Honda CR-Z Hybrid – the promo video

Honda has released a promo video (below) for the Honda CR-Z Last month we got the specs and prices for the UK Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Honda’s modern hybrid take on the CR-X – they want us to believe. So having given us the buy price – it starts at £17k – and the specification – the basic gets Climate ,  CD player, heated door mirrors, rear dimming mirror, electric windows, daytime running lights and Shift Indicator Light (SIL) – it’s now time to get the marketing underway. Despite feeling that Honda are barking up the wrong tree by trying to make an underpowered hybrid powertrain seem an appealingly sporty prospect, we have to admire their wish to do so.

Volkswagen CrossBlue concept

Volkswagen has unveiled its new CrossBlue SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Developed specifically for the North American market, if it makes it into production it will sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in the VW SUV range. The CrossBlue was designed in Germany under the leadership of VW Group's head of design Walter de'Silva and Klaus Bischoff, the VW Brand's head of design in close co-operation with Volkswagen of America.

Alfa Romeo is not for sale, Fiat chairman says

Fiat will not sell its Alfa Romeo unit and plans to relaunch the brand in the United States in late 2012, top Fiat executives said. “We would not sell Alfa even if we were offered tons of money,” Fiat chairman John Elkann told reporters at the Detroit auto show on Monday. Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “Alfa is part of Fiat's operational perimeter and we've already invested too much to get rid of it.” Volkswagen AG is rumored to be pursuing Alfa Romeo.