BMW may produce 3 Series and 5 Series models in United States (U.S)

According to a German newspaper, BMW is thinking about assembling its 3 Series and 5 Series models in the U.S. A senior member of BMW, Ian Robertson said the plan was under very serious consideration, although no plans have been confirmed.

“I would not rule it out altogether,” Robertson said of the proposal. BMW builds the X3, X5, and X6 vehicles in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The United States is expected to be BMW’s largest market in 2011, overtaking Germany. In 2010, the brand sold 266,000 vehicles, declining just 252 units short of overtaking Germany.

Skoda launches Fabia Monte Carlo special edition

Skoda is releasing a special edition Fabia in Europe, called Monte Carlo. The Fabia is based upon the SE (Ambiente) trim-level and was produced to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport.

Fabia Monte Carlo features tinted headlights, 17” alloy wheels (16” in Continental Europe), black door mirrors, roof, and radiator grille. Inside, red or black and black sports seats and red stitched leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiter feature.

Five engine variants are available; three 1.2 and two 1.6 CR TDI. The engine range starts with the naturally-aspirated 1.2 68bhp which starts at £12,755. The most expensive variant is the 1.6 TDI 105PS at £15k. All engines are linked to a slick 5 speed manual transmission. Order books open 24th January.