SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PREMIER Mike Rann has called on Holden to build an electric version of the Cruze at its Elizabeth assembly plant.

Although he didn’t specify a desired timeframe, Rann said that such a move would strengthen the local car industry.
“Because the Cruze has the same architectural base as GM’s new Volt, it is technologically possible [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

HOLDEN BOSS Mark Reuss has reportedly confirmed that the Australian automaker will design, develop and build a new small hatchback that will be sold in both Australian and foreign markets, but Holden spokesman Scott Whiffen was keeping things close to his chest when contacted by TMR.

We’ve known for some time now that the Australian-built hatchback [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

The Fiat Group has chosen to indefinitely postpone the relaunch of the luxury Lancia brand in the UK due to the current economic ’situation’. While this is bad news for Lancia devotees in right-hand-drive markets, Fiat has explained that work will continue behind the scenes with the intent being to revive the brand when the automotive [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

Italian manufacturer Lancia is reportedly considering a return to its high-performance roots with a modern interpretation of its mid-engined Stratos (above) or Beta Montecarlo. Lancia CEO Olivier Francois has said that the brand is seeking to inject some semblance of a sporting image back into the nameplate - whose current lineup could be best described [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

Our friend Swade over at Trollhattan Saab has had a big news weekend. One of Swade’s swedish based ‘intelligence contacts’ has confirmed that the next generation Saab 9-3 will be built on GM’s Delta II platform – their premium compact architecture.

The big news here is not just the choice of platform but how the Delta [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

Saab have shown up at this years Geneva Motor Show with their 9-X BioHybrid concept, a car that they believe will appeal to the priorities of youthful customers, seeking progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications.

The 9-X BioHybrid is based on GM’s ‘Delta’ global compact car platform that will also be the basis for [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More

Mitsubishi will be officially unveiling their refreshed 2009 Galant sedan at the Chicago Auto Show next week. Following the now requisite image leak, Mitsubishi have released the official images and press release to give us all a taste of what to expect. The North American Galant has mirrored our own Mitsubishi 380 in much of [...]

• 
• Comment
• Read More