A round-up of this week's other motoring news in brief
New Qashqai on the way
NISSAN IS currently working on a new version of its Qashqai that is likely to be unveiled next summer.
The new version, caught testing below, is likely to feature a completely new front nose along with modifications to the rear. A new range of engines is also likely, given the firm’s recent emphasis on low emissions technology. A new interior is also expected to be part of the new Qashqai for 2010.
Germans call for clarity from GM regarding Opel
THE GERMAN government called for clarity from General Motors on its long-term plans for Opel should the US carmaker reverse course this week and decide to keep its European business.
‘“We are keeping Opel’ is not a strategy yet,” German deputy economy minister Jochen Homann said on the sidelines of an energy conference in Munich yesterday.
Frustration with GM is mounting in the German government, which has come out strongly in favour of Canadian automotive group Magna’s bid for Opel, which would entail Detroit permanently ceding control over its former subsidiary.
“We have laid the groundwork in the direction of Magna,” Homann said.
GM’s board of directors meets on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss Opel. Berlin wants a decision ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, where Opel will unveil the latest version of its most important model, the Astra compact.
In May, GM consented to a Magna deal but gradually retreated from that position after emerging on July 10th in slimmed-down form from 40 days of bankruptcy protection.
Sources have told Reuters some board members want to keep Opel. Analysts believe GM’s board is holding off on formally reaching any decision until after a German election on September 27th, which is likely to produce a new centre-right government.
Volvo’s C30 sports coupé gets a new look
VOLVO HAS released details of its revised C30 sports coupé, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.
The C30 has been given a significant facelift with new panels and larger Volvo logo, taking much of its styling from the S60 concept.
Buyers will be able to specify a new Sports chassis on all models of the C30 – except the Drive – which the Swedish firm claims makes the car feel sharper to drive, thanks to more responsive steering and stiffer suspension set-up.
The new C30 will be available with three diesel engines producing 107bhp to 136bhp and two petrol units with 99bhp to 145bhp. There will be two 1.6 Drive models: one standard model with 119g/km and one with a stop-start function producing 104g/km CO2.
The facelifted C30 goes on sale from early 2010.FORD HAS released photos of its new C-Max, which will be available as a five or seven-seater.
Ford reveals images of new C-Max
It is the first model to use Ford’s new C-segment platform, which will eventually form the basis of the next-generation Focus and Kuga replacement.
The C-Max was first shown as the Ford Iosis Max concept and retains some of the concept’s styling. The C-Max will go on sale in the second half of 2010.