SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Facelift snagged on U.S. soil

Mercedes-Benz launched the GLK range back in the spring of 2008 as a direct counterresponse to the BMW X3 compact SUV. Inspired by the boxy shape that instantly reminded them of the rugged, but elegant and solid lines of the G-Class, many people acquired a GLK as their personal, everyday-use car during the three years that passed since its premiere. In order to keep up with the overall trend, the German constructor will give its compact 4x4 model an essential makeover towards the end of 2012. General modifications will include some visual tweaks to the front fascia and the back end, as well as some important updates to the dashboard, such as a new, three-pointed steering wheel borrowed from the CLS, better quality materials and possibly a new arrangement for the HVAC and multimedia control panels on the center console. The new GLK Facelift will be standardly equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package, which together with the efficient gasoline and diesel engines, comprises a set of distinct measures to improve aerodynamic levels, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The high-end variants will be the GLK 350 CDI BE with a 265 hp V6 diesel unit and the GLK 350 BE with a 306 hp direct-injection V6 petrol powerplant. Among other upgrades, the 2013 GLK-Class will be one of the safest places on Earth where you could find yourself thanks to the multitude of proven assistance systems, such as the ATTENTION ASSIST, the PRE-SAFE and the Blind Spot Assist - and the list goes on.

Check out more spy shots after the jump!









Photos: Motor Authority
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Car Sales in the US (Chrysler, Ford, GM) Rose in June 2011

Car Sales in the US (Chrysler, Ford, GM) Rose in June 2011 | Car Sales | Car manufacturers, helped by an increase in demand for pickup and new models such as the Chevrolet Cruze, a Fiat 500 and Ford Focus small car, had sales in the U.S. in June.

Sales rose 11 percent at GM, the demand for cars up 28 percent and volume up 15 percent for pickup truck. Ford reported a sales increase of 10 percent a year earlier, when Volvo and Mercury were included in the results of the manufacturer.

Strong demand for Jeep and 35 percent jump in Ram truck sales has helped the Chrysler Group in June 30 percent of the volume in advance.

Hyundai, Kia and Nissan have also increased. [ Car Sales ]

Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf: Obama wants one million electric cars on the US road in 2015

Chevrolet  Volt and Nissan Leaf: Obama wants one million electric cars on the US road in 2015; A Million Electric Vehicles: Back in January, during his State of the Union speech, President Obama said that he wanted the U.S. to “become the first country to have one million electric cars on the US road,” and he wanted it to happen by 2015. Given current sales of the Chevrolet  Volt and Nissan Leaf, the president may hit his target . . . sometime in 2064.

In May, U.S. car sales for the much-hyped Chevrolet Volt totaled 481. Nissan Leaf did better, with 1,142 units sold. That’s a grand total of 1,623 electric cars sold for the month. At that torrid rate, it will take about 639 months, or a bit more than 53 years, for domestic sales of electric cars to reach 1 million.

Obama wants electric cars by 2015, but 2064 is a more realistic estimate.

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