The News Auto

Mitsubishi today announced US pricing for the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged sedan that will go on sale for $26,490.00.

The Lancer Ralliart features a modified version of the Lancer Evolution 4B11 turbocharged intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine, producing 237-horsepower, and is teamed exclusively with Mitsubishi’s advanced Twin Clutch-Sportronic¨ Shift Transmission.

The optional RECARO¨ Sport Package, $2,750.00 MSRP, further enhances the Lancer Ralliart’s sporty appearance with Xenon HID headlamps, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate¨, Sirius Satellite Radio with 6-months subscription and RECARO ¨ front sport seats found on the Lancer Evolution GSR. A new 40-GB HDD navigation system is also available as either a port-installed option or as a dealer accessory.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

LIVONIA, Mich., July 31 — TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in active and passive safety systems, today reported second-quarter 2008 financial results with sales of $4.4 billion, an increase of 18.4 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The Company reported second quarter net earnings of $127 million or $1.24 per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $97 million or $0.94 per diluted share in the prior year period.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO )

During the second quarter of the previous year, the Company completed the final step of its 2007 debt recapitalization plan with the successful refinancing of its $2.5 billion credit facilities. The second quarter results of last year included $8 million of costs related to this refinancing. Excluding the refinancing costs in 2007, the Company earned $127 million or $1.24 per diluted share in the 2008 quarter compared to $105 million, or $1.02 per diluted share in the prior year. The current quarter benefited from a higher level of operating income, despite increased restructuring and asset impairment charges between the two periods, and also from a lower level of interest expense.

“Our second quarter and first half results have demonstrated the strength of TRW’s safety product portfolio, leading customer and geographical diversification and the Company’s intense cost reduction efforts,” said John Plant, President and Chief Executive Officer. “These strengths have allowed TRW to mitigate the increasingly challenging industry conditions, primarily in North America, and provide the basis for the continued advancement of the Company’s strategic and operational objectives.”

Mr. Plant added, “The transformation of TRW is not complete as we need to successfully react to the changing automotive landscape, while continuing to provide leading safety technologies, whose prospects we expect will be further enhanced by growth in emerging markets. We continue to explore strategies that will strengthen our competitiveness and help to achieve our goal of growing the Company profitably over the long term.”

Second Quarter 2008

The Company reported second-quarter 2008 sales of $4.4 billion, an increase of $692 million or 18.4 percent over the prior year period. The 2008 quarter benefited from the positive effect of foreign currency translation, higher customer vehicle production in Europe and China and continued growth of safety products in all markets, including above-trend sales of lower margin modules. These positive factors were partially offset by lower vehicle production levels at our major customers in North America and price reductions provided to customers.

Operating income for second-quarter 2008 was $224 million, which compares to $205 million in the prior year period. The year-to-year increase was driven by a number of factors, including savings generated from cost improvement and efficiency programs, including reductions in pension and other postretirement benefit related costs, higher product volumes, the net positive effect of an insurance recovery totaling $14 million received in the current quarter relating to a prior year business disruption at one of the Company’s manufacturing facilities, and the non-recurrence of certain one-off items that netted to an expense in the prior year. These positive factors were in part offset by price reductions provided to customers, higher commodity prices, a negative mix of products sold and a $13 million increase in restructuring and asset impairment expenses.

Net interest and securitization expense for the second quarter of 2008 totaled $44 million, which compares to $57 million in the prior year. The year-to-year decline can be attributed to the benefits derived from the Company’s 2007 debt recapitalization and lower interest rates between the two periods. As mentioned previously, the 2007 quarter also included debt retirement costs of $8 million.

Second-quarter 2008 tax expense was $56 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 31 percent, which compares to $45 million or 30 percent in the prior year, excluding debt retirement expenses. The second-quarter 2008 tax rate is below the expected full year rate primarily due to the Company’s geographic earnings profile and other factors in the quarter.

