GM’s new SUVs land in Gulf showrooms this summer

• CHEVROLET’s best-selling model in the Middle East region is ready to meet regional customers with its new look. The all-new 2015 Tahoe, along with its sister model the Suburban, will reach Middle East showrooms this summer. Since the Chevrolet Suburban Carryall founded the SUV segment in 1935, the brand has been designing, engineering and building great SUVs. The all-new 2015 Tahoe and Suburban will extend their legacy by raising the bar for what full-size SUVs should offer. All-new styling advances the Tahoe and Suburban’s design and contributes to a quieter ride. A more efficient direct-injected 5.3L EcoTec3 engine coupled with improved aerodynamics improve fuel economy based on GM testing while preserving overall performance and capability. The two models also continue to offer roominess with power fold-flat second- and third-row seats, connectivity with the intuitive Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, and safety features for today’s active families needing space for everyone and their luggage.

• Work is under way on an extension to ASTON MARTIN’s modern manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK, as the business gears up for its next generation of new sports cars. Alongside the building work, Aston Martin is also embarking on a recruitment drive with around 250 news jobs in engineering, manufacturing and commercial functions being created over the course of the next few months. The specifics of the ambitious development plan at Gaydon include the creation of a new chassis and pilot build facility, new offices, and an extension of the parts and logistics storage area. The new facilities will cover an extra 10,000 square meters and the major development work is due to be completed in 2015.

• VW says the new mid-sized Passat will be 85kg (187 pounds) lighter than the current model due to the use of lightweight materials including aluminum. Resulting fuel efficiency will improve by up to 20 percent, VW said. Despite being smaller than the current Passat, the new sedan and wagon variants will offer more legroom, headroom and luggage space, VW said in a statement. All Passat models will now feature LED taillights, with the option of LED headlights. Volkswagen released sketches of its eighth-generation Passat ahead of the car’s official unveiling at the Paris auto show next October.

• PORSCHE is inspecting 2,500 Macan SUVs in Europe to check for faulty brakes after quality tests revealed that some brake booster units may have been damaged during the assembly process, the carmaker said. The majority of the Macans were delivered to customers in Europe. Macan owners will be contacted by their Porsche dealers to arrange a free inspection that only takes a few minutes, the company said in a statement recently. No other Porsches are affected by the action. Porsche pointed out that vehicles with the damaged units still comply with legal requirements.