Redesigned Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt rollout

Opel, General Motors' financially embattled European subsidiary, has ripped the covers from its sixth-generation Astra ahead of the car's planned debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The five-door hatchback traditionally is one of Europe's best-selling models and originally was expected to play an important role in the Saturn lineup in the United States. Under GM's pared-down lineup, the Astra's Delta 2 chassis is likely provide the underpinnings for a small Buick, initially in China, and then in the United States, depending on market conditions.

Mitsubishi to sell Renault-based midsized car in US

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to sell a Renault-based midsized car in the United States under a new strategic tie-up between Mitsubishi and the Renault-Nissan alliance. The car will be the first of two Renault-based sedans sold by Mitsubishi under a product and technology exchange announced by the companies today.

Citroen C1 ev’ie Electric Car launched

The Citroen C1 ev'ie - the UK's first proper all electric car - launched today Based (obviously) on Citroen’s baby C1, the C1 ev’ie aims to be as car-like as possible, but offering all the economies (and most of the drawbacks!) of an electric car. The donor cars are supplied by Citroen  UK and the company claims that 50% of the value of the car is generated in the UK with the conversion to all electric drive. Designed to have a range of 60-70 miles this is a city car, pure and simple.