VW’s Audi may hit 1.5m car sales goal earlier

Reuters (Berlin) – Volkswagen’s luxury unit Audi may reach its goal of selling 1.5 million cars per year earlier than planned thanks to unbroken demand from China, the United States and Russia. The manufacturer, which so far expected to reach its target in 2015, boosted four-month deliveries 11.7.

Ford Demands Ultimate Sacrifice From Japan: Kill Some Car Factories, Then We Talk

Imagine what happened if the representative of a large Japanese or Chinese car company would demand that America should close some car factories before easier access to foreign markets would be contemplated. All hell would break loose, and the Seventh Fleet would steam in the direction of the loose cannon – if it is not already there

Ford Part of Team Working to Standardize and Speed up Electric Vehicle Charge Times

Global automakers from the United States and Germany will demonstrate fast-charging technology that will enable the recharging of most electrified vehicles with compatible systems in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Hedonist vs Frugalist: 2012 Nissan Versa

Renault-Nissan To Take Majority Stake in Russia’s AvtoVAZ

Renault-Nissan will invest an additional $750 million in a joint venture that will give it an indirect majority stake in AvtoVAZ, Russia’s largest automaker.

The Spun Bearing: BMW M12/13 F1 Engine, and Bangaluru Through the Eyes of a Car Guy

BMW M12/13 F1 Engine Formula is supposed to move to a 1.6 L V6 turbo engine recipe for the 2014 season.

Car financing helps Daimler beat forecasts

Reuters (Frankfurt) – German luxury carmaker Daimler (DAIGn.DE) reported a surprise increase in first-quarter operating profit, helped by its financial services business that offers loans and leases to car buyers and is benefiting from low interest rates. The margin at Daimler’s Mercedes brand, t.

This Aggression Will Not Stand, Man: Portland Declares War On Working Panthers

The Portland city council two years ago put in place regulations that force limousine and sedan services to charge a $50 minimum for rides to and from the airport, and at least 35 percent more than taxis for trips to any other destination. And these transportation companies cannot pick up customers until at least an hour after the customer calls for a ride… “The main thing is that you don’t want the Town Cars to take all of the best fares, which are to the airport, and not leave any for the taxi industry,” [a city official] said. “That’s why there’s a minimum fare and a one-hour wait requirement.” That’s right: the city of Portland is attacking the Lincoln Town Car, by name , in legislation and public speech.

Diesel Sales Trending Upward; Chevy Gearing Up

By Philippe Crowe Total diesel sales, which account for 3 percent of U.S. sales today, jumped 35 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

2012 Beijing: Jaguar XJ Ultimate unveiled, only 30 coming to the U.S.

Jaguar and Land Rover are both becoming well know for its special-edition models. At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Jaguar is unveiling a special-version of the XJ known as the Ultimate edition

Infiniti to see Chinese production

From the Washington Post via AP Luxury automaker Infiniti said Friday it will manufacture cars in China for the first time starting in 2014, joining a rush by global automakers to expand production in the world’s biggest auto market even as sales growth fades. Infiniti, owned by Nissan Motor Co., said two of its models will be produced in factories run by Nissan and its Chinese joint-venture partner.

Hark! Mitsubishi’s ‘Electriphobia Institute’ cures EV anxiety!

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , North America Think of it as Mitsubishi’s nod to Canada’s offbeat sense of humor. The Japanese automaker is using the 2012 Green Living Show in Toronto this week to launch what it calls its “Electriphobia Research Institute,” which will promote the Mitsubishi battery-electric i-MiEV while it dispels some myths associated with plug-in powertrains