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This is the future of in-car electronics

The annual Consumer Electronics Show kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas, in the same massive convention center that held the SEMA show only a few months ago. Almost as many carmakers will come to CES as made the trek to SEMA, with seven major carmakers expected to have show stands and two big suppliers – Visteon and Delphi – showing their latest techno-stuff, too. Here, in alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone, is a preview of what we expect to find in Las Vegas this week.

MINI Clubvan AXED in the US after just 50 sales

The MINI Clubvan (pictured) has been axed in the US after just 50 sales The MINi Clubvan – a van version of the Clubman – arrived in 2012 as a concept and instantly evoked fond memories of the original Mini van that used to roam UK roads with the black and yellow livery of the AA. By the time the new MINi Clubvan arrived as a production model last summer – and debuted at the 2012 Goodwood FoS – it had changed little from the concept, but looked set for success as a funky little local delivery vehicle. And it does seem as though the Clubvan is selling quite well, with florists and posh food delivery firms jumping on the Clubvan as a great way to move their product to customers, and look just that bit different in the process.

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.