New models to spur sales, J. D. Power says

A flood of new-model introductions this year will help pump sales volume for the industry, according to forecasts from J.D. Power and Associates. Automakers have scheduled 60 new or substantially redesigned model introductions this year, compared with just 36 in 2010, by Power's count.

VW Pickup concept (2008): first official photos

By Chris Chilton First Official Pictures 24 September 2008 18:00 He’s designed Alfa Romeos, Audis and even a Lamborghini but now Walter de'Silva has gone all humanitarian and designed a pick-up.  VW’s first small flatbed since the Mk1 Golf-based Caddy will take on trucks like the Toyota Hilux and Mitusbishi L200 when it goes on sale late in 2009. It is, but not for long. This thinly veiled concept, called simply Pickup Concept, has been designed as a search and rescue vehicle for coastguards but essentially this is what badge-conscious UK builders will be driving in 2009. The new Volkswagen corporate face with its monobrow top grille and wide mouth is likely to be carried over mostly unchanged to the cars that will roll off the South African production line, as will the surprisingly stylish interior which features hooded instruments and Audi TT-style air vents. Mechanical details are sketchy but Volkswagen claims that engines will be common-rail diesels which rules out the old-tech 2.5 five pot that powers many of VW’s current commercials.

Mini Connected app adds performance info to vehicle display

Mini is introducing an updated iPhone app for the Mini Connected system. It displays performance data in the entertainment screen in Minis that have Visual Boost or with a navigation system and the Mini Connected option. The main functions of the system include a condition check, force meter and digital sports instruments.