By Benjamin Hudson

Skoda Auto, the Czech automaker subsidiary of Volkswagen and recipient of quality VW parts such as VW alternators, --- will be presenting the Octavia designed for the local market in China at the International Motor Show in Shanghai. The engine portfolio for the Octavia that would be presented in Shanghai includes the supercharged 1.8 TSI/118 kW, the 1.6 MPI/75 kW, and the 2.0 FSI/110 kW.

The company will be presenting one of its oldest products that have appeared in 1906 at the Prague Motor Show and for this year it will once again exhibit the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Aside from the Octavia, the Czech automaker will also present some of its other vehicles namely the Octavia RS, the Octavia Scout and the Superb L&K. And to show its long years of support to the Tour de France, the company will introduce a Skoda Superb vehicle that is custom-fitted to meet the needs of the organizers of the famous cycling competition.

The agreement on the joint venture between Skoda Auto and Shanghai Volkswagen was signed on April 11, 2005. Then last march 2006, SVW Skoda has officially started building its sales as well as its maintenance organization. And for this year, specifically last March 28, 2007 the company has officially launched the first of the new exclusive SVW Skoda dealership that meets up with the brand's worldwide standards. The production of the Skoda Octavia in Shanghai would start in the middle of this year. The production of the Fabia together with the Superb model lines are to follow later on.

The production in China is just one of the cornerstones of Skoda's expansion program that includes other assembly project sin Ukraine, Bosnia, Kazakhstan, and Herzegovina and later on in Russia. The execution of the growth strategy in China is a vital part of the plan to establish Skoda as an international brand or as a large-volume manufacturer.

For its medium-term plans, the Czech automaker is expecting to sell over 100,000 vehicles a year to customers in China after obtaining the full capacity of its Shanghai plant and after launching the production of all three model lines that were scheduled for production in China.

Skoda Auto was able to sell 549,667 vehicles last 2006 and significantly surpassed the previous estimated half million vehicles that are to be produced last year. Comparing this figure to 2005 the sales went up by 11.7 percent making the 2006 as the most profitable year in the entire history of the Skoda brand.

500,000th Skoda Octavia built...
The Skoda Auto plant based in Mlada Boleslay has been able to produce the 500,000th Skoda Octavia which is the Czech automaker's best-selling model line at present. The 500,000th Octavia is a silver RS with potent 2.0 TFSI petrol engine.

It can be remembered that the new-generation Skoda Octavia was launched in the spring of 2004. This was followed by the production of the Octavia Combi and Octavia Combi 4x4 that were produced in the autumn of the following year, 2005. The model portfolio was extended with the Skoda Octavia RS and Skoda Octavia Combi RS---both family sports cars. For this year, Skoda has extended the Octavia line with the leisure time Octavia Scout.

The popularity of the Octavia is translated in the sales results that the company obtains. Likewise, the new-generation Skoda Octavia was also awarded as the Car of the Year for 2005 in the Czech Republic. The Octavia was also awarded car of the year in other countries like Finland, Lithuania, Great Britain, Bosnia, and Bulgaria.

By Margaret Adams

Auto makers are surely prepping up their collection of vehicles that would go on display on whatever automobile or car show there is. And one international brand, Mazda, is making the Auto China 2006 no exception.

The Mazda Motor Corporation just most recently announced that during the Auto China 2006 which will be held in the Asian city of Beijing, the company would be exhibiting not only some of its top production vehicles but the company would also be showing off a couple of its concept vehicles. There would be two Mazda concept vehicles that would be gracing the show. One is the Mazda SASSOU which the Mazda B20 pickup parts creator claims to be an innovative concept vehicle that comes as a hatchback with three doors. Another concept vehicle from the auto manufacturer would be the sports car concept Mazda SENKU. The Mazda SENKU is claimed to hold a rotary engine and holds four seats. Plus, the company also does say that this one is going to be the kind of vehicle the future will have.

Both these concept vehicles are fairly new. The Mazda SASSOU was actually built and designed in the company's Europe design center. In fact, this concept vehicle is going to make its Asian debut at the Auto China 2006 event. As per the Mazda SENKU, this one was created in the Japan center and it has already been introduced to the motoring public during last year's Tokyo Motor Show.

Aside from the mentioned vehicles, this motor show will also be the very event where the company would also be using its new international motor show stand design for a motor show in China. According to Mazda, they would be doing such so as to let everybody else see that the company is focused on showing off their global brand message which is the Zoom-Zoom.

