Could the Volkswagen GTI hot hatch also make for a good cabriolet? The German automaker seems to think so as we learned earlier this month of a production GTI cabriolet to bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

In production form, we expect the visual elements to be toned down from the Worthersee concept but the general recipe should remain the same. Power will come from the familiar 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 208-hp and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or the DSG transmission. The GTI cabriolet will also receive a GTI-spec suspension and electronic limited slip differential.

But that’s not all. Volkswagen had something else up its sleeve as reports confirm a second vehicle to be unveiled in Geneva. Joining the GTI Cabrio is an all-new Volkswagen Polo GT Blue. The Polo GT Blue will be the first Volkswagen to be fitted with a trick 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine with ACT cylinder deactivation system technology.

This technology recognizes when the engine is operating at lower loads, usually between 1,250 to 4,000 rpm, and will shut off two cylinders accordingly to reduce fuel consumption. In the future, we expect to see this 1.4-liter powerplant make its way across the Volkswagen global line-up.

Details on these two new models are limited for now but stay tuned as we draw closer to the upcoming show at Geneva.

GALLERY: Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet 

[Source: Carscoop]

Citroën has just released official images of its latest hot-hatch concept model set to premiere at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It’s images like these that convince us the North American market could really use some French metal.

In terms of hardware, the Citroën DS4 Racing concept receives the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found in many vehicles in the Peugeot-Citroen line-up. Unlike the other models, the engine in the DS4 R has been tuned to produce an incredible 256-hp in DS4 R trim. At an astronomical 160-hp per liter, Citroën claims the ratio is the highest for any mass-production car. New geometry lowers the ride hight by 35mm compared to the standard DS4 and tracks are widened by 55mm in the front and 75mm at the back.

For aesthetics, the DS4 R Concept takes from Citroën’s earlier DS3 R, receiving a similar ground effects kit including sculpted bumpers with wider air intake, a subtle carbon fiber trim around the grille, a rear diffuser , wheel-arch extensions, and side sills.

While details around the new French hot-hatch are limited, it’s power output places the concept squarely against the VW Golf R and Ford Focus ST. More details on the DS4 R Concept will be available as we near the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

GALLERY: Citroën DS4 R Concept

Based on the C-Evo platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback, the American-twin 2013 Dodge Dart will only be available in a four-door body style.

During an interview with Chrysler Canada president and Dodge brand CEO Reid Bigland, he noted that sedans make up 90 percent of the compact segment, and are 25 percent of the overall Canadian new-car marketplace. “We’re going to go right up the middle of where the demand is. Right now, the evidence is overwhelmingly on a four-door sedan.”

Reading between the lines, Reid Bigland’s “right now” suggests the possibility of new layouts in Dart’s future. What’s more, Bigland also acknowledged that the success of the hatchbacks or coupes available for the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and the Mazda3 have helped the cars become top sellers.

When asked about Dodge Dart’s predecessor, the Caliber Hatchback, Bigland defended, “I don’t think the Caliber soured anyone on hatchbacks. There’s a functionality edge with the hatchbacks, no doubt.”

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

[Source: Globe And Mail]

Discuss this story at the Dodge Dart Forums

Earlier this month we reported that Honda had launched a recall for 347 Accords and Crosstours subject to the possibility of side curtain airbag failure. The devices may fail to deploy at the moment of strong impact, putting passengers at a higher risk of physical harm.

The failure lies in incorrect propellant used in the side bags. Most recently, Honda announced the recall has been expanded to include additional Accords and Crosstour models as well as select 2012 Civic and Acura MDX. The number of affected vehicles grew to 974.

Owners of affected Hondas should receive recall letters mailed February 24th. The recalls will be carried out free of charge at authorized dealerships.

The acclaimed Hyundai Veloster receives a major upgrade for the 2013 model year. Recognized for its unique three-door configuration, provoking design, build quality, and great value, the Veloster has also been criticized for falling short in the driving department.

