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VW, Fiat, Mercedes could be CNG winners in Europe

Fiat ads in the US try to play up the exotic, sexy side of Italian culture. On the home front in Italy, however, passenger-vehicle sales are marked by something less edgy and quite a bit more practical: the growth of compressed-natural-gas (CNG) powered car sales. In fact, Italy is leading a group of European countries where CNG sales are on the upswing and may be benefiting automakers like VW, Fiat and Mercedes-Benz, according to Automotive News. VW started sales of its Golf TGI natural-gas vehicle this year – the company's fourth in Europe – while Mercedes-Benz added a natural-gas B-class model. Fiat accounts for about 50 percent of CNG vehicles sold on the continent. In all, Europe's CNG sales through September totaled about 67,000, up seven percent from a year earlier, Automotive News Europe says, citing research firm JATO Dynamics. And the number of CNG vehicles on Europe's roads could jump tenfold within the next decade. The draw is a combination of lower refueling prices and a CNG drivetrain that typically emits less CO2 than diesel vehicles. As for Italy, about five percent of new-vehicle sales are CNG. To put that into perspective, hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and diesels combined to account for about 4.2 percent of US vehicle sales last year. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Volkswagen Green Fiat Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen Natural Gas Vehicles CNG

Sunday Drive: Volvo hits a crossover home run, and people still love sports cars

Looking back at the week that just was clearly tells us at least three things. First, crossovers don't have to be boring. Second, people still love sports cars, from the attainable (Audi TT RS) to the fanciful (Mercedes-AMG GT C). And finally, the traditional German trio of premium luxury brands had better not rest on their laurels, because credible challengers are coming in from every direction. The biggest reveal of the week, at least judging by the interest of Autoblog readers, was the Volvo XC40. Not only is the little 'ute a looker, it introduces some innovative new buying/leasing schemes designed to appeal to an audience accustomed to trading in and trading up every couple of years. Think of Volvo's flat-fee lease as you would a smartphone contract, and you'll be on the right track. Genesis looks to have a hit on its hands in the form of the G70 sport sedan. We took a Korean-spec model for a spin and found a lot to like about the upstart contender. We can't wait to sample one here in the United States to see how it stacks up against the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In other news, we're still really excited to see a production Ford Ranger Raptor. But if you just can't wait for the official reveal — it's OK, neither can we — take a look at the renderings in our post down below. As always, tune in to Autoblog next week for a front-row seat to all the happenings worth following in the automotive industry. Volvo XC40 revealed | Crossover at the crossroads of style and substance 3 ways the Volvo XC40 is a game-changer Genesis G70 First Drive | An arrow to the heart of the Germans 2018 Audi TT RS Drivers' Notes | Five pots of turbocharged honey 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Quick Spin | This is the AMG GT you want The Ford Ranger Raptor is real, and this is what it might look like

2017 Infiniti QX30 price anounced ahead of September launch

The 2017 Infiniti QX30 will start at $30,945 for the base model and will max out at $39,495 for the Sport trim. The oversized hatchback will be available in six different trims: the QX30, QX30 Luxury, QX30 Premium, QX30 Sport, QX30 Luxury AWD, and QX30 Premium AWD. There will also be a 2017 QX30 Reservation Program for buyers interested in getting their hands on the car first. Buyers in the program will be able to choose from a selection of gifts to go along with their new QX30. The QX30 Luxury starts at $33,595, while its AWD variant is $1,800 more. The QX30 Sport, which is front-wheel drive only and is 0.6 inches lower than the rest of the lineup, is priced at $39,495. The QX30 Premium will start at $36,295 with the QX30 Premium AWD commanding an additional $2,400. All trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 208 hp and sends power to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While the QX30 borrows a lot of components from the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it's priced lower than its German counterpart. The Mercedes GLA250 starts at $33,775, while the GLA250 4Matic is priced at $34,775. The QX30 also comes in under the Acura RDX ($36,510), BMW X1 ($34,095), Audi Q3 ($34,625), and the larger Lexus NX 200t ($35,915). The QX30 will hit showroom floors in September.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Infiniti QX30 View 19 Photos News Source: InfinitiImage Credit: Infiniti Infiniti Mercedes-Benz Crossover Hatchback Luxury infiniti qx30