Suzuki Reportedly Cancels 2010 Kizashi Sedan

According to a report in Japan's daily business newspaper, Nikkei, Suzuki has 'shelved plans' to introduce the production version of the Kizashi concept vehicle series. Suzuki's planned midsize sedan, blueprints of which had been leaked into the internet last September, was supposed to debut in 2009 with sales starting in early 2010. Not surprisingly, the article in Nikkei supports that the reason why Suzuki has (allegedly) postponed the presentation of its Mazda6 and Honda Accord rival, is the sharp deterioration in global auto sales.

The Nikkei report also said that Suzuki will push back plans to open new plants in Russia and Thailand in 2010.

Even though we have no reason to doubt Nikkei's report, we would like to hear an official announcement from Suzuki before we make any conclusions, especially in what concerns the future of the Kizashi.

Source: Nikkei (Sub. Req)

Russians Build Volga GAZ-21 Replica Based on Porsche Cayenne SUV

Even if you do not like any of Cardi's proposals, you have to admit that the crew working at the Russian design and tuning firm have more imagination than a hundred Hollywood producers combined. Aptly named 'Volga Cayenne', the car is essentially a replica of the 1960's Volga GAZ-21 based on a modified Porsche Cayenne chassis. Bypassing the Stalin graphics and the red-star alloy wheels on the outside, the 5.1 meter long (roughly the same size as a Mercedes-S-Class) "Volga Cayenne" uses the same 450HP 4.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine as the pre-facelift Cayenne Turbo. Power is channeled to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

If we are to believe Cardi, the Stalinmobile 'Volgarized' Cayenne can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Ford's December Sales Drop 32.4%, 2008 YTD Sales Down 20.7%

In December, Ford Motor Company's U.S. sales that include the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo brands, totaled 139,067, down 32.4 percent compared with a year ago. Despite the decline, Ford estimates that the market share of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands were 14.6 percent in December, up 0.7 of a point versus a year ago. For the full year, FoMoCo's sales were down 20.7 percent to 1,988,376, from 2,507,366 percent a year ago.

Video: 2009 Skoda Octavia Facelift

Unveiled for the first time at the Paris auto show last October, the mildly facelifted Octavia Sedan and Estate models boast a new nose and tail that brings them in line with Czech firm's latest vehicles like the Fabia and Superb. Likewise, the 2009 Octavia's cabin inherits several styling elements from the larger Superb such as the four-spoke steering wheel, the climate controls and the revised trim. Under the sheetmetal, changes include the addition of the new 122HP 1.4 TSI gasoline engine in and the availability of the VW Group's new seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox.

GM's U.S. December Sales Fall 31%, 2008 YTD Sales Down 23%

Once again, General Motors recorded a significant drop in U.S. sales in December delivering 221,983 vehicles, down 31 percent compared with a year ago. GM's December car sales of 87,506 units were off 25 percent while its truck sales of 134,477 units were down 35 percent compared to the same month last year. Despite the plunge, GM officials seemed happy to report that December deliveries were up 30 percent compared with October and up 43 percent compared with November.

"Given the ongoing challenges and the difficult market environment, we were very encouraged to see a volume rebound for GM in December compared with both October and November," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

"We are building more vehicles than ever that provide great value and Americans enjoy owning. That is why, for the year, we are seeing our market share holding steady at just above 22 percent. That's 5 percentage points more and 760,000 vehicles more than our nearest competitor," added LaNeve.

For the year, GM sold 2,980,688 vehicles in the U.S. -down 23 percent compared with 2007, which allowed the company to maintain a market share just above 22 percent.

Porsche Panamera to be Unveiled at China's Shanghai Auto Show in April

China's growing importance in the global auto market is the reason behind Porsche's decision to perform the world debut of the new Panamera at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show from that runs from April 20 - 28. The five-door sports saloon that will enter the market in late summer will initially be available with a range of V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines covering a power range from 300 to 500HP. Depending on the model, power is transmitted to the rear or to all wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Double-Clutch Gearbox). For more pictures of the Panamera, click here.

Mercedes Reports 32.1% Drop in U.S. December Sales, Smart Sells 24,622 ForTwos in 2008

December proved to be a poor month for Mercedes-Benz that reported U.S. sales of 18,507 vehicles, a 32.1 percent decrease over the same month last year. The German automaker's total 2008 volume was 225,128 units, an 11.2 percent decline compared to 2007. Sales of the firm's C-Class model line rose 13.8 percent for the year while sales of the M-Class SUV line-up increased by 1.3 percent. Merc's Smart car unit that made its debut in the U.S. market in 2008, recorded 2,341 sales in December while the company's year-to-date sales came up to a total of 24,622 units.