For 2013, Hyundai answers with the introduction of the Veloster Turbo, armed with a 1.6 liter turbo inline-four delivering 201-hp and 195 lb.-ft. Torque. While the base Veloster offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or dual clutch transmission, the Veloster Turbo will keep the manual but forgo the dual-clutch for a traditional 6-speed automatic instead.

The new Veloster Turbo hatch will be available for sale by summertime and, according to a Hyundai official that spoke to Inside Line, should receive a starting price at $21,500, or $22,280 when you factor in the $760 destination charge. An affordable price for cars delivering a similar package with similar performance, the more powerful Veloster is actually a $4,000 premium over the 138-hp base model. Of course, the Veloster Turbo will be provided with more standard equipment as well.

Strangely, a turbo variant for the Veloster was reportedly not a part of Hyundai’s initial product strategy in North America. Due to the daily practice of freeway driving by most Americans, we’re glad Hyundai reconsidered.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

[Source: Inside Line]

In an ever continuing effort to provide more active safety technology to more cars, innovations once exclusive to premium and luxury vehicles are trickling down to family vehicles.

Mazda will offer its new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system for the new CX-5 compact crossover.  This new brake controller intervenes to prevent distracted drivers from frontal collisions at slow speeds.

SCBS is Mazda’s latest safety device, which operates at speeds between 3 to 19 mph. A windshield-mounted laser sensor act as the digital eyes of the vehicle, detecting oncoming obstacles while automatically shortening brake travel in order to minimize brake activation time.

If the driver fails to react to the obstacle ahead, the SCBS system will automatically engage the CX-5′s brakes while reducing engine output in an effort to prevent a collision, or to minimize its severity.

SCBS also incorporates acceleration control for automatic transmission, which will not allow unintended acceleration when the throttle is accidentally depressed when the driver is looking for the brakes.

Check out Mazda’s SCBS in action after the jump.

GALLERY: Mazda CX-5 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

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Later this year, Volkswagen will reveal its all-new Mk7 Golf (Spy photo shown above). A pivotal new car for Volkswagen, the Golf will be improved in almost all aspects, including a swath of more luxurious features.

The staple hatchback will receive a wider range of powertrains including a natural gas variant, an electric variant, and a plug-in hybrid variant that would not only produce 243-hp, but achieve more than 50 mpg.

Mainstream engines for the Golf will include the 1.4 liter turbo engine expected to be good for 138-hp. Larger petrol engines will be available in 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter. Diesel options include a 2.0L diesel producing 181-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a twin-turbo diesel with an output of 220-hp. Finally, the new Golf GTI hot hatch gets hotter. The new GTI is expected to receive a 260-hp 2.0 liter turbo. To handle the newfound power, the GTI also features the new VAQ electrically controlled front differential. VW claims that the “agile steering behavior” offers fantastic feedback and cuts the lap time of a conventional diff Golf around the Nürburgring by 8.0 seconds.

Aiming to set a new benchmark, the new Golf will be the first model in the Volkswagen line-up to receive the new MQB platform, a radical chassis that will eventually serve as the underpinning for everything from the VW Polo supermini to the larger Passat sedan. Volkswagen also developed a tweaked Dynamic Chassis Control active damping system to complement the new architecture.

Promising a lighter weight version of the Mk7 Golf, Volkswagen will also create a platform with aluminum floor pressings, boot floor and windscreen base. The German automaker has yet to announce which models would receive this unique alloy-steel hybrid structure, but analysts suggest the Golf EV and GTI are best positioned to receive it. This structure is designed to be as light as the Mk4 Golf of the late 1990′s while providing much higher standards in safety.

Finally, technology found in the Golf include an 8 inch iPad style infotainment screen that includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, 360 parking sensors with semi-autonomous capability, all features previously reserved for more luxury-oriented cars.

Expect to see the new Golf at the September Paris Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2013 VW Golf MK7 Spy Photos

[Source: Autocar]

According to a statement by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China’s monthly sales of passenger-vehicles suffered its steepest decline in more than seven years due to a Lunar New Year holiday season hiatus that deprived dealers of a week’s worth of sales. Figures indicated that sales fell to 1.16 million units in January, a 24 percent decrease from the year before. According to five analysts from Bloomberg News, sales were projected to drop 18 percent.

