Autoblog

Some automakers might be concerned over California's fight for an EPA waver, but Lamborghini isn't one of them. Regardless of government-imposed regulations, the Italian exotic car maker knows that the luxury market will continue to demand high-powered vehicles available in every color found in a Skittles bag. That is why Lamborghini has chosen the Los Angeles area, Santa Monica specifically, to house its brand new headquarters for North American sales operations. It is the company's first business venture outside of Italy, and it happened in this country mainly because the continent comprises a 41-percent market share of all Lamborghini's sold in the world. The sunshine state alone accounts for more Lambo sales than most entire nations, hence the reason it won out in the race for office location.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Aston Martins rank highly among the most beautiful cars on the road. Granted, they all look pretty much the same – evolutions on a common theme that has ranged from the DB7 through to the upcoming production Rapide four-door – but each one is a study in elegance and sophistication.

Future models, however, are set to be conceived and designed at a new facility which the now independent British sportscar marque is in the process of establishing in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England, at the site of its complex there (pictured above) which the company built to replace its historic home at Newport Pagnell.

The new design center is part of an ambitious program being undertaken by Aston Martin, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and chairman David Richards, to dramatically expand its market reach. We can't wait to see what the boys at Aston cook up next at its fancy new facility.

Our thanks go out to Mikkel for the tip.

[Source: BBC]

We had always operated under the assumption that there's no quick way to make a buck in the auto business. Turns out we were wrong, as DaimlerChrysler has just sold its headquarters in Stuttgart for $308.8 million in cash to IXIS Capital Partners Ltd. Don't fret, the building's new owners won't be kicking DCX to the curb, as the automaker simultaneously signed a 15-year lease to stay on the premises. The money from the sale will boost the automaker's operating profit by $22.9 million this year, as DCX is required to report income over the duration of the lease. It's perhaps the fastest $380 million profit we've ever seen a carmaker turn, and the most creative. Chances are that if DCX is doing well in 2021, the automaker will buy its HQ right back.

[Source: Automotive News]

Press pics are one thing, but sometimes a vehicle’s true allure is masked by the artificial gloss of officially released images. So we’re thankful the guys from the German Car Blog live close enough to Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters to drop by and snap some live shots of the brand’s new TT coupe unveiled last Friday. One thing that instantly becomes obvious is how much longer the new TT’s hood is compared to the model it’s replacing. The front overhang is demonstrably longer and the car in general appears narrower. The rear is graceful in design but we’re not diggin’ the TT’s new angry eyes up front.

[Source and pic courtesy of German Car Blog]

If you've already sent in your resume to Nissan for a job in their new Nashville headquarters, congratulations-- you're one in 13,000.

The automaker's soon-to-be-transplanted nerve center has had Tennesseans clamoring for virtual applications on the company's web site. Nobody appears to know how many positions will be available, but there are 158 postings presently listed-- an increase of 20 over the week prior. Nissan expects to have 1,300 employees at the facility, but many workers are making the pilgrimage from Los Angeles with the company, meaning that thousands of applicants are going to be hard-pressed to net an interview, let alone a position.

Regardless of the CV glut, Nissan is still requesting applications from interested parties.

[Source: Fairview Observer]