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New Ford Fiesta ST starts production ahead of first deliveries in March

Ford has started production of the new Fiesta ST at its plant in Cologne ahead of first customer cars arriving in Ford’s UK showrooms in March. By the time the Fiesta ST arrived at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show it had turned in to a full production model – with little change from the concept – and we finally got UK prices for the Fiesta ST last month, with the promise that Ford would be getting the first STs to customers in March. That plan looks like it’s on track as Ford announce the Fiesta ST has now started to roll off the production line in Cologne (and even the first STs coming off the line get Ford’s orange statement paint job).

Tesla Model S warranty extended to 8 years for Drivetrain

Tesla Model S warranty extended to 8 years for Drivetrain The Tesla Model S – perhaps the only truly useable electric car – has taken the motoring industry by storm, and now it’s getting better still for owners as Tesla announce an extended warranty on the drivetrain of the Model S to 8 years, matching that of the battery pack. The warranty also applies retrospectively, so all Model S Teslas already in the hands of owners are covered – and the warranty can be transferred to as many new owners as needed – for a full 8 years, which is unlimited for the 85 models and 125k miles for the 60 models. It’s a strong response from Tesla after a number of long-term tests (by Consumer Reports and Edmunds in particular) produced a number on niggling problems, and standing behind their product so solidly – just as Hyundai/Kia did – may not take the niggles away but it will give comfort to prospective buyers (if not shareholders, at least in the short term).

New design boss for Alfa

By Jack Rix Motor Industry 14 June 2007 11:42 Frank Stephenson, the man credited with designing the new Mini and Fiat's retro 500, has been appointed to head up Alfa Romeo's design centre. He replaces Wolfgang Egger, responsible for the swooping 8C Competizione, who left earlier this year to join Audi. Stephenson joins Alfa at a crucial time, prior to its re-entry into the US market.