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BEIJING, China - Ford Motor Co., eager to grab a piece of China's growing luxury market, plans to start selling its Lincoln luxury brand here in 2014.

It will be the first time that the nearly 100-year-old brand will be sold in China. At an event at a converted 600-year-old temple in Beijing, CEO Alan Mulally and other Ford executives said they believe Chinese customers will appreciate Lincoln's heritage as well as its new lineup of vehicles. Ford is introducing seven new Lincolns over the next three years.

"Lincoln is well known in China. Our opportunity is to fill in the blanks of what the brand is now," Ford's global marketing chief Jim Farley said.

The announcement was a surprise for Ford, which had previously said it wanted to re-establish the struggling brand's reputation in North America before taking it abroad. Lincoln was the bestselling luxury brand in the U.S. two decades ago but gradually fell to last place in the market because Ford failed to invest in new products.

But Mulally said Ford has been quietly plotting to bring Lincoln to China for the last two years, and considered Chinese customers' tastes when it was designing the 2013 MKZ. The midsize MKZ, which goes on sale this fall in the U.S., is the first of Lincoln's revamped products.

"This is the perfect time, with the vehicles that we have here," Mulally said.

The Lincolns sold in China will be made in North America, at least initially. Dave Schoch, chairman and CEO of Ford China, said the company will consider making Lincolns in China if sales demand it. Schoch wouldn't say how much Lincolns will cost in China, but they will be more expensive than in the U.S. because of luxury taxes, which are based on engine size, and import duties of 25 per cent. The 2013 MKZ starts at $35,925.

Ford will start meeting with interested dealers in China this fall. The company wouldn't say how many Lincoln dealerships it hopes to open, but it envisions stores with warm, personalized service that could be a model for U.S. Lincoln dealers.

"The Chinese customer is begging for a new type of experience when they purchase and service a vehicle," Farley said.

Luxury cars now make up 6 per cent of Chinese sales, but they're expected to rise to 10 per cent by the end of this decade, Farley said. That's comparable to the U.S., where luxury sales now make up around 12 per cent of the market.

German luxury brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were the top-selling luxury brands in China in the first six months of this year. German brands control about 80 per cent of China's luxury market, independent auto analyst Michael Dunne said.

While it will take a lot for Lincoln to catch up to those brands, Farley said Lincoln can distinguish itself by promoting its history, which will appeal to Chinese customers. The Lincoln brand, which dates to 1915, was a style icon in the early 1940s with the elegant Continental sedan. Lincoln limousines carried presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. Later, the Lincoln Navigator SUV was a favourite of rappers and sports stars.

But Ford stopped paying attention to Lincoln in the 1990s and 2000s when it bought other luxury brands like Jaguar and Volvo. Lincolns started sharing more parts and looks with their lower-priced Ford siblings. Sales suffered.

Ford has since sold off its other luxury brands and shuttered its near-luxury Mercury nameplate so it can concentrate fully on Ford and Lincoln.

The company hopes to start reversing Lincoln's slide with the new MKZ, which has a wider and more luxurious look, a toned-down grille and a clean dashboard with flush buttons for controls instead of knobs. It also offers a panoramic glass roof that slides open to give passengers a convertible-like ride.

Farley said Lincoln designers paid close attention to the materials and feel of the back seat, since many Chinese luxury buyers and chauffeured. It also designed the dashboard in an unfussy, balanced way, which the Chinese seemed to prefer over a busy, driver-focused dashboard. The hood has a more fluid, rounded design, because Chinese customers didn't like squared-off shapes. Farley said Lincoln will also offer a less powerful engine for Chinese buyers because of concerns about fuel economy.

Dunne said Ford's decision to bring Lincoln to China is a smart one, even if the company's product revamp in the U.S. is incomplete.

"Chinese consumers look for the flagship to define the brand, and this is the flagship," Dunne said. "It's really important to them to make a statement. With an American luxury car, you're driving something different."

Advanced active all-wheel drive for even more driving fun and safety

STUTTGART, GERMANY – The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 unites the excellent performance and efficiency of the new generation of the 911 Carrera with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM). The typical Porsche all-wheel drive with rear-focused layout in this latest 911 version guarantees maximum vehicle dynamics on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The new 911 Carrera 4 models deliver significantly enhanced traction and dynamic performance.

