Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Save China's Jeep beer for the end of the trail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/#commentsFiled under: SUV, China, Marketing/Advertising, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Beer advertisement

Modern advertising has conditioned us to associate a wide array of strange images with beer in a can. The Rocky Mountains, silver bullets, Clydesdale horses and blue ribbons all do their best to peddle cheap brew, but Chinese drinkers now have a new mascot for their favorite cold one. Hubei Jeep Brewery Corporation has turned out a new light beer featuring everyone's favorite off road machine. The logo even features a Jeep Wrangler silhouette, complete with the brand's iconic/trademarked seven-slat grille. What does Jeep Beer taste like? Fresh mountain streams? Muddy hill sides? Licking a Chrysler interior? No one is saying for certain.

Hubei Jeep Brewery Corporation has completely adopted the Jeep brand as an emblem of rugged manliness, and the company even went so far as to giveaway a Jeep Compass to the highest-selling distributor. The winner managed to move 60,000 liters of suds to take home the prize.

Don't get us wrong. Beer and vehicles go together about as well as fenders and telephone poles, but we're just curious enough about the notion of Jeep Beer to want a bottle or three. Besides, you can't argue with a tag line like, "JUST FOR MAN."

Save China's Jeep beer for the end of the trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20164720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-jeep-beer628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-jeep-beer628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW to produce, sell long-wheelbase 335Li in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/bmw-to-produce-sell-long-wheelbase-335li-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/bmw-to-produce-sell-long-wheelbase-335li-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/bmw-to-produce-sell-long-wheelbase-335li-in-china/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, China, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW 3 Series

In China, it's common for managers in various levels of the corporate hierarchy to have personal drivers, hence the proliferation of long-wheelbase sedan variants that we don't see in North America. Audi sells the A4 L and A6L there, and now BMW is following up the 535Li it currently offers in China with a elongated version of the new 3 Series sedan.

Likely dubbed the 335Li, the long-wheelbase 3 will be produced in China alongside the regular 3 Series. We're interested in seeing how well the long-wheelbase 335 handles compared to its standard-length sibling.

BMW to produce, sell long-wheelbase 335Li in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/04/bmw-to-produce-sell-long-wheelbase-335li-in-china/20161434/article-detail.xml

20161434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/0044-2012-bmw-3-series_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/0044-2012-bmw-3-series.jpg <![CDATA[Higher prices, more controls slow auto sales in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, China, Earnings/Financials

Traffic in China

China saw the slowest growth in the country's auto market in over a decade last year, according to the Associated Press. Sales rose by just 2.5 percent in 2011, thanks in part to more expensive vehicles and tighter buying controls. All told, consumers brought home 18.5 million vehicles last year, compared to 18 million in 2010. Chinese buyers endured the expiration of various tax breaks and buying subsidies, changes that saw the bottom line on most vehicles increase substantially. In addition, the Chinese government installed new restrictions on car buying in Beijing, further crimping sales growth. Sales exploded by 32 percent in 2010 after China slashed sales taxes and offered hefty subsidies in an effort to push buyers toward the showroom.

By contrast, the U.S. enjoyed fairly expansive growth last year. Vehicle sales in the U.S. increased by 10 percent to 12.8 million units.

Analysts expect the Chinese auto market to continue growing in the coming years, but the pace will likely be more restrained than in the past. The country's housing market is beginning to cool down, which typically yields slower expansion in the vehicle market as well.

Higher prices, more controls slow auto sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/20148123/article-detail.xml

20148123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/traffic-in-china_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/traffic-in-china.jpg <![CDATA[Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted in the wild]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/long-wheelbase-bmw-3-series-spotted-in-the-wild/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/long-wheelbase-bmw-3-series-spotted-in-the-wild/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/long-wheelbase-bmw-3-series-spotted-in-the-wild/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

BMW 335Li

A few images of the new Chinese-market long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series have made their way to the web. The vehicle's profile clearly shows a few extra inches of room for rear passengers, though the additional space between the front and rear wheels doesn't infringe too heavily on the sedan's design.

