Auto News 5

Soon after finance arm Chrysler Financial was given access late on Friday to US$1.5bn from the federal TARP loan programme, Chrysler said customers with a wide range of credit scores would immediately be eligible for "affordable financing" including a new national zero percent APR offer on some models. Full story...

Fiat Group is in negotiations with Chrysler LLC to form a strategic partnership that could include a Fiat equity stake in the ailing U.S. carmaker. The pact would help Chrysler speed up and strengthen its relaunch plan. Full story...

Chrysler Financial has received access to up to US$1.5bn in loans from the US Department of Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Full story...

It's seven-up for the C-MAX as our spies spot new version undergoing winter testing Full story...

General Motors purchasing chief Bo Andersson singled out 10 of his 3,000 global suppliers for recognition at the Detroit auto show on Thursday, Jan. 15. Full story...

Audi expects to boost its sales in China significantly this year after a record 2008 in its second biggest market after Germany. Audi's China sales increased 17 percent to 119,598 in 2008, compared with the year before. Full story...

General Motors' tight finances may hold the automaker back from building a production version of the Cadillac Converj concept car. Full story...

The automotive exterior lighting systems have seen many significant advances, since the early days of oil lanterns used on road vehicles. A variety of lighting systems are now available, and incandescent bulbs are no longer the only option available for the automakers. Advances in light source technologies are now allowing safer, more cost efficient and greater light generation than ever before. New technologies are now set to propel automotive lighting to the forefront of automotive technology. Technologies such as high-intensity discharge (HID or xenon), adaptive front lighting (AFL) systems and light-emitting diode (LED) systems enhance safety and offer comfort and convenience for the drivers and occupants. Full story...

Coming off a sharp sales decline in December, Toyota Division is trying to lure buyers into showrooms with new cash offers for customers and dealers. Full story...

BMW's top executive in France, Nicolas Wertans, is moving to PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, where sources say he will play an important role in creating sales and marketing synergies between the Peugeot and Citroen brands. Full story...

It was the strangest Detroit Show for years, as the Big Three scaled back the celebrations and pulled on the hair shirts. But Mark 'Coolbear' Bursa isn't convinced they're offering the right answers to their problems. Full story...

Production ready Camaro Cabriolet goes topless in Australia as it shows off its muscles for the first time. Full story...

Demand remains low though the US government's aid to the domestic auto industry is having an effect, General Motors' chief operating officer has said. Full story...

Canada will offer aid funds to domestic automakers if they need liquidity and meet conditions, Canadian Industry Minister Tony Clement said today. Full story...

Despite the global concerns about the impact of the economic recession, Frost & Sullivan predicts that by the end of 2009 the Russian automobile industry will be stable and lucrative once again. By 2012 Russia's car market is even expected to be the third largest in the world, behind the US and China. Full story...

Government aid is likely to cost French automakers state stakes in their companies, a minister has said. Full story...

Jaguar Land Rover on Monday confirmed local media reports it had halted production at its main car plant in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, for two weeks. A spokesman said the move had been announced to workers last week and had been "circulated externally" by mid-week. Full story...

The poor economic environment is affecting relationships between suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. Full story...

Volkswagen's light commercial vehicle operations, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will reduce its workforce. Full story...

Porsche has launched a mandatory takeover offer for Scania. It is obliged to do so by Swedish law because it has increased its stake in Volkswagen to more than 50%. VW in turn owns 69% of Scania. Full story...