Author: Automotive News Feed

Mercedes brand’s global sales grew 11 percent last month to a record 133,441 cars, thanks to demand for its refreshed E class, new compact models and strong sales in China and the U. S.

Renault said China’s top economic planner has approved a joint venture between the automaker and Dongfeng Motor to build and sell cars in China. The new venture plans to build 150,000 vehicles a year.

BMW says it will take months to get through its waiting list of people in the UK who want to test drive the new i3 electric car, but I was able to arrange a test drive in London in a fraction of that time.

GM will drop the Chevrolet brand in Europe by the end of 2015. The move is the latest effort by GM to turn around its European operations and focus its resources on reviving the Opel brand.

Turkish conglomerate Inci Holding aims to be one of the world’s top 100 automotive suppliers by 2023 with sales of $2 billion, up from the equivalent of $496 million in turnover last year.

BMW appointed two European executives to key roles in the United States as the company reshuffles its senior management to counter a surge by Mercedes, which is on course to topple the Munich-based automaker as the market’s luxury leader.

Ford expects its Mustang coupe to boost its image in Europe, even though the car will not sell in large numbers. Ford plans to sell the Mustang through its European dealer network for the first time to broaden the car’s global appeal.