SsangYong makes a pitch to grab UK Chevrolet dealers

The new SsangYong Korando (pictured) could be heading for Chevrolet showrooms GM’s decision to drop the Chevrolet brand from the UK and Europe in 2015 to focus on Opel and Vauxhall brands could leave standalone Chevrolet dealers with a problem. But Korean car maker SsangYong – now owned by India’s Mahindra – are jumping in quickly to propose an alternative for disenfranchised Chevrolet dealers in the UK looking for another brand to fill their showrooms and service bays. SsangYong say they have openings for new dealerships in England, Scotland and Wales and are looking for dealers principles with Chevrolet franchises to get in touch to see if a deal can be done.

Kia and NBA extend their marketing ties through the 2011-12 season

Kia Motors America signed a two-year extension of its sponsorship deal with the National Basketball Association through the league's 2011-2012 season. The deal also expands Kia's sponsorship of the NBA to make the brand the official automotive partner of NBA All-Star events and the NBA Cares charity. Kia will also be the title sponsor of the NBA All-Star MVP award, given to the most valuable player during the league's all-star game, Kia and the NBA said in a statement.

Mini brand to get turbo three-cylinder engine

BMW confirmed the Mini brand will also get BMW's new, turbo three-cylinder engine in upcoming models to be named later as part of a new family of engines for both brands that also includes an all-new four-cylinder. The company won't say which future models get the new three-cylinder other than the already announced BMW i8 plug-in hybrid. It arrives in the spring of 2014.