BMW / TOYOTA ENGINE AGREEMENT DOES NOT AFFECT LEXUS

BMW and Toyota’s engine agreement will not extend to Lexus, says Toyota Europe spokesman Etienne Plas. Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Mr Plas said Lexus, Toyota’s premium brand which competes directly with BMW, will be benefit from BMW engines. We expect this to be true, otherwise it would be quite an oddity to have your competitor powered by your engines like in Formula One.

MERCEDES-BENZ CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC FOR 2012

Automotive News Europe says it has obtained a letter written by Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, in which he paints a cautiously optimistic picture about his company, to his employees. Despite the ever-threatening second world economic crisis in as many years, Zetsche says his company will lead the premium segment through its Mercedes-Benz brand before the year 2020.

AMERICA PLANS TO BAN BLUETOOTH, HANDS-FREE DRIVING

Using your cell phone while driving attracts a fine of some R500 in Mzansi. Actually, holding a cell phone in hand while driving attracts that amount. Whether you were actually using the thing or not is irrelevant. Now U.S. authorities want a total ban on cell phone use by drivers, which is already happening here, as stated above. Except for one twist.

BRAND NEW TURBO ENGINE FOR CADILLAC ATS

What looks like a really sweet engine has been unveiled by the good folks at General Motors USA. The new 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor will debut in the Cadillac ATS that’s to be shown at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month. Its figures show very good promise.

LEXUS ON A PRODUCT OFFENSIVE

Lexus, spurred on by parent Toyota’s renewed enthusiasm for cars, is off on its own charge for 2012. The Japanese premium brand has been shadowing its German counterparts for years now, due to several reasons, including apparent lack of product. Those days are suitably numbered.

FORD HONOURS TOP TECHNICIANS

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s (FMCSA) Technical Training Department hosted their 2011 Master Technicians Award Ceremony on Friday 09 December 2011. Over 40 technicians in the Gauteng Region were honoured at the event. 

ALL-NEW 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL OFFICIAL DETAILS AND PICS

After a couple of leaks, first showing a scanned brochure, and then small pictures, it was inevitable that Mercedes-Benz would soon follow with official pics and info. Whether on schedule or in reaction to these leaks, we aren’t sure. Nevertheless we are quite happy to now show you the full spectrum of the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL range.

TOYOTA DEVELOPING A 300KW HYBRID SPORTS CAR?

Toyota South Africa confirmed a new Yaris Hybrid for the year 2012, and this will be the “performance” model apparently. Hybrids are Toyota’s stomping ground because the company leads the world in that area, thanks mostly to the Prius. Now it seems they are moving into high performance hybrids, if new rumours are true.

VOLVO PUTS CARS ON POLESTAR PERFORMANCE

Volvo Car South Africa announced a new performance package for pretty much its entire range of cars, in conjunction with Polestar. Polestar is a competition racing brand that’s been collaborating with Volvo for over a decade on the track. This time they are pairing up to improve road car power and ultimate go.

VOLVO V60 HYBRID IS SIMPLY AMAZING!

Volvo South Africa is considering selling the new V60 Hybrid, a plug-in type that runs on both batteries and diesel fuel. But by the look of things, it may not happen at all. See, prices have been announced for the UK and Europe, and indications are this car will be priced out of the Mzansi market even before it lands here.