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Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid: the leaked photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 09 September 2008 12:00 Images of the production Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car have leaked onto the internet a week ahead of GM's planned shindig to celebrate the brand's centenary on 16 September 2008. The Volt is a landmark model – a hybrid electric car that can run for 40 miles on battery power alone or use the onboard 1.4 petrol engine for further charge. The new Volt will also be one of the world's first plug-in hybrids when it goes on sale in 2010 (2012 for Europe), allowing it to be hooked into the mains to top up the battery.

Volkswagen to buy Italdesign-Giugiaro

Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A could soon become another group under the Volkswagen AG umbrella, according to Automotive News Europe. The industry publication cites two sources that claim the German company is set to buy a controlling stake in Italy's largest design and engineering firm, a deal which could be clinched as early as next week. Founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani in 1968, Italdesign-Giugiaro currently has 975 employees and 800 CAD workstations.

Citroën DS Numéro 9 set to woo new Chinese bourgeoisie [w/video]

The Citroën DS Numéro 9, which will make its debut at the Beijing auto show, marks a return of luxury French motoring – a segment the nation has shied away from in recent years. This follows the poor sales of cars such as the Renault Vel Satis, Peugeot 607 and Citroën's own C6 beyond the handful of examples commandeered to whisk French politicians between Parisian Arrondissements. However while the desire for Gallic limos has all but died in their traditional heartlands, the demand for European luxe amongst the growing Chinese bourgeoisie – be it fashion, wine or cars – offers a new lifeline to the French curios we all love other people to own.