With a slightly longer rear door and expanded rear cabin, the BMW 335Li is designed for buyers who would rather be driven than drive. That's a big plus for the chauffeur-oriented Chinese luxury vehicle market. From what we hear, the vehicle is headed toward an official debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show in April.

In addition to more rear legroom, the BMW 335Li will likely feature a new 8.8-inch freestanding control display mounted atop the vehicle's dash. An auto start-stop system is expected to debut on the vehicle to help increase fuel economy, and a blind-spot awareness system is expected to be standard equipment, as well. Head over to the F30Post.com forums for a better look at the elongated 3 Series.

Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20146243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bmw-335li-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bmw-335li-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why yes, this is a chrome Buick Regal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/why-yes-this-is-a-chrome-buick-regal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/why-yes-this-is-a-chrome-buick-regal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/why-yes-this-is-a-chrome-buick-regal/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, China, Buick

Chromed Buick Regal

By and large we're not big fans of the full-on chrome-finish treatment here at Autoblog. Most of us lean more toward matte than mirrored. But some cars wear the garish look well. Like a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, for example. A Buick Regal? Less so.

That, however, does not appear to have stopped members of a Regal-centric car club in China from wrapping the Buick sedan in the shiny stuff, for better or worse. At least they've also given the same car a flat black finish, too. Follow the links to see more.

Why yes, this is a chrome Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20139823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chrome-regal2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chrome-regal2.jpg <![CDATA[China aims to slow foreign investment in auto market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/china-aims-to-slow-foreign-investment-in-auto-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/china-aims-to-slow-foreign-investment-in-auto-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/china-aims-to-slow-foreign-investment-in-auto-market/#commentsFiled under: China, Plants/Manufacturing

Chinese Flag

The exponential growth of China's auto market has left many automakers licking their lips at the thought of rampant profit. Recent years have seen the country's government spur foreign investment with various incentives, including reduced tariffs on imported manufacturing machinery. According to Automotive News, that's all about to stop. China has said it will cease encouraging foreign investment in a move designed to promote natural growth in the sector. The country saw automotive growth drop to one tenth of what it was in 2010.

That's not to say China is putting a stop to all aid to foreign automotive investment. The report says China will still encourage foreign automakers to develop green technologies within its borders.

Automakers from General Motors to Toyota and Volkswagen have all focused more heavily on the Chinese auto market in recent years. Honda recently began producing Fit models in China for sale in Canada as part of an effort to move more of the company's production out of Japan, as well. Similar strategies may become less cost effective as China makes it more difficult for foreign companies to invest in manufacturing.

China aims to slow foreign investment in auto market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20137661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/china-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/china-250.jpg <![CDATA[First Chinese car imported to North America built by... Honda?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/first-chinese-car-imported-to-north-america-built-by-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/first-chinese-car-imported-to-north-america-built-by-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/first-chinese-car-imported-to-north-america-built-by-honda/#commentsFiled under: Budget, China, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Honda, Canada

2012 Honda Fit Sport

The very first production car from China has made it to North America, though it's not what you might think. In an effort to move more of its production out of Japan, Honda has begun manufacturing Fit models in the People's Republic and importing them to Canada. There's no indication that the vehicles will make their way to the U.S. in the future, however. While there are plenty of automakers who operate plants in China, only a fraction of the vehicles built there are made for export. Last year, only three percent were sent outside of the country's borders.

Honda and other Japanese manufacturers have begun investigating production facilities outside of the U.S. to combat the rising Yen, and Honda says that the company will begin producing Fit models in Mexico for U.S. customers soon. According to The New York Times, Honda may be reticent to test the American waters with a Chinese-built vehicle for fear of risking the company's reputation for quality and reliability. That's despite the fact that the company says Chinese-built Fit models are held to the same production quality standards as any Honda vehicle built elsewhere in the world.