So what other vehicles are going to be part of the Mazda troop?

Aside from the two previously mentioned concept vehicles, another concept vehicle to grace the show would be the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid which would be making its China premiere. Reference vehicles that would be joining the show are the Mazda5, and the Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top. Technical vehicles that show off the kind of technology the company has are the Hydrogen RE Hybrid Engine cut model, the RENESIS engine cut model, and the Smart Idling Stop System Engine cut model. Vehicles already in the market would be the Mazda3, the Mazda6, and the Mazda RX-8.

By Dwayne Thomas

BMW Group will bring the new BMW 5 Series mid size luxury car to New York as it will make its North American debut at the forthcoming York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Here is what the Munich-based automaker said about the new BMW 5 Series: "A carefully refined exterior is combined with a striking enhancement of style and sophistication in the interior that underscores the sporting yet elegant and refined character of the BMW 5 Series. The interior reflects the premium character of the vehicle. High quality new materials and colors, ergonomic door panels with an optimized design, padded armrests, additional storage options and newly designed control elements all create an exceptionally refined ambience."

Outside, the BMW 5 Series retains its sporty character and elegant styling for both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon. Like all other BMW models, the BMW 5 Series is equipped with BMW's signature double kidney grille. The front air dam adds to the sedan's sporty appearance on the front fascia. The rounded headlamps now come with brilliant clear glass technology and highlighted by chrome edges around the headlamps. Compared to its competitor in the mid size luxury sedan segment like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with quality Mercedes cold air intake, the BMW 5 Series features a unique BMW air intake with horizontal trim that sweeps up and side wards and highlighting the wide track of the 5 Series. There are also light contour on the vehicle's side-sills, horizontal lines on the rear, and like the headlamps, the rear lights also come in clear glass design with additional LED direction indicators.

As expected for a BMW model, the interior of BMW 5 Series features new styling and showcase the elegance and comfort, as well as plush driving atmosphere. The vehicle's design comes with sophisticated and high quality materials. The armrests and center console is trimmed with comfortable Pearl Gloss Chrome. The door panel is trimmed with two-tone finish and Black door trim bar is included. The 5 Series now also comes with BMW's iDrive vehicle management system.

Now on the technical side, BMW is offering an extensive powertrain options for the new BMW 5 Series. BMW will install the newly developed straight-six engines under the hood of 5 Series models. BMW said the engine offers a powerful performance along with impressive fuel economy. Customers can choose from various offered gearboxes that will be combined with the engine. Leading the transmission range is the unique Sport Automatic Transmission with shift paddles. A six- speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission is also available. The new BMW 5 Series is available with BMW xDrive permanent and variable all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain configuration. New driver assistance and safety systems are also offered as a an optional feature including Active Steering, BMW Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Active Cruise Control with a Stop & Go functions and Lane Departure Warning.

Watch out for the BMW 5 Series at NYIAS and check out its availability on your nearest BMW dealer in April.

By Joe Thompson

The Ford Motor Co. will launch three new limited-edition models - the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foose Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition - and all of which are making their official debut at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The automaker's trio of vehicles showcases how Ford is leveraging crucial partnerships to build thrilling and more functional new products.

"Marrying great Ford products like Mustang, F-150 and Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose and Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customers who want to make the boldest statement they can," said Cisco Codina, the group vice president of the company's North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "We are seeing more demand for special wheels and accessories and, of course, from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauer Taurus X and Harley F-150s."

According to Ford's research, 62 percent of full-size pickup truck purchasers buy accessories for their vehicles, and 73 percent acquire auto parts through their dealer. In addition, truck buyers spend an average of $1,700 in accessories. About 30 percent of crossover utility vehicle purchasers buy accessories, and they are more likely to make these accessory purchases at the dealership.

The Dearborn-based automaker announced that its overall customization business rose by 50 percent in the previous year and could potentially double its business again in the next two years. The anticipated growth is anchored on the development of factory-customized products and a hard stress on wheels, appearance packages, and electronics such as DVD players and navigation systems contained in the updated repair manuals.

"This is really a fashion industry," said Peter MacGillivray, the vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). "Consumers want to put their personal stamp on everything they buy - from personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear - and everybody knows that 'you are what you drive."

