Land Rover is using this week’s London Motor Show to present its new ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) diesel-hybrid system in a pair of Freelander 2 prototypes, which have already begun conducting real world testing in the UK. The new vehicles showcase a range of fuel-efficiency enhancing technology that Land Rover will need to help its vehicles maintain their position near the top of the SUV hierarchy into the 21st century’s tangle of sky-high fuel prices and strict low emissions standards.

As it winds up its third year of full-scale passenger vehicle sales following its return to the Australian market, Fiat is broadening its horizons in the global automotive landscape, announcing partnerships with BMW and Mini in North America to leverage a return to that market as well. The cooperation is also expected to spawn a Fiat-designed platform for the next generation of BMW’s Mini.

The Volkswagen Group has had a penchant of late for nautically-themed SUVs. Starting with the Audi Q7 Coastline revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March and then followed up with the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta that same month, now the carmaker has revealed the Touareg North Sails Concept, which will be on display at this week's Travemünder Woche sailing event in Germany.

Mitsubishi’s replacement for the midsize Challenger SUV will make its debut at the Moscow Motor Show next month, shortly before it's scheduled to hit dealer lots around the world and eventually Australia. Available in a variety of seating and trim configurations, the new and slightly larger Challenger will slot in between the current Outlander and Pajero models and will be named ‘Pajero Sport’ or 'Montero' in other markets.

Small SUVs, crossover utilities and the so-called Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) are hot items in BMW’s future lineup. The latest prototype spotted testing in Germany is the smallest of these new models and is first expected to be revealed in production trim late next year as the BMW X1. The new car will be based on the 1-series range but will come with a taller ride height as well as an X-drive AWD system lifted directly from the larger X3 SUV.

General Motors has hired Citibank to advise it on all options available in dealing with its troubled Hummer brand. Sales of the mammoth SUVs have slumped in the U.S. as fuel prices have risen over the first six months of the year. What the moves in GM’s corporate headquarters might mean for the recently launched Australian arm of the brand remains unclear, though already talk of a sale of the marque is gaining credence among industry experts.

As the only SUV with a hybrid-drive option available for sale, the Lexus RX 400h could be extremely well-positioned to capitalise on increasing petrol prices. The current model has not seen tremendous sales since the recent price spike, however this is likely due to its steep initial cost and more focus on the comparable V6 model. The next-generation model, and its hybrid drivetrain, will be essential in cementing Lexus’ technological lead over the competition and staying ahead of increasing oil prices.

New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that sales of new vehicles has been slowing throughout 2008, falling from a peak that occurred in late December of last year. Both seasonally adjusted and raw numbers show an overall decline in new sales, though current levels remain above last year’s figures for the same period. Contrary to popular belief, however, sales of SUVs are up significantly over 2007, despite rising petrol prices.