First Chinese car imported to North America built by... Honda? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda fitchinachina carchinese carsfitfit productionhondahonda fithonda fit chinahonda fit productionThu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/first-chinese-car-imported-to-north-america-built-by-honda/20132985/article-detail.xml

20132985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-honda-fit-sport-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-honda-fit-sport-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/#commentsFiled under: China, Etc., Safety, Videos, Crossover

People lifting SUV off of child

One little Chinese girl's protest against going to kindergarten very nearly ended in tragedy. While walking with her mother, the girl decided to sit down in the street and pout about being drug into the educational system. Seconds later, a crossover drove over the child at low speed and stopped.

Fortunately, a crowd of 16 bystanders jumped to action and managed to lift the vehicle far enough off of the child for her mother to pull her to safety. The heroics prevented any serious injury, and the girl headed off to school after a brief check up at a local hospital.

It's unclear whether the inattentive driver responsible for parking on top of the child will be charged in the incident. Click past the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China

Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacrossovercrossover drives over girlpeople lift suvpeople lift suv in chinasuvWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST

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20126989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628.jpg <![CDATA[China slaps duties on vehicles imported from the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/china-slaps-duties-on-vehicles-imported-from-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/china-slaps-duties-on-vehicles-imported-from-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/china-slaps-duties-on-vehicles-imported-from-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: China, Government/Legal

shipping containers at port

Local manufacturing has become the watchword (or words) when it comes to foreign automakers entering the Chinese market, and for a number of reasons. For one, the market is plenty large enough to make sense out of manufacturing locally instead of importing from overseas. For another, joint ventures with local automakers have been encouraged by the still tightly regulated economy. And now there's another reason: imported vehicles are about to face an extra measure of importation duties.

The taxes are being imposed specifically on cars with engine capacities of over 2.5 liters and made in the United States, which may principally boil down to the Detroit Three, but also affects foreign automakers that manufacture in the U.S. As a result, General Motors (for example) would face anti-dumping and countervailing duties between 8.9 and 12.9 percent, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz would be looking at around two percent.

The move by the Chinese Commerce Ministry is the latest in a series of trade disputes that seek to erect barriers to an otherwise opening economy, and one of the world's largest developing markets.

China slaps duties on vehicles imported from the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20127846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/shipping-portweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/shipping-portweb.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/chinese-military-truck-shows-off-its-all-terrain-chops/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/chinese-military-truck-shows-off-its-all-terrain-chops/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/chinese-military-truck-shows-off-its-all-terrain-chops/#commentsFiled under: Truck, China, Videos, Military, Off-Road

Xiaolong XLW2090

The Chinese automotive industry is an emerging force. Never mind all the foreign automakers setting up joint ventures in the world's most populous country, or the recognized European marques being gobbled up by Chinese conglomerates. The Chinese domestic brands are also capable of making serious vehicles with serious capabilities. Like this off-road military truck, for example.

Built by Wuhan-based Xiaolong Automotive, the XLW2090 is one of a dozen or so configurations the company builds on an adaptable chassis. The three-axle off-road truck packs a 4.5-liter Cummins four-cylinder diesel engine, over 17 inches of ground clearance, a 55.5-degree approach angle and a claimed 7,700-pound payload. That's all well and fine, but what really impresses us is what it can do when the road gets more than a little bumpy. Follow the jump to watch the brief video clip.

Continue reading Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops

Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/10/chinese-military-truck-shows-off-its-all-terrain-chops/20124738/article-detail.xml

20124738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/xiaolong-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/xiaolong-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> spotted testing China's latest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/top-gear-spotted-testing-chinas-latest/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/top-gear-spotted-testing-chinas-latest/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/top-gear-spotted-testing-chinas-latest/#commentsFiled under: China, UK, Celebrities

James May and Jeremy Clarkson in China

The Top Gear crew has been spotted filming in China. James May and Jeremy Clarkson have caused a stir in Beijing as they take to the wheel in the newest vehicles available from Chinese automakers.

Judging from the photos that have surfaced so far, it looks like the intrepid duo spent some time in exquisite pieces of engineering like the JAC Binyue and the Greatwall Haval M2, while also taking a look at some of the country's vehicles that ~~infringe on the copyrights of~~ pay tribute to cars manufactured around the globe. That meant taking a gander at hardware like the Smart ForTwo-inspired Shuanghuan Noble, the BMW X5-flavored Shuanghuan SCO and the Mini Cooper-themed Lifan 320.