The Company reported second-quarter 2008 net earnings of $127 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, which compares to $97 million or $0.94 per diluted share in the 2007 period. Net earnings in the 2007 quarter excluding previously mentioned debt retirement costs of $8 million were $105 million or $1.02 per diluted share.

Earnings before interest, securitization costs, loss on retirement of debt, taxes, depreciation and amortization (”EBITDA”) were $380 million in the second quarter, as compared to the prior year level of $344 million.

First Half 2008

The Company reported first-half 2008 sales of $8.6 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion or 17.3 percent compared to prior year sales of $7.3 billion. The 2008 period benefited primarily from the positive effect of foreign currency translation, higher product volumes related to new product growth, including above-trend sales of lower margin modules, and robust industry sales in overseas markets. These positives were partially offset by the continued decline in North American customer vehicle production and price reductions provided to customers.

Operating income for the first half of 2008 was $412 million, which is an 8.4 percent increase from the prior year result of $380 million. The year-to-year improvement was driven by a number of factors, including savings generated from cost improvement and efficiency programs, including reductions in pension and OPEB related costs, higher product volumes, the net positive effect of an insurance recovery received in 2008 relating to a prior year business disruption, and the non-recurrence of certain one-off items that netted to an expense in the prior year. These positives were partially offset by price reductions provided to customers, negative product mix, higher commodity prices and a higher level of restructuring and asset impairment expenses in 2008 compared to the prior year.

Net interest and securitization expense in the first-half 2008 period was $93 million, which represents a significant improvement from the prior year result of $121 million. The decline in interest expense resulted primarily from the Company’s debt recapitalization completed in the first half of 2007 and lower interest rates between the two periods. The 2007 period also included debt retirement costs of $155 million related to the debt recapitalization.

First-half 2008 tax expense was $103 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 32 percent, which compares to $98 million or 37 percent excluding previously mentioned debt retirement expenses in the prior year.

The Company reported first-half 2008 net earnings of $221 million, or $2.16 per diluted share, which compares to $11 million or $0.11 per diluted share in the 2007 period. The comparison of net earnings, excluding the previously mentioned debt retirement costs from the prior year, were $221 million, or $2.16 per diluted share in 2008 as compared to $166 million or $1.62 per diluted share in 2007.

EBITDA was $717 million in the first half of 2008, which is a 9.8 percent increase from the prior year level of $653 million primarily due to the higher level of operating income in the current year.

Cash Flow and Capital Structure

Second quarter 2008 net cash provided by operations was $40 million, which compares to $290 million in the prior year. Cash flow in the 2007 period included proceeds of $127 million related to outstanding borrowings under the Company’s U.S. based Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (”Receivable Facility”). Absent these proceeds, the Company’s cash flow from operations in the 2007 quarter was $163 million. Second quarter 2008 capital expenditures were $120 million compared to $109 million in 2007.

For the six month period ended June 27, 2008, the Company had a net cash usage in operating activities of $75 million, which compares to net cash generated of $69 million in the prior year. Excluding proceeds related to outstanding borrowings under the Receivable Facility, cash flow from operations was a use of $58 million in the 2007 period. The year-to-year decline resulted primarily from higher working capital requirements, partly offset by higher operating income. First half capital expenditures were $217 million compared to $228 million in 2007.

As mentioned previously, the Company refinanced substantially all of its debt in 2007. The Company incurred debt retirement charges of approximately $155 million during the 2007 year-to-date period related to these transactions.

As of June 27, 2008, the Company had $3,122 million of debt and $453 million of cash and marketable securities, resulting in net debt (defined as debt less cash and marketable securities) of $2,669 million. Net debt is $324 million higher than the balance at the end of 2007.

2008 Outlook

The Company increased its full year outlook to reflect the strong second quarter outcome, partially offset by a lower outlook for the second half of 2008. Sales are now expected to be in the range of $16.4 to $16.8 billion (including third quarter sales of approximately $3.9 billion). Full year net earnings per share are now expected to be in the range of $2.40 to $2.70.

