrol versions at the international launch earlier this year and came back impressed with the new cars abilities. So I was keen to drive both of these and another of the key engines – the 3.0-litre TDi at the A6’s UK launch. Continue reading First UK drive: Audi A6 3.0 TDi Quattro SE Permalink | Email this | Comments View original here: First UK drive: Audi A6 3.0 TDi Quattro SE Original post:  First UK drive: Audi A6 3.0 TDi Quattro SE

Volvo’s new owners Geely have stated their plans to increase Volvo’s reach around the world. This includes taking Volvo upmarket to a place it hasn’t really competed in. Volvo traditionally didn’t go head-to-head with manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The company would like to change that though, as with a higher status comes the ability to charge higher prices. Moving upmarket is also a must for the Chinese market, as it is a luxury offerings. For manufacturers looking to get in on the luxury game, a big luxury sedan is a must. Volvo is showing off its Concept Universe to preview what such a model could like. Curiously, it is taking place right near the Shanghai Motor Show, but is not a part of the show as it will not be making an appearance there. The Concept Universe ditches the swoopy design theme of the XC60 Crossover and S60 sedan for a more boxy look. It’s clear the aim is to recall the boxy look of past Volvos in order to create a defining design theme. We aren’t so sure how it works in practice. From some angles it looks pretty good, and others disjointed. The rear also doesn’t seem to quite integrate with the front design, as it appears similar to the Fisker Karma. Concepts tend to look better than their production counterparts, so this doesn’t bode too well for Volvo. The Concept Universe, as evidenced by its name, is clearly is a design study. It is meant to be uniquely Scandinavian in approach. In the future, Volvo says it aims to be the brand that “best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want.” Volvo designer Peter Horbury is responsible for the design of the car. Describing the car he say “(it is) just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time….we will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.” It’s unclear how many elements from this car will be making it to production, but this car shows the way forward for Volvo. “The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and...

Volvo has raised the curtain at the Shanghai Auto Show on a concept car enigmatically named Volvo Concept Universe, hinting at what the next-generation S80 flagship sedan might look like. And, well, it looks like a big luxury coupe. It’s got a long hood and a high tubby trunk, something like the Jaguar XJ-L . A long concave style line running fore and aft above the rocker panel provides a horizontal reference point and all the corners are rounded off. One of the most eye-catching points, at least from the exterior, is a new grille treatment, bright concentric circles—don’t say they look like a backyard barbecue—that light up like a neon sign. That op-art effect is repeated in what look like LED headlight surrounds. Another unusual feature that is likely for auto show pizzazz, rather than showrooms, is the front-opening “suicide” rear doors. The futuristic Swedish-austere interior has more of the sketchbook look of a never-to-be-built concept. The two (yes, just two) rear seats are molded plastic, seemingly un-upholstered. Switches and controls are concentrated on a touch-screen that moves itself toward the hand when the driver reaches for it. The broader implication here is that Volvo’s new owner, China’s Geely, is trying to raise Volvo’s status from premium to true luxury, making the brand a more credible direct competitor to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While there’s a nod to things Chinese in the blue-and-white porcelain decoration on the shift lever, nearly all the design language says “European”–still the font of high-status cars. No details have been released on the engine, suspension, or other mechanical bits. If Volvo brings the Concept Universe to the New York auto show , we’ll be ferreting out more of the low-down. See the original post here:  Video: Volvo Concept Universe luxury sedan bows in China

Mercedes-Benz debuts the new Concept A-Class on stage at Auto Shanghai 2011 with David Banner, Estelle and Daley More here: Mercedes-Benz Takes the Stage at Auto Shanghai 2011

