Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Chinese Chevy Lova reveals next-gen Aveo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/spy-shots-chinese-chevy-lova-reveals-next-gen-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/spy-shots-chinese-chevy-lova-reveals-next-gen-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/spy-shots-chinese-chevy-lova-reveals-next-gen-aveo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more spy shots of the Chinese Chevy Lova

We were hoping to get a new sub-compact from Chevy that would ape the design of the Beat concept, but we're seeing more of a Malibu influence in these spy shots of what appears to be the next-gen Lova in China, or what we know as the Aveo in the U.S. The front grille especially looks inspired by the Malibu's schnoz, which is fine, but the rest of the car -- in particular the tall greenhouse -- is still easily identifyable by its econo-car roots.

You can also see a few shots of the interior in the gallery below. Though not very clear, the instrument panel looks agreeable, though you can bet the materials were chosen to hit a specific price-point rather than look and feel like high quality pieces.

Truthfully, however, we don't really know if this updated Lova has anything to do with the U.S. market Aveo, and these pics aren't the greatest. Still, it could hardly be any worse than what we've got now... right?

Gallery: Spy Shots: Chevy Lova


[Source: Jalopnik]

 

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]]>aveoaveo spy shotsAveoSpyShotschevy aveochevy lovaChevyAveoChevyLovalova spy shotsLovaSpyShots2008-09-03T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Happy (Chery) Eastar!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for Chery Eastar convertible gallery

In case you were jonesing for a dose of weirdness from the Chinese auto industry today, Chery has complied. Behold the Chery Eastar convertible. China Car Times' headline asks, "The thinking man's Bentley?" Perhaps, if said man is doing his thinking after hitting the all-you-can-eat peyote buffet. Note the deftly-removed B-pillar and beautifully integrated extension between the front and rear doors, complete with a gap in the weatherstripping along the sills. Listen, we have no idea if this is some one-off novelty or something that's actually being considered. What we do know is that a Saabish-bodied 4-door luxo-vert with a Lexus-y nose and Mitsubishi Mirage rear end is exactly the kind of thing that makes following the Chinese auto industry so entertaining.

Gallery: Chery Eastar convertible


[Source: China Car Times]

 

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]]>4-door convertible4-doorConvertiblecery-eastarcheryeastarsoft topSoftTop2008-09-02T18:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Doh! All plans for return of MG to U.S. dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Blame gas prices. Blame the housing market. Blame the dollar for being worth much less than it was in 2005. But ultimately, you'll probably need to blame the Chinese for the total lack of MGs being sold in the U.S.

Despite initial plans by MG's new owner, Nanjing Automobile Group Corp., to sell a U.S. version of the TF roadster, the company now says conditions are just wrong here in the States. "The U.S.A. isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us, but with the right product, it would be good to return there," Gary Hagen, marketing director of NAC MG, says in a story on Austin Rover Online. Of course, with the car also goes any hopes of a U.S. assembly plant in Oklahoma. The final twist of the knife is Hagen killing any hope of the company shipping Chinese-made kits to the U.S. for assembly.

Buck up, MG fans. You've waited 20 years. What's another 20? Right?

[Source: Austin Rover Online via Automotive News]

 

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]]>mg tfmg tf roadsterMgTfMgTfRoadsternanjing automobilenanjing automotiveNanjingAutomobileNanjingAutomotive2008-08-26T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Concrete chicane keeps drivers on the curvy and narrow in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/concrete-chicane-keeps-drivers-on-the-curvy-and-narrow-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/concrete-chicane-keeps-drivers-on-the-curvy-and-narrow-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/concrete-chicane-keeps-drivers-on-the-curvy-and-narrow-in-china/#commentsFiled under: ,



We don't have much information on this, but apparently this theme-park looking concrete chicane is in use on a roadway in China to keep speeds down. The Not So Great Wall of China is about two-feet high and one-hundred serpentine feet long.

