The strategic partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG is maturing as it enters its seventh year in 2016, the companies’ leaders said in their annual media update during the Paris Motor Show. 
“The partnership between Daimler and the Alliance has grown and matured,” said Carlos Ghosn, alliance chairman and CEO. 
“It is based on a spirit of cooperation and trust that has strengthened over the years. The results have clearly benefitted both partners. By sharing development and production costs, we have been able to enter new segments and offer our customers more compelling vehicles with the latest technology and features at more competitive prices.” 
Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, added: “Over the last seven years we’ve established a partnership that extends from parts to platforms, from co-development to co-production and from cars to commercial vehicles. And we did so in project-oriented, diverse teams that share competences across continents. They are driven by the best ideas — may they originate in Paris, Stuttgart, or Yokohama. So, our future cooperation continues to hold great promise.”
• The all-new tenth-generation Honda Civic has been on display at the Paris Motor Show this week. It represents a significant step forward for Honda in the C-segment, benefiting from the largest single model development program in the company’s history. 
The Civic is a core model for Honda and has been at the heart of the brand’s strong sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. 
For many customers the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and the development team targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of Civic. 
This aim demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design. 
Building on its 40-year heritage, the car stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for the world”. 
The all-new Civic debuts two all-new VTEC TURBO gasoline engines that have been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience.

• After the reveal of the Renault Talisman’s exterior styling, interior and finish quality in Europe, Renault extends an invitation to sample the unique driving experience and traveling comfort offered by its new model in Saudi Arabia. 
Many innovations will ensure that the Talisman appeals to the region because of the unique traveling experience it delivers as through its sleek styling. 
New Renault Talisman comes with a 3 years/100,000 km standard manufacturer’s warranty. 
Specific offers shall be advised to customers by professional sales teams at each of Renault’s showrooms in the Region. 
For the first time in the Middle East Region, Renault has launched the Renault Talisman Virtual Showroom, which is a live sales demonstration portal. 
Visitors can come in and book a slot. 
At the designated slot, trained sales consultants will take the visitors through the car via a live video demo online. Then questions can also be answered. 
It takes consumer selling to a whole new level. 

• Raoul Picello (53) has been appointed Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Infiniti Motor Company. 
Picello, currently Vice President of Sales for Nissan in Europe, succeeds François Goupil de Bouille, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests. 
Picello will be based in Infiniti’s European headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland, and report to infiniti President Roland Krueger. 
Picello joined Nissan Europe in 2012 as managing director of Nissan Iberia. 
A year later, he was appointed to his current position.

Source: Arab News