Dubai — Chevrolet's toughest, most-refined midsize sport utility vehicle, the TrailBlazer, made its global debut today at the opening of the Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East.

The robust seven-seat show vehicle previews Chevrolet's latest SUV offering, which will be sold around the world, beginning with Thailand in early 2012.

The new-generation TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover. Developed in tandem with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup by GM do Brasil, it shares the same architecture as its truck sibling, with a chassis tuned to combine heavy-duty off-road capability with refined city driving.

The show vehicle features an all-wheel-drive system and is powered by GM's new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which features a variable-geometry turbocharger for an optimal combination of performance and fuel economy.

“It is a reflection of the importance of the Middle East market for General Motors that a vehicle as important as TrailBlazer is making its global debut at this show,” said GM Middle East Operations President and Managing Director John Stadwick. “Without question, the new TrailBlazer will be one of the biggest and toughest members of the Chevrolet family — the perfect vehicle to take on the Middle East's competitive midsize SUV segment.

A court-appointed trustee selected Mr. Boris G. Zingarevich, whose investment operations are based in St. Petersburg, Russia, as the winning bidder following a bankruptcy proceeding initiated by the Norwegian carmaker last month.

In addition, Mr. Zingarevich has signed a memorandum of understanding with American advanced lithium-ion battery maker Ener1, Inc. and Finnish automobile engineering and manufacturing concern Valmet Automotive, Inc. to cooperate in relaunching THINK.

“Having achieved the position of one of the world's most highly regarded electric vehicle products, the THINK brand is a valuable asset that deserves to continue its key role in the global shift to electrification,” said Mr. Zingarevich. “With the potential of working with the leading American automotive lithium-ion battery maker and Europe's top automobile engineering and manufacturing company, I believe we could have exactly the right combination and value chain to ensure that the brand will be increasingly competitive in the worldwide electric vehicle market.”

The assets of wholly owned subsidiaries THINK North America and THINK UK, which have remained going concerns during the bankruptcy proceeding for THINK Global, were also acquired in the transaction. Financial advisory services were provided by LATUM, a specialized investment banking and services company.

Ener1 and Valmet were the senior secured creditors of THINK when the company filed for bankruptcy after failing to raise adequate capital to continue financing operations. Ener1 and Valmet are negotiating stakes in the new company on the basis of a debt restructuring. Mr. Zingarevich has been a major investor in Ener1 since 2002 and provided bridge funding for THINK while the company attempted a reorganization before filing for bankruptcy.

The name of the new company that will market THINK brand products is Electric Mobility Solutions AS, registered in Norway. A new sales and service structure for THINK will be announced soon. The production restart, with a refined version of the THINK City, is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012.

Over its 20-year history, THINK achieved the status of the leading dedicated electric vehicle maker in the world. The THINK City has accumulated more than 48 million km of road experience in the several countries where it has been marketed. The current model has a range of 160 km on a single charge and provides one of the most engaging and spirited drives of any car in its class.

About Mr. Boris G. Zingarevich

Mr. Zingarevich is an international serial entrepreneur with investments spanning a wide range of new and traditional industries in a number of countries. He has been the principal investor since 2002 in the leading American automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturer Ener1, Inc., on whose board of directors he sits. Mr. Zingarevich is a founder and strategic shareholder in Ilim Group, a joint venture with the American company International Paper and the largest timber products company in Russia.

Wolfsburg/Geneva — The Volkswagen bus, like no other car, stands for the spirit of freedom. It debuted over 60 years ago in 1950 with a contagiously simple design. Its internal Volkswagen code name was T1 for Transporter 1. The Germans called it the Bulli, and to Americans it was the Microbus. It was driven on all continents. And the world's first van is still appreciated by a fan base which spans the globe. Now Volkswagen is reinterpreting the compact original form of this automotive legend and sending it into the future — in the form of a concept vehicle for a new generation Bulli! It is spacious like it was in 1950, it is as inspirational as ever, and it has clean styling like never before.

In this vehicle, Volkswagen is finishing what it started in 2001: ten years ago, the vision of a new Bulli led to an unforgettable concept vehicle known as the Microbus. But some visions need to mature before they yield something new. Now, the time is right for this vision. That is because the concept was sharpened, and the necessary, sustainable technologies are now at hand. More compact and affordable than the earlier concept vehicle, it is now being shown in Geneva. The new Bulli — powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad.