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, which will be launched next spring, features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine unit with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that improves the engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower. It is also given distinct exterior badging, a one-of-a-kind interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats, a unique striping and a 40th Anniversary numbered dash plaque. The coupe version is also complemented by a custom carbon composite hood, stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with functional brake ducts, a modified suspension, and 14-inch Brembo front brakes.

The all-new Ford F-150 Foose Edition, a rugged boulevard cruiser, is scheduled to hit the roads early next year. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is penned by custom street rod designer Chip Foose. It features 22-inch wheels, the special Foose F-150 sports bold racing stripes, a new grille, and the 450-horsepower supercharged Triton V8 that produces 500 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. By far, it is the most powerful F-150.

The 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, the limited-production SUV, will hit showrooms this fall. The concept of the car was created by hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex. Its offers 20-inch aluminum wheels, a 340-watt Audiophile(TM) Sound System, an MP3 player audio jack, a Powerfold(TM) third-row seating, heated and cooled front seats, an optional navigation system, a custom front fascia, a power liftgate, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Rounding out the package is the SIRIUS satellite radio and an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.

By Joe Thompson

The 77th Geneva International Auto Show will be hosting the unveiling of many vehicles which are made to please the motoring public. Different car makers will be making an appearance to showcase their products. This year's installment of the motor show seems to attract green car unveilings due to the increased environmental awareness. Since the European Union is hot on the topic of reducing greenhouse gases emission by vehicles car makers all over the world, they see it fit to introduce to Europeans the market's greener and cleaner cars.

Among those car makers who will be showcasing their vehicles not only to the media but to the public as well is Mercedes-Benz. The star of the show of the German car maker is the C-Class. Aside from the standard production model of the class, Mercedes-Benz will also premiere the AMG-Mercedes C-Class DTM 2007, a racing version of the C-Class model; and the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, an environment friendly version of the model.

The demand for the C-Class is strong according to Dr Dieter Zetsche, the Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG. Zetsche serves also as the head of the Mercedes Car Group. "Since the sales release date at the end of January, more than 55,000 customers in Western Europe alone have decided in favor of the new C-Class," says Zetsche. "We are confident that new C-Class will continue the success story of its predecessor, of which more than two million units were sold," he added.

Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing the fourth generation of the C-Class during the motor show. The strongest selling points of the standard C-Class models are safety, comfort, and agility. These three factors are, of course, what the car maker is well known for. The anchor of the agility, comfort, and safety of the Mercedes Bezn C-Class is the AGILITY CONTROL system which includes a responsive shock absorber control. The use of the said technology increases the stability of the vehicles. This then translates to a better ride comfort, handling agility, and resistance to slips and rollovers.

The response of the German car maker in the demand for cleaner vehicles is the advanced four-cylinder diesel engine with BLUETEC emission control. This technology allows the vehicle to comply with stricter EURO6 emissions standards. The emission standard will be enforced from 2015 onwards. But as early as today, Mercedes-Benz shows that they already have the technology to meet and even surpass the restrictions. The engine can provide 170 horsepower and torque of as much as 400 Nm. For all these power, the BLUTEC engine is supposed to consume only 5.5 liters of diesel every one hundred kilometers. This feat is hard to achieve even for gasoline engines fitted with a knock sensor

By Jason Moore

Vehicles which have been in the industry for years do not simply just stay the way they have been built since their inception. In fact, most of these vehicles get a little changing with various parts. For example, a Ford vehicle could get some Ford accessories changed or perhaps a little changes done to its body parts.

For this year, the BMW brand is going to unveil the fourth generation of its BMW 3 series at the Detroit Auto Show which is more popularly known as the North American International Auto Show, or the NAIAS. This event would be held this coming January and it would also be the time when the entire motoring world would be able to witness the unveiling of the BMW 3 series. This vehicle is actually a convertible which holds four seats. For the first time, BMW would be offering the industry a convertible that has got a hardtop that is retractable.

The hardtop of the BMW 3 series is made up of lightweight type of steel. It has been created from three pieces for a more efficient flow and use. It has been designed so well so much so that it can be opened and folded in a mere twenty two seconds flat. There is no hassle in opening or closing the hardtop for it has been designed to flow smoothly.

Aside from that, the hardtop of the BMW convertible has also been made so as to lessen the amount of noise that one can hear when cruising through high speeds. The roof has got a platform that is ultra-stiff so much so that the vehicle has got more strength and is more rigid that deters sound to come inside the cabin.

