Lexus is doing something completely out of character in this region by going ahead and launching the first hybrid hatchback in the UAE, at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show. The CT 200h, originally designed for the European market, will become the cheapest hybrid car to be sold in the UAE, undercutting various manufacturers who have only been bringing in ridiculously-priced high-end models here.
Relatively new company Bright Automotive has signed an agreement with General Motors whereby GM’s new venture arm has provided funding to the Indiana automaker. This is the first funding action by General Motors Ventures, and will help accelerate Bright’s production of the IDEA, a “revolutionary” plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle.
Peugeot hasn’t had the best of luck with sedans. While their hatchbacks are selling well, both the 407 and the 607 sedans are pretty much midsize sedans, the first one a bit cramped and the latter a bit outdated. But the French company has been working on an all-new model that will replace both of them, and have a new name too. Thus, the first photos of the all-new Peugeot 508 has hit the net.
BMW has launched two high-end hybrid models in the GCC, based on the X6 and the 7-Series, and both with equally long names. One is the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the other is the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. After a few false starts by Chevrolet, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, these are likely the first true hybrid vehicles to be commercially available in the UAE. And we are assuming they are expensive.
Forgotten French automaker Citroen will be showing off a concept car at the 2010 Shanghai Auto Show later this month. Dubbed the Citroen Metropolis, it seems to be getting a lot of press for the way it looks.
Seemingly on a roll, Korean carmaker Hyundai has debuted two new versions of the redesigned Sonata, one a turbo model and the other a hybrid, at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
Since it’s recall season, more manufacturers are getting in on the game. This time, Jeep and Ford are joining Toyota with brake problems.
Toyota went crazy over modded cars at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan. Alongside the FT-86 tuned by Gazoo under a new “G-Sports” badge, Toyota also showcased three other G-Sports cars.
Cadillac has unveiled the fullsize XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept showcases Cadillac’s new top-of-the-line “Platinum” series of models, which include new luxury tech and a plug-in hybrid system. The XTS is expected to replace both the STS and the DTS sedans by 2011.
Harking back to the Honda Civic CR-X from the late 1980s, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z “sport hybrid coupe” has made its U.S. production debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.