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Tesla Model S to get 4WD option in 2014

The Tesla Model S (pictured) to get 4WD option in 2014 The Tesla Model S is an astonishing success for Tesla, and has turned a company on the edge of financial chaos, and in hock to the government, in to a stock market darling thanks to strong sales and great reviews. Tesla’s next trick should be the arrival of the Model X SUV in 2015, which will be a jacked up Model S with 4WD and the promise of impressive performance at a price that will go right to the heart of SUV/SAV offerings from the Germans and Land Rover. But ahead of the Model X actually arriving in Tesla Showrooms and customers’ hands, it looks like Tesla are set to add a 4WD option to the Model S using the drivetrain they’ve developed for the Model X.

News watch March 2010: today's auto industry news

Tuesday 30 March 2010• Mercedes has dismissed claims that its Maybach brand is for sale, after reports in the Chinese media claimed Chinese car company BYD was considering a bid for the upmarket offshoot. BYD has also denied the claims (Reuters)• Toyota president Akio Toyoda has promised his company will listen more carefully to customers and react faster in a bid to regain credibility after the Japanese car manufacturer was forced to recall millions of vehilces over safety fears (BBC)• The Obama administration is expected to unveil its finalised fuel economy and tailpipe emissions through to 2016 this week, to coincide with the opening of the 2010 New York auto show (Detroit News)  Monday 29 March 2010• Toyota has agreed to licence the hybrid technology in the Prius to Mazda, which will combine the electric system with its next-gen Sky engines. It’s part of Mazda’s plans to increase the average fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels) and it hopes to have its first hybrid vehicle on sale in Japan by 2013 (Mazda)• Ford and Chinese car company Geely have signed a stock purchase agreement that will allow the latter to acquire 100% of Volvo (along with related assets including intellectual property rights).

Ford offers Sync download for voice control of smartphone apps

Ford Fiesta owners can download Sync Applink for hands-free voice control of smartphone applications while driving. Sync extends app functionality to the car using voice and steering-wheel controls. It offers a better alternative to manually controlling apps while driving.