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VW launches 'Think Blue' campaign to pitch green initiatives

Volkswagen is trying to recreate the magic of its 1960s marketing of the Beetle by bringing its "Think Blue." marketing campaign to the United States to promote eco-friendly driving and green initiatives. The campaign - under way in Europe since last year - launches to coincide with a VW partnership with the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and Tuesday's grand opening of its new factory in Chattanooga, Tenn. VW calls the Tennessee plant "one of the world's greenest automobile factories." " 'Think Blue.' " bears witness to our holistic understanding of sustainability," said Jonathan Browning, CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America.

New Lexus IS to debut at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The new Lexus IS - previewed at this year’s Paris Motor Show by the Lexus LF-CC Concept – will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2013. Lexus effectively previewed the new IS with the Lexus LF-CC Concept (above) at the Paris Motor show in September (although that really previews a new Lexus IS Coupe to follow) so we know the new IS is going to follow the current Lexus path of producing good looking cars (like the latest Lexus GS). This time round it looks like Lexus are going to offer a hybrid IS 3000 as the route to the heart of fleet buyers in Europe with a 2.5 litre petrol four-cylinder mated to the usual box of batteries and motor, all running through a CVT ‘box (sadly).

Maserati looking at LaFerrari for MC12 successor

Maserati is looking into building a successor to the MC12 Stradale supercar based on the Ferrari LaFerrari, according to a report from Autocar. Maserati boss Harald Wester didn't confirm it to the British magazine, but admitted there is an opportunity. The new car would use the chassis and suspension components from the LaFerrari, but not its electric motor and KERS system.