Lothar Holder, Setra brand spokesman at EvoBus GmbH, explained: “With the new ComfortClass 500, we want to do more than just prepare our customers for the challenges of the next few years. As a technology leader, we are setting standards for design, aerodynamics and efficiency with this new generation of vehicles, making the future tangible.”

A typical feature of the ComfortClass 500 is the curved side line, rising and falling gradually, with the new decorative element at the B-pillar, producing a gentle sweep that encircles the fully redesigned vehicle. In the front section, it gives the new tour bus a friendlier, yet at the same time more distinctive, face.

Two of the most striking features are the long roof drain at the front, and the much more rounded windscreen, which runs down as far as the front logo panel with the three-dimensional Setra lettering. The front, along with the redesigned outside mirrors, was optimised in the course of a painstaking development process that included countless hours of testing in the wind tunnel. In conjunction with the new aerodynamic rear section, and also additional individual measures, the CC500 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.33, a figure that up to now would have been considered unattainable in this segment. Also new are the modular-design headlight and indicator segments, featuring unmistakeable trim elements. These further underline the vehicle’s features such as high quality, safety and reliability, and gently introduce the encircling lines, which sweep upwards into the side areas like wings.

Not only does the ComfortClass 500 already comply with the Euro VI emissions standard for new vehicles, which is due to come into force in 2014, the overall concept also incorporates numerous safety regulations and legal provisions planned for the next few years. These include additional requirements for driver assistance systems, which will apply from 2015, as well as Regulation ECE-R 66/01, which introduces a stricter rollover standard for tour buses, and which will come into force two years later. In keeping with the Setra brand tradition, an intelligent lightweight construction concept was developed to meet the latter requirement, combining greater rigidity with less weight.

Source: http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-657766-1-1492555-1-0-0-0-0-0-11700-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html

In April, markets across the EU* performed diversely, leading to an overall 6.9% decline in new car registrations. The UK (+3.3%) and Germany (+2.9%) were the only major markets to post growth, while France contracted by 1.9%. Italy (-18.0%) and Spain (-21.7%) recorded double-digit downturns.

From January to April, Germany (+1.8%) and the UK (+1.4%) sustained demand in the region while the rest of the major markets faced contractions ranging from -7.0% in Spain to -17.5% in France and -20.2% in Italy.

Source: http://www.acea.be/index.php/news/news_detail/passenger_cars_registrations_decrease_by_6.9_in_april

These factors, among others, became clearly evident in the heavy-duty winter test arranged by Nokian Tyres, in co-operation with VR Transpoint, the University of Oulu, Liikenneturva, Oulu Vocational College and Kainuu Region Vocational College in Ivalo in March.

The clear difference between the test results of new winter tyres versus worn ones took the numerous journalists and experts by surprise. The tests were driven using two identical vehicle combinations. In the first vehicle combination, the truck was equipped with new Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck F front winter tyres and Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E winter traction tyres, and the remaining tyres were new, so-called All Season tyres. The other vehicle combination had worn All Season tyres with a tread depth of about 5 mm all around.

Source: http://www.nokiantyres.com/release?id=28686739

Bo Andersson, President/CEO of GAZ Group: “In 2011 we fulfilled all tasks that we had aimed at strengthening the company’s competitiveness. We increased sales, considerably improved financial results, renewed the model range and started implementation of joint projects with international automakers”.

GAZ Group, a part of Russia’s biggest business group Basic Element, has summed up 2011 results according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The revenue of GAZ Group in 2011 was RUR 132.4 billion, which is 37% higher vs. 2010. The bulk of the revenue – over 45% of the total amount – was generated by Gorky Automobile Plant (about RUR 61 billion). The company’s export revenue grew by 43%.

In 2011 EBITDA of GAZ Group increased by 49% and reached RUR 14 billion with the margin of 10.5%. The net profit increased by 4 times and reached RUR 8.5 billion with the margin of 6.4%. It is the highest level of net profit in the history of the company. In 2011 GAZ Group also reached record high revenue per employee: last year it was RUR 191 thousand per month, which is 37% higher vs. 2010.

