Topgear News

Global automakers are putting their hottest new products on display in Shanghai, counting on design, quality and technology to give them an edge against newcomer Chinese carmakers in the world’s fastest-growing major market.

All the big global names were in China’s biggest city for the Shanghai Auto Show, a biennial event showcasing the one-time bicycle kingdom’s newfound devotion to the motor vehicle.

“This may be the most exciting automotive market on the planet,'’ declared Eric Ridenour, Chrysler’s chief operating officer, as he announced plans to launch an updated version of the Caravan minivan and the Caliber small sport utility vehicle in the China market.

General Motors has confirmed it will continue to make cars at the Ellesmere Port car manufacturing plant.

GM Europe said its popular compact Astra make would be made in four countries across Europe from 2010. As well as the Merseyside factory, plants in Poland, Germany and Sweden will also make the Astra brand which sold nearly 500,000 units last year.

The move will result in the loss of around 1400 jobs in Antwerp, Belgium, but GM Europe has insisted it must make efficiencies in order to remain competitive in a highly-stretched market.

For the first time ever, Honda (UK) has sold over 100,000 cars in 12 months. A record final month of the 2006/07 financial year saw total sales of Honda cars top 100,300 between April 2006 and March 2007, during which time Honda (UK) also set a record market share of 4.66%.

“In 1994 we set ourselves the huge target of achieving 100,000 units in a year,” says Jeff Dodds, Head of Marketing at Honda (UK). “Back then, we sold under 30,000 cars, and the only markets to sell 100k were America and Japan. Just 13 years later, we’ve realised our dream – and it’s a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. But we’re not resting on our laurels: the next target is 150,000 cars, which will be just as tough a challenge.”

Volvo’s the S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon will be facelifted for the 2008 model year with the first cars available in the UK from July.

More streamlined looks and enhanced versatility inside will be introduced, with an increased number of trim levels available.

Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof on T5 and D5 models. Nordic Light Oak real wood matte inlay and Virtual White trim options are added, as are Spring Green upholstery and three new colour options… Read the rest of this article at MotorTorque here

BMW have just released pictures of their new M3, a model which is now 21years old.

It comes with a 4.0 litre V8 engine, a carbonfibre roof and a new lightweight suspension. It also comes with 18inch alloy wheels as standard, with 19 inch alloy wheels as an optional extra.

It reaches 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph, however, on average the car only does 22.8mpg.

The new BMW M3 is likely to be available in September at a cost of around £50,000.

General Motors Corp. unveiled a trio of tiny concept vehicles yesterday before the start of the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public tomorrow and runs through April 15.

The auto maker said the cars, while unlikely to be sold in the U.S. any time soon, are intended to appeal to young drivers in big cities around the world.

GM designed its new vehicles, the Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax, at a South Korean studio specializing in small cars. The company built the Groove and Trax in Warren, Mich., and the Beat in India.

The first few pictures of the new Fiat 500 have just been released. The Fait 500 is being launched on the 4th July to mark the 50th anniversary of the car it is based on, but it won’t be released in the UK until early next year.

As part of the countdown to the launch, people were asked to submit ideas as part of the car decoration. The winning idea was a large footprint on the side of the car. It is thought this decoration and marketing ploy will be available as an optional extra when the car is released on sale.