SsangYong Korando platform to underpin two new models

SsangYong is working on two new models that will enter the B and D segments as part of a three-year plan to pull the South Korean company out of its £200m debt. The three-year plan lies with Mahindra and Mahindra, who are in concluding stages of purchasing a large share of SsangYong.

Vice president of marketing, Johng-Sik Choi, said that “We want to be working at maximum output, which is producing 250,000 cars globally per year – the new Korando should account for 100,000 of those. To do that we intend to enter growing markets such as Russia, China and South America, and we will expand our model range with cars built on our new monocoque platform.”

Fiat 500 to retain its shape for next refresh

At this time, chief Fiat designers are working out on how the next 500 city-car should look.

The 500 has been a runaway success for Fiat and is about to go on sale in the U.S, meekly revised and built in Mexico.

2011 Chevrolet Volt could receive 25% electric range increase

GM has been making a racket about how the Volt has an electric range of “upto 40 miles” before the 1.4 litre turbo-charged petrol engine kicks in, giving an extra 300 mile range but that may all change....

With GM filing essential paperwork with the federal government, information is leaking out at how GM may buoy up its claimed range of 40 miles to 50 miles on electric power. GM hasn’t previously hinted at extending the range beyond 40 miles since the concept was first launched in early 2007.

Renault plans affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car

Renault could have a rear-wheel-drive sports car within its line-up by 2014, providing chairman Laurens van den Acker gets his way.

Van den Acker said he not only thinks Renault should be building a compact, affordable sports car, but also that the chance to make it lies in Renault’s planned alliances.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Mercedes Viano/Vito facelift

The Mercedes Viano leads its class, defining the new benchmark for large MPV segment/compact commercial vehicle segment. New engines and transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption while enhancing performance. The new chassis offers the ultimate in ride comfort and driving safety. The cockpit and passenger compartment are more user-friendly and attractively appointed than ever. The Mercedes Viano is instantly recognisable by its "face", featuring the Mercedes star in the style of the current passenger cars, and a newly designed rear section.

In the UK, two trim-levels are offered; Trend and Ambiente. Both are available in three sizes; Viano compact (4,763mm), Viano Long (5,008mm) and Viano Extra-Long (5,238mm) and with three diesel engines; 2.0 CDI, 2.2 CDI and 3.0 CDI V6.

Mini rejects the idea of British design studio (UK)

Mini executive, Gert Hildebrand has rejected the idea of opening a design studio in the UK. Hilderbrand said a UK Mini design studio "wouldn't happen" as it would be too far away from Mini's engineering team.

BMW built a Mini design studio in 2001 at its Munich headquarters, close to their engineering department. Many have asked Mini to expand its design team into Britain to help offer a more traditional perspective on Mini design, but Hilderbrand - a fan of classic Minis and British culture in general – has dashed hopes of such a facility being created.

2011 Nissan Micra platform to underpin sedan and sub-compact MPV

New information has surfaced of the forthcoming sub-compact saloon and MPV that will underline the all-new Micra/March small-car platform.

The ‘V’ platform – short for versatile – it intended to adapt the structure for different body styles. The ‘V’ platform will ultimately generate production of a million vehicles annually, Nissan envisage.

Audi could sell 10,000 more cars (UK)

Audi UK is claiming it could sell 10,000 more cars this year if factory shortages in mainland Europe didn’t hold back supply. Audi UK has many more customers than production slots allocated for four key models; A3 hatch, Q5 compact SUV, Q7 large SUV and the A8.

“We’re having a great year, but forecast that we could sell up to 7,000 and 10,000 more cars this year if we had the supply,” says a spokesman for the company.

News in brief

2011 Ford Ranger preview

No 2011 Ford Ranger for America (U.S):

FoMoCo (Ford Motor Company) has recently confirmed that the ‘compact’ (large) Ranger pick-up won’t be heading Stateside, following several off-on changes. Ford said the decision comes from the fact the compact pick-up truck market in the U.S is shrinking fast and other rivals offer better vehicles.

Ford is likely to be shutting down its St. Paul, Minnesota assembly plant. The Ranger will be sold in 180 markets across the world with unveiling beginning on 15th October in Sydney, Australia. The Ranger will go on sale in the UK Autumn 2011.

Subaru to launch Impreza WRX STI saloon in Britain (UK)

Subaru to set to launch the 4dr Impreza WRX STI saloon ahead of Winter this year.

The car first premiered at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in Spring. The saloon is designed to overturn poor demand for the cult performance classic, which changed to a 5dr hatchback body style in 2007.