Great Wall Securities Co. analyst Ran Fei said, “Even though the actual holidays were five working days, some dealerships took the opportunity to close their stores for a longer time. The numbers are disappointing.” Compounding the auto sales slump in the Chinese market, the Chinese government also estimated that holiday sales at the nation’s main retailers and restaurants rose at their slowest pace since the 2009 financial crisis.

Are these signs an indication that the world’s largest and fastest growing automotive market is showing economic resistance? Despite these statistics, Ran Fei insists that “Car demand is stable. There’s no indication of any changes on that front.” China’s Passenger Car Association also believes that the Chinese economy is fundamentally sound and interprets the auto sales number as a mere holiday season distortion. The Passenger Car Association expects a 30 percent rise in sales for February.

Huatai Securities Co. analyst Chen Liang adds, “Demand is still there and consumers in the smaller, less developed cities will still have a growing need for cars. These numbers don’t change my outlook for the year.”

In January, GM reported an 8 percent decline in China sales, its first Chinese sales decline in six months. Chevrolet sales suffered a 20 percent hit to 54,399 units. According to Ford, its China sales fell a staggering 42 percent last month. Bucking the trend, Luxury German brands BMW and Audi both posted higher sales, enjoying a 30 percent and 23 percent gain respectively.

IHS Automotive Shanghai analyst Namrita Chow provided this explanation, “Prior to the Chinese New Year, Chinese consumers who are looking to enhance their prestige and status symbol have chosen high-end luxury brands.”

[Source: Bloomberg]

Fiat has released pictures of its new 500 “wagon” ahead of the car’s big reveal at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Called the 500L, it’s a replacement product for the infamously ugly Multipla.

The “L” stands for “Large” and helps expand the Fiat 500 range to four models. As for sizing, the 500L measures in at 163-inches long, 70-inches wide and 65-inches high. By comparison, the standard 500 model, the 500L is roughly two feet longer.

Designed as an alternative to traditional B and C segment cars, the 500L will go on sale in Europe in the last quarter of 2012 with a choice of two gasoline engines (TwinAir and a 1.4-liter), as well as a 1.3-liter turbodiesel.

GALLERY: Fiat 500L

Just when CAFE loosened standards and lowered from 56.5 MPG to 54 MPG by 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to propose new and more stringent conditions for automakers that sell cars in California. The California Air Resources Board will not only enforce CAFE, but will also require at least 15.4 percent of all cars sold by any major automaker in the state to either be fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell by 2025.

Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, observes 15.4 percent as, “a relatively modest goal, but that’s all that we’re mandating. Probably the most heartening aspect of this whole rulemaking was the level of cooperation that we received from the industry… Overall, the degree of support for the package was just extraordinary.”

It is worth noting that earlier this month, researcher LMC Automotive discovered that hybrid sales in the United States have decreased in 2011 to 2.2 percent compared to 2.4 percent of all vehicle sales in 2010. These numbers are far below the proposed 15.4 percent mandate. Despite high profile unveilings of gas-electric products at auto shows across the world,  consumers find the cost premium of owning a hybrid over conventional combustion engine vehicles too expensive.

According to the California New Car Dealers Association, this plan would cause automakers to increase the average price of a new vehicle by an estimated $3,200 in order to develop technology that will accommodate the new rules. Appropriately, Mary Nichols also said, “direct incentives to people who buy these cars (like) rebates and credits” are also being worked out.

California’s new regulation will likely be adopted by an additional 10 states, resulting to the projected total number of advanced green vehicles near three million total units by 2025, 1.4 million of which would be in California.

[Source: Autoblog]

Of the major Japanese Automakers, Nissan Motors has been one of the least affected by natural disasters and the strengthening yen, effectively minimizing exposure to regional risks by erecting facilities overseas.

Nissan has announced plans to build another manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to expand North American production. An investment worth $2.0 billion USD, the new facility will be joining two other Mexican Nissan factories already in place. When construction is completed, operations are projected to begin late in 2013, with an initial production capacity of 175,000 vehicles annually.

