Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



When we think about busy streets in China and the potential dangers abundant on such crowded roads; we don't tend to think of an escaped ostrich as one. As it so happens, this massive bird decided it wanted to be free and was spotted by traffic cameras weaving in out of lanes like a scene from The Fast and the Furious movies. If this had occurred in Russia, we're sure we would have had multiple dash cam clips for you to see, alas, click on down to see the short clip from the traffic cams.

According to the video report, this occurred during rush hour, snarling congested roads with even more mayhem then usual. We see this wayward bird get knocked over not once, but at least twice on camera and even have a close call with a motorbike. Luckily, no serious injuries occurred to the bird or anyone else.

Police say that the ostrich ran amok for around 4 hours, before being detained. You can only imagine the spectacle that this caused. Officials do not know where the big bird came from, but we hope for everyone's sake that this does not happen again.

As a side note, you might be thinking to yourself that this has to be the only time an ostrich has roamed free through heavy traffic, but there is a previous incident from Saudi Arabia... and you can click here to watch it for yourself. Beware of the ostrich, folks.

Click the jump to check out the video footage of the most recent ostrich on the loose in the streets of China.

Gallery: Strange Sights at Woodward

Continue reading Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going

Ostrich runs through rush hour traffic in China, gets hit by cars and keeps going originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinaescaped animalsescaped ostrichostrichostrich through traffictraffic safetyvideos Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20604025/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/ostrich-runs-through-rush-hour-traffic-in-china-gets-hit-by-car/20604025/article-detail.xml 20604025 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/screen-shot-2013-06-07-at-4.41.59-pm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/screen-shot-2013-06-07-at-4.41.59-pm.jpg <![CDATA[BMW X1 EV for Zinoro spotted]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/bmw-x1-ev-for-zinoro-spotted/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/bmw-x1-ev-for-zinoro-spotted/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/bmw-x1-ev-for-zinoro-spotted/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



BMW has teamed up with Chinese automaker Brilliance Automotive to create a joint venture in China, called Zinoro, and it appears that an all-electric version of the X1 crossover is to be the brand's first model. Spotted testing in Munich, these spy shots show a more camouflaged version of the X1 EV that we saw back in April.

Comparing these latest spy shots, we can see that the Zinoro model will wear a completely unique front fascia that ditches BMW's trademark grille, but few other changes seem to be taking place. Previous reports indicate that this Zinoro EV could go on sale in China early next year.

Continue reading BMW X1 EV for Zinoro spotted

BMW X1 EV for Zinoro spotted originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw spy shotsbmw x1chinaelectric vehicleevspy shotszinorozinoro spy shotszinoro x1 ev Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20598869/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/bmw-x1-ev-for-zinoro-spotted/20598869/article-detail.xml 20598869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-zinoro-x1-ev-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-zinoro-x1-ev-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese scooter smashes car, van, a moped and a truck, then crashes into hole]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/chinese-scooter-smashes-two-cars-a-bus-a-moped-and-then-crashe/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/chinese-scooter-smashes-two-cars-a-bus-a-moped-and-then-crashe/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/chinese-scooter-smashes-two-cars-a-bus-a-moped-and-then-crashe/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




The following video looks like it was produced by Jackass, but it turns out that the rider of the scooter therein did not intend to crash into a car, a van, another scooter and a truck all within the space of 30 seconds. He's just profoundly bad at riding.

Just when you think the two-wheeled carnage has finally ended, the rider of the beleaguered scooter yanks his front wheel from under the bumper of the truck he hit, and proceeds to ride through a construction site fence and into a giant concrete-walled hole. Two words: epic fail. This 'how-not-to-ride' video tutorial was inadvertently captured by a security camera overlooking a traffic junction in China.

Scroll down to watch the poor riding episode of freak-show proportions unfold.