This concept has the potential to establish a new, fifth brand of people carrier next to the Caddy, Touran, Sharan and its large counterpart — the Caravelle. The Bulli could even become an icon like the T1 Samba that still trades at extremely high prices today — one of those few vehicles that simply do not fade with time.

Zero emissions — up to 300 km on a single battery charge

Thanks to highly advanced drive technologies, the Bulli being shown in Geneva is what is referred to as a ‘zero emissions vehicle,’ because the concept is electrically powered. Zero emissions at the tailpipe. The Bulli's electric motor outputs 85 kW of power and an impressive 270 Newton meters of torque. As is usual with this type of drive, its maximum forces are generated from standstill. The silent motor is supplied with energy from a lithium-ion battery with a maximum storage capacity of 40 kWh. This electrifying combination enables driving ranges of up to 300 km — a high value for an electric car. When the Bulli's battery is charged at an “electric refuelling station” specially designed for electric vehicles, the charging process takes less than one hour.

The new Bulli accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, and its top speed is 140 km/h (electronically limited). Its range and driving performance not only make the compact vehicle ideal for short distances; but also ideal for most commuters and recreational activities with zero tailpipe emissions.

Trollhättan, Sweden — Saab Automobile takes the next step in the biggest new product offensive in its history when the much-awaited 95 SportCombi is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sleek and fun-to-drive, the SportCombi adds versatility to the widely acclaimed attributes of the 95 sedan and will bring a distinctive, alternative choice to the premium, large wagon segment.

It shares the sedan's bold, Aero X-inspired looks and features an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear screen flanked by signature Saab ‘wraparound’ window glazing. The result is an imposing and sporty wagon with a low stance and a dynamic, visual appeal that concedes nothing to the requirements of load-carrying.

Smart cargo handling features include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment. A programmable, powered tailgate is also available.

Backed by the same all-turbo gasoline, bioethanol and diesel powertrain line-up as the 95 sedan, the SportCombi includes Saab's industry-leading XWD all-wheel-drive system and advanced features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control, adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting, keyless entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display which projects information, aircraft-style in the windshield.

The order book for the SportCombi opens in March, with first customer deliveries to follow from September. It will significantly broaden the appeal of the new 95 range in a segment where Saab, with its tradition for designing versatile vehicles, has enjoyed wagon sales volumes on a par with sedan levels.

“The launch of the 95 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive,” says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “It will take Saab back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering.”

Hiroshima, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its new MINAGI compact crossover SUV concept car during the press days of the 2011 Geneva motor show, which is being held from March 1–13, 2011. The Mazda MINAGI concept fully embraces Mazda's new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO — Soul of Motion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies — which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance — with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Mazda's stand at the Geneva show will also feature new SKYACTIV technology exhibits and the Mazda SHINARI design concept car, among a wide range of products.

Officially titled the 81e Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the show's press days are March 1 and 2, and the public days are March 3–13, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 1.

Main Exhibits at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

The Grandeur, Hyundai's top-selling premium large sedan, returns with new safety and convenience features and sharper, more graceful styling.

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, rolled out the all-new Grandeur (badged as Azera in some markets) today at a ceremony in Seoul, attended by some 300 VIPs, including Hyundai Motor President Steve S. Yang, and media members.

The all-new Grandeur arrives in the Korean market six years after its predecessor's (code named TG) launch in May 2005. The Grandeur is unrivaled as Korea's No. 1 large sedan, with cumulative sales of 1.25 million units (domestic: 980,000, exports: 270,000) since the first generation launched in 1986.

The new Grandeur is the result of three-and-a-half years and 450 billion won of research, development and testing. The goal: To create a wholly different large sedan that harmonizes sophisticated design, significantly improved performance and fuel economy as well as cutting-edge safety and convenience features. The result of the project, code named HG, is the new Grandeur.

“Our world-class technology and dedication to quality management made it possible to create the new Grandeur, making it the leading premium sedan of our times,” said Mr. Yang. “The new Grandeur will meet every functional and emotional need of our customers.”

Hyundai designers followed the concept of “Grand Glide” when styling the new Grandeur, creating a look that evokes powerful, elegant flight.

Based on this concept, the exterior styling of the Grandeur is realized in a grand and progressive style that harmoniously connects dynamic character lines and striking surfaces.

The “Grand Glide” styling is carried to the Grandeur's interior, as the center console, instrument cluster and dash are integrated into a graceful design that recalls the image of expressive, expansive wings.

