This week's motoring news in brief
New looks for 508
THIS (pictured) IS the upcoming Peugeot 508, the successor of both, the 407 and 607 models, due out next year.
While not much can be seen of what the 508 will look like from the photograph taken during testing last week, sources suggest it will be a sleeker saloon with softer, more aerodynamic lines than the chunkier shapes of the current 407 and 607 models.
According to reports, a 508 concept is set to make a debut at the Paris Motor Show, with a production version ready for the Geneva show in 2011.
The decision will effectively end the French firm’s ill-fated attempts to create flagship premium cars. The 607 never worked and such ego-boosting models have little place in the financial realities of the current market.
Citroën return
FOUR MONTHS after the closure of Citroën’s Irish importer, Gallic Distributors, with the loss of 30 jobs, the French brand has opened its new direct subsidiary.
The brand will be handled in Ireland by Citroën Motors Ireland. Thierry Calewaert, has been appointed managing director. He previously worked for the brand in the UK.
Citroën recorded 57 new car sales last month, down 80 per cent on the same month last year.
A spokesman said that the brand plans to remain retail competitive, but will not be pursuing the discount and large dealer bonus model operated by the previous distributor.
New Ford MPV models
DESPITE CAR sales in the large MPV segment suffering particularly badly, Ford introduces new models of their Galaxy and S-Max in April, writes Paddy Comyn.
Both seven-seaters get new front fascias, LED rear lights and in some cases, optional LED daytime running lights.
There are changes to the interior too, with new materials being used and greater versatility to the seating combinations. Engine choices will consist of a new 203bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol model that combines petrol-direct injection, turbocharging and variable camshaft timing to reduce emissions by up to 20 per cent as well as diesel engines with power of 115bhp, 140bhp or a new 163bhp variant.
There will be the option of a new six-speed double clutch PowerShift transmission. Emissions for the diesel models will be band C.
Specifications will range from the entry-level Trend to the Titanium and Titanium S specifications.
The models are due to go on sale in April, with prices likely to start from around €33,000 for the S-Max (left) and €37,000 for the Galaxy.
"We are truly sorry for what has happened. We are sorry for what we've put our customers through."
Jim Lentz, president of US sales for Toyota, apologising for the company’s massive vehicle recall