Car and Van News

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.

UK car manufacturing slid 6.3 per cent in March as British plants felt the effect of slumping sales in mainland Europe.

The total of 126,909 units contributed to 393,416 over the first quarter of 2013, down two per cent.

The first of 13 new engines to be fitted to Vauxhall Opel cars are now being rolled out.

All of the units will be in vehicles by 2016 as the brands try to address criticism of their current powerplants.

Kia is planning to be in the UK’s top-five selling brands before the end of the decade.

The Korean brand is targeting annual sales of 100,000 cars, compared to the 70,000 it is expected to sell in 2013.

What is it: Third generation version of sporty family hatch

Key features: Three body styles, more space, upper segment tech

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.

General Motors will almost certainly build non-Vauxhall/Opel brand models in its European factories, including its UK plant at Ellesmere Port.

GM Europe (GME) president Steve Girsky believes that the company needs to use spare capacity at its existing plants.