Car and Van News

Jeep has an identity crisis, according to the brand’s product manager.

He believes that while the Jeep name is known throughout the world, not enough people know what a Jeep is.

Skoda intends to add a second SUV to its line-up, larger than the Yeti, as part of its bid to increase global sales by 50 per cent over the next few years.

The big sister to the Yeti (pictured) is seen as a vital cog to the brand’s ambitious expansion plans.

SEAT’s third-generation Leon is arriving in UK showrooms, complete with handles on its rear doors.

As such it is a change from its predecessor, which was a five-door hatch disguised to look like a three-door with its rear door handles hidden.

Skoda’s third-generation Octavia arrives in showrooms this week, and according to its makers helps put the cheaper, smaller Rapid in context.

Vicky Magill, Skoda UK’s product manager for both models, believes the car will mean less explaining of the Rapid to customers.

America’s iconic Jeep brand is on track to hit the target it set four years ago to achieve 800,000 vehicles a year by 2014.

While making few headlines at this year’s Geneva show, the brand is eagerly awaiting next year and the launch of its new ‘small’ Jeep.

Kia is like sister brand Hyundai stating it does not expect to maintain its recent phenomenal growth through 2013.

However current indications suggest that UK buyers are still very much attracted to the Korean brand.

Vauxhall is working on further fashion-led small cars to sit alongside its newly-launched ADAM three-door hatchback.

However the brand says it has no intentions to emulate the wide range of derivatives BMW has created based on the MINI.