The episode is likely to surface next season, and we're betting it will feature plenty of insightful commentary from all three of the hosts. If this seems like the setup for yet another international incident, you'd be right. But isn't that why we keep watching? Head over to Car News China for a look at the full gaggle of photos.

Top Gear spotted testing China's latest originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinajames mayjeremy clarksontop geartop gear chinatop gear in chinaWed, 07 Dec 2011 18:31:00 EST

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20122560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/james-may-jeremy-clarkson-china-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/james-may-jeremy-clarkson-china-628.jpg <![CDATA[We drive 1,200 miles through China in Audi's Q3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-drive-1-200-miles-through-china-in-audis-q3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-drive-1-200-miles-through-china-in-audis-q3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-drive-1-200-miles-through-china-in-audis-q3/#commentsFiled under: China, Crossover, Audi

Verdict: China Ain't Kansas

We used our horn more in one week than we had in our entire driving existence.

Audi recently had one of us over to China for a solid week of long drives in that real-world part of China we rarely get to learn about. We report on the country a lot, but save for attending the its auto shows, we've basically been blindly following word of mouth and other media reports - up until now.

Our week-long adventure was admittedly almost entirely on interstate toll roads, but we did get off beaten paths a bit, drove through several chaotic downtown areas, dealt with China's "interesting" traffic scene, paid tolls, refilled fuel tanks, used Chinese roadside restrooms - *gack!* - and used our horn more in one week than we had in our entire driving existence up until this journey.

After a brief gawk at the massive new Audi assembly factory in the more provincial and unbreathable factory-heavy Changchun in the far northeast, we hit the comparatively Vegas-like Shanghai where our drive began. From autumnal downtown Shanghai all the way south to a quite tropical Hong Kong-influenced Shenzhen, we bore witness to a good portion of the Chinese miracle.

Continue reading We drive 1,200 miles through China in Audi's Q3

We drive 1,200 miles through China in Audi's Q3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20093951 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/audiq3-china-mdavis-lead-image_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/audiq3-china-mdavis-lead-image.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar races into China for the first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, China

Qingdao

China is a huge market, not just for automakers, but for all sorts of American businesses. Those include sponsors involved with racing series like IndyCar. When those sponsors told IndyCar that they wanted to see racing in China, series organizers sprung to action. As a result, the IZOD IndyCar Series will visit world's second largest economy next season.

The race is scheduled for August 19, 2012, on the streets of Qingdao, a coastal city on the Yellow Sea situated between Beijing and Shanghai. Known as China's Switzerland due to its historic German and French influences, Qingdao hosted the sailing competitions for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Until a more permanent venue can be constructed, the race will be held on a temporary 3.87-mile street circuit.

It replaces the race at Motegi in Japan - the only race in Asia ever held by a major American open-wheel series (CART, Champ Car or IndyCar) - which was campaigned for the last time this season. The majority of the remaining races on next year's calendar will all be contested in the United States, save for Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Toronto and Edmonton races in Canada. The development coincides with the emergence this year of Ho-Pin Tung as the first Chinese driver in American open-wheel racing, which should make the Qingdao race even more compelling for local fans.

IndyCar races into China for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20105223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/qingdao_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/qingdao.jpg <![CDATA[Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, China, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Racing

Mika Hakkinen with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Despite what longtime rival Michael Schumacher might have to say about it, when you're a multiple Formula One world champion, you don't have anything left to prove. That leaves you free to do pretty much whatever you want with the rest of your life.

In the case of Mika Hakkinen, that has involved a handful of seasons (and a few wins) driving for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM series, but when he'd had his fill, that was it. He's essentially been retired since the end of 2007 season, but is about to don his racing helmet one more time for a race in China.

The race in question is the 1000 km of Zhuhai, the Chinese round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. That's where he'll be sharing a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 with Lance David Arnold and Cong Fu Cheng in the AMG Customer Sports Team China as the squad's guest driver.

