We were not invited, but apparently the 2010 Mazda 3 was launched at a Dubai showroom in the UAE, with simultaneous debuts for the Oman and Saudi Arabian markets. While they proudly claim to be the newest compact car in the GCC, it is also the most disappointing new car released this year.
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, has become the fourth largest auto manufacturer in the world. Based on figures from the Automotive News Data Centre, the Korean carmaker has overtaken Ford, which saw its sales fall by more than 30% in 2009.
A wild horse collided with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rally car, causing the animal to be catapulted 9 metres into the air, during the Argentine Rally in South America. Driver Federico Villagra slammed his rally car straight into the horse, which was seriously injured and had to be put down. Two other horses narrowly avoided striking the car. The crash did not injure the driver, but the incident cost him 30 seconds during the race.
Kia has launched a new “premium” compact crossover hatchback-MPV called the Kia Venga, which will go on sale in Europe later this year.
Infiniti showed off images of the next-generation 2011 Infiniti M luxury sedan at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in the United States. This is actually the third generation of Infiniti’s M, though it has only been on sale in the GCC for the last few years in its second-generation form.
The popular Hyundai Tucson is getting old fast, but the Korean company already has the replacement ready. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson, to be renamed ix35 in many markets, was spotted in Australia during the filming of a TV commercial, which would hint at a release date by the end of this year.
Here is one controversial story that has been largely buried by the automotive press. According to an article at ThisIsMoney.co.uk, the UK’s most reliable new car is the European-spec Honda Accord, while the stylish Audi A5 is most likely to break down, according to the 2009 Which? car survey.
Infiniti dealers in the UAE and a few other GCC countries are now offering a dealer-fitted body kit for the Infiniti FX35 and FX50 crossover 4×4 models. There will also be selling pre-fitted 2009 Infiniti FX units as a “Limited Edition” model.
The all-new Kia Soul was launched in the UAE today, at an event held in Dubai. The Soul, a compact hatchback that is bordering on becoming a small crossover SUV, will initially be available only in 1.6-litre form, with the 2.0-litre version being held back to gauge demand.
Nissan has unveiled their first affordable, zero-emission car. Titled the Nissan LEAF, it is a “medium-size hatchback” that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160 km to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. And the most interesting part is it is almost ready for production, and slated for consumer release in late 2010.