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Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Renault Megane gets a bit of a facelift for 2014

The Renault Megane range (pictured) gets a bit of a facelift for 2014 The Renault Megane has been given a facelift for 2014, but it’s not exactly a major overhaul. All the Megane models – Hatchback, Coupe and Sports Tourer – now gets the new family front bumper with its extended air vent, much like the bumper on the new Renault Clio. The bonnet also gets a tweak with a new Renault badge, there’s a new set of elliptical headlights and some new daytime running lights. There are specific changes for the GT and RS models too, with ‘GT’ or ‘RS’ added to the new Renault logo on the bonnet.

New Jaguar XE teased

Jaguar reveal a teaser image of the new XE Jaguar’s new smaller car – effectively a replacement for the Mondeo-based X-Type – has been coming for what seems a very long time, but it was finally officially announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. At the time, all we got was a front-end view of the new XE as Jaguar attempted to whet appetites, but now we get the first official teaser from Jaguar of their new baby saloon. Covered in a bizarre camouflage of add-on panels and white paint, the XE looks to have the proportions of the XF, just on a smaller scale.