This week's snippets of automotive news cover the entire industry, from Volvo on a smaller model range to the Dacia Duster's options, from high-tech Land Rover interiors to Mazda's Kodo design language.
Small Volvo models not on the agenda
A smaller range for Volvo, a so-called 20 series, is not on the agenda, said boss Håkan Samuelsson, despite rumours to the contrary.
He said: “With 40, 60 and 90 [series], we cover all the segments we want to be in. It could change in the future but small cars are not on the radar right now.”
Land Rover interior to become high-tech
The interiors of Land Rover models could be made even more high-tech than the Range Rover Velar’s but will not feature “tech for tech’s sake”, according to design boss Gerry McGovern. “For some, we look at a more mechanical feel,” he added. However, the Velar interior does provide the blueprint for the next generation of Range Rovers.
Dacia Duster options not enough
Groupe Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker has admitted that he is surprised by customer demand for higher-end options on the Dacia Duster. He said: “Most people buy the vehicle and think: ‘Wow, that’s cheap, I can spoil myself a bit.' This was a surprise for us that we needed a leather steering wheel option. I’m convinced on the new Duster we haven’t pushed far enough in terms of options.”
Mazda Kodo design language
Mazda will showcase the latest version of its Kodo design language with a concept car at the Tokyo motor show. Mazda board member Kiyoshi Fujiwara said the Kodo 2 styling, which will be rolled out across Mazda models as they are developed in the coming years, wouldn’t be a major change from the current styling but “it’s more mature and very much refined”.
Related stories:
Volvo to electrify entire range by 2019
Dacia Duster review
Mazda 3 review
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Land Rovers will not feature
Land Rovers will not feature "tech for tech's sake"....I think most manfufacturers, including Land Rover have already been doing this for quite some time.
I think you'll find the
I think you'll find the supermarkets would rather sell their own brands rather than the well known brands as they make more money that way.. Why do you think supermarkets own brands try to mimic the wellk nown brands in their packaging,,
I thought one of the points
I thought one of the points of Dacia was that the punter went into the showroom and got upsold to the equivalent Renault? (Kad Jar, Capture, Koleos?)
A bit like a supermarket own brand, but having the slightly more expensive brands beside it.