Daily automotive news and comment - from just-auto.com

INDIA: Price war intensifies as GM slashes Spark price - July 4, 2008

A price war is developing in India as car demand cools in the traditionally slow monsoon season and on the back of rising inflation, alongside growing market supply from a number of manufacturers.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95329

INDIA: Lumax plant to supply Toyota small car lights - July 4, 2008

Automotive lighting company Lumax Industries will set up a greenfield plant for Toyota's small car - code named 800 L - near Bangalore, according to a local media report.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95328

RUSSIA: AvtoVAZ domestic car sales up 13% in H1 - July 4, 2008

AvtoVAZ increased its domestic car sales 13% year-on-year to 322,600 vehicles in January-June, the company said in a statement.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95327

CHINA: Audi plans China boost - July 4, 2008

As Audi sales rise fast in China, the brand is planning to add Chinese manufacturing capacity.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95326

GERMANY: Brazil to exceed Germany in VW sales - July 4, 2008

Volkswagen says it will sell more vehicles in Brazil than in its home market of Germany this year.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95325

US: GM may sell minicar - reports - July 4, 2008

A senior General Motors executive has hinted that the automaker may launch a minicar in the United States.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95324

ITALY: 'Cars will drive themselves by 2050' - designer - July 3, 2008

Former Lancia design chief Michael Robinson predicts that by 2050 cars will be driving themselves. He made the prediction at the Interior Motives Europe conference held in Turin.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95322

AUSTRALIA: June sales break records - July 3, 2008

High fuel prices and interest rates have not deterred Australians from buying new motor vehicles.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95320

RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Review of vehicle instrumentation - July 3, 2008

Despite the smooth lines and simple appearance, the cockpit is one of the most complicated and tightly packaged assemblies in a vehicle. Matthew Beecham reports on some novel ways in which to display more information yet make the cockpit appear less complex.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95318

CHINA: Chrysler eyes more local ties - July 3, 2008

Chrysler is to consider long-term business ties with China's Great Wall Motors in areas such as distribution, components and technology.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95313