Operations in the new complex include body, trim, and chassis installation, paint manufacturing, associated parts warehousing, as well as an on-site test track for quality assurance tests of new vehicles. All this means that the manufacturing complex will provide up to 3,000 new jobs at the facility, and approximately 9,000 new jobs from supply chain and wider community. All in all, Nissan’s expansion will allow a total of 13,500 jobs provided for Aguascalientes.

Nissan currently makes up six of the ten most popular vehicles sold in Mexico. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said, “Mexico is a key engine for Nissan’s growth in the Americas. Together with our new plant in Brazil, this new manufacturing facility in Aguascalientes is an important pillar in our strategy to ensure that Nissan has the capacity it needs to increase sales volume and market share across the Americas.”

Jose Munoz, president and general director of Nissan Mexico adds, “No other automaker is investing in Mexico more than Nissan. Nissan’s investment in new manufacturing, engineering and technology resources in Aguascalientes validates what thousands of our employees, suppliers, and customers already know. Behind our market leadership is an unparalleled commitment to deliver the best vehicles for Mexico and more than 100 international markets.”

Hyundai has made incredible gains in the global market, challenging larger automakers in markets they once dominated. While Volkswagen has globally sold a record number of vehicles in 2011, Hyundai Motors and its Kia affiliate have exceeded VW’s numbers in the United States. According to senior analyst of auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell, “Hyundai offers compelling design at an affordable price– a win-win for must consumers. Brand exposure has long been the problem for Hyundai, but that has certainly eased.” The South Korean automaker has made some smart moves to gain publicity, including ads aired during the Super Bowl as well as the company’s sponsorship of the World Cup.

The pressure on Volkswagen doesn’t end at North America, however, as Hyundai intends to bring the fight to Europe as well. Chief operating officer Allan Rushforth for Hyundai Europe said, “It’s very important for Hyundai to be successful. Europe is a top priority because it affects how the company is perceived elsewhere.”

Just as European nations tackle a debt crisis and consumers face austerity measures, Hyundai looks to offer products that mix great value, reliability, European styling and handling. While Volkswagen focuses its attention on challenging GM and surpassing them for the title as world’s largest automaker, Hyundai sneaked up on the German Automaker as Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at Germany’s University of Applied Sciences, said, “Hyundai is one of VW’s most serious challengers. The mix of good value, quality and design is a solid basis, and they’ve been getting more innovative every year.”

During the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, a video was posted on YouTube capturing a concerned conversation between VW CEO Martin Wintekorn and his associates at Hyundai’s show floor. Upon studying the adjustable steering column inside the Hyundai i30, Winterkorn  noted, “Nothing rattles. Why can they do it? BMW can’t. We Can’t.”

Winterkorn adds, “It’s become increasingly clear that whoever’s at the front has a lot of opponents. Our competitors are attacking Volkswagen all over the world.”

For Hyundai’s European offensive, the South Korean automaker has prepared a $12.4 billion investment, intended for plant upgrades and vehicle technology development.  Meanwhile, Volkswagen steels itself against imminent competition by holding onto a 62.4 billion euro budget to invest in factories and new vehicles over the next five years.

GALLERY: Hyundai Elantra

[Source: Bloomberg]

One of the stand-out cars at this year’s North American International Auto Show, the Cadillac ATS looks extremely promising. In the 4th installment of Cadillac’s “The Journey” series, we witness GM’s commitment behind this product, from conception, to development, to its debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

Tuned during Nurburgring shakedown testing, the ATS aims to take on the best of what Germany has to offer– the luxury compact sedan segment. Weighing less than 3,400 lbs, the ATS is expected to carry 100 lbs less than either an Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. What’s more, the ATS will also possess an all-original chassis attaining 50/50 weight distribution, must like the segment leading BMW 3-series. But most of all, the party piece of the ATS’ handling dynamics will be its magnetic ride shocks– a first in this segment.

The Cadillac will come with as many engine trim options as its German rivals, offering a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder base power plant producing 200-hp, a 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 318-hp 3.6-liter V6. Expect a diesel engine offering later in the ATS lifecycle as well.