Elegance and being unique. These are two of the main adjectives used to describe the BMW 3 series convertible. It comes with a hood that is not just sleek but is also long. The shoulder line of the convertible is also low to give you that elegant and fashionable kind of look. The rear end has got broad shoulders to offer you the aura of power and prestige.

By Mike Bartley

Ford has been experiencing woes on their own turf - they have posted a decrease in their sale for the month of February this year compared to the numbers last year. But the company is focused to bring them back to profitability. In connection with their bid to increase sales globally, they have plans to launch new products at the ongoing Geneva Auto Show.

Ford is likely to introduce vehicles which will address the demand for segments in the European market. These segments that Ford is trying to take control of are the Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment and the premium-styled class of vehicles.

Last year, Ford of Europe saw their sales improving over 2005. The improvement is the result of the popularity of the Ford S-Max which was voted as the Car of the Year in Europe. This year, Ford has improved the overall appeal of the C-MAX which they hope will tighten their grip on the MAV segment of the European market.

Aside from MAVs, European motorists are also showing interest for top of the line features and innovative features in sedans. The increase in the sales of German premium brands like BMW and Audi reflects the current trend that European car buyers are more inclined to luxury sedans.

In response to this, Ford will launch at the 77th Geneva International Auto Show the redesigned Ford Mondeo. The sedan is the flagship vehicle of Ford's lineup in the European market. Just like BMW and Audi sedans, the Mondeo is also packed with features which spell luxury for its owner.

The Ford Mondeo was also given the benefit of having technological features akin to that held by Audi and BMW vehicles.

John Fleming, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford of Europe, has this to say about the launching of the redesigned Mondeo: "The new Mondeo is particularly important to us, and it's the most technologically advanced car we've ever launched. I am convinced that like the Ford S-MAX, the new Mondeo will not only bring new buyers to Ford showrooms but also delight our loyal customer base across Europe."

The Ford Mondeo was designed not only to give a high level of performance and reliability but also to attract the attention of the public through its stunning looks. "We wanted to create an emotional connection with the new Mondeo that would attract people from an aesthetic point of view even before they appreciate its technology," says Martin Smith. Smith is the Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe. "Our goal was to make people feel impressed when they see the car, and ultimately want to own one," Smith added in conclusion.

Meanwhile, the introduction of the Ford C-MAX further broadens the lineup of MAVs of Ford of Europe. Stephen Odell, the Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Service for Ford of Europe, has this to say about the smaller sibling of the S-MAX: "The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space, and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but to style the vehicles in a way that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximize driving pleasure. Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable, and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."

The drive of Ford of Europe to increase their performance in terms of sales has resulted to the two additional vehicles in their lineup. While no Nissan car cover can hide the great features of the vehicles, the acceptance of the car buyers of the Ford Mondeo and the Ford C-MAX still remains to be seen.

By Anthony Fontanelle

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner and already and car manufacturers are gearing up for the chance to show the auto world what they have developed. Among the vehicles that will surely crop up at the event are concept vehicles.

Different car manufacturers have already announced that they would be unveiling their concept cars at the largest motor show in the United States. The Chrysler group revealed that they will be showcasing three concept vehicles at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. These vehicles will show the auto world what direction Chrysler is going in the near future. These three concept vehicles from the group are under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands.

The first of the trio is the Dodge Demon. Dodge is known for producing performance cars and the concept vehicle shows the brand's penchant for such vehicles. The Demon is a "roadster with an attitude" according to its maker. Its bold styling cues points out that it is from the Dodge brand. The simplicity of the interior and the distinct exterior styling are the trademarks of Dodge and the Demon possessed that.

It is dubbed as "an attainable dream car" and it is powered by a 2.4 liter engine which can produce 172 horsepower. While that may seem a small number for a car from Dodge, the design of the engine and the body makes good use of every power generated by the engine.

The second concept vehicle is from Chrysler which is known for producing near-luxury vehicles. This concept vehicle named the Chrysler Nassau may be the start of the group's climb back to profitability. It is a four-door, four-seat luxury coupe. Its roof resembles that of a coupe but the Nassau is a hard top.

Inside, the vehicle features a functional instrument panel with user-friendly controls. Its entertainment system spells luxury that is inspired by home-theater systems. Radical features of the Nassau include the gear shift pod control located on the instrument panel. Whether this feature will ever be used on production vehicles is still not clear at present though.