Gallery: BMW HP4 Motorcycle






Continue reading Chinese scooter smashes car, van, a moped and a truck, then crashes into hole

Chinese scooter smashes car, van, a moped and a truck, then crashes into hole originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accidentcar accidentchinacrashcrash videocrashesepic failepicfailmotorcycle crashridersridingsafetyscooterscooter crashscooter crash videoscooter ridingscooterstrafficworlds worst scooter riderworstworst riderworst scooter rider Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20581811/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/chinese-scooter-smashes-two-cars-a-bus-a-moped-and-then-crashe/20581811/article-detail.xml 20581811 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-24-at-3.04.06-pm_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-24-at-3.04.06-pm.png <![CDATA[Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BAIC Nicholas Cage

BAIC has officially pulled the covers off of its new Senova D Series sedan for China. The four-door is based on the old Saab 9-5 and boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Local buyers can get their hands on the machine for around US$22,745 at current conversion rates. Other engine options include a turbocharged 1.8-litre comes standard on every trim except the very base model. Those goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints, blind spot detection, driver fatigue detection and parking sensors.

The Senova nameplate serves every model based on former Saab architectures, including the Epsilon, GM2900 and GM2400 platforms as well as engine and transmission tech. In order to promote its new products, BAIC has hired Hollywood staple Nicolas Cage to serve as the company's brand ambassador. Cage stars in the Senova-heavy Town of Car Legends action-packed video short (directed by Olivier Megaton of Transporter 3 and Taken 2 fame) which you can watch by scrolling below.

Gallery: Top 10 celebrity cars and rich stars who drive cheap and ugly cars






Continue reading Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]

Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baicchinanic cagenicolas cageolivier megatonsaabsaab 9-5senovasenova d-seriesshenbaovideo Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20567091/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/20567091/article-detail.xml 20567091 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumour]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/jaguars-callum-refutes-two-xj-bodystyle-rumour/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/jaguars-callum-refutes-two-xj-bodystyle-rumour/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/jaguars-callum-refutes-two-xj-bodystyle-rumour/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jaguar XJR sedan - front three-quarter view
Not long ago, we relayed word from Edmunds that Jaguar was planning to split its next-generation XJ sedan into two bodystyles - one model that continued the ambitious design approach fostered with the current X351-based model, and another, more upright model to better appeal to China's conservative design sensibilities.

We expressed some cynicism in the idea, noting that such a strategy "might catch more profits for the marque, but it might also represent a setback to design head Ian Callum's vision for a thoroughly modern Jaguar portfolio." Callum has been quite insistent in his belief that Jag needs to be a forward-thinking brand in terms of design, and the two-model strategy seemed to conflict with that idea. We tried to get some comment from Callum at that time, but were unable to reach him.

As it turns out, our cynicism was well-placed. Autocar says that while the next XJ will continue to have two wheelbases, Callum has denied the two-model talk, saying flatly: "I can't see us doing two bodystyles. The cost would be enormous and the message inconsistent. You have to believe in what you produce and to do two bodystyles would undermine that."

Scroll down to watch a Jaguar XJ review.

Gallery: Jaguar XJ41 F-type Prototype






Continue reading Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumour

Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumour originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jaguar xjdesignian callumjaguarjaguar chinajaguar xjx351 Sat, 11 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20555026/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/jaguars-callum-refutes-two-xj-bodystyle-rumour/20555026/article-detail.xml 20555026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-jaguar-xjr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-jaguar-xjr.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.

As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the North America, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Click here to watch what happens when a few kids get the keys to a Ferrari from their dad.

Continue reading Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari productionferrari salesluca di montezemolo Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564557/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/20564557/article-detail.xml 20564557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/#comments Filed under: , , ,



A few days before the Shanghai Motor Show kicked off, we were part of an international group of media that was invited to have a look at the BMW Designworks Shanghai Studio and ConnectedDrive Lab facility. The building that BMW found to house its Chinese think tank is in a lovely part of Shanghai known as the former French Concession. The late 1890s and early 1900s French architectural style, brick-paved streets and tree-lined spaces feel a world apart from the ultra-modern heart of Shanghai, and the BMW enclave is a suitable mix of high-tech and throwback cool.

