Auto News 5

Toyota Kirloskar - a joint venture between Toyota Motor and Kirloskar Motors India - has put the launch of the Prius hybrid on hold because it cannot price the car competitively against its Honda rival. Full story...

The Ranjagoan, Pune, manufacturing plant owned by a 50/50 Fiat Group and Tata Motors JV has capacity for 330,000 engines a year and plans to export to other vehicle manufacturing facilities overseas. Full story...

Ford Motor is seeking to sell Volvo for as much as $6 billion, and is using JPMorgan Chase and Co as an adviser, Bloomberg reported on its Web site on Wednesday. Full story...

General Motors and Chrysler are considering accepting a pre-arranged bankruptcy as the last-resort price of getting a multi billion dollar government bailout, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with internal discussions. Full story...

The Swedish government is discussing a package of measures to cushion the economy from the blow of the global financial crisis, including assistance to the auto industry, a government source said on Thursday. Full story...

George Nahas owned only an Oldsmobile dealership when General Motors announced in 2000 that it would kill the brand. So he moved on -- to Saturn. Full story...

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner will make a visible attempt to impress lawmakers with GM's technology tomorrow morning. He will drive from his hotel to the Russell Senate Office Building in one of GM's prototype electric-hybrid vehicles. Full story...

You mightn't think there's much fun to be had in a new, twenty-thousand dollar vehicle- but Jeep is determined to continue changing that perception. Their Wrangler doesn't try to blow anyone's socks off with refinement, comfort or spaciousness- but it is the most affordable go-anywhere buggy on the market. Even in its most basic "X" trim with no options, it represents tremendous value for the adventurous, fun-loving and active buyer. Full story...

There was a sure way to make the Audi A5 and S5 even more enjoyable to drive- and that was to take off their tops. Audi has just announced that the A5 product line will be expanded to include Cabriolet models with three powerful engines and groundbreaking top technology for owners to enjoy. Full story...

Japanese Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato will test again with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team at Jerez, Spain next week. Full story...

The second season of the GP2 Asia Series opened in Shanghai last October and saw Roldan Rodriguez and Davide Valsecchi win the first two races. After Shanghai's curtain raiser, next stop for the competition is Dubai this week. Full story...

This week, Auto123.com features the following road tests: Mercedes-Benz SLK300, a particularly seductive version of the German convertible coupe thanks to its incredible value. The Mazda CX-7 GT, a modern and sporty looking compact SUV powered by an enthusiastic engine. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR, a car that stays glued to the road in any condition! Also, check out the video shot during our road test of the 2009 Mazda5, a practical minivan featuring a versatile cabin. Full story...

Formula one team bosses have travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, for Thursday's meeting of the FOTA alliance. Full story...

The FIM has revealed the finalised calendar for the 2009 World Superbike Championship, which confirms the return of Imola and the disappearance of the Brands Hatch round. Full story...

Former Formula 1world champion Kimi Raikkonen has spent much of the time since the last race of 2008 in his native Finland. Full story...

Japanese Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato will test again with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team at Jerez, Spain next week. Full story...

The Speedcar Series' first untimed practice session took place today ahead of qualifying and Race 1 tomorrow at the Dubai Autodrome. Vitantonio Liuzzi made his debut in this season by clocking the fastest time. Full story...

The opening race to Speedcar Series Season 2 begins tomorrow at the Dubai Autodrome. 14 drivers will take to the grid representing seven professional teams at the 2-day race weekend. Full story...

Citroen's rally boss Olivier Quesnel has confirmed that rallying will remain the French manufacturer's priority in 2010 and that he wants Sébastien Loeb to stay at the team until then. Full story...

The Speedcar Series' first untimed practice session took place today ahead of qualifying and Race 1 tomorrow at the Dubai Autodrome. Vitantonio Liuzzi made his debut in this season by clocking the fastest time. Full story...