This week's gossip from the automotive industry explains why Hyundai reckons the new Kona SUV is its ‘halo’ model, the continuing sales success of the Nissan Qashqai and details of how long it takes to develop an autonomous car.
Most car makers speak of a sports car or supercar as their brand’s ‘halo’ model; for Hyundai, it is the Kona, according to design boss Peter Schreyer. “It’s a halo car for us, because it will build interest in our brand and our other cars when you see it on the street,” he said. Schreyer thinks the small SUV will attract buyers “with a younger mindset”.
Almost twice as many Nissan Nissan Qashqais were sold in Europe in 2016 compared with the original model’s debut year in 2007, despite increased competition in the crossover segment. At the recent launch of the facelifted second-generation Qashqai, Nissan UK boss Alex Smith said: “The freshening of the exterior design, the big lift in cabin material quality, ergonomics and perceived quality are going to give us further impetus to maintain the [segment-leading] position that it has held for so long.”
Insight: how the Nissan Qashqai became king of the crossovers
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