• GENERAL MOTORS CEO Mary Barra said she’s likely to testify personally before congressional committees looking into GM’s handling of an ignition-switch problem. She reckons the company’s own investigation could take several months. In a meeting with journalists, Barra apologized for GM’s handling of the problem, which triggered a recall recently and vowed better vigilance on safety to prevent future defects from going unfixed. GM has acknowledged that some engineers knew about the ignition problem for more than a decade before the recall, which has grown to include 1.37 million US cars, spanning model years 2003 to 2007. The issue is so far confined to US market and has no implications in the Middle East region.

-------------------

• NAGHI MOTORS, BMW group importer in Saudi Arabia, sponsored the annual National Home Healthcare Foundation in Jeddah recently, an event hosted by Princess Adelah bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, chairman of NHHCF. The non-profit organization aims to develop and spread health care services throughout the Western Province. As part of the sponsorship, Naghi Motors displayed the 760Li Individual model. The Individual program gives buyers the facility to personalize their cars. The 7 Series are the best-selling luxury sedan in Saudi Arabia.

• VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled the Golf GTE — a new plug-in hybrid version of the award-winning Golf hatchback that combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI. It provides the fifth variety of drive type for the Golf, which is now available with petrol, diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid power. The name of the Golf GTE reflects its position in the line-up alongside the petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD. ‘GT’ stands for ‘Gran Tourismo’, ‘I’ stands for ‘Injection’, ‘D’ for Diesel and ‘E’ for Electricity. The Golf GTE is driven by two engines: a 1.4-liter 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor. Together, they combine to produce power of 204 PS and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds up to 81 mph.

-------------------

• The new JEEP CHEROKEE made its debut in Geneva as the first SUV with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a rear-axle disconnect system that improves fuel efficiency and uses 4WD only when necessary. The Cherokee uses a new, efficient 2.0-liter MultiJet II turbo diesel with fuel-saving Stop/Start technology delivering 170 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Petrol engines will be used in the Middle East. The vehicle is also big on safety as it achieves best in class’ safety with Euro NCAP’s five-star and safest SUV in its category. The new Cherokee raises the bar in its segment and features a new sleek and athletic design, enhanced on-road driving dynamics and handling, proven Jeep 4x4 capability and premium interior craftsmanship. The new Cherokee would arrive in regional markets in the second half of this year.