MERCEDES-BENZ CLA REVEALED IN PROMO SHOTS

The baby Mercedes-Benz CLS is going official at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called the CLA, it rides on the same platform as the A and B-Class compact premium cars, but is a sedan. Its main competition will come from the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and BMW 1 Series sedan. These are the first official Photoshoped promo pictures.

AUDI'S R150 BILLION INVESTMENT PUSHES AHEAD

Audi, having targeted the year 2016 as the one in which it unsettles BMW as the world’s biggest maker of premium cars, changed its mind and shifted the target to 2020. And in order to do this effectively it will invest €13 billion (about R150 billion today) in itself.

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS FACELIFT FOR 2013

Amid “Festive” cheer and noises, Mercedes-Benz revealed the new facelift E-Class. We were expecting the car much earlier in the year, but that it’s come in 2012 is still fine by us. South Africa, which will see its launch in 2013, could also benefit from the Hybrid model.

GENERAL MOTORS, PEUGEOT TO CO-DEVELOP NEW CARS

Ever since PSA Peugeot Citroen established its new alliance with General Motors, things have been happening behind the scenes. The latest of these is that the two companies have confirmed that they are developing several products together, including some major products.

INFINITI CHANGES CAR NAMING STRATEGY

Marking another significant step in its plan to further expand its presence in the premium automotive sector, Infiniti today announced details of a new nomenclature strategy to be applied to its complete product range beginning with the 2014 model year. The first model to carry Infiniti’s new Q badge will be the Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013.

JAGUAR F-TYPE: FIRST TEST VIDEO

The F-TYPE has undergone its first dynamic challenge outside of Jaguar’s internal development programme, following an invitation to three world-renowned drivers – Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell – to put both 280kW V6 and 364kW V8 prototype models to the test.

TOYOTA SA DAKAR 2013; FIRST MAJOR HURDLE SKIPPED

Toyota Motorsport has won the first 2013 Dakar Rally battle by meeting the South African Airways deadline last Friday for delivery of the two Imperial Toyota Hilux double cab pickups that will contest the nearly 9 000-kilometre 15-day marathon race in South America in January.

PACEY MINI PACEMAN JCW ANNOUNCED

The MINI Paceman is listed as a “go” for BMW South Africa in 2013. That’s the good news. The better news is that it comes in huffing JCW form too and that will of course be available for the Mzansi market as well. The Paceman, in case you didn’t know, is what one might call a two-door version of the Countryman. It’s a kind of coupe small SUV.

SUBARU SA CONFIRMS FORESTER FOR 2013

Following its international unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show in early November 2012, the all-new Subaru Forester has been confirmed for launch to the South African market in March 2013. Featuring an all-new design, vast improvements to interior design and quality, enhancements to fuel efficiency and an increase in practicality, the all-new Forester is set to embody Subaru’s brand statement – ‘Confidence in Motion’.

OFFICIAL: BMW M6 GRAN COUPE BLASTS OFF!

Out! The BMW M6 Gran Coupe is officially revealed and the stunner is quite magnificent. Based on the recent-launched 6 Series Gran Coupe, the M6 version represents the epitome of the range, featuring the same four doors and four tailpipes.

FORD SA EXPANDS ENGINE PRODUCTION FOR USA

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) today announced that the Ford Struandale Engine Plant will be increasing production capacity of the Duratorq TDCi diesel engine to cater for new demand from the North American market.

2013 RANGE ROVER PRICED FOR MZANSI

Land Rover South Africa is launching the new Range Rover big body in January 2013, but prices are now available for those who want to present themselves with the car for New Years. The Range Rover is completely redesigned and features plenty of new kit and apparel. It’s even lost weight.

MERCEDES-BENZ DELIVERS NEW "POPEMOBILE"

By delivering a new Popemobile to Pope Benedict XVI Mercedes-Benz continues a tradition, which lasts for 80 years now. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, personally handed over the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, specifically produced for the Pope with special-purpose body, today at the Vatican.

SWEET 2013 FORD FIESTA ST COMING TO MZANSI

Hot on the heels of the launch of the new Focus ST, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) can confirm its smaller sibling the new Fiesta ST is destined for local shores in the first half of 2013.

VW SA APPRENTICE ONE OF WORLD'S BEST

Magdalene Pokbaas and Lesley Lee

The Volkswagen Group recently presented its ‘Best Apprentice Award 2012’ to its top young achievers from all over the world. Volkswagen Group South Africa’s (VWSA) Mechatronics technician, Magdalene Pokbaas was one of the talent recipients at this year’s international awards.