Japanese carmaker Daihatsu Motor Co. said today that it will start selling vehicles in China under its Chinese partner FAW's brand from the autumn, as sales under its own brand remain sluggish due to weak brand recognition, Dow Jones reported.

Daihatsu, a smaller-car subsidiary of Toyota Motor, began selling its Xenia compact minivan in 2007 and initially planned to produce 30,000 vehicles a year. But sales of the model totaled 5,100 vehicles in 2008.

Daihatsu sells the Xenia only in China, and produces the model in partnership with FAW Jilin Automobile Co. Daihatsu's slow sales in China is a rare setback, as the country is one of the few fast-growing auto markets amid a global economic slowdown.

The Japanese car company said it will continue with its licensing agreement to share production technology with its Chinese partner.

The Osaka-based carmaker hasn't decided yet whether it will use its own brand again in China, a company spokeswoman said.

martin_krpan na strani 31 je napisal/-a:V Braziliji sta Pajero Sport in Pajero TR4 (mislim, da je to naš Pajero Pinin) prenovljena za modelno leto 2007:

martin_krpan na strani 62 je napisal/-a:GM je na Chicago Auto Showu predstavil ameriško različico novega Holdna Commodore, to je Pontiac G8. Proizvajal se bo v Avstraliji.

Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions

Holden will hit the streets with two new special edition models delivering very different approaches to Australia's best-selling car range.

The SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will achieve immediate attention with styling treatments even more aggressive than Holden's established performance hero models.

For motorists seeking great value, International sedan and Sportwagon models will deliver $7,500 of extra features (based on recommended retail price of extra features) including leather seat trim and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the two offerings highlighted the different ways in which Holden special editions stimulated demand in Australia's best-selling range.

"These vehicles cater to motorists at both ends of the Commodore-buying spectrum - those looking for great value and those looking for striking performance looks," Brook said.

"SS V-Series has always been about sports performance and ultimate road presence. Now we've dialled it up even further.

"The International edition is even better value when you combine extra features with the advanced 3.0 litre direct injection engine and 6-speed automatic transmission."


SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute

The SS V-Series Special Edition will boast a new aggressive twin nostril front fascia with unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The sedan variant will feature a decklid spoiler and chrome highlights.

On sale from November, the SS V-Series Special Edition will be available in three colours – Phantom black, Red Hot and Voodoo blue.

The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), not including dealer delivery or Government charges, for the three SS V-Series Special Edition packs are carryover from the standard SS V-Series models and are as follows:

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VE Ute SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $47,490 RRP
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VE Commodore sedan SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $55,290 RRP
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VE Sportwagon SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $57,290 RRP
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Six-speed automatic transmission +$2,000 RRP


The SS V-Series Special Edition Ute will make its debut at this year's Deni Ute Muster which starts on Friday 2 October.

"Holden has sponsored the Deni Ute Muster for 11 consecutive years and its popularity continues to grow," Brook said.

"The event that attracts the country's most passionate Ute enthusiasts is the perfect place to launch this special edition Ute."