Avis buys Zipcar and grows car-sharing capabilities internationally

Zipcar, a car-sharing company that specializes in renting cars by the hour or day, announced Wednesday it will be acquired by Avis Budget for $491 million, or $12.25 a share. The action will help Avis compete against Hertz Global Holdings, which became the world's second largest car-rental company in 2012 following its purchase of Dollar Thrifty car-rental company for $2.6 billion, according to a Bloomberg report. “By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential -- both in the U.S.

Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler has shown pictures of the 2007 Sebring, a mid-sized sedan that will enter production in America later this year. New from the ground up, the dynamic exterior borrows cues from the Crossfire in the front three-quarter, while a part-masked C-pillar helps accentuate the Sebring's arched cab, eschewing the 'chopped' look of the larger 300C. The urbane interior features an IP with a broad panel theme, reminding slightly of the Mercedes-Benz CLS/> It will be available from launch with the option of two V6 engines and, unusually, a new four-cylinder motor that produces 172PS from 2.4 liters.

Seat opens new Global Design Center

Seat has opened its new Global Design Center, located within the Technical Center close to its manufacturing operations in Martorell, near Barcelona. A week of opening celebrations culminated with an event on Nov 8 for designers from the fields of architecture, fashion, industry, advertising, communication, art and photography, as well as specialised design media. More than 130 attendees were able to stroll around the Seat Design Center facilities in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.