We can't imagine what people were doing on this road to necessitate one-way traffic slowed to a crawl. Or maybe the authorities are just trying to protect the trees and fields from pilots like the amphibious Audi R8 driver, since there doesn't seem to be a mammal anywhere in the area. Or perhaps a new Olympic sport? If you have any better (more educated) ideas, please feel free to fill us in in the comments... Thanks for the tip, Gabriel!

[Source: Nate]

 

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]]>chinachinese roadsChineseRoadssafetyspeeding2008-08-22T07:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Honda City?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda is set to release the fourth-generation of its City subcompact and these newest spy shots show that development is well underway. The previous generation had been based on the Honda Jazz, known in the U.S. as the Fit, but the new model moves away from that platform and grows slightly larger in the process. Expect to see either a 1.3- or 1.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC engine underhood, along with either a standard manual tranny or a CVT automatic with seven preset ratios controlled through steering wheel-mounted paddles. Although Honda has no plans -- as far as we know -- to bring the City to the States, the Fit model has managed to post a huge 73% increase in sales this year. Considering how hot fuel-sipping little cars are these days in the U.S. market, Honda could certainly do worse than to offer this attractive new subcompact car in the States.

[Source: paultan.org]

 

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]]>2009 honda city2009HondaCityhonda cityhonda city spy shotsHondaCityHondaCitySpyShots2008-08-20T08:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[China may replace Germany as VW's top market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/china-may-replace-germany-as-vws-top-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/china-may-replace-germany-as-vws-top-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/china-may-replace-germany-as-vws-top-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen was one of the pioneers in infiltrating the booming Chinese market, and now the automaker's early efforts are paying off handsomely. VW is planning to sell over 1 million vehicles in the land of the Great Wall in 2008, which should mean that the automaker's China sales will surpass those in Germany for the first time ever. While that may make it sound like there's a problem with VW's Germany sales, it's more a testament to a 19% market share in a country with 1.4 billion people.

Volkswagen is also keeping the heat on the Chinese market, with 14 new vehicles scheduled for launch during the next two years. That's a substantially faster pace than the 11 products VW updated in the previous three years, and a big reason why sales will likely continue to rise. The automaker is turning a serious profit in China, and with products like the affordable and efficient up! on the horizon, Germany's volume automaker looks to be set up well in the worlds fastest-emerging market.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>VWVW china salesVW germany salesVwChinaSalesVwGermanySales2008-08-18T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[What do a giant tape measure, a V8 Vantage and Stephen Hawking have in common?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/what-do-a-giant-tape-measure-a-v8-vantage-and-stephen-hawking-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/what-do-a-giant-tape-measure-a-v8-vantage-and-stephen-hawking-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/what-do-a-giant-tape-measure-a-v8-vantage-and-stephen-hawking-h/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above to view a hi-res gallery of Beijing 008

China, that's what. Artist Qin Yufen has just unveiled Beijing 008 with the help of Aston Martin chieftains Ulrich Bez and Kenny Chen. The art installation brings together a ginormous tape measure, a quote about disorder, a statuary tribute to Stephen Hawking that hangs from the ceiling, and a V8 Vantage in a way that ambiguously represents the mystery held by the 21st century. That is, according to artist Yufen. We think the fuzzy meaning will make the work more accessible to the public at large, as any statements made by Yufen's work is deliberately soft-spoken and open to interpretation. It is a wine-and-cheese set kind of way to commemorate the opening of an Aston Martin dealership in China, too.

Aston Martin is a strong supporter of artistic endeavors, and this is one way to celebrate the brand's entrance into the Chinese marketplace. It's not necessarily the way we would've chosen (autocross inside the Forbidden City?), but it's one way. The high level of craft that's historically gone into Astons also dovetails nicely with the handmade nature of the artwork. Easily interpreted art is all well and good, but the moment you fire up that Vantage, the intent is clear - go fast, be coddled. At least they didn't cut the car up to make some kind of pointless statement.

Gallery: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Art Installation


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading What do a giant tape measure, a V8 Vantage and Stephen Hawking have in common?

