• THE NEW Qashqai hosts a suite of innovations which, when combined, form a unique package of driver aids, not only significantly enhances safety and convenience, but delivers value to Nissan drivers. Nissan Safety Shield is a collection of features designed to enhance the safety of occupants in line with Nissan's ongoing vision towards zero accidents, a sentiment underlined by the company's commitment to produce commercially viable autonomous vehicles by 2020. In the new Qashqai, Safety Shield technologies include the following features: forward emergency braking; driver attention alert; traffic sign recognition; lane departure warning; blind spot warning; moving object detection; and high beam assist.
• DUCATI announced the 2014 edition of the Ducati Dream Tour, a series of factory-organized 3-day tours through the twisting landscape of the Tuscany. Riding Ducati’s latest motorcycles, each trip will include a guided tour of the Ducati factory and museum, with one additional “special package” tour dedicated to the long-awaited World Ducati Week 2014, the international gathering of Ducatisti being held in Misano 18-20 July, 2014. Available online in the Experience and Ducati Travels section of Ducati.com from 27 January, each Ducati Dream Tour presents a thrilling itinerary that passes through some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes, guided by the highly experienced former Paris-Dakar competitor, Beppe Gualini, and his skilled team of professional test-riders. Their route is specially designed to ensure the very best enjoyment of the region and the superb riding experience provided by the exciting Ducati motorcycles.
• THIS WEEK witnessed the sad news of accidental death of Tata Motors managing director, Karl Slym, who died after falling from a high floor in a Bangkok hotel. Slym, 51, fell from the city’s Shangri-La hotel where he was staying, a Tata spokeswoman said. He was in Bangkok to attend a Tata board meeting. He joined the company in 2012 after 17 in General Motors. Early police investigations indicate suicide after Slym argued with his wife the night before the fall.
• RENAULT and Nissan will combine their manufacturing and research functions in a move that will save the alliance more than 400 billion yen ($3.86 billion) a year, the Nikkei business daily reported. As a first step, the alliance will appoint a manager to oversee the production departments of both companies from as early as April, following up with a similar structure for research and development.
• RENAULT has introduced a limited edition Duster Adventure to the Saudi market and said it would be available for a limited period only. It describes the vehicle as delivering the traditional reliability and efficiency of a Renault SUV while providing an exclusive more aggressive appearance for adventure enthusiasts. Basic equipment includes leather steering wheel with height adjustment feature for the driver’s seat, electric mirrors, 16-inch black wheels and fog lights.
