Auto News 5

Sweden's automakers have reacted positively to their government's plans to provide up to 25 billion kronor (2.36 billion euros) in credit guarantees and emergency loans. Full story...

Although the electrically-assisted steering market is relatively small in North America, manufacturers say this market will grow. Demand on both sides of the Atlantic is being fuelled by a range of factors, not least that electric systems are more economical to run, lighter, recyclable and easier to package and install compared to conventional hydraulic systems. Matthew Beecham talked with Charlie Cregeur, director, global steering product planning for TRW Automotive's chassis division to find out how the steering market is shaping-up. Full story...

General Motors is again allowing salaried staff and retirees to offer cars to non-employees at employee discount. Full story...

A joint venture between Dongfeng and Nissan faces a tough challenge to hit a 2009 sales goal that is nearly three times the China market's overall projected growth rate, a Nissan executive has said. Full story...

Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., has stopped manufacturing its existing Civic models and the new Civic models will arrive at its 4S stores by the middle of January, according to information from the company's distributors. Full story...

Skoda India has said it will cut prices of its products by up to Rs 51,500 following a 4% reduction in Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT). Full story...

Great Wall is planning to expand its export business in emerging markets and is now looking to Bulgaria. Full story...

The main German automotive industry trade union, IG Metall, has proposed a seven-point programme to secure jobs and stabilise the economy. Full story...

Foreign car brands aren't escaping the slowdown in Russia's car market that took hold last month. Full story...

Steering specialist, Tedrive, has gone bust. The company was declared bankrupt at an Aachen court on Wednesday and insolvency proceedings have begun. Full story...

Hyundai Motor is the latest automaker to announce production cuts in the US. Full story...

Magyar Suzuki, Suzuki's Hungarian unit, has offered employees at its plant in Esztergom two month's pay if they voluntarily resign by December 18, according to local media reports. Full story...

The EU directive on carbon dioxide emissions from cars has been revised, but an environmental lobby group said "precious little will change in the short term". Full story...

Continental has said it would cut costs and investments in the wake of further vehicle production cuts. Full story...

Ford says that the depressed Brazilian market has sparked into life following an infusion of government credit. Full story...

Ford says that the depressed Brazilian market has sparked into life following an infusion of government credit. Full story...

Car manufacturers and automotive component suppliers in the Czech Republic are expected to lay off more than 13,000 workers by the middle of next year, an auto industry group has said. Full story...

Toyota Motor is considering again reducing its 2009 sales target. Full story...

A proposed collaborative deal between Volvo Truck and Dongfeng remains on ice due to political obstacles in China. Full story...

Nissan has called again for increased manufacturing flexibility and competitiveness from its European production plants as a precondition for attracting investment. Full story...