Auto News 5

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has hinted heavily that Bernie Ecclestone, F1's 78-year-old long time boss, should consider retirement. Full story...

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher has ruled competing in a round of the World Superbike Championship this season. Full story...

It is possible that many - or most - formula one cars will take to the grid for March's 2009 season opener without active KERS systems. Full story...

According to reports in Europe, the second round of the 2009 World Superbike Series' season in Qatar could play host to a race in which MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi would ride a WSBK-spec Yamaha R1, while retired WSBK champion Troy Bayliss would ride his Ducati Xerox for one round. Full story...

Earlier this year, I attended the North American launch of the Dodge Journey, and I must say that I was rather impressed with the company's new priced-right crossover vehicle. The Journey offers itself up as the almost perfect family transportation device and, as I have already indicated, supplies excellent value for money. In fact, I see it as pretty much the modern interpretation of the well loved family minivan. Full story...

It seems like a tough battle between the Dodge Ram and the Ford F-150, both totally redesigned for 2009. The latest round in the head-to-head grudge match goes to the F-150 for claiming Motor Trend Magazine's "Truck of the Year" honours. At the end of October, the Ram outscored the Ford by a small margin to become the AJAC's "Best New Pickup Truck" for 2009. Full story...
Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their large selection of F150 Exhaust.

Formula 1's high-earning race drivers will not be able to avoid the impact of the financial crisis, according to leading team bosses. Full story...

The future of Toro Rosso's Sébastien Bourdais in Formula 1 is still unclear but the Frenchman won't wait helplessly on the sidelines for a decision to come and he is considering a return to racing in North America. Full story...

The auto show teases continue, and today Kia is playfully showing the front end of a Soul-based concept that will bow in Detroit. Full story...

Kia Motors Corp. released this teaser photo of a concept vehicle to be unveiled at the Detroit auto show next month. The concept could be a future addition to Kia's Soul lineup. The boxy, five-seat Soul goes on sale this spring as a 2010 model. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. will close 10 of its active North American assembly plants the week of Jan. 5 as part of a previously announced plan to curb output. All but two of the active plants will resume production the week of Jan. 12. Full story...

French auto-parts supplier Valeo SA will eliminate 5,000 jobs worldwide in response to declining car production and a pessimistic outlook for 2009. Full story...

Volkswagen Group of America Inc. said today it is ready to begin construction on a paint shop for its planned assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Full story...

Valeo announced Wednesday that it will cut 5,000 jobs worldwide in reaction to declining car production and a pessimistic outlook for 2009. Full story...

Chrysler LLC is shutting down all its North American factories for a month due to the ongoing credit crisis and plunging sales. Chrysler announced today that all plants will be idled at the end of production Friday, Dec. 19. Full story...

Chrysler LLC says the ongoing credit crisis and plunging sales are forcing it to shut down all its factories for a month, extending its normal holiday shutdown. Full story...

Chrysler Financial has warned dealers it may have to suspend floorplan assistance temporarily if dealers who are worried about Chrysler's viability continue to make withdrawals from their cash-management accounts. Full story...

Subaru Legacy Concept to Debut at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Is this the next Subaru Legacy? According to corporate sources, the Subaru Legacy Concept - which will debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show in January - is our first look at the Legacy's next design direction.

Is this the next Subaru Legacy? According to corporate sources, the Subaru Legacy Concept - which will debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show in January - is our first look at the Legacy's next design direction.

Photo Gallery: Subaru Legacy Concept to Debut at 2009 Detroit Auto Show - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Schaeffler plans to oust Continental AG's Chairman Hubertus von Gruenberg after it gains approval of its planned takeover of the automotive supplier, Handelsblatt newspaper said, citing sources close to Continental's... Full story...

General Motors, saving cash as it awaits federal rescue loans, has suspended construction of a Michigan plant scheduled to build fuel-saving engines. Full story...