A Nissan executive has confirmed that the Infiniti Q30 hatchback and its crossover counterpart, the QX30, will begin production in 2015.

“[Infiniti president] Johan de Nysschen just said that we’ll build our Q30 premium compact car and the QX30 crossover in the UK (Sunderland) next year,” said Nissan’s British-born Chief Planning Officer, Andy Palmer, in a Twitter post. “I’m Proud.”

Nissan and Daimler earlier today announced that their new jointly-owned production facility in Mexico is aiming to begin production in 2017. The Q30 and QX30 have been reported as likely products for the plant, which is expected to focus on the Mercedes MFA architecture that underpins both Infiniti models.

The Japanese automaker previously outlined plans to invest more than $400 million to expand the Sunderland facility in preparation for the Q30, bringing the annual capacity up to 60,000 vehicles.

The production identity of the Q30 and QX30 remain unclear, pending formal unveilings that are likely scheduled for early next year.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a long-wheelbase Alpha platform and 1970s-inspired styling could be in store for the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, a new report finds.

To compete with the 2015 Ford Mustang’s EcoBoost four-cylinder option, the next-generation Camaro will gain a turbo four of its own, according to Automobile. Likely to be a variant of Cadillac’s 272 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter mill, it’s unclear whether the motor will serve as the entry-level engine or an upgrade over the 3.6-liter V6, which will return along with small-block V8 powerplants.

As expected, those motors will team with GM’s Alpha platform, although Automobile claims the CTS’ long-wheelbase setup will be utilized instead of the ATS’ shorter configuration. That move will leave space for a potential entry-level sports car – either a rear-driver modeled after the Code 130R concept or a front-wheel-drive coupe inspired by the Tru 140S show car. The Camaro’s overall length isn’t anticpated to grow, however, and curb weight should be reduced by several hundred pounds thanks to the lighter platform.

On the styling front, the new Camaro will reportedly draw inspiration from the second-generation model that launched as a 1970 ½, incorporating elements such as a squared-off egg crate grille and semi-fastback roofline.

Exact debut timing for the 2016 Camaro is unclear, but an unveiling during the 2015 calendar year is likely.

The South Korean government is reportedly preparing to levy fines against five major automakers, penalizing the companies for exaggerating fuel mileage ratings.

Korea’s own Hyundai is on the list, along with Chrysler and German rivals Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. Hyundai’s fine is expected to be around a billion won (~$1 million USD), according to Reuters, though the industry ministry has not yet detailed penalties for the others.

Hyundai is reportedly being targeted because of its fuel efficiency ratings for the Santa Fe SUV. Other examples of violations include the Audi A4 2.0 TDI, BMW Mini Cooper Countryman, Jeep Grand Cherokee and VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI.

Interestingly, Korea’s industry ministry upholds Hyundai’s Santa Fe ratings while the transportation ministry claims the figures have been overstated. The government has suggested the transportation ministry’s numbers will be considered the official figures.

The fine is relatively paltry for the large automakers, though they may be forced to pay significantly more to settle compensation claims from vehicle owners. Hyundai and Kia agreed to pay up to $395 million in lump-sum payments to US owners for overestimating mpg ratings for a dozen models.

While Chrysler has shown a willingness to experiment with expanding its U.S.-market diesel offerings, an oil-burning Jeep Cherokee for the states is looking unlikely, at least for the time being.

Jeep chief Mike Manley, speaking at a media event at Chrysler Group’s Chelsea Proving Grounds, stated that sales of the Grand Cherokee diesel would need to essentially double before the brand would start mulling a Cherokee diesel for the U.S.

At present, about 8 percent of total Grand Cherokee volume is comprised of diesel models, which command a $4,500 premium and are rated at 21/30 city/highway mpg in rear-wheel-drive form.

“Cherokee is slightly different [than the Grand Cherokee] because of its weight and size. When I think about bringing Cherokee diesel here, I would like to see Grand Cherokee diesel get much higher than 8 percent,” Manley said. “It would have to be in mid-double digits.”