We were visiting, in short, to understand just why BMW has found it important to have design and research capability in China. As it turns out, answering those questions also served to shed some light on the Chinese auto market as a whole - what it looks like today and where it's going over the next few years.

Of course, the basic idea of developing new facilities and human resources in a foreign market is to be able to better design and build cars for that market. In terms of design, this isn't a new concept. In terms of BMW design, and more specifically its DesignworksUSA team, the concept has been a reality for more than ten years now. In Shanghai, the process is just getting going, with the BMW team getting a late start, setting up shop just last year.

Hit the jump to continue reading this article.


Gallery: BMW Canada ConnectedDrive Event

Continue reading BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more

BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autonomous vehiclesbmwbmw designworksbmw designworks shanghaibmw designworksusachinafeaturedshanghai motor show Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549899/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/20549899/article-detail.xml 20549899 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-shanghai-facility-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-shanghai-facility-628.jpg <![CDATA[China bans military licence plates on luxury autos]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/china-bans-military-license-plates-on-luxury-autos/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/china-bans-military-license-plates-on-luxury-autos/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/china-bans-military-license-plates-on-luxury-autos/#comments Filed under: , ,

Porsche Cayenne GTS with two Chinese models at Beijing Motor Show

Driving a vehicle with a military licence plate in China provides many privileges. Legally reserved for official vehicles only, the designation apparently allows drivers to enjoy special liberties on the roads, including breaking traffic laws, filling up with free fuel and receiving light-and-siren escorts through congested cities. So attractive are the benefits that there is a secondary market for used legal and counterfeit plates - especially among those wealthy enough to afford luxury cars. But all of that is reportedly coming to an end, as President Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, is on a mission to fight corruption in his country.

A new licence plate system goes into effect today, and it is designed to "maintain social harmony, stability and the reputation of the military," says the PLA Daily, the armed forces' official newspaper. While the abuse has been going on for many years, the internet has put the spotlight on the bad behavior, and the negative press does not represent the morals and true colours of the armed forces, say officials.

While military-plated Porsche drivers have been singled out as offenders, Bloomberg notes that all vehicles with engine displacements above 3.0 litres and with a sticker price in excess of about $73,000, will be banned from receiving military plates. This includes vehicles from Audi, Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln and the Volkswagen Phaeton. Even if drivers are savvy enough to circumvent the new issuing system, the military has put technology at toll gates to catch users of counterfeit plates. There has been no word on the punishment if caught.

Click through to watch a Chinese bus driver barely escape certain death in a crash.

Gallery: Driving 1,900 kilometres through China in an Audi Q3




Continue reading China bans military licence plates on luxury autos

China bans military licence plates on luxury autos originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachina militarychina military plateschinese militarycounterfeitillegallicencelicence platelicence plateslicense platesmilitary licencemilitary licence platemilitary license platepoliceporsche Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20554671/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/china-bans-military-license-plates-on-luxury-autos/20554671/article-detail.xml 20554671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-cayenne-gts-at-beijing-motor-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-cayenne-gts-at-beijing-motor-show.jpg <![CDATA[GM apologizing for Chevy Trax ad dubbed 'racist']]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-apology-for-racist-chevrolet-trax-ad-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-apology-for-racist-chevrolet-trax-ad-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-apology-for-racist-chevrolet-trax-ad-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Controversial Chevrolet Trax ad - screencap

In what can only be described as a growing trend, another automaker finds itself in trouble for an ad that critics are calling offensive. A new television and internet ad for the Chevrolet Trax subcompact crossover is under fire for its soundtrack, which a Chinese newspaper has labeled "racist."

The commercial blends the vehicle with a Flapper-era backdrop and soundtrack, and it's the latter that has General Motors spokeswoman Ryndee Carney issuing an on-the-record apology to Advertising Age: "Our intent was not to offend anyone and we're deeply sorry if anyone was offended... we're reviewing our advertising approval processes to make sure this doesn't happen again." The song in question, performed by Austrian DJ and producer Parov Stelar, refers to "the land of Fu Manchu" a place in which the girls sing "ching, ching, chop-suey." The South China Morning Post was among the first to publish a story criticizing the commercial as racist.