The new all-wheel drive 911 is being launched in four versions – as the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S and each as Coupé and Cabriolet. They sport the same traits as the rearwheel drive versions: their lightweight body design, suspension, engines and gearboxes are identical, the only exception being modifications related to the all-wheel drive. This means that despite a higher level of engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than the previous models; total savings for individual versions are as much as 16 per cent. In addition, the new 911 Carrera 4 is up to 65 kg lighter in weight.

The most distinct identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear body is wider by 44 mm, and the rear tires are each ten millimetres wider. The traditional red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new form and is now lighted. In addition, the front air intakes are specific to the Carrera 4 models.

Porsche Intelligent Performance: high levels of driving performance, low fuel consumption

All new models have a 7-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox is available as an option. The 911 Carrera 4 Coupé with 350 hp can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.7 s) and reach a top speed of up to 285 km/h (Cabriolet: 282 km/h), depending on equipment features. Transport Canada highway fuel consumption figures with PDK are 7.1 l/100 km for the Coupé and 7.3 l/100 km for the Cabriolet.

The Coupé and Cabriolet of the 911 Carrera 4 S each have a 3.8-litre rear-mounted boxer engine that produces 400 hp; offering an acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 299 km/h (Cabriolet: 296 km/h), with a suitable equipment configuration. Fuel consumption values with PDK are 7.5 l/100 km for the Coupé and 7.6 l/100 km for the Cabriolet, according to Transport Canada.

New: all-wheel drive indicator, Porsche Active Safe, extended Sport Chrono pack

In the new 911 Carrera 4, a new menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine power. In addition, with the debut of the 911 Carrera all-wheel drive models Porsche is introducing the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to the entire model range, which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which helps to prevent front-end collisions. In addition, driving the 911 with a manual gearbox and Sport Chrono pack can now be even sportier: In Sport Plus mode, the system automatically double-declutches during downshifts.

The new all-wheel drive models replace a very successful previous generation; the Carrera 4S was the most popular 911 model in Canada. It feature a unique system that combines the driving pleasure so typical of a Porsche thanks to the engine at the rear and rear-wheel drive with an even higher standard of driving stability, traction and agile handling.

To achieve this superiority, PTM feeds the optimum share of engine power under all driving conditions via a multiple-plate clutch to the front wheels. And doing this within 100 milliseconds at the very most, PTM is faster than even the quickest driver will even feel or notice. Porsche’s all-wheel drive therefore “looks ahead” thereby offering optimum driving qualities. Standard on Carrera 4S models is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which adds a mechanical transverse lock on the rear axle enhancing the driving dynamics provided by the fully controlled all-wheel-drive system.

World premiere at the Paris International Motor Show

The new Porsche 911 Carrera with all-wheel drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show. The new 911 models will be launched in Canada in early 2013 with prices starting from $103,900 for the 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and from $117,400 for the Cabriolet. Pricing for the 911 Carrera 4 S model begins at $120,500 for the Coupé and $134,100 for Cabriolet.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce that it will add the new 2013 XV Crosstrek to Subaru's line-up of award-winning utility vehicles. The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek debuts as the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility in North America, delivering fuel economy figures of 8.2 L/100 km city / 6.0 L/100 km highway / 7.2 L/100 km combined (with CVT) and making it comparable to many front-wheel-drive competitors. Combining efficiency with a bold five-door design and highly capable chassis, the sporty XV Crosstrek will target the fast-growing compact crossover segment with its best-in-class fuel economy, everyday comfort, exceptional safety standards and the most in-demand convenience and entertainment features.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek delivers a highly capable crossover package with standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, 220 mm of ground clearance, 17-inch distinctive alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo.

All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Built for Everyday Driving and Rugged Action
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements for its extended capabilities. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body colour. The higher ride height, body-colour roof spoiler and uniquely designed 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.

The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel fully independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The XV Crosstrek's 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. High-strength suspension components enhance agility, while liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts (with CVT) help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for an optimal blend of ride comfort, straight-line stability, handling agility and vehicle response.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The 4-wheel disc brake system features large front rotors and the XV Crosstrek comes with a 60-litre fuel tank.