Buick’s recent success in the United States has startled many industry observers and has come as a promising development for General Motors. Out of the four remaining brands at the company, Buick has seen some of the biggest percentage sales increases. This off the back of three competitive models, the Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal. A small car dubbed Verano is on the way later this year. Over in China though, Buick has been successful for years. Buick owes its existence to China, which likely will become the world’s largest auto market. With the Shanghai Motor Show under way, Buick is previewing a new generation of crossovers with the Envision Concept. The concept was created as a joint effort between Shanghai GM and the company’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center. The Envision Concept takes Buick design cues and explores them in new and more dramatic ways. It shows off a more angular take on Buick’s waterfall grille and a more aggressive face than on production models. A unique element on this crossover is its greenhouse, which is uninterrupted by a pillar. The rear is dramatic, with a steeply raked window. Overall, we like the themes being explored. With these teams responsible for future Buicks (that will be coming to our shores), it is likely we will see similar elements make their way to production Buicks. The concept has a bit of a local flavor, but these themes will be making their way to future models. GM executives in China and the U.S said as much. Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM says “It introduces the development direction for Buick’s future SUV products for the market.” According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, “The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand.” A good bet would be a strong influence from this concept on the next-generation Enclave or the new Encore small crossover. However, what the Envision Concept doesn’t do is serve as a wholesale preview of a future production model. Like early every concept these days, the Envision is powered by a plug-in hybrid setup. Two...

The latest Concept A-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the clearest indication yet as to what the automaker’s next-generation A-Class will look like, and the good news is that the production version of this one is likely to hit U.S. shores. Revealed today at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and again soon at the 2011 New York Auto Show in just a few… View original post here:  Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class: 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz will be showing the world premiere of their Concept A-Class at the Shanghai Auto Show live on Facebook. Be sure to tune in at 7:25 PM PST to watch the live unveiling, and of course the Q & A session with Mr. Christopher Horn (Mercedes-Benz Director of Global Communications). Live: Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class World Premiere Read more here: LIVE!: Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class World Premiere

The Basics: With an all-new Jaguar XJ also entering the fray for 2011, the fourth generation of Audi’s big, luxurious A8 sedan has tighter competition than ever. The new 2011 Audi A8 gets a new set of aluminum body panels and revised space-frame structure, a broad spectrum of drivetrain choices, and a new MMI system that goes the iPhone route for… Read the original:  2011 Audi A8

General Motors has announced an upcoming price increase on vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, due largely to the increase in oil and metal costs. The automaker hasn’t provided a model-by-model breakdown yet, but states that the average per-vehicle increase will be $123. GM did not provide a list of included or excluded… See original here: General Motors Announces Price Increase

BMW and Mercedes continue their impressive growth in China. A report by Bloomberg states that the sales growth are rapidly increasing at more than nine times the pace of wider industry. The two premium automakers sold combined 102,497 vehicles during the first quarter of 2011, a 76 percent increase over last year. Industrywide growth is reported to be 8.1 percent. BMW’s 3 Series sales in China surged even after the tax breaks and subsidies ended. The 3 Series base price starts in China at $45,3000. Mercedes is seeing great results as well. According to the same magazine quoting Klaus Maier, president and chief executive officer at Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz business in China, the factories are at full swing in Germany to support production capacity for China. Mercedes sales surged 86 percent in the first quarter to 43,991 vehicles, while BMW increased vehicle sales in China 71 percent to 58,506 during the same period. The Chinese market leader, Audi, has also seen a 25 percent increase to 64,122 cars delivered in the first quarter. The three German brands may beat forecasts for 2011. Audi has said it expects sales to rise 11 percent to 280,000 in China this year, while Mercedes projects growth of 15 percent. BMW predicts a “double-digit” increase in 2011. At the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show, BMW will unveil a China-made plug-in hybrid version of the 5 Series Sedan, along with the new BMW M5 Concept. BMW introduced its smallest 1 Series to the company’s lineup in China last year and in 2013, the BMW i vehicles are expected to make their way into the congested Chinese cities. “The luxury portion of the China car market is steadily growing and we’ve invested a lot in promoting the brand and improving after sales service in the past years,” Wu Xiao, chairman of Brilliance Automotive Holdings Ltd., BMW’s Chinese partner, said in Hong Kong last month. “I expect our growth to far exceed our competitors. The rest is here:  BMW, Mercedes Increase Sales Growth in China