It'll be the first time in a career dominated by formula racing that Hakkinen, now 43 years old, will be competing in a sports racer, and should be an interesting spectacle. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000 km of zhuhaiamgchinaintercontinental le mans cuple mansmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg gt3mika hakkinensls amgsls amg gt3zhuhaiMon, 24 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST

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20088332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhakkinen-sls-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhakkinen-sls-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/chery-to-finally-invade-europe-after-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/chery-to-finally-invade-europe-after-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/chery-to-finally-invade-europe-after-2015/#commentsFiled under: China, Europe, Chery

Chinese automakers have had a heck of a time trying to crack the crowded European vehicle market, but Chery is hoping to change that in a few years. Automotive News reports that Chery is hoping to take up shop in Europe sometime after 2015.

Chery Deputy General Manager Lu Jianhui reportedly provided the 2015 timeline as the planned date to offer the brand in Europe, but added "we are still focusing on Russia and South America, among others, as our major export markets." Chery is already moving a lot of metal in those emerging markets, with a planned 180,000 vehicles for export in 2011. The automaker hopes to bump that sum closer to one million vehicles before the decade is out.

The 2015 timeline comes after news of a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corp to build three vehicles. The 1.5-billion-euro project would result in vehicles to be sold in China, followed by European sales one year later.

Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychinaeuropeisrael corpjoint venturevehicle salesThu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST

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20079296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/chery-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/chery-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to launch new brand in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/ford-to-launch-new-brand-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/ford-to-launch-new-brand-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/ford-to-launch-new-brand-in-china/#commentsFiled under: China, Ford

Ford at Auto Shanghai 2009

China is filled with lots of people and things - including lots of bizarre laws and regulations. One child per family is perhaps the most well known, but did you know you have to pay homage by bowing to the elderly on the street, or that you're actually prohibited from stopping your car at crosswalks? This next one may seem sane by comparison, but has got automakers vying for a piece of China's growing car market jumping through hoops.

Apparently foreign carmakers wishing to manufacture in China for local consumption by joint venture have to set up a new brand under which to sell. Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen are already setting up Chinese brands of their own, and now Ford is reportedly joining the fold.

The Blue Oval is teaming up with Mazda and Chinese automaker Chang'an on the joint venture that is targeted to help Ford catch up to GM, whose two million units sold last year nearly quadruples Ford's figures in the Chinese market. No word yet on what name the Ford sub-brand will carry, but it's a bit of an interesting development considering how many brands under the once sprawling Ford Motor Company have been jettisoned in recent years.

Ford to launch new brand in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changanchinafordmazdaWed, 12 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST

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20078878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/dvtogetty26750180_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/dvtogetty26750180.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, China, Videos, Bentley, UK, Luxury

Bentley Continental Flying Spur by Linley

We've heard the accolades applied by eager salesmen to countless items: This thing you're shopping for is the Rolls-Royce of its category. It's the Mercedes-Benz of somethingorother. Usually it isn't. But if any craftsman could be called the Bentley of furniture, it's certainly David Linley.

The child of photographer and architect Anthony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, and Princess Margaret, Linley has established a name for himself as the finest designer and crafter of luxurious furniture in all of the UK, if not the world. He and his team manipulate wood, metal, glass and leather into some of the most sumptuous and striking pieces available. The Bentley of furniture, in other words. How fitting, then, that Bentley itself should collaborate with Linley for an exclusive special edition Continental.

Bentley by Linley

Previewed about a month ago, the Linley edition Flying Spur has now been fully revealed at London's Jack Barclay dealership. It features the finest Santos rosewood veneers covering the fascia, console, waistrail and roof console of the sedan's interior. The waistrails and fold-down picnic tables feature Linley's trademark Helix motif inlayed from four different types of wood into an intricate pattern. It's also fitted with a custom Linley humidor - complete with cigar cutter and ashtray - burnt oak stitching on the upholstery, a rhodium-plated dedication plaque and even a special cashmere blanket.

In other words, you might call this the Bentley of Bentleys. But try not to like it too much: only 10 examples will be made, each earmarked for monied Anglophiles in the Chinese market. If you don't meet those narrow criteria, you can still check it out in the fresh high-resolution image gallery, and in video footage and press release after the jump.

