http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1017
Designed to blend comfort with functionality, the Doblo offers upscale styling and room to accommodate seven people. Speaking of space, the van rides on a 2755mm (108.5") wheelbase which allows it to have a healthy 790 liter luggage compartment. For added flexibility, the interior is outfitted with seats that can be folded and tilted.
At launch, the Doblo will be available with four different engines: a 70 kW petrol and three Multijet diesels with outputs rated at 66, 77 and 99 kW. Later, a dual fuel engine (petrol/methane) and a diesel engine with a Dualogic robotized gearbox will be offered. To help reduce operating costs and emissions, the whole Doblo range has been equipped with a standard engine start/stop system.
In terms of safety, the Doblo is outfitted with hill-decent control, electronic stability control, and ABS with electronic brake force distribution.
While no interior pictures were released, Fiat says the Doblo offers automatic climate control, cruise control, parking sensors, a built-in Blue&Me hands-free communication system, and a Blue&Me TomTom navigator.
Besides the standard passenger van, Fiat has also introduced the new Doblo Cargo. Featuring a larger load compartment than the previous model, the Doblo Cargo will be available in seven different body configurations (short/long wheelbase, high top, short/long wheelbase five-seaters, and short/long drop-framed versions for easy conversion into refrigeration vans and flatbed trucks).
The redesigned Doblo will be launched in mid-January 2010 and the model is expected to be released in America as a Ram commercial van in 2012.
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MTM Boost Audi TT-RS to 316kW
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1018
German tuner MTM has launched a performance package for the new Audi TT RS. Under normal circumstances the car produces 250kW of power and peak torque of 450Nm between 1,600rpm and 5,300rpm. The factory claims a 0 - 100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds.
MTM used the stock 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo as a basis. The engine control unit was adjusted and a new exhaust system with new middle- and end- pipes with throttle valves fitted. Not only does it apparently sound great, but it also revs higher and accesses its torque across a wide range of revolutions.
As a result, three stages of power can be ordered. Stage 1 offers 301kW and 550Nm while stage 2 gives out 304kW and the same amount of torque. The highest stage offers maximum power of 316kW and 560Nm, does 0 - 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and achieves a top end of 297 km/h. The car runs on MTM sport wheels with the original BIMOTO design measuring 19-inch or 20-inch.
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GM could slash 10 000 jobs
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1019
US carmaker General Motors could cut between 9 000 and 10 000 jobs as part of its restructuring of its European operations, Nick Reilly, interim head of GM's European business, said on Tuesday.
The company must reduce its production across Europe by between 20% and 25% as part of the 3.3bn euros plan, although final details have yet to be decided, he told a news conference in London.
Reilly said he hoped to announce the full restructuring plan for Europe within three weeks after talks with governments and unions.
The company is prepared to put up some of its own cash to help fund the restructuring, but hopes to receive money from European governments too, he added. The company has about 2bn euros of its own money to invest in the restructuring.
"We have a likely plan but I would rather not give specifics today," he said. "It could involve closing a plant. We haven't 100% decided. We have some flexibility to use some of our own money."
The 3.3bn euros will fund a short-term shake-up and will help meet redundancy payments and investment in the company's product portfolio, he added.
GM hopes to continue manufacturing at its UK plants, Ellesmere Port in northwest England and Luton, north of London, he added. Reilly said there may be a chance to "quite significantly" reduce the 800 British job cuts expected under previous plans.
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