With the number of units delivered to date going past the 30,000 mark, Mercedes-Benz is finally coming up with an update and redesign of its ultra-successful Citaro bus line. The company has very recently announced development of a new variant and is planning to debut it into public show floors by the next month followed by manufacturing during the last months of this year. Daimiler AG issued a press release giving fans a sneak peek into the styling principles being followed with the redesigned Citaro. Up for restyling are the headlamps as well as taillights, plus the interior will be refurbished as well with brighter, livelier colors and a cleaner and sleeker roof. In addition to general styling changes, the driver will be seated much higher in the cockpit. The new Citaro’s instrument cluster shall meet the strict standards set by the Association of German Transport Operators (VDV), with a more airy, ergonomically spaced and informative layout that will be more easily read by the driver. Daimler, in a press statement, says “the bestselling Mercedes-Benz Citaro will soon have a successor. And with numerous innovative features for both the interior and exterior, the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro is sure to make urban public transport even more attractive in the future.” More here:  Citaro bus line now up for a revamped variant

Mercedes-Benz has just released an announcement of a unique range of merchandising products to celebrate the company’s 125 th founding anniversary. To mark the momentous occasion, exactly one and a quarter of a century after the invention of the very first automobile, the company has created finely crafted replicas of its top-class model ranges. The models, drawn and built to scale, are exactly 1:43 of their actual, petrol breathing counterparts. They’re accompanied by a collection of premium accessories which reflect the grand legacy of the legendary inventor of the automobile. Included in the lineup is a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car – the first ever four-wheeled motorized car – as well as the Mercedes Simplex which dates back to 1902. This car, during its time, featured all the important components of a modern day car and was thus way ahead of its time. Also joining the party is the utterly beautiful 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster. Meanwhile, models that were designed after the world war are also included in the collection. The most notable of these is the legendary and forever inspirational 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe which is lived by the current SLS AMG super car. There’s also the 1972 Mercedes-Benz S-Class that served as the pioneering model which carried the most innovative technologies during its era. Last but not the least is the modern day CLS which many considers to be the flagship model of the German marquee. The company says it will limit the production of the models to 1,250 replicas each. To be sold in special packaging, they will be exclusive collector items for the most loyal of Mercedes-Benz fans and owners. Each model will come with a booklet summarizing the history of the brand as well as a metal badge which records the item’s serial number for authenticity. Other merchandise are available as well, namely a polo tshirt, cap, silver-plated key ring and an exclusively designed Ritzenhoff mug. See the rest here: 125 years of automotive innovation

Auto loan buyers are well aware and are looking forward to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK hitting showroom floors by June of this year. Meanwhile, experts in the used car market industry are already forecasting the resale value of the new SLK to remain steady for years to come thanks to the level of popularity that the model is expected to hold over buyers who are looking for used Mercedes for sale . Unlike used BMW for sale , the SLK’s rejuvenated design and aggressive style will prove to be successful beyond what its predecessors have achieved. Critics are already writing about the SLK and comparing it to the SLS AMG supercar, thus heightening its already huge popularity. Not only that. As with any Mercedes-Benz model, the company is bringing forth an AMG variant of the SLK, thus ensuring satisfaction for AMG worshippers everywhere. CAP Monitor editor Jeff Knight predicts that the SLK will retain up to 49.5 percent of its retail value right up to three years after its release. That’s more than a 10 percent difference compared to the current SLK which is now worth almost 39 percent of its retail value after the same period. A lot of its success shall likely be credited to its similarities to the much desired SLS AMG supercar. Read more:  2012 SLK predicted to hold high resale value

Nico Rosberg rode momentum from his strong finish at the previous race by getting fifth place at the just-concluded Chinese Grand Prix, and Michael Schumacher was able to finish in the points at eight place. McLaren-Mercedes also posted an incredible victory with Lewis Hamilton leading the charge, and teammate Jenson Button was at fourth place behind the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. It was also nice seeing Michael Schumacher battle it out with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso around laps 24 and 25—arguably two of the top 5 racers in the past two decades. Of course, Alonso managed to squeeze past Schumi on a corner to slip into third place somewhere in lap 26, right before Schumi went into the pits on Lap 27. The McLarens roared off the five red lights to start the race, overtaking Vettel even despite his KERS. Hamilton overcame some hiccups along the way and sailed to victory with Vettel right behind him. Rosberg finished well in qualifying, snagging a second-row start with a P4 qualifying result. Schumacher started farther back down the field at P14. The two McLaren-Mercedes vehicles copped P2 and P3. Excerpt from:  Mercedes GP Petronas Finishes Fifth, Eighth at Chinese Grand Prix