Auto News 5

BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker, said on Tuesday it sold 28 percent more cars in mainland China in 2008, slowing from growth of 42 percent in 2007. Sales came to 65,822 units last year, up from 51,588 units in 2007, it said in a statement. Full story...

Blue is the new green. Mercedes-Benz, a leader in alternatively powered automotive technology, is advancing the evolution of more environmentally friendly vehicles with Concept BlueZERO. BlueZERO, presented at the North American International Auto Show, is out of the ordinary in that it amalgamates three models with unique powertrains into one vehicle architecture. Full story...

As I'm handed the key to Dodge's new Challenger retro-rocket, I wonder how I can enjoy a car like this at a time like this. Who needs a 425-horsepower, two-door coupe that weighs 4,100 lbs and guzzles down fuel like a battle tank? No one. Yet I'm pulled towards the car like if it was aiming a tractor beam at me. I'm confused. I'm perplexed. I'm in a dilemma. I need help. Full story...

Team Penske have call on the medias to be present today in Indianapolis to announce officially that Will Power will replace Helio Castroneves. Full story...

The Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed that a decision about whether to use a KERS system in its newly launched F60 has not yet been taken. Full story...

It is one of the most popular race in NASCAR but that doesn't mean that the economic hard times has not impacted on the sale of tickets for the upcoming Daytona 500. Full story...

After just a single season in formula one with Toro Rosso, Sébastien Bourdais' immediate future in premier single seater racing seems clouded. Full story...

Norbert Haug, Mercedes-Benz's motorsport director, has admitted that the German car manufacturer could supply engines to the former Honda Formula 1 team. Full story...

Silverstone, the current home of the British formula one grand prix, has secured a five-year contract to host motorcycling's premier MotoGP series from 2010. Full story...

Blue is the new green. Mercedes-Benz, a leader in alternatively powered automotive technology, is advancing the evolution of more environmentally friendly vehicles with Concept BlueZERO. BlueZERO, presented at the North American International Auto Show, is out of the ordinary in that it amalgamates three models with unique powertrains into one vehicle architecture. Full story...

Former Grand Prix star driver Michael Schumacher has an "important contribution" to play in the development of Ferrari's new formula one car for 2009. Full story...

Detroit - The organizers of the 2009 North American International Auto Show had announced through a press release that some 6,000 journalists were expected. However, on Monday, there couldn't have been more than half... and most of them were gone by early afternoon. Full story...

Maserati's stunning Quattroporte Sport GT S was on hand at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) for viewing. It left those in attendance with an almost uniform impression that they were looking at something that would wind up in the history books. Some even called it the most beautiful four-door on the road. Full story...

Chinese automaker BYD, which stands for 'Build Your Dreams', has just presented what they claim as the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Sales actually began last month in China, and the company is planning to offer the car in North America in 2011. Powered by a 102-hp electric motor, the F3DM can travel up to 100 km on battery power. After that, a 1.0-litre gasoline engine kicks in to replenish the battery pack. Full story...

With the slew of new model debuts taking place at NAIAS this week, Johnson Controls may not have been on anyone's radar for a concept car presentation. The company is primarily known as a supplier for automotive OEMs and is the maker of the popular HomeLink universal remote system. Full story...

Blue is the new green. Mercedes-Benz, a leader in alternatively powered automotive technology, is advancing the evolution of more environmentally friendly vehicles with Concept BlueZERO. BlueZERO, presented at the North American International Auto Show, is out of the ordinary in that it amalgamates three models with unique powertrains into one vehicle architecture. Full story...

Chinese automaker BYD, which stands for 'Build Your Dreams', has just presented what they claim as the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Sales actually began last month in China, and the company is planning to offer the car in North America in 2011. Powered by a 102-hp electric motor, the F3DM can travel up to 100 km on battery power. After that, a 1.0-litre gasoline engine kicks in to replenish the battery pack. Full story...

General Motors has decided to produce the batteries powering the electric engine of the Chevrolet Volt, to be marketed in late 2010. To do so, the firm will build a plant in Michigan that will likely be the U.S.'s first lithium-ion battery production plant run by an automaker. Construction will begin in 2009 and finish in 2010. Full story...

General Motors has decided to produce the batteries powering the electric engine of the Chevrolet Volt, to be marketed in late 2010. To do so, the firm will build a plant in Michigan that will likely be the U.S.'s first lithium-ion battery production plant run by an automaker. Construction will begin in 2009 and finish in 2010. Full story...

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is debating whether to cancel the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a JAMA executive said today. Full story...