Callum: JLR needs design studios in China and US

Jaguar and Land Rover are to open design studios in China and the United States as the two British brands look to better understand local tastes, according to Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director in an interview with Automotive News Europe. The United States is currently the carmaker's second-biggest market after the UK, closely followed by China in third. To further tap into these markets is key for the long-term success of JLR and so it is following its competitors in opening up foreign design studios.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible Price & Specs – costs from £29,180

The new BMW 2 Series Convertible arrives – and there’s an M235i version too As BMW changes its nomenclature, the BMW 2 Series Convertible arrives as a replacement for the old 1-Series Convertible and becomes the third BMW in the 2-Series range, joining the 2 Series Coupe and the FWD 2-Series Active Tourer. Due to go on sale in February 2015, the new 2-Series Convertible is looking to build on the success of the old 1-Series Convertible with a wide range of specs and powerplants – from the 220i and 220d to the range-topping M235i – and prices starting from £29,180 for the 220i Convertible rising to £37,710 for the M235i Convertible. Four power plants will be available in the 2-Series Convertible, with the 220i getting 184bhp, 228i with 245bhp, 220d with 190bhp and the range-topping M235i Convertible gets 326bhp.

Volkswagen buys stake in Suzuki

Volkswagen will buy nearly 20 percent of Suzuki for $2.5 billion in a deal poised to continue VW's ambitious growth plans and bolster its global product offerings. The companies announced the agreement on Wednesday, and it could close in January. The deal allows VW to draw on Suzuki's small-car capabilities and strong position in India.