This guidance range reflects pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charges of approximately $75 million (including approximately $25 million in the third quarter). The effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of approximately 38 to 42 percent. Lastly, the Company expects capital expenditures in 2008 to be approximately 3.5 percent of sales.

“In recent months, the outlook for the North American automotive industry has further deteriorated with the decline in overall production of light vehicles, the shift of production away from light trucks to passenger cars and severe commodity inflation being the primary pressures in this market,” said Mr. Plant. “Our updated 2008 outlook provided today reflects the weaker outlook for the North American market as well as our expectations for a softening production environment in Europe.” Mr. Plant added, “The pressures we are seeing for the second half of 2008 will undoubtedly continue into 2009.”

Second Quarter 2008 Conference Call

The Company will host its second-quarter conference call at 8:30 a.m. (EDT) today, Thursday, July 31, to discuss financial results and other related matters. To access the conference call, U.S. locations should dial (877) 852-7898, and locations outside the U.S. should dial (706) 634-1095.

A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and accessible for approximately one week. To access the replay, U.S. locations should dial (800) 642-1687, and locations outside the U.S. should dial (706) 645-9291. The replay code is 55410719. A live audio webcast and subsequent replay of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s website at www.trw.com/results .

General Motors, like any other auto maker, has real big problems. As a result they cut thousands of jobs, reducing salaries. But they put big hopes in the future seven models.

The seven new models include a new Cadillac CTS Coupe (expected summer ’09), a CTS sport wagon coming in the spring, a Cadillac SRX due in the first half of next year, Buick’s Invicta next spring, Saab’s new 9-4X crossover due in fall ’09, Chevy’s redesigned Equinox coming in May, and the small Chevrolet Cruze.

The most important one to GM’s future may be the Chevrolet Cruze. This subcompact brings greater fuel efficiency and provides the basis for what GM hopes is a true “world car”.

The trio of Caddy’s are important because the brand has been lagging the last two years due to competition and lack of new models. Cadillac is one area where GM can leverage the brand to sell models at a higher price point with greater margins, increasingly important with the slowdown in truck and SUV sales.

- Net Sales and Income Increase Year-over-Year

- Second-Quarter 2008 Net Income per Diluted Share Increases to $0.20, up 82% from 2007

- Company Reaffirms Full-Year 2008 Earnings Outlook of $0.75 to $0.85 Per Diluted Share

WARREN, Ohio, July 31 — Stoneridge, Inc. today announced net sales of $213.2 million and net income of $4.7 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Net sales increased $29.4 million, or 16.0 percent, to $213.2 million, compared with $183.8 million for the second quarter of 2007. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to new electronics program sales in North America, improvement in the Company’s European electronics business and the impact of foreign currency translation. The effect of foreign currency translation increased second-quarter net sales by approximately $4.4 million compared with the same period in 2007. The sales increase was partially offset by continuing weakness in the North American passenger car and light truck markets.

Net income for the second quarter was $4.7 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared with net income of $2.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2007. The increase in net income was due primarily to strong electronics sales in North America and increased joint venture earnings. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were $3.7 million in pre-tax expenses related to the Company’s previously announced restructuring initiatives and $0.3 million of pre-tax expenses related to the repurchase and retirement of $6.0 million in par value of the Company’s bonds.

“We continued our improved performance in the second quarter in the face of deteriorating conditions in our North American light vehicle markets,” said John C. Corey, president and chief executive officer. “This improved performance includes benefits resulting from our end-market strategy and we will continue pursuing diversity in our customers, business segments and geographic regions.”

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net sales were $416.3 million, an increase of 12.9 percent compared with $368.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net income for the 2008 six-month period was $11.2 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared with $7.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the comparable 2007 period.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $12.6 million, compared with net cash provided of $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase of $8.6 million in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to favorable accounts payable variances relative to the previous year.

