Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.

Automakers sign up to Apple 'Eyes Free' Siri button

Apple has announced that the leading carmakers have signed up for the addition of an ‘Eyes Free' button that will activate Siri for in-car Apple products. Siri – the innovative voice activation system developed for the 4S, Apple's latest iPhone – can be activated by pressing a steering wheel mounted button and allows the driver to access the same information available when not driving. Apple reported at its 2012 Worldwide Developer's Conference that Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Land Rover, Jaguar, Chrysler and Honda have all signed up to offer Eyes Free within the next 12 months.

Jeep Grand Cherokee to get ZF 8-speed auto ‘box

Jeep Grand Cherokee to get 8-Speed ZF Gearbox The latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee has only just arrived, but already Jeep are planning improvements with the confirmation that the Grand Cherokee is to get the new 8-Speed automatic gearbox from ZF. The 8-speed ZF auto ‘box should help all round with the new Grand Cherokee, which already offers the promise of an American SUV matching the expectations of European buyers and, more importantly, offering a viable alternative to the offerings in the premium SUV sector from the Germans. Not only does the new Grand Cherokee look able and promising, even with a relatively modest 3.0 litre diesel being the only engine on offer for the mainstream Grand Cherokees, but with a starting point of under £38k (and a top-end price of £44k) there’s a lot on offer.