Completing the triumvirate is the Jeep Trailhawk concept vehicle. Jeep is known for production of off-road vehicles and the Trailhawk concept is no exception. The vehicle has the off road capability of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the sophistication of a concept vehicle. The styling of the concept vehicle gives it a muscular look common on Jeep models. It is made for highway cruising, where an EBC rotor will be of good use, without sacrificing the off-road capability that Jeep vehicles are known for.

These three vehicles will be unveiled at the opening of the motor show on the 6th of April this year. The event will be open to the public until the 15th of the same month. Aside from these three concept vehicles from Chrysler Group, other concept vehicles from other car manufacturers will also be unveiled at the event.

By Tom Bailey

Previously known as the Detroit Auto Show, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is currently one of the most popular auto shows and events in the United States, North America, and the rest of the world. After all, this is one big event where auto manufacturers, auto lovers, and vehicles come together to share one big passion. Also, this is a very good way to bring inform the motoring public about anything and everything that could range from the best Mazda auto parts there is to the most unique concept vehicle every created.

And for this year, the NAIAS would be making its own mark in the auto world through a series of new things to offer the public. One would be the new website that they had updated and set up. While another would be the free 100th anniversary screensaver which can be referred to as commemorative and very downloadable. All of the things connected to next year's NAIAS would be new, fresh, and would hold more information. The organizers of the event claim that this move would be to provide the motoring public and the media updated information about the industry.

Bob Thibodeau Jr. is the current senior co-chairman of NAIAS 2007 and he expresses, "We are very excited to offer this special commemorative screensaver, as well as a newly redesigned website. The NAIAS and its predecessor, the Detroit Auto Show, have a long and rich history in the metro Detroit region and we are looking forward to celebrating that in 2007."

For the 2007 NAIAS, the organizers say that the press preview days would be held starting from the 7th of January up until the 9th of the same day. The Industry Preview Days would fall on the 10th up until the following day only, the 11th of January. The day for charity preview would come on the 12th. And on the 13th up until the 21st, these days would be when the public would be able to view the displayed vehicles and wares.

By Anthony Fontanelle

The best selling brand from General Motors will make another appearance at the New York International Auto Show. Chevrolet will be rolling out two concept vehicles at the forthcoming motor show. These vehicles will be featuring what could be the future of Chevy vehicles.

It is known that concept vehicles are loaded with features that are in the development stage and will in the course of time be integrated into mass produced vehicles. The two concepts from Chevrolet are going to do just that.

Aside from showing the auto world where the brand is going in terms of design for their vehicles, Chevrolet will also give consumers a glimpse of what could be the future of automobiles.

The first of the pair is the Chevy Volt concept electric vehicle. The concept vehicle is a plug-in electric vehicle which means that it comes with an on board battery pack which can be recharged using a common household socket. The vehicle is designed to make the best out of its battery pack designed to provide power for 40 miles of travel. That figure covers the average mileage of an American motorist in one day.

Aside from its plug in capability, the vehicle also has a "range extender". This is essentially a small internal combustion engine mated to a generator which charges the car's Lithium-ion battery pack. With this "range extender", the vehicle's 40 mile range increases significantly to 640 miles.

This newest version of the Volt features the radical E-Flex Propulsion System by General Motors. The feature allows the vehicle to run on a variety of fuels including electricity, conventional gasoline, E85, and biodiesel. The Volt's features will surely be made better if complemented with EBC Redstuff brake pads.

The second Chevy concept vehicle is the Chevy Camaro Concept. This concept version of Chevy's pony car is a convertible which gives the Camaro high aesthetic value. The concept convertible which will make an appearance on the Big Apple is daubed with the Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint.

The iconic sport stripes are also present including the long hood configuration common on all pony car as started by the Ford Mustang. The wheels of the Camaro are almost pushed to the corners, giving the Camaro the impression of being ready to burn asphalt at a second's notice. Indeed, this Camaro can rev it up along with the finest car in its class. Its V8 engine provides adequate power to its rear wheels via a sporty manual transmission. This is a car that would definitely receive much adoration from Camaro fans and will probably gain new ones along the way.

These concept vehicles will be showcased at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan where the 2007 New York International Auto Show will be held. The event will be opened to the public on the 6th of April and will run trough the 15th of the same month.