Mitsubishi's Lancer Sportback "Birds and Bees" TV Ad too Spicy for Toddlers

In Europe, Mitsubishi has no problem being a tad provocative when it comes to getting the attention of buyers. As the company itself admits, even its vehicle names have turned a few heads, such as the 'FQ' badges to be found on the 'F***ing Quick' Lancer Evolution range. Now, Mitsubishi has readied a new spicy and in our opinion, humorous TV advert for the Lancer, called "Bees and Birds." The ad is due to air in the UK on Monday 9th February.

According to Mitsubishi, Clearcast, the company that is responsible for the pre-transmission examination and clearance of UK TV advertisements, has not approved the ad to be shown on TV before 9 o'clock. It goes without saying that Mitsubishi's intention was to create a bit of a buzz with the advert.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi's Director of Sales and Marketing said that, "Clearcast thought that the light-hearted innuendo throughout the ad could be seen as inappropriate – especially for younger viewers. We are happy to have the TV ad shown after the 9 o'clock watershed."

Kia Defies Crisis, Posts 8.4% Increase in 2008 Global Sales

The global economic crunch that hit most automakers in 2008 didn't have the same effect on Hyundai's affiliate Kia Motors, which recorded global sales of 1,375,738 passenger cars, recreation vehicles (RVs) and light trucks in 2008, representing an 8.4% year-on-year increase. In 2008, Kia's passenger car sales made up 63% of all vehicles sold, marking an impressive 11.7% increase compared to 2007.

Kia's best-selling model in overseas markets in 2008 was the C-segment Cerato, also known in some markets as 'Spectra', with 192,149 units sold. The Cerato was followed by the B-Segment Rio with 153,963 units while the Sportage SUV and the C-segment Cee'd came in third and fourth place with 149,293 and 148,846 units sold, respectively. Kia's Picanto city car took fifth place with 91,262 units sold.

In 2008, China with 151,085 units sold and general markets with 262,166 units sold, have experienced the largest year-on-year gains of 34.2%, and 30.5%, respectively. Cumulative sales increases were also experienced in Korea (a 16.2% gain from 316,432 units sold), while Europe (a 2.3% decrease from 335,138 units sold) and North America have experienced decreases (8.6% decrease from 310,917 units sold).

2010 Ford Taurus Sedan: Action Video and Live Photos from Detroit Show

Sporting a completely redesigned exterior and interior, the new 2010 Ford Taurus made its world debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. While Ford has no illusions of repeating the success of the first generation Taurus, the American automaker does have high hopes for its new flagship sedan. Dynamic styling aside, the new Taurus also features Ford's 3.5-liter V6, generating 263HP and 249 foot-pounds of torque, paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Taurus engine plan also calls for optional availability of Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

The new 2010 Taurus will hit U.S. showrooms this summer offered in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. Prices will start from $25,995, including destination and delivery, meaning that the new Taurus begins at the same entry level price as the 2009 model. The Taurus SEL series will begin at $27,995 while the Taurus Limited series will begin at $31,995.

The SEL series comes equipped with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, supplemental park lamps and chrome exhaust tips. The Limited series adds to the SEL appointments with standard leather seats, 19-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, 10-way power driver and passenger seats, reverse sensing and a premium sound system with SYNC.