Auto News 5

The new Acura LMP1 car set the fastest time in its maiden outing in preparation for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Full story...

It is "possible" Rome may organise a formula one street race, a spokesman for the Italian capital's council has admitted. Full story...

The racing season has really gotten under way last weekend with the annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. A few NASCAR drivers took part in the event won by the Donahue/Garcia/Rice/Law team driving a Porsche-Riley. Full story...

The European carmaker once famous for bicycles and sewing machines is readying a range-extended electric car to show crowds at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Russelsheim-based Opel has announced that their latest green creation will wear the 'Ampera' name badge, and that the model will be displayed in Geneva from March 5 to 15, 2009. Full story...

The European carmaker once famous for bicycles and sewing machines is readying a range-extended electric car to show crowds at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Russelsheim-based Opel has announced that their latest green creation will wear the 'Ampera' name badge, and that the model will be displayed in Geneva from March 5 to 15, 2009. Full story...

Mercedes-Benz has built a strong reputation in North America... and it needs to stay that way. Sporty or not, the various models in the portfolio are either very luxurious (think S-Class), impeccably designed (CLS-Class) or supremely comfortable (GLK-Class). Company executives are awfully proud of this image, and they're quite aware that such refinement needs to trickle down to smaller products in the lineup, even entry-level cars. Full story...

After 10 days of activities, the 2009 edition of the Detroit Auto Show wrapped up on Sunday with overall attendance falling short of last year's numbers. This is the sixth consecutive year that the show has seen a decrease in attendance, and the numbers dropped by a substantial 50,000 visitors in 2009. Full story...

Mercedes-Benz has built a strong reputation in North America... and it needs to stay that way. Sporty or not, the various models in the portfolio are either very luxurious (think S-Class), impeccably designed (CLS-Class) or supremely comfortable (GLK-Class). Company executives are awfully proud of this image, and they're quite aware that such refinement needs to trickle down to smaller products in the lineup, even entry-level cars. Full story...

Team Williams is yet to agree to be formally affiliated with formula one's first official theme park, set to open in Dubai later this year. Full story...

The Formula 1 entrant currently known as Honda on Tuesday played down negative speculation about the team's future. Full story...

Honda Motor Co. said early Tuesday it is cutting production in North America and Japan by another 50,000 vehicles to match rapidly shrinking demand. The move slashes projected North American output to 1. Full story...

Opel will unveil its vehicle that uses the range-extending powertrain first shown in the Chevrolet Volt, at the Geneva motor show in March. Full story...

Reports that Volkswagen has delayed or canned its plan to build a plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., are false, said Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby. Full story...

Reports that Volkswagen has delayed or canned its plan to build a plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., are false, said Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby. Full story...

American Suzuki is developing a plan to help dealers cut inventory. At the make meeting Sunday, dealers were told the company will hold on to slow-moving product, and dealers will be urged to buy the hot-selling vehicles. Full story...

Reports that Volkswagen has delayed or canned its plan to build a plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., are false, said Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby. Full story...

Opel, General Motors' European unit, will unveil its vehicle that uses the range-extending powertrain first shown in the Chevrolet Volt, at the Geneva motor show in March. Full story...

Fiat S.p.A. CEO Sergio Marchionne and a team of Fiat senior executives visited Chrysler LLC headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Saturday morning, according to a letter to Chrysler employees from CEO Bob Nardelli. Full story...

John McEleney, the incoming chairman of NADA, urged Congress to hold hearings to assess how many jobs would be lost if vehicle emissions were regulated state by state. Full story...

Toyota will continue its regional marketing strategy in February by offering dealers customer and dealer cash, low annual percentage rates and subvented leases. Bob Carter, general manager of Toyota Division, said the strategy appears to be working. Full story...