The Honda Brio was apparently inspired by the Citroen 2CV, as evidenced by its codename during development. Of course, the Brio is based on a much more conventional layout, but the ultra-compact dimensions, measuring 142 inches in length and 66 inches wide. For comparison, a Smart ForTwo is 106.1 inches long but 61.4 inches wide, making the Brio a sort of four-door equivalent.

The Brio was designed for the Thai and Indian markets, and the primary concern was navigating their tight urban areas. Priced at around $13,000 USD, the Brio will likely never make it to our shores, but as the demand for small vehicles grows, perhaps an Americanized version may one day show up.

[Source: Autoblog]

Audi is supposed to be revealing official pictures of their new mid-size A6 sedan within days, but a dutch site has apparently leaked the pictures first. Not surprisingly, the car looks like it splits the difference between an A4 and an A8, with Audi design cues so ubiquitous, that the car almost looks generic.

We’ll hopefully have technical specs coming in the next 24 hours, but for now, take a look at tell us what you think of Audi’s “one sausage, different lengths” strategy.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Although the U.S. economy is slowly spluttering back to life, some industries seem to be doing better than others. In the auto sector, sales are up, particularly for Domestic manufacturers and on the truck side too.

For the month of November, Bloomberg predicts overall car and light truck sales for the year at approximately 12.2 million units, nearly rivaling August 2009 when the U.S. Government’s controversial ‘Cash for Clunkers,’ program helped push sales to almost record levels.

Out of the November totals, both Ford and Chrysler have increased their overall sales percentage by around 20 percent, while General Motors has seen an approximately 13 percent increase. And a lot of that has to do with light truck demand. According to Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmumds.com; truck sales rise “as it gets colder, plus we’ve seen higher demand as gas prices have been stable for some time.”

And among the overall increase in truck demand, individual vehicles have scored particularly significant gains. Sales of Ford’s F-Series pickups have climbed by 30 percent through October, while sales of Chrysler’s Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV (recently revamped for 2011) rose by 41 percent in the same period. GM’s Chevy Equinox has also seen robust demand for some time.

The increase demand also corresponds with what seems to be a more optimistic outlook from the automakers. For example, Jesse Toprak V-P of industry trends at TrueCar.com, says GM’s increases are likely in part a result of the company’s historic IPO. “If you see the company performing, the stock price holding up, and perhaps GM posting another profit in the fourth quarter, that adds to brownie points with consumers,” Toprak said.

Chrysler, despite delivering a third quarter operating loss this year ($84 million), has raised it’s full-year operating profit forecast to about $700 million. “The mood of customers is exceptional. I have a very positive attitude toward our products. It’s a strong month for November,” said David Kelleher, a Chrysler dealer in Glen Mills, PA.

[Source: Bloomberg]

NHTSA has announced that just over 6,000 2011 Volvos will be recalled due to an issue that could see a fuel cutoff engaged due to the engine computer’s parameter being too sensitive.

Drivers could have the fuel cutoff engaged at an inappropriate time, causing the engine to stall. The defect is present in the 2011 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 models. Volvo will update the engine computer software free of charge something around December 10th. Owners can contact Volvo at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

[Source: NHTSA]

Land Rover is recalling approximately 3,000 examples of it’s baby LR2 models for a potential issue with the driver’s airbag module. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects those LR2s manufactured between November 12, 2009 and August 23 2010.

And according to an official statement released from the government agency the problem centers around the shorting bar in the clock spring, which may become disconnected when the driver’s side airbag module is installed. As a result the driver’s air bag may not deploy properly or deploy at all in the event of an accident.

For a full rundown on the recall, click on the link below. In the meantime, if you own one of these LR2s affected by the recall, both NHTSA and Land Rover urge you to contact your local Land Rover dealer, so the problem can be fixed free of charge.

You know you’re out of financial trouble when you can start sponsoring events like the PGA again. And since things are looking up for General Motors, that’s exactly what they’re doing. They were last seen on the tour in 2008, but had to drop their sponsorship, thanks to major cutbacks right before they filed for Chapter 11.

This time around, Cadillac is now the title sponsor of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship and an umbrella sponsor of the World Golf Championships. In 2011, the tournament will be played at TPC Blue Monster, Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Doral, FL.

“We believe that the World Golf Championships will provide Cadillac with an effective and valuable marketing platform that will provide an excellent return on its investment,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.  The tour organizers also “look forward to exploring opportunities with Cadillac to bring PGA TOUR tournament golf back to Detroit.”

The sponsorship offers Cadillac a high-profile global marketing platform, which includes extensive branding and advertising across the four-event global series, as well as opportunities to connect with customers and dealers. Cadillac will have vehicle display programs at events and throughout the year at Doral Resort, as well as initiate dealer and lead-generation programs.

Honda is cutting the base price of its slow-selling Insight hybrid by $1,600, and offering a base model that retails for $18,950, putting it $4,610 below the cheapest Toyota Prius.

Honda achieved the price cut by removing features like Bluetooth connectivity and a GPS navigation system, while using cheaper seat fabric and a two speaker stereo system. The base Insight will still feature stability control, keyless entry, power windows, automatic climate control and a tilt steering wheel.

While the Prius sells around 115,000 units per year, the Insight sells a dismal 17,000.

[Source: Automotive News]

General Motors has announced that it’s hiring 1,000 people over the next couple years to help improve electric vehicle related infastructure, as well as charging, motor and battery technology.

While the jobs aren’t as glamorous as developing the next generation of electric vehicles, there’s no question that without any of the above, EVs will forever be a niche for wealthy tree-hugger types and peak oil conspiracy nuts. All of the jobs will be located in Michigan, which should provide a nice boost to the states flaccid economy.

The announcement came as Chevrolet prepared to start production of the Volt at GM’s Hammtrack assembly plant.

[Source: Automotive News]

Honda has given its European market Jazz (also known as the Fit to us North Americans) a mild refresh, and confirmed availability of the Jazz Hybrid that debuted at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

A front end re-style drops the drag co-efficient to 0.33, and the 1.2L and 1.4L powerplants get minor reductions in CO2 emissions. Higher-grade materials adorn the cabin, while leather seats are an option on higher trim levels.

Most significant is the option of a CVT transmission, something that was apparently quite popular on the first generation Jazz. The CVT will be standard equipment on the Jazz Hybrid, and an option on 1.4L engine cars.

[Source: Autocar]

How’s this for making a couple of extra buck on the side. According to reports, a gang of 18 workers at BMW‘s plant in Munich stole up to €3 million ($4 million U.S.) worth of auto parts from the German automaker for years. The thieves would then sell their ill-gotten booty through Internet auctions.

These workers would stop the lines for fake quality control checks and make off with the goods. The gang stole everything from blank keys to wheel covers to gear sticks, and the most lucrative item turned out to be reselling seats.

They were caught by BMW’s own internal investigators discovered the thievery and passed it along to local police. The gang allegedly transferred their profits to foreign bank accounts, partly in Turkey and at least three ex-employees are currently in custody.

[Source: The Local]