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BMW set to go front-wheel drive

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German carmaker will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model positioned and priced below the existing 1-series as part of plans to help increase part sharing and to bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear- and four-wheel-drive-only BMW models. Speaking to AutoWeek at the Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that despite the downturn in the world's economy, there was continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small-car class, before officially acknowledging plans that will see BMW produce a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at Mercedes-Benz. "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small-car segment with new models and variants," he said.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014)

As previewed in excellent concept form at the Shanghai motor show, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has been revealed in its production guise. Built on the same platform as the A-, B- and CLA-Classes, the GLA further expands Mercedes' portfolio of C-segment models into the semi-SUV market to take on the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Proportionally it appears far happier than the A and CLA from these initial images, particularly around the scuttle area.

Britain to be third global production site for the Nissan Leaf EV after Japan, U.S.

Nissan Motor Co. said it will build the new Leaf electric vehicle at Britain's Sunderland assembly plant starting in early 2013, with initial capacity of 50,000 units. The Japanese company and its French alliance partner Renault will invest more than $642.6 million in the project, including the construction of a lithium ion battery plant on the site.