A lot rests upon the ATS as its success will draw implications to Cadillac’s future in the global market. GM North America President Mark Reuss is confident, boldly introducing the ATS at the Detroit Auto Show as, “this is the car to finally challenge the German cars at their own game and win.”

GALLERY: 2013 Cadillac ATS

Watch the 4th video of “The Journey” series below and look out for an appearance by AutoGuide’s very own Editor-in-Chief Colum Wood!

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While small cars have had a difficult time catching on in North America, it seems as if cars in the UK market could never be small enough. A group of businessmen in the United Kingdom decided to resurrect the Peel brand and are now taking orders for both the Trident and P50 models.

0-60 times have not been measured as both Peel models are speed limited to 28 mph. The Peel Trident and P50 weigh 130 lbs and 198 lbs respectively, and are powered by either a 49cc two-stroke producing a peppy 3.35 horsepower or by two trims of electric motors. The first electric motor makes 1.6-hp at 2.5 lb-ft of torque while a more powerful 4-hp motor is available. Both electric motors deliver an operating range of approximately 50 miles.

As for the price, a Peel can be yours at prices starting just under $11,000. While this may sound like a lot of money for not a lot of car, it is worth noting that this little machine is one of Jeremy Clarkson’s favorite automobiles, as the video after the jump demonstrates:
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It’s anything but a secret: more gears mean better gas mileage. Mercedes-Benz packs a seven-speed automatic into many of its cars, Lexus uses an eight-speed transmission in its LS sedans, but these amply geared boxes are generally the things of luxury cars— until now.

We were the first to report that Hyundai had a 10-speed transmission in the works, having announced it at a tech briefing in Michigan. Hyundai has now confirmed that the transmission is under development, and will be in production as soon as possible, though details are still murky about which vehicles will get the technology. Given how aggressively automakers are pushing for better mileage year over year, it might make sense that the new gearbox would fall into Elantras or Accents rather than or alongside the luxurious Genesis and Equus. No doubt the transmission is being designed with the CAFE fuel economy regulations in mind that will come into effect fully in 2025 and expect a 54.4 mpg average rating.

We’ll keep you up to date as more emerges.

It’s no surprise that the 500′s return to North America did not make the splash that Fiat expected. Having sold less than 20,000 vehicles in its first model year in the United States, the 500 only did half as well as the company initially forecasted.

The success of the 500 is essential to the Italian automaker’s re-entry into the North American market. In Europe, Fiat sold more than 770,000 units since the 500′s introduction in 2007. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne admitted that the 500′s weak performance was in part due to overly-optimistic forecasting. “We thought we were going to show up and just because of the fact people like gelato and pasta, people will buy it.”

However, Fiat believes that creating variants for the 500 could help boost its popularity.

Set for unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, Fiat hopes that a 5-door Fiat 500 wagon will find better success in the North American market. The official release date of the Fiat 500 wagon is slated for 2013, while a sportier Fiat Abarth hot hatch will be available for sale later this year.

Whether the 500 wagon will boost Fiat sales remains to be seen. While the wagon’s dimensions will be slightly larger and more suitable for American consumers, station wagons are historically unpopular in North America.

[Source: Car Connection]

Electric powered vehicles have long faced challenges in battery cell packaging and the difficulties of maximizing range optimizing weight and placement.

In the past, nickel-metal hydride cells failed to store enough energy to propel an EV any more than 100 miles and required a lengthy recharge after the battery depletes. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) does improve the volume-to-energy capacity ratio but automakers must still store battery cells that weigh 1,000 pounds.

Now, technology giant IBM has developed a new battery cell that promises to deliver a solution. Called the lithium-air (Li-air) battery, this new cell has the theoretical density of more than 1,000 greater than Li-ion. What’s more, IBM found the Li-air cells capable of being one-fifth the size and to possess a lifespan that is 5 times as long.

