A motoring news roundup
GM back on right track with American green car award
It’s been a great seven days for General Motors. On top of a Lazarus-like resurrection from federal bailouts and a return to the stock market last Wednesday, the owner of the Opel brand has won America’s green car of the year for its Chevrolet Volt.
The plug-in electric car – with a small engine fitted to recharge the motor and thereby give it extra range – will go on sale here in the next two years under the name of the Opel Ampera.
Citroën’s new Irish head to spearhead C4 sales push
Citroën has appointed a new managing director, Frederic Soulier, to manage its Irish operations.
He replaces Thierry Calewaert, who took up the position in March after the French brand took direct control of its distribution here from Gallic Distributors, part of the Gowan Group.
Souliers previous role was as dealer and network development manager in eastern Europe. He has worked for the firm for 12 years. His first major objective will be to secure a strong sales showing for the new C4 in the January sales.
Calewaert, a native of Belgium, is moving back to his home country to take on the role of sales director for Citroën.
B-Class aimed at Golf market
These are the latest images of the new Mercedes B-Class (pictured) – plus a first glimpse of the format of the new car’s interior. The new B-Class is expected to hit showrooms in autumn 2011. Though rumoured to be more like a classic hatchback, it will continue today’s B-Class’ overall layout of a supermini MPV.
Continuing the idea of a sports tourer, the new car will still be aimed squarely at the VW Golf’s market. With its lower profile and sportier appearance, it’s hoped the new B-Class will attract younger buyers rather than the current buyer profile, which is largely based on middle-aged and older buyers.
Little is known yet about the range of petrol and diesel engines to expect, but we are pretty sure a hybrid and a fuel-cell variant will be on offer right from the start. It’s time for Mercedes to come up with something greener than Blue Efficiency after all.