The ad, known as The Original Reborn, has been running here in Canada - the only North American market where the vehicle is on sale - and AdAge also reports that it has been featured on the automaker's European websites. Since the controversy erupted, Chevrolet has since substituted a new version of the ad that omits the lyrics, but you can view the original by scrolling below.

Controversial ads are nothing new for this industry, but there has been a bumper crop of them lately, including a recent Hyundai suicide-themed spot and a series of Indian-market Ford print ads featuring celebrity caricatures making light of S&M-tinged kidnappings.

Click here to watch all three controversial ad campaigns in the videos below.

Gallery: Ford Figo Sexist Print Ads

Continue reading GM apologizing for Chevy Trax ad dubbed 'racist'

GM apologizing for Chevy Trax ad dubbed 'racist' originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chevy traxbanned adschevychevy traxcontroversial adsoriginal rebornparov stelarvideo Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20556315/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/gm-apology-for-racist-chevrolet-trax-ad-video/20556315/article-detail.xml 20556315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-trax-controversial-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-trax-controversial-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Long-wheelbase sedans are a pretty hot commodity in China, and to keep up with the competition, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an extended version of the 2014 E-Class sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show. Audi, BMW, Volvo and even Cadillac offer extended versions of sedans specific to the Chinese market, and now the E-Class L, shown off in E400L guise, will give luxury sedan buyers in China yet another option.

Compared to the standard 2014 E-Class sedan, the new China-spec E-Class L has been stretched by 140mm (5.5 inches) - all of which goes to the rear-seat passengers. According to an article on China View from earlier in the year, the market for chauffeur-driven cars is growing in the Asian nation, so automakers need long-wheelbase models like the E-Class L in order to fully compete. As for what powers this stretched E-Class, it's available in three models: the diesel E260L, the V6-powered E300L and the E400 Hybrid.

The redesigned E-Class and the all-new A-Class are just the first of 20 new Mercedes-Benz products that will be introduced into the Chinese auto market by 2015. Scroll down for the full press release and additional images of the long-wheelbase E-Class.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan

Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes-benz e-classlong-wheelbasemercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classmercedes-benz e-class lwbmercedes-benz e-klasseshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor show Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549157/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/20549157/article-detail.xml 20549157 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-mercedes-e-class-lwb-intro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-mercedes-e-class-lwb-intro.jpg <![CDATA[Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Honda Concept M minivan for 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito believes that China's nascent car-buying demographic isn't all that interested in hybrid cars - at least not yet. The emissions story doesn't resonate with them, and certainly not for the higher purchase premium such models usually carry. What they really want, Ito believes, is reliable, affordable cars that fit their needs. When it comes to Honda sales, the numbers would appear to jibe with his thoughts: Honda sold 598,577 vehicles in China last year through its two joint ventures, yet just 542 of them were hybrids - not even a tenth of a per cent. However, Toyota sold 840,500 cars in China last year, and two per cent of that total, 17,300 units, were hybrids, which is closer to the still-piddling three-per cent ratio of sales that Toyota posted in the North American market last year.

Honda offers the Insight, Fit Hybrid and CR-Z in China and plans to make components for its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system there from next year, the hope being it will reduce the cost of hybrid cars for local buyers. That was one part of the plan Honda laid out last year to popularize its IMA system in China. Other initiatives include the introduction of a new hybrid system for mid-sized and large vehicles and a plug-in hybrid. Among the four new vehicles Honda showed during this weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show (including the Concept M minivan pictured above) there was not a single hybrid among them.

Click through to watch a video on the progress of Chinese cars in the global market.

Gallery: Honda Concept C & Concept S







Continue reading Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car saleschinachina hybridsChinese car marketchinese car saleshondahonda hybridhybridtakanobu ito Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548218/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/20548218/article-detail.xml 20548218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m.jpg <![CDATA[Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Kia-DYK Horki Concept live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

While we were busy ogling new vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept, Maserati Ghibli and Hongqi L9 at the Shanghai Motor Show, Kia was busy unveiling an entire brand. Through its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (or DYK), the South Korean automaker has introduced its new Horki sub-brand and a concept car, simply called the Horki Concept.

The name Horki comes from the combination of two Chinese characters "Hor" and "Ki," which translates to "China driving." As this suggests, the brand will only be offered in China, and this concept sedan shares its platform with the 2014 Kia Forte. We didn't happen to catch the car live at the auto show, and apparently neither did Kia, since it only provided us with some drawings rather than live (or even studio) shots of the actual concept car. Thankfully, our friends at Newspress managed to ferret it out, so we have a couple of live pics to share after all.

Click through to read the short press release, then watch a video about China's car market.

Gallery: Kia Provo Concept: Geneva 2013







Continue reading Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car

Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinadongfeng yueda kiadykhorkihorki conceptkiakia ceratokia forteshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548252/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/20548252/article-detail.xml 20548252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat Viaggio - front three-quarter view live

In other parts of the world, Fiat builds and sells a version of the Dodge Dart called the Viaggio, and it appears that in addition to the current sedan bodystyle, a new hatchback version of the car is also in the works. Autocar says that the general manager for China's Guangzhou-Fiat joint venture, John Burton, has confirmed that a new Viaggio hatchback will be revealed by the end of this year before it goes on sale in early 2014.

The Viaggio will soon be joined by the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which in China will be called the Liberty Light, at the Guangzhou-Fiat plant. While the idea of a Dodge Dart hatchback might be enough to enable most of us to forget about the Dodge Caliber, a North American variant doesn't appear to be in the cards. We reached out to Chrysler PR boss Rick Deneau, and he offered a succinct: "No plans at this time."


Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review

Continue reading Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of

Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat viaggiochinadodgedodge dartfiat viaggiofiat viaggio hatchback Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549018/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/20549018/article-detail.xml 20549018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5.jpg <![CDATA[Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Hongqi means "Red Flag," and the sub-brand of Chinese automaker FAW was created in the 1950s to build cars for leaders of the nation known by its red flag. In those early days Hongqi designers took inspiration from what looks to be fifties Chevrolets; these days they've kept a little of the Chevrolet but look more the way of England. The L9 executive sedan is about the length of a Rolls-Royce Phantom - on Mercedes S-Class-like wheels - and not much cheaper than the Rolls, to boot.

According to China Car Times this L9 is the civilian version of the bulletproof L9 sedan that carried then-chairman Hu Jin Tao through the capital during the 60th anniversary celebration of The People's Republic. It's a little shorter and gone are the bulletproof body and platform, but you'll still get a 6.0-litre V12 with something like 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. FAW hasn't released any info and listed prices vary greatly - anywhere from $800,000 to one million pounds ($1.6M CAD) - and it's not even clear if people can buy it or if it's merely meant to be for VIPs.

Not that it matters, because you'll probably never see one outside the gallery of high-res images above.

Click through to watch a video showing the Chinese car market's response to the green movement.

Gallery: Kia-DYK Horki Concept: Shanghai 2013






Continue reading Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs

Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinaChinese carChinese car marketchinese carsfawhongqihongqi l9shanghaishanghai motor show Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548271/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/20548271/article-detail.xml 20548271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hongqi-l9-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hongqi-l9-628.jpg <![CDATA[Help a couple drive their 1984 VW Vanagon around the world]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Meet Brad, Sheena and Nacho

Drive Nacho Drive

Brad and Sheena Van Orden are in the midst of a life-defining campaign to travel around the world, and they're doing it in a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon custom built for the occasion. The past 15 months have seen the couple quit their jobs with Gore-Tex and drive from Arizona to the very southern tip of Argentina after spending a full two years saving and preparing for the trek. Now they're in southern Asia gearing up for the next leg of their journey.

Currently, Brad and Sheena face two options when it comes to making their way west toward Greece. Right now, the couple plans to point their faithful van, Nacho, toward Cambodia and drive through Laos before entering China. No one said the Van Ordens were taking the direct route.