Bo Andersson, President/CEO of GAZ Group: “I am glad to say that in 2011 we fulfilled all tasks that we had aimed at strengthening the company’s competitiveness. We increased sales, considerably improved financial results, renewed the model range and started implementation of joint projects with international automakers. At the same time we have high business targets for 2012. The main resource that lets us aim at high results is the qualification and dedication of our employees. To improve the motivation of our employees we’ve been implementing a profit sharing program for two years in a row. The total remuneration for the 2011 achievements was RUR 1.5 billion, out of which around 70% was paid to the workers and support staff of our plants”.

Source: http://eng.gazgroup.ru/news/news/?id=4406

The Subaru BRZ was crowned with the 2012 VDI Car of the Year award for its good balance of handling and stability along with excellent response and driving pleasure. The Dynamicist of the Year title was awarded in recognition for creating the new generation of affordable, stylish rear-wheel drive coupes.

The VDI Awards were first presented in 2008 to recognize the excellence of vehicle ride and handling technologies. In each of six categories (“Car of the Year”, “Dynamicist of the Year”, “Dynamics Team of the Year”, “Innovation of the Year”, “Development Tool of the Year”, and “Supplier of the Year”), a shortlist of nominations is drawn up from submissions by the readership and with the input of the VDI editorial team. The shortlist goes to an independent, international jury of vehicle dynamicists and expert jounalists for judging.

The Subaru BRZ was unveiled for the World Premiere at Tokyo Motor Show in November 2011 and recently presented to the European press and public at Geneva show in March this year. Developed under the theme of “Pure Handling Delight”, Subaru’s new sports car is a lightweight rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe featuring Subaru’s latest and most advanced Boxer engine.

FHI offers “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” to its customers through the Subaru brand statement “Confidence in Motion” and its consistent pproach to “Engineering Excellence”.

Source: http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/contents/pdf_en_79424.pdf

The designers at the Centre of Competence for Interiors have undertaken a thorough makeover of the dashboard, for example: a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard. The new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the eye. A high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster.

A three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology, which is available on the GLK for the first time, further enhance the feel-good atmosphere inside the car.

Source: http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1473059-1-1490352-1-0-0-0-0-1-11702-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1337403536900

The gain was led by the petroleum and coal products industry (+4.5%) to $7.5 billion – the highest level since July 2008.

Although eight industries posted lower sales in March, most declines were relatively small.

Meanwhile, inventory levels fell 1.2 percent, the largest decline since September 2009. Inventories decreased in three of the last four months.

Source:http://www.ontruck.org/imispublic/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=Home&ContentID=11222

The vehicles and the ranch that inspired them share some key characteristics:

Uncompromising quality, strong heritage, and bold ruggedness. As rugged as the birthplace of American ranching. King Ranch was founded in 1853 in Mexico by Richard King, who purchased 15,500-acres of land to start a cattle operation he’d dreamed of for years. The ranch started with cattle but has also successfully bred thoroughbred stallions for the Belmont stakes and the Kentucky Derby.

Built on the backbone of 158 years of ranching history, the first King Ranch edition of Ford trucks was built in 2001. “The quality of the leather and craftsmanship, along with what Ford stands for-that’s who King Ranch is,” says King Ranch CEO Robert Underbrink of the relationship.The latest line of Ford trucks to carry the “Running W” badging are the 2012 F-150, Super Duty and Expedition.

The 2012 King Ranch F-150 is equipped with an EcoBoost engine that harnesses the power of 365 horses. The King Ranch Super Duty looks tough and is made to work. The available 6.7-liter PowerStroke engine’s 400 horsepower is a big reason why. And the 2012 King Ranch Expedition isn’t your average SUV. Underneath the hood, a standard 5.4-liter V-8 churns out 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.

Source: http://www.ford.com/newsevents/news/newsdetail/?id=364

TMMAL is to boost annual production capacity by 216,000 units solely for the 2GR, resulting in an increase of total engine capacity from 506,000 to 722,000 engines a year.

