Patricia Cancilla

National Post — PARIS - Despite the debt crisis and loss of confidence in the automobile industry in Europe, Volkswagen Group is forging ahead with new-vehicle releases, with plans to launch "more than 140 new models around the world by 2014," according to the chairman of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Martin Winterkorn. "This Paris Motor Show is coming in turbulent times," Winterkorn said on the eve of the Paris Motor Show at a VW Group event here. "How long will this crisis in Europe last? Where will the auto industry go from here?" Those questions may remain unanswered for now.

National Post — Beijing * Automakers here pumped up the horsepower and the sex appeal while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and reliance on expensive gasoline to make their world debuts a little more environmentally friendly. Following are some of the highlights of the show: Audi RS Q3 concept Audi's RS Q3 concept made its world debut here. The bright blue SUV features a paint job called Ordos Blue, which is a matte blue with a slight yellow tint. It comes with a 2.5 TFSI engine with 360 horsepower, a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

National Post — New Delhi * India's capital city is a study in contrasts. While the dilapidated buildings and sidewalks may be crumbling, look closer and you can see evidence of New Delhi's former glory. Wipe away the dust at your feet and a colourful mosaic of marble is revealed. Walk up to that grimy doorway and you can see it's also made of marble, a formerly ivory hue. The power lines may be wrapped around that tree, causing you to wonder if that's why the Internet service in your hotel is so slow, but take a good look at the tree and you see how beautiful it really is.

National Post — TORONTO - The Canadian Automotive Jury (CAJ) has announced its fourth annual Best of the Best Finalists. The 2013 finalists reflect a wide variety of vehicles available to Canadian new-car buyers, including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, SUVs, crossovers and sports and performance cars. The CAJ's annual Best of the Best Awards are unique in Canada. The not-for-profit organization is independently funded by its Jurors, 11 senior automotive journalists, and its Secretary, a senior automotive editor, who account for the vast majority of automotive industry coverage in Canada.

67.199.37.242 — MONTREAL (Thursday, January 17, 2013) - Today at the Montreal International Auto Show, the all-new Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan was named the winner of the 2013 "Best of the Best" award by the Canadian Automotive Jury (CAJ). "This award re-affirms how well the all-new ATS was designed and built to win against all competitors," said Rob Assimakopoulos, GM Canada general director of marketing and communications. "The ATS is a great performing luxury car and the Cadillac team is honoured it is being recognized as the Best of the Best, and earlier this week, as the North American Car of the Year."

www.autoreviewsonline.com — Exciting. It’s not a word I would have previously used to describe the Toyota Corolla. Reliable? Yes. Affordable? Yes. But exciting? Uh, no. Not until now, that is...

www.thecanadianautomotivejury.ca — The 2014 finalists reflect a wide variety of vehicles available to Canadian new-car buyers.

www.autoreviewsonline.com — "Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz" - a CLS 63 AMG to be precise. It's what I want for Christmas. If all my friends and family chip in, they might be able to come up with the $127,750 Mercedes-Benz is asking for its 2014 CLS 63 AMG S-Model. Hey, I've been really good this year ...