However, IBM withholds the technology for now because they discovered that frequent recharging cycles still compromise the life of the battery. Engineers are currently testing an alternative electrolyte to see whether they could attain improved results. A full-scale prototype is targeted to be ready by 2013.

[Source: New Scientist]

It seems that Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automobile manufacturer, has no intention of slowing down. Sales results for 2011 revealed a sales gain of another 14.3 percent from last year. In a single December, Volkswagen completed 650,000 deliveries. However, the most staggering statistic of all is that Volkswagen Group delivered more than 8 million vehicles for the first time in a twelve-month period.

What made this result impressive is that Volkswagen reached its record figure while facing uncertainty in the European market, which only grew 5.1 percent. Volkswagen’s real gain was due to the success from its global market operations.

In 2011, the Asia/Pacific region saw its market grow 19.8 percent to 2.56 million units. China accounted for a significant majority, attributing to 2.25 million vehicles.

Next, India’s rate of growth has been so incredible, deliveries more than doubled in 2011, totaling over 111,600 Volkswagen vehicles delivered. Comparatively, Russia’s growth slots in at #2 with a 74.4 percent spike to 229,000 units.

In North America, Volkswagen delivered 666,800 units in 2011, a 21.4 percent increase over the year before. In South America, a 5.1 percent boost resulted to a total of 933,400 vehicles delivered to customers.

Finally, Volkswagen Group enjoyed a rise in deliveries in Western Europe, delivering 1.98 million new cars to customers. This performance indicated 7.0 percent growth in a market that suffered a sales decline of 4.4 percent over the year.

Regarding the company’s 2011 success, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said, “All Group brands reported further gains under difficult conditions on volatile markets. This outstanding result is clearly a team achievement. However, a very challenging year lies ahead. The risks on European markets in particular will multiply in 2012. In spite of this, The Volkswagen Group is well placed and well prepared to master the upcoming challenges and play a leading role on world markets.”

The compact car category continues to grow and is increasingly becoming the most important and highest volume segment in America. For years Chrysler hasn’t had a competitive offering, something it is looking to change with the all-new Dodge Dart.

Sharing its underpinnings with an Alfa Romeo it’s the direct result of the tie-up between Chrysler and Fiat, with all the benefits that can have.Included in the list of rather European specs listed for the Dart are a fully-independent rear suspension and an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a dual-clutch transmission.

Unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, see AutoGuide’s first look video of the 2013 Dodge Dart below.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

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The 2012 Nissan Cube is getting a little more expensive, though not by a significant margin. The company chose to raise the base price $260 to $15,760, which includes a $780 destination charge.

The real news is that the decision to cut back from four to three versions of the box on wheels has been confirmed. Their top-of-the-line 1.8 S Krom Edition isn’t available anymore, leaving potential buyers to choose from the formerly mid-range 1.8 SL, the 1.8 S mid-range or the 1.8 S base model, priced $19,300, $17,200 and $15,760 respectively.

The Indigo Limited Edition is also available and costs $1,900 to add to the base model, making it slightly more expensive than the mid range car. That near $2 grand package gives you indigo seats, navigation, a rear view moniter, Rockford Fosgate audio, Nissan Intelligent Key and 15-inch aluminum alloys.

You can expect the same 1.8-liter inline four under the hood, making 122 hp and mated to either a continuously variable transmission or a 6-speed manual.

There are five new colors to choose from, though the only real change over last year is “Bali Blue” replacing “Sapphire Black Pearl.” Whatever they choose to call the shades of paint, we won’t be totally shocked if the cube sees further cuts after this year.

The strangely shaped car sold a sorry 198 units last October, well after we would have expected tsunami-related recovery to take place. It was also discontinued in Europe about a year ago. In fact, the vehicle hasn’t done well anywhere but Japan.

2011 marked another year of success for South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia. Having capitalized on its Japanese rivals’ year of challenges, sales for Hyundai and Kia have climbed like a rocket.

Final global sales numbers for 2011 are 4.05 million and 2.54 million for Hyundai and Kia respectively. Boasting an increase in overseas sales by 14 percent, Hyundai sold 610,000 units in India and 730,000 in China. Kia’s overseas sales increased by 24 percent.