 

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]]>astonaston martinaston martin artaston martin china artaston martin china dealeraston martin v8 vantageAstonMartinAstonMartinArtAstonMartinChinaArtAstonMartinChinaDealerAstonMartinV8VantageBeijing 008Beijing0082008-08-18T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[2 of 3 Ferrari FXX Evoluziones delivered to Hong Kong]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/2-of-3-ferrari-fxx-evoluziones-delivered-to-hong-kong/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/2-of-3-ferrari-fxx-evoluziones-delivered-to-hong-kong/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/2-of-3-ferrari-fxx-evoluziones-delivered-to-hong-kong/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione in hi-res

We're not quite sure to make of this, but apparently of the 29 hand-selected participants from the Ferrari FXX development program, only three opted (or were deemed worthy) to continue with the even more exclusive FXX Evoluzione.

The progression of the previous initiative revolves around an even more extreme derivative of the Enzo. The FXX Evoluzione, as we reported back in October of last year, features a heavily revised variable aerodynamics package and advanced electronics, channeling 860 horsepower from the developmental supercar's 6.3-liter V12 with its atmospheric 9500 rpm redline. Of the three FXX Evoluziones made, two are heading to Hong Kong, with the remaining third example being presented to an unspecified European client.

UPDATE: We've been informed that while only three brand new examples of the FXX Evoluzione were built, most (if not all) of the original 29 FXXs have been retrofitted to Evoluzione spec. Thanks to tipster SPHFerrari for the correction.

Gallery: Ferrari FXX Evoluzione


[Source: Italiaspeed]

 

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]]>ferrari fxxferrari fxx chinaferrari fxx evolutionferrari fxx evoluzioneferrari fxx hong kongFerrariFxxFerrariFxxChinaFerrariFxxEvolutionFerrariFxxEvoluzioneFerrariFxxHongKong2008-08-12T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the MINI Clubman Rickshaws

The rickshaw is a time-honored method of transportation in China. While the vehicles were initially pulled around by men on foot, the pedal-powered versions have grown much more popular in recent years and are a symbol of Chinese culture. When Beijing MINI needed an interesting way to communicate that the Clubman model was being introduced in Chinese, especially in light of all the media attention on the Olympics, it back-halved a slew of new Clubmans, mounted a pedicab front-end and sent them out for business.

According to China Car Times, MINI's publicity stunt is working exactly as planned. Though the vast majority of media coverage is centered on those games from Greece, the MINI Rickshaws have managed to make some headlines of their own. We think the cabs turned out pretty cool, even incorporating the sunroof into the final design.

Gallery: MINI Rickshaws


[Source: China Car Times]

 

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]]>beijingbeijing 2008beijing miniBeijing2008BeijingMinimini clubmanmini rickshawMiniClubmanMiniRickshawpedicabrickshaw2008-08-08T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chinese companies selling $1,400 Dodge Tomahawk knock-off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/chinese-companies-selling-1-400-dodge-tomahawk-knock-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/chinese-companies-selling-1-400-dodge-tomahawk-knock-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/chinese-companies-selling-1-400-dodge-tomahawk-knock-off/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Tomahawk knock-off

Back before Chrysler was bought by Cerberus, you could always count on the automaker to roll out something truly special at the Detroit Auto Show. Whether by stampeding an entire herd of cattle through downtown Detroit or putting motorcycle bits all around the V10 engine of a Viper, Dodge has always found a way to capture people's attention. The Viper-inspired Tomahawk motorcycle was especially memorable. It seems that some are still miffed that Dodge never offered the fabled bike as a regular production machine, though a few were in fact created and sold as non-runners. Now a company (or companies, who knows?) in China has decided to offer a motorcycle based on the design of Dodge's original concept. We should stress that this is in no way a replica, as the original V10 engine has been replaced by a single cylinder 150cc engine and CVT transmission from a scooter. It's not street legal and also cannot be sold in California. As with all small-bore motorcycles and scooters coming from China with questionable origins, we really cannot recommend you purchase one for yourself with visions of riding it to work. If you just want to see it in your garage though, it'll surely work as a rolling sculpture quite nicely.

