InfoAnda - Size matters at Geneva Motor Show

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Libyans run gauntlet of bullets to escape Sirte | | 3 October 2011
China seen staking middle role at nuclear talks | | 26 April 2010
Salma Hayek back acting in Adam Sandler comedy | 19 March 2009

Kazakhstan on top at winter Asiad | 4 February 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Size matters at Geneva Motor Show

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Singapore Asia Pacific World Size matters at Geneva Motor Show AFP - 2 hours 47 minutes ago Send IM Story Print Size matters at Geneva Motor Show GENEVA (AFP) - – For decades, post war Europe and North America had two different ideas of the motor car as Europeans opted for small Beetles, Minis and Cinquecentos while Americans chose something much, much bigger. "My generation grew up with huge cars, long Cadillacs, things that looked like aircraft carriers going down the road," explained General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, a 78-year-old industry veteran. But at the Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the public on Thursday, the two continents were set for a meeting of minds, as "downsizing" gained ground in the global motor industry -- smaller engines, smaller cars and less fuel. In the Swiss city, Nissan, Mini and Dacia presented shrunken SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) or crossovers that claim to mix offroad style with on road sportiness. GM's European affiliate Opel showed off its Meriva compact people carrier for the first time. Most manufacturers were also fitting smaller and cleaner running engines even in bigger cars, fitted with turbochargers to boost power. Fiat, Opel, Ford, Volkswagen, even Mercedes and BMW were on trend, with six or even four cylinders replacing eight -- and two or three replacing four in the smallest cars. "The minimum acceptable vehicle size is gradually moving downward and where it's particularly evident is with engines," said Lutz. Audi returned to small cars with the sub four-metre A1 by adding its sporty and luxury twist to parts shared with parent Volkswagen, while Nissan revamped its small Micra with the aim of giving it a global reach. The Japanese firm wants to sell one million Micras a year across 160 countries by 2013. Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn called the car "a strategic investment for Nissan's future growth. "In the past, Nissan had minimal presence in the compact segment because we did not have a specific platform suited for those customers' needs," Ghosn said at the launch. Unlike the growing range of electric or hybrid powered models touted in Geneva for the coming decade, the downsized option is on sale now, without compromising on cost, range or ease of refuelling in the absence of roadside networks of power sockets, analysts said. "In the next ten years, the real trend will be downsizing and small cars for big megacities," said Frank Schwope, a motor industry analyst at German bank NordLB. In Asia, space and tax restrictions in densely populated Japan have traditionally favoured compact vehicles while affordable, practical runabouts are in demand in fast-growing emerging nations. Colin Couchman, automotive analyst at Global Insight, said official pressure to cut carbon emissions and fuel consumption, with stringent limits looming in Europe or the United States, was also telling. "Part of it is a hedge by manufacturers. They have to be seen to be doing something," said Couchman. "Increasingly what they want to try and do is downsize but offer products that work everywhere in the world." Nissan said its Juke crossover would head to the United States while Mini has similar plans for the Countryman SUV, aiming for largely urban or suburban customers. For Lutz, while Americans are unlikely to take to the smallest runabouts in big numbers, US habits are clearly shifting towards more compact vehicles and thriftier engines as generations change. "I would estimate that in another 10 or 15 years there will be very little size difference in the average vehicle in a highly developed wealthy European market like Germany and the United States," added the GM stalwart. However, one relic of the gas guzzling era might resist, especially in the US heartland, Lutz predicted. "The American pickup truck is a workhorse and every time someone tries to do a smaller pickup ... they never succeed." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles China iron ore price hike report seen as "posturing" Reuters - 1 hour 31 minutes ago Pornography crackdown hits Sina earnings, outlook Reuters - 1 hour 35 minutes ago Indonesia c.bank holds key interest rate at 6.5 pct Reuters - 1 hour 35 minutes ago Standard Bank '09 profit down as impairments rise Reuters - 1 hour 35 minutes ago India food inflation accelerates slightly Reuters - 1 hour 30 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Markets look to ECB to end easy money policies US economy shows green shoots in winter Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps Europe seeks to outline common growth strategy Greece announces crisis budget cuts More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist NASA radar finds ice on moon's north pole Japan passes record $1 trillion budget Greece risks 'bankruptcy' without radical action: PM Common weed-killer chemically castrates frogs: study More Most Viewed » Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist Florida killer whale to stay in park after deadly attack DNA reveals some mystery on King Tut, raises questions Scientists recreate Big Bang heat of 4 tln degrees C First footage of clouded leopard captured in Borneo More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Thursday, 4 March 2010
Pennsylvania Man Admits To Running Through The Woods Shirtless Punching Trees
'Corrections Idol' Promotes Positivity, Creativity In Florida Jail
Angry Parents Allegedly Set Fire To Philippine School
Chinese University Student Says He Killed Roommate Over Snoring
Quadriplegic Accidentally Falls Into Mosh Pit At AC/DC Concert, Impales Eye
German Family Wins U.S. Asylum To Home-School Children
Madam In Eliot Spitzer Prostitution Scandal Running For Governor
Pennsylvania Man Killed By Pet Bull
Dad Beats, Binds, Gags Two Small Children
Pigs Pig Out In Plantation
"Provocative" Iran invites more sanctions
Ukraine PM Tymoshenko toppled in parliament vote
Fridges talk to washing machines at high-tech fair
Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps
Spain smashes infected global computer network
Greece announces crisis budget cuts
Kagame calls for trial for accused Rwandan widow
Washington Post unveils paid news app for iPhone
Greece to make cuts of 4.8 billion euros: state TV
Skype comes to Nokia smartphones, companies say
Pope Benedict to make high-profile visit to Spain
Lenovo takes aim at mobile Internet, China market
Reluctant Pashtuns hamper Afghan recruitment drive |
Israel silent on Dubai call for Netanyahu arrest
Arabs give Palestinian-Israeli indirect talks 'final' chance
US-TECH Summary
Kagame assures Rwanda safe after grenade blasts |
Mobile transfers save money and lives in Somalia
Iran 'weapon traffickers' arrested in Italy
Skype comes to Nokia smartphones, companies say
US supports trade ban on tuna
Obama to launch final push for health overhaul
Microsoft COO sees gradual recovery, client caution |
Viacom to drop Jon Stewart, Colbert Report from Hulu |
Indonesia lawmakers back criminal probe on bailout
Ethiopia aid diverted for rebel arms in 1980s: BBC
South Korea to get 'homework' after Ivory Coast win
Australia, Japan win last Asian Cup qualifiers
Japan's prince regrets Masako can't join him on Africa trip
Obama calls for simple majority vote on healthcare
Philippines' Arroyo defends economic record
Malaysian woman meets royals over caning sentence
Three suspected Jemmah Islamiyah allies held in Philippines
China puts economy first as parliamentary season begins
US veterans return to Iwo Jima for 65th reunion
Stress on economy as China holds annual meetings
Asian newcomers take stage at Geneva Motor Show
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy |
Naomi Campbell off the hook on assault accusation |
Viacom to drop Jon Stewart, Colbert Report from Hulu |
Sade leads pop chart for third week |
India's Toonz Animation makes US push
Second gay marriage in Argentina
Slovak push to promote patriotism draws fire
Vietnam welcomes Buddha relics
Mohawks kick non-aboriginals off lands in Quebec
Spain smashes infected global computer network
30 Taliban, one Pakistani soldier killed in clash: military
British police arrest 3 for terror funding
Chile keeps shaking, rattling survivors |
Haitian radio host honored for 'tweeting' on quake
Markets look to ECB to end easy money policies
Two killed as cruise ship hit by freak waves off Spain
Clinton fails to win over Brazil on Iran
US economy shows green shoots in winter
Suicide blasts kill 33 ahead of Iraq polls
Dutch anti-Islam leader is major winner in polls |
Book to aid Haiti quake victims goes on sale
US, EU call for new nuclear sanctions against Iran
China says 2010 defense budget to rise 7.5 percent |
Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps
'I have nothing to explain', Chavez tells Spain
