World-Business news

BMW will introduce the most innovative and stylish 5 Series ever to the North American market at the New York International Auto Show.

Winfried Krause (48), currently Head of Volkswagen Group Controlling, has been named member of the Board of Directors of Škoda Auto responsible for Commercial Affairs effective April 1, 2010. He succeeds Holger Kintscher (49), who moves to become Executive Vice-President for Finance at the SEAT brand.

Škoda added an impressive two more trophies to its already bulging awards cabinet this month, as the manufacturer won twice at the Fleet News awards 2010.

Volkswagen is offering customers added peace of mind and the opportunity to save money with the expansion of its fixed-price service plan, which is now available on every model in the range.

Volkswagen Group Australia is proud to announce that with the introduction of the new Transporter and People Mover Range, now the entire Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle and People Mover Range comes standard with Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP).

The first Lotus Evora delivery in North America took place yesterday at John Eagle European's Lotus of Austin when dealer principal Sonny Morgan handed Austin-area resident Bruce Rice the keys to his brand new 2010 Lotus Evora 2+2 sports car.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that Joel Ewanick has been named vice president, Marketing, Nissan Division, effective March 22. He succeeds Christian Meunier, whose appointment as president, Nissan Brazil, was announced Feb. 5.

Five days, ten disciplines, one goal – the Volkswagen Formula 3 and Scirocco R Cup drivers prepared themselves for the 2010 motorsport season during an extensive fitness camp in Oberjoch.

The motto says it all: “Green Drivers Wanted!” Opel is looking for Europe’s greenest driver during the ecoFLEX Experience, a unique European competition where ambitious entrants can show off their fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly driving skills.

According to a quality study by J.D. Power and Associates, Porsche continues to meet and exceed the long-term quality demands of its customers in the United States.

With Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and other local officials in attendance, Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the launch of its all-new Pentastar V-6 engine at an event yesterday at the Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant (TSEP).

Kia will debut a highly modified Soul urban passenger vehicle as the Official Safety Car of the U.S. Touring Car Championship (USTCC) circuit sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) at the season opener race on March 21 at Infineon Speedway in Sonoma, Calif.

The Fiat Doblo has always been about space – one that’s versatile, practical and value for money for the family driver. Now the all-new version builds on those qualities, yielding improved comfort, style, economy, safety and running costs.

Honda Australia announces the appointment of its new Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Satoshi Matsuzawa, who will commence with Honda Australia on 1 April.

After an extensive audit and investigation of alleged improprieties at the USDA’s National Organic Program, the agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) made public their formal report, dated March 9, substantiating the allegations of prominent organic industry watchdog groups — that under the Bush administration, the USDA did an inadequate job of enforcing federal organic law.

DTE Energy, a company that provides natural gas and electric utility services to 3.4 million Michigan homes and businesses, recently purchased 19 Ford Transit Connects and is exploring ways to integrate the new compact van into its vehicle fleet.

New Trim Level Conveys a More Athletic, Luxurious Side to All-New CUV- The first vehicle built(1) at KMMG adds new trim level to an already successful line- New SX trim will offer a bolder, more sophisticated exterior design with additional standard convenience, comfort and technology features

Daimler AG and the consortium of private and public-sector investors have confirmed to continue the agreement reached on February 9, 2007 concerning the equity interests and voting rights in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

The discovery is located at the Appomattox prospect in 2,200 metres (7,217 feet) of water in Mississippi Canyon blocks 391 and 392.

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that its all-new Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant has been awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Green Building System certification for meeting the highest environmental standards.