Gallery: Chinese Tomahawk Replica


[Source: ATV Discounter via 2fiddy.com]

 

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]]>chinese motorcyclechinese motorcycleschinese scooterchinese scooterschinese tomahawkChineseMotorcycleChineseMotorcyclesChineseScooterChineseScootersChineseTomahawkdodge tomahawkDodgeTomahawktomahawktomahawk motorcycletomahawk replicaTomahawkMotorcycleTomahawkReplicax racerx-racerXRacer2008-08-01T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/buick-enclave-gets-passport-for-sale-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/buick-enclave-gets-passport-for-sale-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/buick-enclave-gets-passport-for-sale-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Buick Enclave.

In addition to getting the coolest Buicks which are not available in America, individuals in China are about to get the best vehicle that Buick has to offer in the States. In a deal which was initially inked ten months ago, the attractive Enclave CUV, built at GM's Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, is headed for China. The U.S. assembled 'utes will make their way by means of Shanghai GM. The exportation of the Enclave to China is only surprising in that it took so long for the General to get the model there in the first place. After all, Buick sells more vehicles in China than anywhere else in the world, with the nation consuming over half of all Buicks worldwide. We can only hope that Shanghai GM returns the favor and sends some of its best designs our way... and soon.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave


[Source: GM]

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]]>buick enclaveBuickEnclavechinachina enclaveChinaEnclavechinese buickchinese enclaveChineseBuickChineseEnclaveenclaveenclave suvEnclaveSuvshanghai gmShanghaiGm2008-07-29T09:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[The Clone Wars: Chinese copy banned from Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/the-clone-wars-chinese-copy-banned-from-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/the-clone-wars-chinese-copy-banned-from-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/the-clone-wars-chinese-copy-banned-from-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat's Panda is the best selling minicar in Europe, and has been for four years. When China's Great Wall Motor -- Chrysler's Chinese partner -- decided to make a minicar called the GWPeri, it borrowed from the best. That is, if by "borrowed" you mean created a car that differs only from the Panda in it's headlamps and bumper details.

Fiat didn't just do a double-take when it saw the GWPeri, it sued Great Wall Motor both in Italy and in China to prevent the car from being sold in Europe and China. A court in Turin recently decided that "the [GWPeri] does not look like a different car but is a Panda with a different front end." Furthermore, if a Peri ever shows up in Europe, GW will have to pay Fiat €15,000, with every GWPeri after that incurring a €50,000 fee.

Great Wall has already said it is going to contest the European verdict. The Chinese ruling hasn't come down yet, where the GWPeri went on sale earlier this year. Thanks for the tip!

[Source: Automotive World]

 

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]]>chinachinesecloneclonescopiesgreat wall motorgreat wall motorsgreat wall periGreatWallMotorGreatWallMotorsGreatWallPeri2008-07-23T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM, Ford doing well in China, despite slow sales at home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/gm-ford-doing-well-in-china-despite-slow-sales-at-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/gm-ford-doing-well-in-china-despite-slow-sales-at-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/gm-ford-doing-well-in-china-despite-slow-sales-at-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While domestic sales continue to slide, the auto market in China is thriving. Both General Motors and Ford have reported double-digit sales growth for the first-half of 2008 in the world's most populace country, with GM moving 590,126 Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac vehicles for a total sales increase of 12.7 percent, while Ford sold 172,411 units for 21 percent jump in growth. With China recognized as the second-largest vehicle market outside the United States, and with their economy forecasted to grow by at least nine percent this year, automakers in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. are investing heavily to expand sales and production in the Chinese market. It is worth noting that vehicle sales in China have been nearly immune to the increase in global oil prices as governmental controls keep diesel and gasoline prices among the world's lowest.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>CadillacChevroletChinaChinese MarketplaceChineseMarketplaceFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGlobal SalesGlobalSalesIncrease2008-07-08T15:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler and Great Wall to share technology, distribution]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/chrysler-and-great-wall-to-share-technology-distribution/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/chrysler-and-great-wall-to-share-technology-distribution/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/chrysler-and-great-wall-to-share-technology-distribution/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Above: Great Wall Peri

Most automakers are struggling with horrible US market conditions right now, but unlike competitors such as Toyota and Ford, Chrysler doesn't have sales in other areas of the world to fall back on. The Pentastar is looking to improve its fortunes overseas while also benefiting from low labor costs by partnering with the Great Wall Motor Company. The young Chinese automaker doesn't specialize in the small vehicles Chrysler needs here in the States, however, as the company's primary focus is on trucks and SUVs. The goal of the union is to share distribution channels, technology, and components, which should save both companies money in R&D and improve economies of scale. The deal is unrelated to a separate pact with Chery to produce a small, Dodge-branded car for sale in North America.