Outlook

“Based upon our first-half performance and the current industry forecasts, we are maintaining our previously issued guidance for full-year 2008 earnings of $0.75 to $0.85 per diluted share,” Corey said. “While I am encouraged by the progress we have made, the significant changes in the North American light truck and SUV market will impact our performance going forward. These market changes will continue to challenge our team and we have already begun adjusting to the new market realities.”

ATLANTA, July 31 — Continuing its transition to a more environmentally-friendly fleet, Cox Enterprises announced the addition of nine International Durastar Hybrid Bucket Trucks. The hybrid trucks from Navistar provide dramatic potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is shut off and electric power still operates the vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment such as overhead utility booms solely on the truck’s battery power, instead of requiring the engine to run.

With the 13th largest fleet in the country, Cox is transitioning its fleet to lessen its impact on the environment by using flex-fuel vehicles and replacing existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient and/or hybrid models. Cox’s fleet is comprised of more than 15,000 vehicles - of which 257 are hybrids and 1,400 are capable of running on bio-diesel.

“At Cox, we’re exploring all options to lessen our reliance on traditional petroleum resources,” said Mike Mannheimer, vice president and chief procurement officer, Cox Enterprises. “Through our Cox Conserves program, we are actively reducing our company’s carbon footprint, and these trucks are part of the larger solution. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also reduce our overall fuel costs.”

The hybrid trucks will be used by Cox Enterprises’ multi-service broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary, Cox Communications. A “boom” or “bucket arm” extends on the trucks so wires on utility poles can be repaired or maintained. The hybrid trucks will be used in the following Cox Communications locations:

 Hampton Roads, Va. (2) New Orleans Oklahoma City Orange County, Calif. Phoenix Rhode Island San Diego Springfield, Va. 

“Cox is taking a leadership role in the telecommunications industry when it comes to operating clean, green vehicles,” said Jim Williams, director of new product sales & distribution, Navistar. “They’ll save money on fuel, run quieter trucks and significantly reduce emissions in their communities.”

Hybrid Trucks

The Hybrid Truck Users Forum (of which Cox is a member) estimates that 1,000-1,500 gallons of fuel can be saved per utility-type truck annually. At today’s high diesel prices, that equates to a savings of $4,000-$6,000 in fuel per truck annually. It also results in annual greenhouse gas reductions of 11 to 16.5 tons of Greenhouse Gases per unit.

International hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture that is supplied by Eaton Corporation. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration.

This capability makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving. When the truck reaches a work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial device and electric tools for up to two hours without the engine running. It is this ability to shut the engine down at work sites that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly. The engine-off option during worksite operations further reduces noise, emissions and fuel costs.

Cox Conserves (www.coxconserves.com)

Cox Enterprises has already reduced its carbon footprint by 10% from 2000- 2007. Cox Conserves is the company’s national sustainability program designed to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint by an additional 20% by 2017. In addition to making operational changes across the company, the program also encourages the company’s 83,000 employees and their families to engage in eco- friendly practices.

It looks like MTM did it again! Based on the Audi S3, the tuner obtained from the 2.0 liter TFS engine an astonishing 380 hp and 460 Nm of torque. The car comes fitted with 19 inch alloy rims „bimoto” in diamond cut, titanium oder shiny and MTM Brembo brake system.

As you figured the performance of the car are awesome: 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds and a top speed of 279 km/h.

No words about the price yet!

Posted Jul 31st 2008 11:59AM by Noah Joseph
Filed under: UK

We all know that Formula One pilots drive their cars to the very edge of their limits. What separates the godlike from the rest of the field of extremely talented drivers, however, is how close they can get to the edge without going over it. Go too far and you crash. Don’t go far enough and lose. Michael Schumacher certainly falls into that rare category – tops it, even – of the exceedingly talented and accomplished, but lately, we’ve begun to wonder if the unprecedented seven-time world champion hasn’t lost it.

