1953 Pontiac 8 Trunk Center Trim on 2040-parts.com

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.

Views of new Jaguar XJ leak out

Here's the proof that Jaguar has finally junked decades of styling heritage with its dramatically detailed new flagship, the XJ sedan. Although there's a family resemblance to the new XF at the front and in the overall, swoopy fastback shape, Jaguar is entering new territory with the rear styling of the car. In a European context, the rear lights nod toward Italian brand Lancia, and a breakthrough feature is the wraparound, dark-colored panel on the D-pillar, which follows the outline of the sloping rear glass.

Chevrolet Volt for European sale in November 2011

Chevrolet will start selling the Volt range-extender hybrid from European Chevy outlets in November 2011 and plans right-hand drive from UK launch in spring 2012. It means that GM will offer Europeans the choice of the Volt or the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera – the Euro spec version of the same car. Although prices are not yet set for either model, CAR understands the Chevy is likely to be positioned slightly cheaper than the Vauxhall.