SAIC Roewe W5

Previewed by the Roewe W5 Concept unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai motor show, SAIC's new SUV derived its styling from the Ssangyong Kyron, which was reworked by Ma Zhengkun (Ken Ma)'s design team. Measuring 4676mm long, 1888mm wide and 1765mm tall, the new car is similar in size to the Toyota Highlander. SAIC is calling the new vehicle a ‘cross-specialty SUV'.

Saab: China’s Pang Da & Youngman to invest $7.5 billion. UPDATED

Saab: China to invest $7.5 billion Update: We have now been told by Saab that Pang Da and Youngman are to provide €50 million immediately and €600 million for short to medium finance. Funding for the revised business plan and provide long-term financial stability the new Chinese owners have also budgeted funding for the planned expansion of Saab Automobile’s portfolio and additional operations to be set up in China There will be a reduction of 500 in the employee numbers. Sales targets for 2012 of 35-55,000 cars and 2013 of 75-85,00 and long-term of 200,000 cars a year Interestingly, Saab says that ‘Saab Automobile has not received the funds from Pang Da and Youngman that have been committed for today.’ Oh, well. Although the deal which will see Saab sold to China’s Youngman and Pang Da is still subject to a raft of approvals – Swedish Debt Office, EIB, GM, Chinese Government… – it seems the Chinese have big plans to invest up to $7.5 billion in Saab in the coming years.

2012 BMW X1 Facelift: New engines & new models

2012 BMW X1 Facelift BMW has given the X1 compact SUV a nip and tuck for 2012 with new engines, new models and trim upgrades. Starts at £24,660. The entire BMW X1 range has been given something of a facelift for 2012, but BMW hasn’t just titivated the cosmetics they’ve also introduced two new models – the X1 Sport and X1 xLine – and new diesel engines.