The Grandeur projects a sporty yet refined exterior look (overall length: 4,910 mm; overall width: 1,860 mm; overall height: 1,470 mm). Moreover, a 2,845 mm-long wheelbase — 65 mm longer than the previous version — delivers the most interior room in Grandeur's class as well as greater stability and a smoother ride.

Seoul — The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today (Wednesday) show a powerful, bold design that marks “the next big step” in the company's ongoing design revolution.

Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range.

Described by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as ‘sporty and elegant’, the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models.

“Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days and a B-segment car as attractive as all-new Rio, with its driver-oriented cabin and interior trim options, will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch. New Rio is the ‘next big step’ in Kia's design revolution and we anticipate this model becoming even more popular than the current vehicle,” comments Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

The current Kia Rio was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 205,000 units.

Detroit — Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.

The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.”

Production of the Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

“Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States,” said Perry. “We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America.”

Sonic's highlights include:

• Available efficient Ecotec 1.4 L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW) — 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta — that delivers competitive fuel economy. It's the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package for a greater feeling of performance
• Standard Ecotec 1.8 L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions
• Ecotec 1.4 L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission
• Ride and handling tuned by Chevy Corvette engineers; standard electronic power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing
• Sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta
• Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity
• Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, all rarities in the segment
• Comprehensive safety features include 10 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Detroit — Ford Motor Company today unveiled its vision for a sleeker, sportier and more stylish compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Ford Vertrek concept previews the company's ambition for a next-generation, global compact SUV that could lead the industry in both design and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Vertrek concept is based on Ford's global C-segment platform, which includes the all-new Ford Focus range launching early in 2011 in North America and Europe, plus the latest C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles. It represents the vision of the company's top design and engineering talent on how best to attract and satisfy future sport utility vehicle customers around the world.

“Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel utility vehicle customers will embrace around the world,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “It is a revolution compared to what is typically seen in this segment in North America and is a stylish evolution compared with products outside North America. This new design is sleeker and more fuel efficient and delivers the capability, including people and cargo volume, customers demand globally.”

The Ford Vertrek concept combines the best of Ford's distinctive European kinetic design styling and driving quality with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation compact utility vehicle customers around the world.

The sleek appearance of the Ford Vertrek concept has been honed aerodynamically to help support the program target of class-leading fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions and complement the high-tech powertrain solutions Ford envisions.

Ford preliminary data show that a production vehicle based around the Vertrek concept would be at least 5 percent more aerodynamically efficient than current comparable Ford North American and European models, such as the Escape and Kuga.

Global solution for global needs
Ford's global C-segment platform allows for the efficient creation of vehicles that address consumer tastes around the world.

“Customer demands are converging globally toward a compact sport utility vehicle that is stylish and great fun to drive while at the same time providing the package, capability, engaging technology and fuel economy they expect,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “The Ford Vertrek concept will allow us to hear directly from these customers about trade-offs they are prepared to make as we look to deliver a future production model that brings to life all these attributes.”

Wolfsburg/Herndon/Detroit — Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced the world debut of the all-new Passat, a transformational car in Volkswagen's ambitious growth plan for the U.S. market.

Designed in Germany and made in America, the Passat was developed as a larger vehicle with premium features and handling characteristics that will perfectly match it with the tastes and lifestyles of Americans. It will be built in Chattanooga, Tenn., at the world's newest, most advanced and environmentally responsible auto assembly plant.

The new Passat, the largest ever, is the only midsize sedan that offers superior German engineering at an accessible price. The Passat TDI — the only clean diesel option in the segment — is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, with a range of approximately 800 miles.

Final pricing will be announced in the spring, but the Passat will start at around $20,000 when it arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. It will come with premium standard features that include automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity.

The new Passat offers best-in-class legroom, Volkswagen's Care Free Maintenance program (3 years/36,000 miles) and the safety of Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System.

Volkswagen's new Chattanooga plant that will produce the Passat is part of a $4 billion investment by the company in the U.S. market. The environmentally friendly facility includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions. A state-of-the art $40 million employee training center ensures adherence to Volkswagen's exacting quality standards.

The Passat will set new benchmarks for safety, driving performance and environmental responsibility in the midsize segment.

Engine and Transmission

The all-new Passat offers three drivetrain options: a responsive 2.5 L gasoline engine, a remarkably eco-friendly 2.0 L TDI Clean Diesel and a powerful 3.6 L VR6.

The 2.5 L five cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb-ft), which is being offered in the Passat for the first time, will be mated to a standard 5 speed manual transmission. As an alternative, the 2.5 multi port injection engine may be paired with a 6-speed automatic.