03 04 Silverado 1500 R. Headlight 469763 on 2040-parts.com

Kia, Chrysler, VW set pace as December sales advance 9 percent

Kia, Chrysler and Volkswagen posted some of the strongest sales gains for December as the industry closed out 2011 on a high note. Automotive News estimates December volume was up 9 percent to 1.24 million from a year earlier--in line with analysts' forecasts. Total industry sales were projected at 12.78 million for the year, up from 2010's total of 11.6 million and the 27-year low of 10.4 million in 2009.

New Toyota iQ3 launched

Toyota has launched a new version of the iQ - The Toyota iQ3 - with a bigger engine and spec The Toyota iQ3 gets Toyota’s 1.33 litre 98bhp VVT-i engine with Optimal Drive, which Toyota already offer in the Yaris and Auris, and offers 58.9mpg with either the manual ‘box or Toyota’s CVT. But sticking the 1.33 litre engine in to the Toyota iQ3 makes it more than just a city car. With a 0-60mph of 11.8 seconds and a top speed over 100mph, this little Toyota can cope with motorway driving quite well.

Jaguar to sculpt C-X16 clay model live in London

Jaguar is set to send a team of its clay modelers out to Clerkenwell Design Week to work on a full-size model of its C-X16 concept car in a display of the skills involved in sculpting and vehicle design. Julian Thomson, Advanced Design Director, Jaguar, said: "Jaguar is one of the most technologically advanced companies in the field of product development but we still believe in the sense of artistry. "Emotional connections are at the heart of our vehicles and the traditional process of working with clay with some of the best sculptors in the world allows us to refine them into the purest surfaces," he added.