A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Toyota still world's largest automaker
TOYOTA REMAINED the world’s largest automaker for the third year in 2010. A decline in US sales was outweighed by growth in other markets.
Toyota’s sales, including its luxury Lexus marque as well as deliveries from affiliates Daihatsu and Hino Motors, rose 8 per cent to 8.42 million units last year, according to a statement from the firm.
General Motors, the second-ranked car company, said its worldwide deliveries gained 12 per cent to 8.39 million units in 2010. For the first time in its history, GM sold more vehicles in China than in the US, although these include sales arising from its nine Chinese joint-ventures with local operators. Toyota’s sales performance is particularly strong given its struggles to recover its reputation following record recalls for defects related to unintended acceleration. Volkswagen Group, the world’s third biggest carmaker, sold 7.14 million vehicles in 2010, an increase of 14 per cent, and has forecast growth of 5 per cent in 2011.
- Bloomberg
Fiat marks collaboration
FIAT WILL debut their first collaboration with the Chrysler group when they unveil their Freemont SUV at the Geneva Motor Show. The Freemont is essentially a rebadged Dodge Journey although there is an all-new passenger compartment.
There will be a 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel under the bonnet with either 140- or 170bhp and front wheel drive. This will be followed by a four-wheel drive version at a later stage.
The new model has not been confirmed for right-hand drive and whether it goes on sale in Ireland or not will largely depend on whether it is taken by the UK market.
Also at Geneva, sister brand Alfa Romeo is rumoured to be preparing a replacement to the Alfa GT. It is likely to be called the 4C Concept and we can expect it to be powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine, which will be good for around 260bhp.
Leaf drives overtime
NISSAN IS to add overtime to one of its Tokyo plants to bring production of the electric car up to full speed. The firm has completed production of about 3,000 of its electric family cars to date. By March, the pace of production will rise to full capacity of about 4,000 Leafs a month putting Nissan on track to hit a target of producing a total 10,000 units by the end of March.
Nissan Ireland claim they have approximately 500 expressions of interest for the car and are currently contacting these customers to confirm sales. The first batch of Leaf arrive in Ireland in early February and will be used for showroom display and test drives. Customer deliveries will start from March. A spokesman said the firm still expects to sell over 1,000 Leafs in the first 12 months of sale. Nissan picked up the European car of the year for 2011 award for its electric car at a ceremony yesterday.