In addition to the creation of 125 new jobs, approximately 80 million dollars—including funds for the construction of a new building—will be invested towards the expansion.

2GR engines are currently produced in the U.S. at two other TMC subsidiaries: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. The engines are installed on such vehicles as the “Highlander” crossover SUV, and the “Camry” and “Avalon” sedans.

TMC will continue to promote localized production based on the concept of producing vehicles where they are sold.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/12/05/0518.html

Nissan has been carrying out similar tests of a NV200-based EV since last summer in Japan and in Europe. The NV200-based EV test vehicle is based on the e-NV200 concept model that was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit) in the U.S. in January 2012. Feedback from this real-world testing will be considered as Nissan develops production models that will be marketed in the future.

“Zero emission vehicles will play an increasingly important role in shaping the environment of our cities and towns,” said Nissan Motor Company’s Corporate Vice President Hideto Murakami, head of the Global Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit. “Electric vehicles will help to raise the quality of our urban environment and their economical running costs should also make them very attractive to businesses.

The evaluation results we will get from the AEON Retail testing will assist us in the development of compact EV commercial vehicles. Based on input, the future production version of the e-NV200 will allow us to leverage our investment in electric vehicle technologies, contribute to expanding our EV business globally, and move toward a more sustainable society.”

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2012/_STORY/120515-01-e.html

TMMAL currently assembles 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines for eight of 12 Toyota North American built vehicles. TMMAL is the only Toyota plant globally to produce these three types of engines in one facility. This investment will increase engine production at the Huntsville plant to more than 700,000 annually, and will increase total Toyota engine production in the U.S. to more than 1.4 million per year. Toyota also builds engines in Kentucky and West Virginia.

“We are proud to announce our fourth expansion, only a few months after celebrating 10 years of success in Huntsville and Madison County,” said Jim Bolte, President of TMMAL. Wouldn’t be possible without continued commitment from our outstanding team members and support from our community partners.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has been a dedicated corporate citizen in Alabama for more than ten years, and announcement is an exciting new chapter for this company and this community. Toyota’s success in Alabama is a testament to the hard-working men and women of the production and leadership teams who have dedicated themselves to producing quality products,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “This expansion is also a testament to the business climate we’ve worked hard to create in Alabama – a climate in which companies are encouraged to expand, innovate, and create new jobs. We thank Toyota for the company’s continued confidence in Alabama and Huntsville, and we look forward to a continued long-term relationship.

Announcement is the latest in a string of Toyota production increase announcements since February including Toyota plants in Indiana, West Virginia, Canada and Kentucky. Cumulative investment total is approximately $645 million and more than 1,100 jobs are being added. “This V6 line addition continues to reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market, and we continue to study more localization in North America,” said Steve St. Angelo, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+increase+v6+engine+production+alabama.htm

Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race.

The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest SS model in the Chevrolet lineup is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010.

The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance.

“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.”

Chevrolet was America’s best-selling performance car brand in 2011 with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States. The addition of the SS should strengthen Chevrolet’s position as a leading performance brand. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Source: http://media.gmchina.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/May/0517_chevyss

Total sales of the company grew by 4% in April 2012 with sales of 174,455 units against 167,744 units registered in April 2011.

Two Wheeler

Total two wheeler sales grew by 4% in the month of April 2012 with sales of 171,551 units in comparison with 164,183 units recorded in April 2011.

The company’s scooter sales stood at 35,833 units in April 2012, a growth of 2% against 35,074 units in the same month of the previous year. Motorcycles sales accounted for 67,966 units in April 2012 against 69,573 units in April 2011.

Exports

Exports registered total sales of 22,272 units in April 2012 against 25,275 units in the same month of the previous year. The company’s two wheeler exports stood at 20,370 units in April 2012 in comparison with 22,564 units in April 2011.

Three Wheeler

The company sold 2,904 units of three wheelers in April 2012 against 3,561 units in the same month of the previous year.

Source:http://www.tvsmotor.in/news.asp?id=276&yr=2012

Acura is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-June 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-June, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 382-2238, and selecting option 4.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6677-en