Auto News 5

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has hired a Mercedes-Benz sales executive to head the Citroen brand, German magazine Wirtschaftswoche reported, without citing its sources. Full story...

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has hired Mercedes-Benz sales executive Jean-Marc Gales to head the Citroen brand. Gales, a 46-year-old citizen of Luxembourg, will take the helm at Citroen in March, the company said. Full story...

Renault posted a sharp decline in 2008 net profit sales on Thursday due to a "financial and economic crisis of massive proportions." The carmaker dropped key 2009 targets as it expects the market to get worse. Full story...

General Motors has been in talks with China's SAIC Motor about the possible sale of a share of GM's stake in their joint venture or other assets as the U.S. automaker races to raise cash, two sources familiar with the discussions said. Full story...

PARIS (Reuters) -- French ministers denied that a rescue package for their struggling carmakers is against EU state aid rules. Full story...

French supplier Faurecia has "excellent" relations with Chrysler and will continue working with the carmaker despite a $110 million breach of contract lawsuit Faurecia has filed in the United States, CEO Yann Delabriere said. Full story...

PARIS (Reuters) -- French automotive parts supplier Faurecia launched a 450 million euro ($583 million) capital increase plan on Tuesday after posting full-year results that showed a drop in operating income and a widening net loss. Full story...

Mexican auto production and exports nosedived by more than 50 percent in January in the latest sign of how the U.S. recession is slamming America's trading partners around the world. Full story...

Chrysler Canada is making good progress on its restructuring plans and will likely be in a position within the next couple weeks to draw on emergency loans from the governments of Canada and the province of Ontario, its president and CEO said on... Full story...

This week, Acura silenced a number of critics who question some of its cars. Often criticized for the lack of power in the TSX, Acura is now bestowing upon it an optional 3.5-litre, 280-hp V6 stemming from the TL. What's more, the SH-AWD version will inherit a manual transmission. Full story...

French manufacturer Michelin won't be installing its tires on any old vehicle. No sir! The manufacturer will be equipping the latest generation of NASA lunar vehicles, and not only with tires, but rather with a tire/wheel combo built from composite material by the Michelin research centres in Europe in North America. The tire/wheel package will improve the mobility of the lunar missions, with or without crew, planned for the next decade. Full story...

A1 Team France has made the surprise announcement that Nicolas Prost will be racing in next weekend's A1GP Gauteng, South Africa instead of Loic Duval. Full story...

Maybach will introduce a new, even swankier version of its 57S and 62S sedans at the Geneva Auto Show. The manufacturer is going back to its roots, using the name Zeppelin associated with the sedans of its glory days in the 1930s. The return of the name is obviously an attempt to re-establish the car's pedigree, as it's struggling against the formidable Rolls-Royce Phantom. Full story...

Toyota is showing attendees of the Chicago Auto Show a refreshed Tundra pickup model set for sale in the 2010 model year. For 2010, the Tundra will feature new standard features, a new V8 engine, and enhanced value across its lineup. Full story...

Auto manufacturer Mitsubishi will premier its i MiEV concept at the 79th edition of the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3 to 15, 2009, at the Palexpo conference and demonstration complex in Geneva. The small, electric vehicle is currently being tested, and the manufacturer is studying its feasibility. Shoppers, however, will only get their first glimpse on March 5 when the Auto Show opens its doors to the general public. Full story...

The 2009 Atlantic Championship will feature a $1 million prize to the series champion as part of $3 million in prize money, series officials announced. Full story...

Vitantonio Liuzzi set the quickest time at practice this evening at the Losail International Circuit for the first ever Speedcar Series night event this weekend. He was followed very closely by Jean Alesi and Gianni Morbidelli. Full story...

Swedish tradition puts form over function. Scandinavians have indeed become masters in the art of drawing attractive shapes with sometimes questionable utility. That's exactly the impression I got from the 2009 Volvo XC90 R-Design. This big SUV, which used to be renowned for its comfort and solid feel on the road, has shifted to a sportier-looking mold. Full story...

Saab says their 9-3X is the 'smart all-rounder' for outdoor enthusiasts- and that said enthusiasts will get to see the new model next month. Wearing Saab's 'X' badge means a higher-than-average level of capability on all terrains and a focus on delivering the sort of all-weather, all-road confidence required of active families that play outside. Full story...

This week, Acura silenced a number of critics who question some of its cars. Often criticized for the lack of power in the TSX, Acura is now bestowing upon it an optional 3.5-litre, 280-hp V6 stemming from the TL. What's more, the SH-AWD version will inherit a manual transmission. Full story...