The only problem is that driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering US$19,514 just to cover the fees associated with obtaining a Chinese driver's license, registering Nacho in the People's Republic and paying for an official, government-required guide's food and lodging during their time in the country. Considering Brad and Sheena have budgeted US$2,000 a month for their entire adventure, the price tag is a bit out of reach. Or at least it is without our help.

We caught up with the Van Ordens while they were stopped at a campground in Thailand for a quick chat.

Continue reading Help a couple drive their 1984 VW Vanagon around the world

Help a couple drive their 1984 VW Vanagon around the world originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> around the worlddrive around the worlddrive nacho drivevanagonvolkswagenvolkswagen vanagon Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547145/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/20547145/article-detail.xml 20547145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01.jpg <![CDATA[Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/#comments Filed under: , ,

Shanghai Motor Show

It's one thing to have a major international auto show hold its one sole press day on a weekend, and it's another to have to accommodate for that on top of a huge time difference. Such was the case with the Shanghai Motor Show this past weekend, and while we managed to get a majority of our live coverage wrapped up on Saturday, a few stragglers and updates have also worked their way into the fold.

Because of that, we're giving you one more look at our official, final, tied-a-bow-on-it roundup, in handy-dandy grid format below. Take a look at everything that came out of the Shanghai show and make sure to tell us what your favorite debuts were, in the comments.


Gallery: 2013 Toronto Auto Show Highlights - North & South Hall



Continue reading Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it

Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showauto showautoshow2013shanghai motor show Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546924/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/20546924/article-detail.xml 20546924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chinaautoshow.e2dc1fada8874a7b88d6d7b41efa56a9_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chinaautoshow.e2dc1fada8874a7b88d6d7b41efa56a9.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac still planning for big things in China]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV Hybrid revealed at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Despite some hiccups, China remains the auto industry's great hope for new vehicle sales, with significant sales gains and a huge upside. Nowhere is that hope more fervent than at General Motors, which offers eight different marques in the Asian nation. China has been GM's single biggest market the last three years running, and is unlikely to give up that title anytime soon. Yet its premiere brand, Cadillac, has remained essentially stagnant, selling just 30,000 units in China last year. That's in a segment where sales of luxury vehicles has outpaced that of the larger Chinese market. So what gives?

According to Cadillac officials Autoblog spoke with in China this week at the Shanghai Motor Show, it's been a problem of product - they haven't had the right ones. Displacement taxation issues, import tariffs and currency fluctuations have all conspired to make the brand's products less appealing than they might otherwise have been. But GM is stepping on the gas with Cadillac, and executives are eyeballing 100,000 sales by 2016 - more than triple the Wreath and Crest's current volume. And the expectations for the brand only get more ambitious from there - they're shooting for 10 per cent of the luxury market by 2020. Bob Socia, President of GM China, promises that there will be a new Caddy launched in the market each year from now through 2016 and most will be built in China. Characterizing the company's efforts to revive the brand's fortunes as a "relaunch" of sorts, the brand also figures to gain dealers as GM expands its sales outlet footprint westward.

New products like a made-in-China XTS sedan (with a market-specific 2.0-litre four-cylinder to avoid heavy displacement taxes) will help, and Socia hinted that the ATS sport sedan could be next in line for in-country production. The SRX crossover - currently the brand's best-selling model in China - will also likely get a long look for future local production with the next-generation model is introduced. In the meantime, Cadillac unveiled the Escalade ESV Hybrid (shown above) as its latest model addition to capitalize on the market's white-hot luxury SUV segment.

In addition to new products, GM China is also investing in developing market-specific technology at its facilities in Shanghai. Much of that will come in the form of apps for its infotainment systems like Cadillac's CUE, including connectivity for popular social media utilities like Weibo, which executives described as China's Twitter.

