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New Nissan Micra loses ground in Europe over quality issues and no diesel option

Nissan Micra Sales fall in Europe Nissan trumpeted the new Micra as its ‘Global Compact Car’ in the run-up to its reveal at Geneva last year. And by ‘Global’ they meant ‘Produced in Emerging Markets’. Which is a big change from the last generation Micra which was produced in Sunderland, but a move that seemed to make sense in a world where small cars in emerging markets are a priority, and where cost of production is much lower.

Ford Escort set for Beijing motor show debut

Ford is set to unveil a production version of the Escort sedan at the China auto show this month in Beijing, meant exclusively for the Chinese market. The Escort was previewed in near-production concept form last year at the Shanghai motor show, and is meant to take on competitors positioned just above the Ford Focus sedan. Even though the Ford Escort has been absent from the automaker's global lineup since 2000, Ford of China is reviving the nameplate for this sub-Fusion/Mondeo model which will compete with cars such as the Volkswagen Sagitar and Chevrolet Cruze in the Chinese market.

Lexus LF-NX concept

Lexus' LF-NX mid-size crossover concept, which debuts next week in Frankfurt, explores the possibility of a future model in the carmaker's range that would take on the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3. The concept previews another evolution of the ‘L-finesse' design language and features angular design and a front that's dominated by the huge spindle grille as well as Lexus' signature front light arrangement. Like the Lexus IS, the arrow-shaped DRLs are separated from the headlamps, while the front corners separate the bumper from the front wings with a sharp vertical line.