• AUDI presented its new TT sports car for display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas recently. The focus in the TT would be on the new virtual cockpit and the interior design. Professor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of Audi Board of Management for Technical Development, said the new TT comes with a new generation of electronics and connectivity features. The new TT is expected in the Middle East in 2015.

• FORD is taking a gamble with its next F-150 pick-up truck revealed at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. The 2015 F-150 would be made largely of aluminum. Market sources believe the change reflects CEO Alan Mulally’s efforts to strengthen Ford’s balance sheet and grow the company’s confidence. If, as analysts expect, the redesign wins over truck buyers, it will cement Ford’s dominance over General Motors and Chrysler Group in the segment and maintain the F-150’s position as the best-selling US truck.

• THE ANNUAL ‘best in class cars’ tables, published by the independent body Euro NCAP lists RENAULT ZOE as the best super-mini of all those it evaluated last year in terms of safety performance. In the course of Renault ZOE’s development, the mission not to compromise on safety could not have been clearer. The objective was for the new electric hatchback car to be as safe as the brand’s internal combustion-engine models. In addition to Euro NCAP requirements, careful attention was paid to two areas that are specific to electric vehicles, namely their battery and the very little noise they make when running. ZOE is equipped with Z.E. Voice, which warns pedestrians and other road users of the vehicle’s approach when it is traveling silently up to 18 mph.

• THE VOLKSWAGEN Group reported a strong increase in worldwide deliveries for the full year 2013, topping the record set in 2012. “In total, our Group delivered over 9.7 million vehicles to customers last year, ranging from small city cars to heavy trucks – more than ever before,” said Christian Klingler, group board member for sales, commenting on the overall delivery figures which also include estimates for the MAN and Scania brands. Klingler added: “Across the board, all models contributed to these very positive results which are a very good achievement in light of the difficult conditions on markets all over the world. As far as the current year is concerned, VW expects market developments on a level similar to 2013. Even though the situation in Europe would appear to be stabilizing, economic uncertainty will continue and the challenges we will be facing on markets will remain virtually unchanged.”