Both the standard 5-speed manual transmission and the CVT include the Subaru Hill Holder system, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. The Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The transmission also allows "second gear" starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

DOHC 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER Engine
The FB 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine uses aluminum for the cylinder block and heads. A dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration features Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) - variable valve control for both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing torque delivery.

The Subaru 2.0-litre Boxer engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Improvements in combustion efficiency and reduced friction were made throughout the engine. For example, mounting the fuel injectors directly on the cylinder head, though not injecting directly into the cylinder, made it possible to limit the amount of vaporized fuel that adheres to cylinder head walls and to improve both fuel efficiency and emissions. Electric power steering reduces draw on engine power.

Practical Package
A 2,635-mm wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom of 900 mm is close to that of some mid-size cars. With the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile 5-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to 1,470 L of carrying space (632 L with the seats up). Achieving a large trunk or cargo area is significant by itself, since the vehicle's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles yet the XV Crosstrek easily accommodates three golf bags or a large baby stroller.

The cargo area is equipped with a standard cover that can be pulled into place or removed, along with tie-down and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails in order to carry items such as bicycles and kayaks. A 680-kilogram towing capacity not only enhances its versatility even further, but is a unique advantage over competitors in this segment.

Comfort and Convenience
The sporty instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented in all XV Crosstrek models by a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display located in the centre of the dashboard. Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre console armrest.

Front seats are optimized for a rear-end collision and feature tilt-adjustable head restraints for comfort. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

Three Trim Levels
Subaru will offer the 2013 XV Crosstrek in three well-equipped trim levels: the XV Crosstrek Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package. Among the standard features in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Touring are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, power windows, door locks and body coloured side mirrors, 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with fuel economy information, auto on/off headlights, outside temperature display and carpeted floor mats. The standard audio system in the well-equipped entry model features Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data System, iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack and six speakers. Additional standard creature comforts include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Sport Package adds a rear roofline spoiler, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather- wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited Package adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, chrome door handles and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Inside, a wide array of user-friendly technologies abound: the in-dash navigation system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen LCD display with back-up camera integration.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous- coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system, which actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Subaru Safety
Subaru projects that the 2013 XV Crosstrek models will achieve across-the-board 5-star safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side crash tests. Subaru also anticipates the highest rating ("Good") and "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For safety, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment. This design provides excellent protection in a variety of collision types, with the structure increasing cabin rigidity and able to absorb impact energy from any direction. High-strength members are used on the front of the vehicle, where there are few crushable zones. This design helps to minimize deformation of the body in the event of a frontal collision, providing added protection for occupants.

A reinforcing member at the base of the A-pillar strengthens the joint between the pillar and the upper frame and helps to ensure that impact energy produced by a frontal collision is cleanly passed from the frame to the pillar. With high-strength members added to the critical front rails and the tops of the centre pillars, and a number of other reinforcements also made, the roof is strong enough to bear at least four times the vehicle's own weight.

Subaru engineered the rear of the vehicle structure so that the energy of an off-centre rear collision would be evenly distributed left and right by the rear bumper beams and diagonal members. This design helps to minimize chassis deformation, as the energy of such a collision does not now have to be absorbed only on the side of the impact. Front-end structural details help to bolster safety for pedestrians, in particular the impact absorbing structures at the cowling at the rear of the hood and the bottom of the windshield.

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Brake Assist and Brake Override
The 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

The Subaru Brake Assist safety system detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. In emergency or "panic" braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed despite pressing the pedal quickly. The new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Advanced Airbags
The 2013 XV Crosstrek features Subaru's Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags.  A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the airbag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the airbag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects seat occupancy and passenger weight to control airbag deployment.

All new Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front 3-point seatbelts. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation. There is a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited saw sales increase two per cent compared to last July, marking the best July sales since 1979. With 170,098 units sold, Ford of Canada is the top-selling automaker for the month and year-to-date.

July sales were powered by Ford Fiesta with a seven per cent increase, Explorer with an 18 per cent increase and F-Series which saw an increase of 20 per cent. The demand for Oakville-built crossover utility vehicles Edge and Flex continued to grow with a 44 per cent and 72 per cent increase, respectively.

“It is encouraging to see continued strength in the industry and we are certainly very proud to be the best selling automotive brand in Canada,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “We saw strength across our entire Ford and Lincoln line-up in July from small car to full-size pick-up.”