Continue reading Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video]

Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continental flying spurbentley continental flying spur by linleychinacontinental flying spurdavid linleyflying spurjack barclaylinleyMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST

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20072090 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-linley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-linley.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo considering building cars in North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/volvo-considering-buildling-cars-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/volvo-considering-buildling-cars-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/volvo-considering-buildling-cars-in-north-america/#commentsFiled under: China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Volvo

Volvo Concept Universe Grille

Volvo is mulling a U.S. factory to offset some of its exposure to fluctuations in the dollar. One thing the automaker definitely will be doing is expanding its presence in the U.S., and a manufacturing facility would certainly make that way easier.

A U.S. Volvo plant would join factories in Sweden, Belgium and two plants in China. Volvo has been making a push on the Chinese market after Ford sold the Swedish company to Geely last year.

This manufacturing push is part of the company's initiative to double sales to 800,000 cars per year worldwide. The company also intends to invest $11 billion over the next five years, with the crosshairs squarely on the Chinese market.

Volvo considering building cars in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ameircabelgiumchinafordgeelyswedenusvolvovolvo us plantMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST

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20045826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volvo-concept-universe-grille_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volvo-concept-universe-grille.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo to gun for top-tier luxury brand status after all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/volvo-to-gun-for-top-tier-luxury-brand-status-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/volvo-to-gun-for-top-tier-luxury-brand-status-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/volvo-to-gun-for-top-tier-luxury-brand-status-after-all/#commentsFiled under: China, Europe, Volvo, Luxury

2011 Volvo XC60

Word has it that Volvo is once again aiming for top-tier status. Automotive News China is reporting that the Swedish automaker has outlined a slew of new goals that include hitting annual sales of around 800,000 units, becoming the best employer worldwide and doing battle with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. If that's not ambitious enough for you, the brand wants to make it all happen by 2020. The news came courtesy of Freeman Shen, Volvo senior vice president, who made the comments in a speech about the company's future.

Volvo has adopted the new global brand tag line, "Designed Around You," as a step toward its ambitious targets. As Automotive News China points out, the company has some serious ground to cover. For starters, its current line lacks a legitimate flagship to compete with the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Even so, sales in China are now favoring the XC60 SUV and S80 instead of the smaller S40; a sign that the brand is already inching its way up the food chain in that country.

Volvo to gun for top-tier luxury brand status after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinas80top tiervolvovolvo flagshipvolvo s80volvo top tiervolvo xc60xc60Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/07/volvo-to-gun-for-top-tier-luxury-brand-status-after-all/20033021/article-detail.xml

20033021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volvo-xc60-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volvo-xc60-630.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teams up with Linley on exclusive Continental Flying Spur for China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/bentley-teams-up-with-linley-on-exclusive-continental-flying-spu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/bentley-teams-up-with-linley-on-exclusive-continental-flying-spu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/bentley-teams-up-with-linley-on-exclusive-continental-flying-spu/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, China, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental Flying Spur by Linley

Luxury automakers like Bentley have been enjoying increasing success in the Chinese market. But with every factory owner and their cousin clamoring for a new Continental Flying Spur, some will invariably demand something a little more unique. So to satisfy its most demanding clientele, Bentley has teamed up with high-end furniture craftsmen Linley to create a special edition specifically for China.

Only ten examples of the Linley special edition will be offered in the Asian country, each outfitted with such unique features as Santos rosewood veneers around the cabin with intricate marquetry inlay, a specially crafted humidor in the rear console, branded treadplates, rhodium-coated plaque, contrasting piping on the leather upholstery and a leather bag with cashmere blanket.

We won't ask how many yuan the special edition will sell for, because even if we lived halfway around the world, this would still be far out of reach. The closest we'll get, then, is the press release after the jump and the high-resolution images in our gallery.

Continue reading Bentley teams up with Linley on exclusive Continental Flying Spur for China

Bentley teams up with Linley on exclusive Continental Flying Spur for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental flying spurchinacontinental flying spurflying spurlinleyTue, 06 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST

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