U.S. military questions Karzai's steps on corruption |
Nortel gets U.S., Canadian court OK to sell unit
Europe seeks to outline common growth strategy
Google backs HTC in Apple patent suit
Haiti wants more information on foreign aid |
EU envoy visits Haiti, defends lateness of trip
Spanish "botnet" potent enough to attack country: police
Chavez rejects Spanish claim of links to rebels |
U.N.-backed mission launched against Congo rebels |
Earthquake injures 11 in Taiwan; damage limited |
Nobel winners push for Myanmar regime to face court |
U.S. military questions Karzai's steps on corruption
Obama demands final vote on health care
14 suspected terrorists charged in Indonesian Aceh
Obama seeks to push healthcare to final vote
Obama: Congress must 'finish its work' on health overhaul
30 militants, 1 soldier killed in Pakistan battle
Ethiopia aid diverted for rebel arms in 1980s: BBC
Internet cafe ban call draws Chinese hacker wrath
Indonesia president to address nation on bank bailout
China's defence budget to rise 7.5 percent in 2010
Pakistan kills up to 30 militants near Afghan border
Thailand offers tourists free insurance
Pacquiao shoots for fireworks against Clottey
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Nortel gets U.S., Canadian court OK to sell unit |
SKorea: NKorea crossed border to hunt for defector
Size matters at Geneva Motor Show
S.Korea buys 3,000 T non-western aluminium
Movie milestone 'Avatar' eyes Oscars gold
NZ dollar slides further across the board
PAKISTAN
Toyota Prius tops Japan sales despite recall woes
Prius tops Japan February sales amid Toyota woes
Seoul shares edge up; securities firms weigh
Taiwan chip, LCD makers see no big quake damage
RPT-UPDATE 1-S.Korea bond prices rise on rumours -traders
Seoul shares open up on shipyards, autos
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
U.S. bomb expert says "Hurt Locker" stole his story
U.S. bomb expert says Hurt Locker stole his story |
Jeff Bridges among Oscar gamblers' top picks
Movie milestone 'Avatar' eyes Oscars gold
Jeff Bridges among Oscar gamblers' top picks |
Controversies big and small dog Oscars contenders
Israeli film Ajami gets real, aims for Oscar |
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery |
Bullock on brink of bizarre double as Oscars loom
Israeli film "Ajami" gets real, aims for Oscar
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery
Winter yet again, but designers upbeat
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy
Seven Iraqi soldiers killed as early voting starts
Far-right celebrates breakthrough in Dutch polls
Europe's economic recovery stalls: EU
Attacks kill 12 as Iraqi troops and police vote |
Samsung unveils fridge with built-in Internet
UK resists S. Africa pressure on Zimbabwe sanctions
Egypt court orders retrial in diva murder case
Greek protestors occupy finance ministry
Israel, Palestinians set for indirect talks
Five killed in Baghdad attack as voting begins
Fabled Afghan province of Nuristan keeps US at bay
Israel, Palestinians set for indirect talks |
Afghan army countering Taliban infiltration: spokesman |
Attacks kill 12 as Iraqi troops and police vote
German court jails Islamists for foiled U.S. attacks |
Early voting begins in Iraq general election
India temple stampede kills 63 people: police |
Britain in law change bid after Israel warrant row
New woe for Vatican as usher linked to prostitution |
Samsung unveils fridge with built-in Internet
Robbers kidnap 5 year-old British boy in Pakistan
NKorea pressures SKorea to restart joint tours
28K fake Louis Vuitton goods seized in Philippines
Pakistan PM to attend US nuclear summit
German court jails Islamists for anti-US plot
Katrina victims seek to sue greenhouse gas emitters
Thailand denies visa to Dalai Lama's sister
Facebook CEO in no rush for IPO |
Olympus eyes 20 percent share in high-end digicam |
US pledges to mend ties, China says
India: 63 dead, dozens injured in temple stampede
Strong earthquake hits Taiwan; 12 people injured
Afghanistan to block some Internet sites: minister |
Morgan Stanley strikes deal to sell China bank stake: report
Pakistani stocks up; rupee firms; o/n rates down
Japan manufacturers' capital spending drops
Toyota Prius tops Japan sales for 10th month
S.Korea ex-fin min denies c.bank rumour -media
Pakistani c.bank sells 14.3 bln rupees of T-bills
Indonesia premier to address nation over bank deal
Georgia looks to bring unique cuisine to world's tables
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy |
Cyprus Maronites battle to preserve ancestral language
"Korean Wave" is ebbing but new cultural surge expected
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01