Following the rumors from just a couple of days ago that Schumacher had totaled a Ferrari 430 Scuderia prototype on the Nurburgring (turns out it could have been another test driver) comes word that Shumi was involved in a traffic collision on public roads in England. A car dealer in Kent, England, reports to have been hit by a Fiat van, only to discover that it was the champion himself driving. Sound incredible? Both local police and Schumacher’s spokesperson confirmed it was him. Michael reportedly cooperated with police who turned up at the scene, handed over his insurance information and was then picked up and disappeared. Thanks for the tip, AV!

[Source: BBC News, Image: Bongarts/Getty]

AUTO CENTRAL – July 30, 2008: The Caddy Maxi Life is the ingenious new people mover within the Volkswagen range. The Caddy Maxi Life can seat up to seven adults comfortably with ample leg and headroom. The Caddy Maxi Life is a neat blend of form and function to meet a range of people and luggage carrying needs. The Caddy Maxi Life effectively rethinks automobile tradition by setting new standards for utilizing clever space.

With a total length of 4.88 metres, a width of 1.8 metres, and a height of 1.8 metres, the Caddy Maxi Life has enough space to fit everything in your life. It features intelligent exterior equipment for true vehicle flexibility. The 700 mm wide and 1108 millimetre high sliding doors on both sides allow comfortable entry and exit. Both doors feature an inset sliding window.

The comfortable contoured driver’s seat is height-adjustable. To ensure safe handling and provide a clear view of the instruments, the distance and height of the steering wheel can also be adjusted.

The Caddy Maxi Life comfortably accommodates the whole family. Seven adult passengers pose no problem whatsoever with the standard rear seats installed. The 3-seater bench in the 2nd row provides plenty of legroom and is surprisingly comfortable. It can be double-folded in a 2/3rds or 1/3rd configuration depending on who or what you’re carrying.

The load compartment capacity in the 5-seater configuration is 1,650 litres. Even with the third row of seating fitted, the 7-seater boasts an impressive 530 litre load compartment. If you’re looking to carry even more cargo, the Caddy Maxi Life is capable of towing up to 1,430 kg.

The Caddy Maxi Life offers a huge array of storage options. There’s a storage compartment in the driver’s door and on the front passenger’s door that will take a 1-litre bottle, there’s a generous centre console compartment with an armrest, two cup holders in the front of the centre console and one single cup holder at the rear of the centre console.

Various pockets are found in the rear passenger compartment in the rear doors and in the 3rd row walls. For additional storage the Caddy Maxi Life also features small cargo nets located above the windows.

The most important thing the Caddy Maxi Life carries is people, so safety is of the utmost importance. Control systems like ABS (anti-lock braking system), TCS (traction control system), EBD (electronic brake-pressure distribution) and ASR (anti-spin regulation) come into play in critical situations by intervening in the brake or management systems. ESP (electronic stability programme) with Brake Assist can be ordered as an option. Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags are standard on the Caddy Maxi Life.

Electric front windows, central locking, semi-automatic air conditioning, a dust and pollen filter, two vents on the centre console, and the radio with CD / MP3 and six speakers are standard in every Caddy Maxi Life.

The Caddy Maxi Life comes with a 1.9 litre TDI engine delivering 77kW/250Nm with a choice of manual or DSG transmission. Thanks to optimal interaction of the components with DSG transmission, very short gear change times are achieved with, at the same time, the highest level of comfort from an automatic.

The 1.9 TDI engine features unit injector or “pumpe düse” technology. Optimal utilisation of the fuel quantity is assured through this direct injection significantly improving consumption and reducing emissions. This power plant is closely related to the very same 1.9 litre TDI that is fitted to the Golf A5 which is also developing 77kW at 4000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1900rpm. The 1.9 litre TDI meets the stringent EU IV emissions standard whilst maintaining a fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km with the 5-speed manual and 6.8 litres/100km with the 6-speed DSG (according to ADR 81/01).

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life, versatility and practicality, and the Volkswagen brand experience for 7 people from only $34,990* for the 1.9 litre TDI manual and $37,990* for the 1.9 litre TDI DSG.

AUTO CENTRAL – July 30, 2008: The Caddy Maxi Life is the ingenious new people mover within the Volkswagen range. The Caddy Maxi Life can seat up to seven adults comfortably with ample leg and headroom. The Caddy Maxi Life is a neat blend of form and function to meet a range of people and luggage carrying needs. The Caddy Maxi Life effectively rethinks automobile tradition by setting new standards for utilizing clever space.

With a total length of 4.88 metres, a width of 1.8 metres, and a height of 1.8 metres, the Caddy Maxi Life has enough space to fit everything in your life. It features intelligent exterior equipment for true vehicle flexibility. The 700 mm wide and 1108 millimetre high sliding doors on both sides allow comfortable entry and exit. Both doors feature an inset sliding window.

The comfortable contoured driver’s seat is height-adjustable. To ensure safe handling and provide a clear view of the instruments, the distance and height of the steering wheel can also be adjusted.

The Caddy Maxi Life comfortably accommodates the whole family. Seven adult passengers pose no problem whatsoever with the standard rear seats installed. The 3-seater bench in the 2nd row provides plenty of legroom and is surprisingly comfortable. It can be double-folded in a 2/3rds or 1/3rd configuration depending on who or what you’re carrying.

The load compartment capacity in the 5-seater configuration is 1,650 litres. Even with the third row of seating fitted, the 7-seater boasts an impressive 530 litre load compartment. If you’re looking to carry even more cargo, the Caddy Maxi Life is capable of towing up to 1,430 kg.

The Caddy Maxi Life offers a huge array of storage options. There’s a storage compartment in the driver’s door and on the front passenger’s door that will take a 1-litre bottle, there’s a generous centre console compartment with an armrest, two cup holders in the front of the centre console and one single cup holder at the rear of the centre console.

Various pockets are found in the rear passenger compartment in the rear doors and in the 3rd row walls. For additional storage the Caddy Maxi Life also features small cargo nets located above the windows.

The most important thing the Caddy Maxi Life carries is people, so safety is of the utmost importance. Control systems like ABS (anti-lock braking system), TCS (traction control system), EBD (electronic brake-pressure distribution) and ASR (anti-spin regulation) come into play in critical situations by intervening in the brake or management systems. ESP (electronic stability programme) with Brake Assist can be ordered as an option. Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags are standard on the Caddy Maxi Life.

Electric front windows, central locking, semi-automatic air conditioning, a dust and pollen filter, two vents on the centre console, and the radio with CD / MP3 and six speakers are standard in every Caddy Maxi Life.

The Caddy Maxi Life comes with a 1.9 litre TDI engine delivering 77kW/250Nm with a choice of manual or DSG transmission. Thanks to optimal interaction of the components with DSG transmission, very short gear change times are achieved with, at the same time, the highest level of comfort from an automatic.

The 1.9 TDI engine features unit injector or “pumpe düse” technology. Optimal utilisation of the fuel quantity is assured through this direct injection significantly improving consumption and reducing emissions. This power plant is closely related to the very same 1.9 litre TDI that is fitted to the Golf A5 which is also developing 77kW at 4000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1900rpm. The 1.9 litre TDI meets the stringent EU IV emissions standard whilst maintaining a fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km with the 5-speed manual and 6.8 litres/100km with the 6-speed DSG (according to ADR 81/01).

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life, versatility and practicality, and the Volkswagen brand experience for 7 people from only $34,990* for the 1.9 litre TDI manual and $37,990* for the 1.9 litre TDI DSG.

Saab will unveil a new 9-3 concept this October at the Paris Auto Show. This is the third concept to come out this year, and this time it’s the 9-X Concept Convertible.

The successor of the current 9-3 will not be based on the same platform as the Opel Insignia, as originally intended. Instead it will likely share the same platform with the smaller Opel Astra. Also still in the works is a new 9-1 to slot under the 9-3 and share a platform with the Opel Corsa.

It seems that the 9-X concept presented at the Geneva Motor Show was not a preview version of the first 9-1 as originally reported. Instead it was another hint of the next generation 9-3.