Compact cars

Redesigned Car Receives 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award from AutoPacific

CYPRESS, Calif., June 24, 2008 -- Adding to its impressive collection of industry awards and accolades, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has been recognized as the compact car with the highest owner satisfaction rating, after receiving the 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award within the compact car category.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Still fresh from its 2008 model year debut, when it challenged the North American compact car market with sporty looks, European driving performance and a long list of standard equipment, the 2009 Saturn Astra delivers targeted enhancements that make it an even stronger contender in the segment.

2009 Saturn Astra XR

In addition to cabin enhancements such as new cloth seats and door inserts, an advanced audio system is available on XE models.

Four distinct new models planned for the the compact-car segment

Stuttgart -- Jun 18, 2008 -- Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz will have an even stronger presence in the compact-car segment in the future, with a product line-up of four instead of today’s two vehicles. Investments of €600 Million in the Rastatt plant will secure the long-term capacity utilization of the plant.

2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

In order to sustainably boost its competitiveness, as well as to access new markets and create additional production capacities, Mercedes-Benz has also decided to built a new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Wolfsburg/Bologna, 05 December 2007 - Round the world in 14 weeks: before their group appearance at the 2007 Bologna Motor Show, Volkswagen sent the New Small Family on a whistle-stop tour around the world. Today it’s showdown in Italy as the three Up! concept vehicles are revealed side by side for the first time as ambassadors of a new range and as a family.

Volkswagen concept cars: New Small Family

Up! – Two-door city specialist vehicle offering more space and fun for four
Space Up! – Four-door microvan with maximum variability
Space Up! Blue – Zero emissions thanks to electric engine and fuel cells

2008 Subaru Impreza receives highest possible safety rating from IIHS for frontal, side and rear-impact crash tests

CHERRY HILL, N.J., November 16, 2007 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the 2008 Subaru Impreza is the only small car to earn the highest rating in the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests that now require side head protection and electronic stability control.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door

The 2008 Ford Focus brings a bold new look, a refined and flexible interior and a higher level of driving enjoyment to an evolving small car market. With features including Ford Sync™, standard side-curtain air bags and fuel economy in the mid-30s, the redesigned Focus will play an important role in Ford Motor Company’s resurging car portfolio, continuing the momentum built by the successful Ford Fusion mid-size sedan.

2008 Ford Focus

GUANGZHOU, China, November 19, 2007 – Ford is revealing more about its vision for a new global small car family at Auto Guangzhou. Ford today revealed the second Verve Concept – a four-door notchback.

The dynamic Ford Verve Concept four-door notchback is a star of the fifth annual Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.

Ford Verve Concept Guangzhou

The fact that Ford staged the global reveal of the four-door Verve Concept at Guangzhou signals the importance of Asia in Ford’s global plans.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., For more than ten years, Hyundai Accent has built a solid reputation by offering high-quality, great value, unexpected features and performance at entry level prices. For 2008, Accent offers a host of new standard equipment as well as several exterior and interior improvements that raise the bar in the compact car segment.

2008 Hyundai Accent

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008

· XM Satellite Radio® with three months of free service (late availability) · Auxiliary input jack (late availability)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· New instrument cluster design for GLS and SE
· New 15-inch alloy wheel design
· B&M Racing sport shifter (Standard SE only)

Launch

Launched in 2006, the new Volvo C30 is based on the Volvo SCC - a modern and exciting concept car that was unveiled in 2001. A true challenger in the compact car premium segment, the Volvo C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty emphasis - such as the Volvo 1800 ES. The C30 is a dynamic and functional two-door model that is tailor-made for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle.

2008 Volvo C30

Business project manager: Håkan Abrahamsson.

Design

The Volvo C30 has been developed to provide a sporty image. Several innovative design solutions have been combined with lines that typify a modern Volvo.

A new, small Volkswagen with a lot of room and comfort

The Fox is a new, small, smart Volkswagen. A maximum car at minimum cost Comfortable, safe and swift. With two doors, a large hatchback and plenty of room. Independent and powerful. First contact, first impression: a Volkswagen. Second contact, second impression: a Fox. Not a Polo, not a Lupo, not a Golf. A Fox.

2008 Volkswagen Fox