Continue reading Cadillac still planning for big things in China

Cadillac still planning for big things in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showbob sociacadillaccadillac atscadillac chinacadillac escaladecadillac xtsgeneral motorsgmgm chinashanghaishanghai motor showweibo Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:27:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546229/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/20546229/article-detail.xml 20546229 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-escalade-esv-hybrid-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-escalade-esv-hybrid-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Nissan Friend-Me Concept - live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Here is the Nissan Friend-Me, a swoopy - and let us emphasize that word "swoopy" - sedan-with-a-hatchback developed specifically for Chinese youth in their mid-twenties, the ones born in the eighties mainly bereft of siblings due to China's one-child policy. The exterior is meant to be most imposing at night, when Nissan figures these single children will be getting together with their friends. The sheetmetal looks like it was shaped by waves, and the details like lighting and vent openings could have been penned on Krypton.

The real show is inside, where peers are made equal and can interact with one another via the "oracle stone." The concept is that instead of a driver and three passengers, everyone gets access to the same information and the ability to alter the ambiance of the car - dash readouts are provided for all of the occupants, and anyone can move content from their phones to the in-car screens to be shared throughout. As Nissan says, it's the end of anyone being a "music dictator."

Designed by Nissan Design China for a specific market-within-a-market estimated to contain 240 million potential buyers, Nissan says the wishes of these customers and the ideas in this car could shape automotive offerings for decades to come. So read all about it in the press release below and have take some long virtual looks in the galleries of high-res photos.

Continue reading Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name

Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor shownissannissan friend-meshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546216/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/20546216/article-detail.xml 20546216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Does the car above, posing fancifully in white, look familiar? Well, it should. Although it wears Mondeo badges in the form you see above for the Chinese market - as it does in Europe - the car is basically the same thing sold in North America as the Ford Fusion. Of course, it's what's under that shapely skin that counts.

Ford has chosen the Shanghai Motor Show as the venue with which to unveil its 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. We'd heard about the engine before, but now we have a few performance estimates to share: 133 kW of power (about 178 horsepower) and 240 Nm of torque (about 177 pound-feet).

Those numbers pretty much confirm previous rumours indicating about 177 in each category, and it's right on par with what Ford's own 1.6-litre EcoBoost produces. Ford is claiming best-in-class fuel economy as well, but no specific figures have yet been provided. In any case, we'll surely have all the data soon enough, as the 1.5-litre mill is destined for North American Fusion in 2014.

Ford will also offer a 2.0-litre EcoBoost in the Chinese Mondeo that puts out 178 kW (239 horsepower) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). All that and more can be found in the press release below.

Continue reading Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China

Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1.5-liter ecoboost2013 shanghai motor showecoboostfordford mondeoshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546208/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/20546208/article-detail.xml 20546208 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-mondeo-ecoboost-china-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-mondeo-ecoboost-china-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept - Shanghai 2013 - Front three-quarter view with crowd

If the reception it received at the Shanghai Motor Show is any judge of marketplace acceptance, Mercedes-Benz has a hit on its hands in the form of the GLA Concept. And we can understand why - we're quickly becoming fans of Mercedes' recent styling language, as defined by new models like the CLA and this GLA Concept.

The big news on the exterior front are the headlamp clusters, which have frickin' laser beams attached to their foreheads embedded inside that are capable of projecting videos and images on a screen. Plus, a pair of video cameras are mounted on the roof that can be used to capture driving excitement or removed and taken with you. How cool is that? We just hope they have a substantial locking mechanism to prevent would-be thievery...

If the exterior is mostly ready for production, with a few of the more outlandish elements moved to the trash bin - like, for instance, laser-beam headlamps and removable action cams - the interior is a true custom job that screams concept loud and clear. There are all kinds of jewel-like finishes inside, along with transparent surfaces showing what looks like metal latticework underneath and some awfully thick looking leather with massive exterior stitching done by hand similar to what you'd find on a baseball glove.

Under the twin-bulged hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that sends 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels via Mercedes' proprietary 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There's plenty more in the press release below, and we suggest you take a gander at our high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique details.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China

Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showmercedesmercedes gla conceptmercedes-benzshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546198/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/20546198/article-detail.xml 20546198 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai.jpg -1 2