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Design, tech, style in the spotlight at fashion event

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Night 2015 took place at 751D PARK on Nov 3, displaying a mix of fashion, technology and style.

The event brought together global fashion brand I.T and the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE Sport SUV.

Mercedes-Benz also announced the winners of the fifth Mercedes-Benz China Designer Award, continuing its unwavering support for the Chinese fashion industry.

The automaker plans to launch its "Future Star" program in 2016 to support China's design school students in chasing their dreams.

"Mercedes-Benz is closely tied to fashion, as both allow people to express their character and attitude toward life," said Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co.

Toyota's October sales dip after a strong summer

Japanese carmaker Toyota sold 103,400 vehicles in China in October, a 1.2 percent dip year-on-year.

This is the first time that Toyota saw its sales growth rate turn negative since March. In July and August, the carmaker's sales soared more than 20 percent year-on-year.

Despite the dip in October, Toyota sold 895,600 vehicles in the first 10 months in China, a 9.9 percent rise year-on-year.

ITT teams up with Tongji for talent development

US-based ITT Corp announced on Nov 2 that its China team started the 2015 ITT Golden Gear Academy at Tongji University in Shanghai on Oct. 31.

As an education and talent development platform for the Chinese engineering and manufacturing industry, the academy attracted Tongji University students majoring in automotive studies, rail transit, electronics and information and mechanical engineering.

On the opening day, professors and experts from Tongji University, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and ITT China shared best practices and discussed industry trends to broaden students' viewpoints and inspire their thinking around the latest market developments.

"ITT has a centurylong history and as a leader in the engineering industry, we want to help discover and cultivate excellent engineering talent and equip them with a strategic perspective and innovation mindset," said Victoria Creamer, chief human resources officer of ITT Corp.

Tesla records mixed results in third quarter of this year

US electric carmaker Tesla saw its third quarter operating income hit $1.24 billion, a 33 percent surge from the same period last year, according to its financial statements. Despite the rise in income, the statement shows that the automaker's net loss during the third quarter grew to $230 million, almost three times the figure in the same quarter last year.

Tesla delivered 11,603 Model S cars in the third quarter, with the Asia-Pacific region a major destination.

The carmaker said its Model 3 will debut in March 2016 and its Gigafactory will offer batteries in the first quarter of 2016.

Possible safety issues prompt Mercedes recall

Mercedes-Benz will recall 772 S 63 AMG cars imported to the Chinese mainland.

The carmaker said the car's engines might stop unexpectedly because of unsteady idling, resulting in possible safety problems.

The cars were made between Oct 12, 2013, and Sept 16, 2015. Mercedes-Benz said it would inform all car owners concerned and will check and update the engine software free of charge.

Survey shows auto dealers saw inventory levels drop

Auto dealers saw inventory levels fall 1.7 percentage points to 54.1 percent in October, hovering above the alert level of 50 percent.

This is partly thanks to the State Council's favorable policies on vehicles with 1.6-liter or smaller engines.

The index is based on a survey by the China Automobile Dealers Association of more than 1,000 authorized stores in the country that sell 55 brands of vehicles, both Chinese and foreign. The association expects the inventory level to stay at similar levels in November.

Motoring

(China Daily 11/09/2015 page19)