With sales down in the states by 28% in June, Chrysler appears to be in the most trouble of the Detroit automakers in the near term. Branching out to other markets to drive down costs and add sales could be the automaker's best hope for survival in the future.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>ChinaChrysler2008-07-06T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Chinese anti-terror Segway commandos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



From Xinhua via our friends at China Car Times comes the above photo, showing Chinese counter-terrorism forces going through drills as they prepare to crush any dissent terror threat that might arise during next month's Olympic Games. The black ninja suits, fritz helmets, body armor, and submachine pistols all fit the profile of a specialized group like this. But... Segways?

UPDATE: Turns out, Engadget is having a caption contest. (Thanks, seoultrain.)

[Source: Xinhua via China Car Times]

 

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]]>anti terrorAntiTerrorchinachina policeChinaPolicecommandocounter-terrorolympic-gamesolympicgamesolympicspolicesegwaysegway-security2008-07-03T15:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chinese automaker denies rumor about interest in Volvo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chinese-automaker-denies-rumor-about-interest-in-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chinese-automaker-denies-rumor-about-interest-in-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chinese-automaker-denies-rumor-about-interest-in-volvo/#commentsFiled under: ,



An eternally unanswerable question seems to be whether or not Ford is actively shopping around Volvo for a buyer. Just this week we reported that Chinese automaker SAIC and some Russian investors had expressed interest in purchasing the Swedish carmaker from Ford, but today we learn from a source within SAIC that the company is doing nothing of the sort. The unidentified source said that, as far as he/she knew, the two companies were not in contact about a possible purchase at all. Volvo's staying quiet and licking its wounds after announcing 2,000 layoffs this week, while Ford is singing the same old song with a catchy chorus that insists Volvo is not for sale. Well, the rumor that some Russians are interested in Volvo hasn't been refuted yet, so until someone named Boris says otherwise, let's considerable Volvo on the market despite Ford's protest.

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

 

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]]>chinafordford volvoFordVolvoSAICSAIC volvoSaicVolvovolvo2008-06-27T19:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Auction action: Drive a Lotus, help earthquake victims]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/auction-action-drive-a-lotus-help-earthquake-victims/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/auction-action-drive-a-lotus-help-earthquake-victims/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/auction-action-drive-a-lotus-help-earthquake-victims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last month China's Sichuan province was devastated by a massive earthquake that killed as many as 70,000 people. If you've wanted to donate to help the survivors but were waiting for just the right opportunity, this could be it.

Our friends over at China Car Times are holding several auctions with the proceeds going to the British Red Cross. Three of the auctions require a little travel for us Americans, but just might be worth a special trip. One is a private tour of the London Taxi factory with a chance to drive one of the iconic cars and some special merchandise from the factory. The second is for the chance to be one of the first people to tour MG's Longbridge factory in Birmingham, England, since taken over by Shanghai Automotive. Not only that, but the top bidder will get to drive the new MG TF LE500. The third auction is your chance to try out the latest vehicles from Lotus right there on its test track in Hethel Norwich, England.

Can't leave the country? Line up behind a couple of Autoblog staffers to bid on the 1:18 scale models of the Lifan 520. These are usually only given to VIP visitors to the Lifan factory and are produced in exacting detail. They're gonna look good in my collection.

The final auction should appeal to anyone with an international business hoping to break into the Chinese market. China Car Times will give to the winning bidder one month of advertising on its Web site, which is a great opportunity to see what your business could do over there.

[Source: China Car Times]

 

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]]>charity auctionCharityAuctionChina Car TimesChina earthquakeChina earthquake charityChinaCarTimesChinaEarthquakeChinaEarthquakeCharityLifanLondon TaxiLondonTaxiLotusMGTF LE500TfLe5002008-06-20T19:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Fiat apologizes to China for Richard Gere commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



According to Olivier Francois, Chief Executive Officer of Lancia, Richard Gere was chosen for a recent ad for the Lancia Delta because he "is not merely a fine actor; not merely one of the most famous men in the world. He is a man with a great difference: the ability to combine talent, fame and style with great character. I'm talking about his commitment to peace." That affinity for peace stretches especially towards the people of Tibet, a people who's autonomy from China Gere supports.

This commercial, which you can watch after the break, features Gere driving a new Lancia Delta from Hollywood to Tibet in just 30 seconds and aired in Italy. After reports of the commercial appeared in Chinese newspapers, China was apparently none too happy about it. Fiat has decided to apologize, with a company spokesman saying, "Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese people."

Our opinion? Gere's alright in Pretty Woman, but not much else after that. Apologies are usually pretty lame, but we'd appreciate one for Gere's horrible singing in Chicago as long as they are being handed out so freely. And how 'bout one for that Lancia's front end?

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

Continue reading Fiat apologizes to China for Richard Gere commercial

 

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]]>chinalancialancia deltaLanciaDeltarichard gereRichardGeretibet2008-06-20T18:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM, Ford exporting $2 billion in vehicles, parts to China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/gm-ford-exporting-2-billion-in-vehicles-parts-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/gm-ford-exporting-2-billion-in-vehicles-parts-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/gm-ford-exporting-2-billion-in-vehicles-parts-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



American automotive companies have been doing rather well for themselves these last few years in China. Still, the majority of manufacturing those vehicles is done in China using locally sourced parts. For this reason, the Chinese government has been facing pressure to ink more deals with American companies for the export of goods there, which is apparently now beginning to take place. Ford, for instance, has announced that it will be sending 30,000 complete vehicles (no word on which ones) to China along with other various auto parts. General Motors has also signed on with about $1 billion in vehicles and parts for export to China. Chrysler too will get in on the trading, though its deals will likely be smaller than either Ford's or General Motors'. All in all, the automotive sector will make up about $2 billion of the recently announced deals, which total more than $8.3 billion in exports. And we're pretty sure they're all lead-free.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press, Photo by BYUN YEONG-WOOK/AFP/Getty]

 

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]]>american exportsAmericanExportschinachina importsChinaImportschinese importsChineseImportsfordgm2008-06-17T19:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM seeking Chinese suitor for HUMMER?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/gm-seeking-chinese-suitor-for-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/gm-seeking-chinese-suitor-for-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/gm-seeking-chinese-suitor-for-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The continual grousing over fuel prices has earned the HUMMER brand a place on consumers' fecal roster. There's nothing wrong with what HUMMER has on offer, other than the fact that large, off-road capable trucks make terrible commuter cars, and the idiots misusing their H2s for tasks better suited to Cobalts are finally wising up. This re-thinking of emetic consumption has sent HUMMER sales down the sewer, and with no end in sight, GM is seriously considering selling the brand to stanch the cash bleed.

China is a huge emerging market for General Motors - Buick is big there, for example. As such, GM's Fritz Henderson has indicated its willingness to hold discussions with any Chinese company interested in buying the division. It's not like HUMMER is a brand with lots of history, anyway. Only the H1 had any legitimate claim to military lineage, and that vehicle hasn't been available for a while. The survival of the brand in the U.S. market may hinge on competing more directly with the Jeep Wrangler, regardless of ownership. The same way as Jaguar and Land Rover are a handy entre into serious carmaking for Tata, HUMMER could be a way for Chinese automakers to crack the U.S. market.

[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>gm chinagm sell hummerGmChinaGmSellHummerhummer chinahummer saleHummerChinaHummerSalesale of hummerSaleOfHummersell hummerSellHummer2008-06-16T09:28:00+00:00