CarBuyersNoteBook

GM aims to sell 1 million Chevys a year in Europe by 2015

Call it lofty goals: According to a new report, GM aims big for the Chevrolet in Europe. Specifically, it plans on selling 1 million vehicles in Europe a year by 2015. Chevrolet (and other American cars) haven’t been competing well in Europe, and GM’s sales of the Chevy topped out at just over 400,000 last year, so the company has a lot of work to do if they plan on reaching 1M sales target, even if its in five years time.

Posted in 2010 Vehicles, 2011 Vehicles, 2012 Vehicles, GM, Sale | 0 Comments

Cadillac and Corvette Returning to Europe

The Cadillac and Corvette models were among those affected by the slump that GM had to deal with last year and this included a vanishing act that severely affected Europeans who wanted to own these said models. However, a new light is setting on the horizon for the Cadillac and the Corvette with reports that General Motors is now in talks with 30 different European dealerships.

Should they succeed, the Cadillac and Corvette will be making a return to Europe soon. All variants of the Corvette will be available but the Cadillac will be limited to CTS, CTS-V, Escalade and SRX models. Until something clear comes out of GM’s talks with the dealers, there is no telling how much and when these two luxury models will be officially available in Europe.

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Posted in Cadillac, GM | 0 Comments

Alfa Romeo MiTo Special Edition for Maserati

Alfa Romeo has announced a special Maserati edition MiTo. The special edition vehicle will come in a Blu Oceano paint, Pelle Frau leather interior, 170 HP turbocharged engine and special badging. There will only be 100 of these models available and will be distributed to Maserati dealers in Europe only.

No idea on pricing although you can bet that this special/limited edition Alfa Romeo MiTo Maserati will cost anyone a fortune!

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Posted in Cars, Concept Cars | 0 Comments

Tata Nano coming within 3 years

We haven’t heard of the Tata Nano for some time now but luckily the automaker’s chairman Ratan Tata has come forth to speak of their United States intentions. While there isn’t an exact time frame for the release of the Nano, Mr. Tata has said that they have intentions of bringing the sub-$2,500 car to the North American and European markets within the next 3 years.

Of course, it probably won’t be costing $2,500 when it does drop here in the States but it will definitely be cheap. How will the American market react to such a car? We’ll have to wait and see.

Posted in 2010 Vehicles, Cars | 0 Comments

London is Now the Electric Car Capital of the World?

With plans to introduce 100,000 electric cars and 25,000 charging stations, London looks like it will earn the title of being the electric car capital of the world. The move is seen as London’s initiative to fight the growing concern for the rising problems concerning carbon emissions. The same initiative is being done all over the world but nothing definitive in numbers have so far been bared similar to that of London.

And to entice consumers to embrace this new alternative, the usual incentives to drivers to switch to electric vehicles is of course included. If all works well, the new direction should help address London’s declining air quality, considered one of the worst in Europe.

(Source) MNN

Posted in Alternative Energy, Cars, Enviroment | 0 Comments

Honda shutting down European design office?

If recent reports are to be believed Honda may be shutting down their European design office that is headquarted in Germany. The office in question is a 3000-square-meter 2 floor building that originally opened in 1992.

The reports don’t point to any specific creations coming from said design studio other than the above pictured Open Study Model.

Keep in mind that these are just reports and Honda has not come forth and confirmed it so we will regard it as a rumor until then.

via autoblog

Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments

REVA NXR Reveals Pricing

As new electric cars continue to flourish and come out one by one, how much they would cost is the prime concern for most motorists. Basing it from the initial prices set out in the market, they are not that cheap. And now, the next best thing to do right now is to compare and see which electric car can fit into their budget and deliver their transport needs.

REVA initially made the headlines when it unveiled its electric car in India last February. And now, that same company reveals the price for its REVA NXG which is scheduled to go into full production by 2010. Average prices in Europe, will be around 14,995 EUROS for the lithium-ion NXR Intercity version, plus a monthly mobility fee for the batteries and other services.The REVA NXG pricing in Europe, excluding batteries is from 23,000 euros plus a monthly mobility fee.

The REVA falls under the M1 category three door, four seater hatchback family and can reach a top speed of 104 KPH and a range of 160 KMS. They boast of a keyless entry and operation and will include REVA’s exclusive REVive remote emergency charge.

Check out the gallery below:

(Source) Press

Posted in Alternative Energy, Cars, Enviroment | 0 Comments

Philips Roadside Drug Test Device

We all know that authorities have a certain device to check if drivers are drunk or intoxicated. But while that has been a familiar sight, no device has been made especially for drug testing until today. Thanks to Philips, cops can apprehend drug using individuals with a device that can really be a big boost towards curbing the growing problems of drug addicts.

The device makes uses nanotechnology. Instead of blowing like what a person would do in an alcohol test, you are asked to spit. After 90 seconds it gives a color coded read out. It will detect any cocaine, heroin, cannabis, amphetamines and methaphetamine.

These Philips Roadside Drug Test devices are set to hit the Europe market by the end of the year. No word though on when the U.S. would get their hand on them for now.

(Source) Geekologie

Posted in Accessories, Law, Police | 0 Comments

Tata Nano undergoes European crash testing, passes with flying colors

The first thing I think of when I see cars such as the Tata Nano are the safety hazards associated with driving such a small vehicle. Just imagine getting crashed into by a truck while driving one of those. Get my point?

Well, contrary to my belief, the Tata Nano has successfully made its way through crash testing in Europe which means that the car itself is in fact safe to drive. According to Autocar, Tata execs were “delighted but not surprised” at the successful testing of the budget car.

Of course, in the US our crash testings are a bit more strict than those elsewhere so the Nano will have to undergo some upgrades before it makes its way onto American soil.

Posted in 2010 Vehicles, 2011 Vehicles, Cars | 0 Comments

Europcar and easyJet Extend Business Partnership

Transportation needs are important for people finding themselves in different places and normally, it is up to the available vehicles for rent to provide some transport solutions. And now, thanks to this extension in the working relationship of Europcar and easyJet, prospective travelers can still enjoy advanced booking on their transportation needs via the easyJet website.

Through the partnership with Europcar, easyJet customers also benefit from guaranteed Europcar car hire availability at particularly competitive rates across the latest model vehicles ensuring minimal CO2 emissions.

To celebrate the Europcar partnership’s extension, from June 15th easyJet passengers can receive exclusive car hire deals upon their arrival at the airport or at any one of Europcars 2,500 car rental agencies around Europe. Other benefits include free additional driver and upgrades through on-line booking. The offers apply to passengers for all easyJet routes and destinations around Europe and the Mediterranean region.

(Source) Press

Posted in Business, Cars | 0 Comments