Determined to keep the momentum going, the South Korean automakers plan to increase global sales by another 6.1 percent this year for a combined sales amount of 7 million vehicles. While it is a conservative amount compared to the growth of the last two years, Hyundai will be taking 2012 as a year to thoroughly improve the quality  of its vehicles and to invest more in research and development. Clearly learning from Toyota‘s misstep, Hyundai hopes that its concentration on quality control as well as on other areas that might have been overlooked during the company’s rapid growth can help to avoid enormous recalls that would damage the company in the future.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Japanese automakers have ended 2011 worse for wear as the March 11 Japan earthquake as well as the rising yen exchange rate significantly damaged business. Unfortunately, Honda starts 2012 with new challenges.

October floods in Thailand have caused major losses to Honda’s plant in the central province of Ayutthaya. To reassure customers that no vehicles damaged in Thailand flooding will be sold, Honda has begun a scrapping process, destroying more than 1,000 cars over a month.

Executive VP of Honda Automobile Thailand Pitak Pruittisarikorn said, “While we were able to relocate many new cars that were awaiting shipment to a safe area, 1,055 vehicles that remained in the plant were finally damaged by the flood… We will not sell any of the damaged cars to customers, or sell or reuse any of the parts.”

Most vehicles destroyed are the Honda city sedan, and the Brio and Jazz hatchbacks. Unfortunately, production at the factory has yet to resume.

Many global supply chains were disrupted due to flooding and while water levels have receded, many areas require a major clean-up operation.

GALLERY: Honda Brio

[Source: AFP]

South Korean automakers have been on a roll for the past two years and there are no signs of letting off. A radical departure from Hyundais of the past, the new Hyundai Veloster earned GOOD DESIGN award in the transportation category. Held at the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, GOOD DESIGN awards are handed annually to the most innovative designers in a broad array of industries– not just automotive.

According to Hyundai Motor America director of Product Planning, Scott Margason, “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle. Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

Highlights of the Veloster’s design are its three-door layout. While this design has been adopted by the and Saturn SC-2 3-door coupe in the past, the third door is opened conventionally rather than suicide, retains a B-pillar for structural rigidity, and has its own exterior door handle rather than needing to rely on the front door to open first. What’s more, designers compliment the Hyundai for its bold design statement and its distinctive forms including black A-pillars to give the sports coupe an aggressive motorcycle helmet visor appearance. A distinctive glass hatch in the rear and dual centered chrome exhaust tips carry the edgy design to the rear. Inside, the center console is designed to resemble a sport bike fuel tank while HVAC air vents are heavily influenced by motorcycle tailpipes.

Click here to read Autoguide’s review of the 2012 Veloster.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

To make room for expanding model research and development on the home front, Toyota Motor Corp has appointed its European division to lead global product planning for small cars.

Vested with this major responsibility, extensive reorganization in Toyota Europe’s sales and marketing operations were put to effect in hopes to best approach the new mission. According to Toyota Motor Europe CEO Didier Leroy, “It is essential to bring focus to this mission and the product planning division will play a key role in this integrated strategy, together with our designers.”

Alain Uyttenhoven, head of product planning and marketing, will shift his responsibilities to focus on product planning specifically and will be in charge of overseeing the global potential of the future Aygo minicar, Yaris/Vitz subcompact, as well as the Auris/Corolla compact.

Taking Uyttenhoven’s old marketing duties is Daniele Schillaci of Toyota-France. Schillaci’s new role as Toyota’s general manager of sales and marketing, according to Didier Leroy, will allow Toyota, “… to respond in the fastest and most efficient way to market volatility and changes in customers’ expectations.”

To replace Daniele Schillaci’s former role as Toyota France CEO is Pascal Ruch, who currently holds station as Toyota’s general manager of sales and production efficiency in European distribution.

Finally, Miguel Fonseca will become the vice president of business integration. While this is a major managerial shift within Toyota, Ford and Fiat-Chrysler rely on its European operations to develop future products in the minicar, subcompact and compact segments as well.

[Source: Automotive News]