Real-world exhaust emissions tests being introduced in Europe next year are forcing carmakers to abandon smaller displacement engines with heat-generating turbochargers and go back to building bigger engines. Why? Because the smaller European engines, many with two and three cylinders, will be exposed as emissions cheats under the new tests. The smaller diesels will spew out … [Read more...] about Back to bigger engines – emission tests force carmakers to do U-turn
Renault-Nissan chief Ghosn set to become new boss of Mitsubishi
Renault-Nissan Alliance chief Carlos Ghosn (above) is expected to become the new chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), says Japan’s Nikkei news agency. The likely appointment follows Nissan’s 34 per cent stake in MMC, announced back in May and due to be ratified next week. Mitsubishi would then effectively become part of the Nissan group. Nissan spent … [Read more...] about Renault-Nissan chief Ghosn set to become new boss of Mitsubishi
Kia’s sales success delivers new showcase dealership
Kia Motors NZ is to open a flagship showroom in Auckland’s automotive heartland, a move that comes on the strength of its growing reputation as a quality carmaker with a stylish line-up of vehicles. The new outlet, in city-suburban Newmarket, will showcase Kia’s global ‘Red Cube’ theme, a visual representation of the emphasis its acclaimed styling chief Peter Schreyer … [Read more...] about Kia’s sales success delivers new showcase dealership
Ford drops Kuga SUV name in favour of old favourite Escape
Ford New Zealand has dropped the Kuga nameplate and replaced it with Escape, a change that means the moniker of every Blue Oval SUV in this part of the world will eventually begin with an ‘E’. The Escape lands here in December to join the smaller Ecosport and larger Everest. The Edge arrives early in 2018 to replace the Territory. The switch to ‘E’ names is not altogether a … [Read more...] about Ford drops Kuga SUV name in favour of old favourite Escape
US-Japan alliance bets its future on Takata airbags
A United States investment firm and a Japanese chemical company have teamed in an attempt to buy beleaguered airbag maker Takata Corporation. Boston-based Bain Capital and Japan’s century-old Daicel Corp have emerged as top contenders for Takata, says the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper. Japan's Takata is seeking a lifeline after it recalled tens of millions of … [Read more...] about US-Japan alliance bets its future on Takata airbags