The European-market Cherokee offers a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower or 170 horsepower when equipped with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic, respectively. Both configurations generate 258 lb-ft of torque.

In the future, Manley said he expects Grand Cherokee diesel volume to grow, which could open the door for other diesel-powered Jeep models.

“I think what we’re going to see is a continued increase in market acceptance. The initial dealer take was higher, and now we’re seeing the market settle down to about 8 percent,” Manley said. “That will, over time, continue to grow.”

Tesla Motors continues to face backlash from Chinese buyers frustrated by shipping delays, including one man that reportedly smashed the windshield on his new Model S upon delivery.

The company began delivering the Model S in China on April 21, limiting initial availability to Beijing and Shanghai. Many buyers in other regions were not happy to be forced to wait until June to receive their orders.

CEO Elon Musk claimed that the regional delays were necessary to establish charging infrastructure and service centers in other areas. At the delivery event in Beijing, he met with a group of disgruntled buyers — led by Internet commerce entrepreneur Yu Xinquan — and claimed to have “resolved the issue.”

Living well outside the initial launch areas, Yu reportedly took delivery of his Model S this week and immediately shattered the windshield with a wrench to escalate his protest.

He claims Tesla promised the vehicle would arrive in six weeks, during which time the company would provide free installation of charging hardware at his home, according to a Wall Street Journal interview. Tesla allegedly reported the vehicle delayed again in customs, and suggested he take a floor model instead.

“The company hasn’t delivered,” he said. “Tesla’s arrogance made me angry.”

The vandalism protest reportedly gained significant attention in the country, which Tesla views as vital to its future growth. Chinese buyers currently pay a 50-percent premium over US prices, however the company plans to build a local factory to eliminate import duties and shipping costs.

Safety advocates have taken aim at CarMax, calling for tighter federal regulations to prevent used cars from leaving dealerships with defects unfixed.

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and 11 auto safety groups sent a petition to the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to investigate wether CarMax’s inspection claims — which do not include a recall check — violate false-advertising regulations.

New car dealers are already barred from selling a vehicle that has been included in a recall campaign, until the repairs have been made, however used car dealers are not bound to the same laws.

“Car dealers shouldn’t sell used cars that have a safety recall to consumers, period,” said Schumer in a statement. “Far too many times we have seen the tragic and often fatal consequences when deficient cars are allowed on the road, and it’s time for the FTC to do everything it can to put a stop to it.”

CarMax has voiced support for legislation that requires used car dealers to fix recalls, as long as the provisions require automakers to provide parts and diagnostic tools to used dealers to fix the vehicles independently. The proposal would require more flexibility than current law allows, as automakers via franchise dealers are currently solely responsible for repairs.

The FTC has not yet publicly responded to the petition.

Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder has been named the International Engine of the Year, marking the third time the pint-sized mill has claimed the award.

The EcoBoost beat out impressive motors like Ferrari’s 4.5-liter V8, AMG’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and Tesla’s electric powertrain for top honors, and also scored a win in the sub-1.0-liter category (it technically displaces 999cc).

A panel of 82 automotive journalists from 35 countries is responsible for determining the awards.

Despite its diminutive displacement and modest cylinder count, the EcoBoost is able to produce 123 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque through the use of direct injection and a turbocharger. Originally launched in Europe in 2011, the engine made its U.S. debut last year in the Fiesta – where it’s rated at 43 mpg highway – and will soon migrate to the 2015 Focus.

A complete list of the 2014 awards can be found below.

Sub 1-Liter: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

1.0-Liter to 1.4-Liter: Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger

1.4-Liter to 1.8-Liter: BMW / PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.6-liter turbo gasoline

1.8-Liter to 2.0-Liter: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo

2.0-Liter to 2.5-Liter: Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo

2.5-Liter to 3.0-Liter: BMW 3.0-liter Twin-Power turbo six-cylinder gasoline

3.0-Liter to 4.0-Liter: McLaren 3.8-liter V8

Above 4.0-Liter: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

New Engine: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo

Green Engine: Tesla full-electric powertrain

Performance Engine: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

International Engine of the Year: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo