Auto News 5

Ford Motor Co. is pressing the German government for an extension of the incentive for scrapping older cars. Full story...

The Canadian unit of Ford Motor Co. proposed on Monday that Ottawa provide a C$3,500 ($2,700) incentive to consumers who buy a new vehicle in 2009, as a way to counter a sharp decline in auto sales. Full story...

Emissions and ride-control supplier Tenneco Inc. said the amount of new business won from Japanese automakers last year was $65 million, compared with $200 million in 2007. Full story...

Volkswagen of America, Inc. helped Mattel celebrate Barbie® doll's 50th Birthday by transforming a New Beetle convertible into the ultimate Barbie® dream car. The life-size pink Malibu Barbie(tm) New Beetle convertible made its debut at Barbie® doll's Malibu Dream House® exclusive birthday celebration. Customization artists ABD Racing Werks, Katzkin Leather and Interiors and FoamMolders fully transformed the iconic New Beetle convertible into the perfect Barbie® ride. Full story...

CAW leadership representing production and skilled trades workers at General Motors in Canada unanimously endorsed the CAW-GM tentative restructuring agreement at a meeting today in Toronto. Full story...

The new 2010 Volvo XC60 boasts the highest base price among the dozen premium compact SUVs currently available in Canada. It's nearly $5,000 more expensive than the runner-up -- the Infiniti EX35. Full story...

Audi AG has developed a "second" generation diesel racing sports car and aims to win the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-new Audi R15 TDI. Full story...

Simon Pagenaud makes his Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring debut (21 March) racing for de Ferran Motorsports. The 24-year-old Frenchman joins Team Principal Gil de Ferran and reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar champion Scott Dixon in the new No.66 XM Radio de Ferran Motorsports Acura ARX-02a. Full story...

New Formula 1 team owner Ross Brawn insists Jenson Button's sterling pace at the wheel of the new Brawn GP BGP001 on Monday was genuine. Full story...

Brendon Hartley, a 19-year-old New Zealander, will be reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso Formula 1 teams in 2009. Full story...

Audi AG has developed a "second" generation diesel racing sports car and aims to win the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-new Audi R15 TDI. Full story...

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV is the off-road electric utility vehicle recently announced from Chrysler. Although the Wrangler Unlimited EV is only fitted with rear-wheel-drive, Chrysler has announced that the electric-drive technology can be applied to all four wheels. Full story...

During an interview held in Tuesday in the paddock of the Barcelona circuit, Ross Brawn insisted Nick Fry retains his role as chief executive at the team formerly known as Honda. Full story...

The countdown continues in preparation for the 2009 World Car Awards winners' press conference at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Announcing the annual World Car of the Year awards at the New York show is a fitting finale to the international auto show season that begins each fall with either the Paris or Frankfurt motor shows. Full story...

Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari set the fastest time the second day of testing at the Barcelona circuit in preparation for the opening round of the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship. Full story...

During an interview held in Tuesday in the paddock of the Barcelona circuit, Ross Brawn insisted Nick Fry retains his role as chief executive at the team formerly known as Honda. Full story...

Jeff Gordon is now leading the NASCAR Sprint Cup series and the four-time title holder believes that his team has finally been able to overcome the past difficulties they had with the new car. Full story...

The IndyCar series Governing Body has decided to allow Rookies and drivers outside the top ten in the championship to take part in an additional practice session at most events this year. Full story...

Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari set the fastest time the second day of testing at the Barcelona circuit in preparation for the opening round of the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship. Full story...

ORECA's Courage-AIM LMP1 endurance prototype set the best performance overall after second day of Le Mans Series official practice session at Paul Ricard. Full story...