Auto News 5

Peugeot presented the Chinese crowd with a full-size model of the RD Concept, the winning project of the automaker's 5th design competition. Based on the theme "Imagine the Peugeot of the Worldwide Megalopolis of Tomorrow," the contest was a smashing success, with over 2,500 projects submitted by participants from 95 countries. Full story...

Chrysler invented the minivan 25 years ago. More than 12 million minivan sales later, Chrysler today showed off four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as part of the USPS Earth Day celebration. Full story...

Green is in, and not the color, literally speaking. Fuel economy, clean emissions and extended range are touted more and more frequently around the new-car marketplace. Atmospheric friendliness and ecological responsibility may soon become must-have attributes, and growing circles brag more about consumption figures than horsepower and torque. Full story...

Following a post-race incident in Phoenix last weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Casey Mears have been placed on probation by NASCAR. Full story...

Near closing-down is apparently not enough to restrain General Motors for participating to Sports Car Championships. Full story...

Like Tony Kanaan did in Long Beach a week ago, Panther Racing's Dan Wheldon will take part in his 100th IndyCar Series race when he'll go out on the track at the Kansas Speedway this coming Sunday. Full story...

British racing car company Lola has announced it is contemplating a formula one foray for 2010. Full story...

On April 20th 2009, the opening day of the Auto Shanghai 2009, Volkswagen along with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen, unveiled a new locally produced car, the Passat New Lingyu, in a large booth illustrating the essence of Volkswagen's brand claim "Das Auto". Full story...

According to four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost, France's only formula one driver Sébastien Bourdais is "too negative". Full story...

Ingolstadt/Wolfsburg/Martorell - A production site for the Audi Q3 was chosen today: the SEAT site in Martorell, Spain. Manufacture will begin in2011 with an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units. The total investment will amount to around E300 million. Full story...

With its win in the large sedans category of the German readers' poll "Classics of the Future 2009," the Mercedes-Benz CLS underlines just what a positive impact it has on the Mercedes brand image, as perceived by classic car fans. Full story...

Look closely, and you might notice the BMW 3-Series has quietly gained a smidge of additional energy and sophistication for 2009. New lights brighten up its revised face, a wider track sets off the backside, and some new sculpting encourages light and reflections to play off the body. It's all done with respect to the discreet styling that 3-Series owners have grown to love. Full story...

Norbert Haug has admitted that the future of Mercedes-Benz engagement in Formula 1 is constantly under review. Full story...

The Scuderia Ferrari's fortunes may rise again "if and when" Fernando Alonso joins the famous Italian team. Full story...

If Formula 1 team McLaren is not in a position to win grands prix this season that is not the fault of engine and equity partner Mercedes-Benz. Full story...

After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM), the carmaker has embraced the theme of "mobile living" in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel. The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene. Full story...

The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the nation's largest energy-research center, is partnering with Nissan in Tennessee to promote the development of zero-emission vehicles and a complementary charging infrastructure. This expands the scope of an existing partnership between Nissan and the State of Tennessee, which also includes the Tennessee Valley Authority. Full story...

Maserati North America Inc. said CEO Marti Eulberg has resigned after less than a year with the company. Her interim replacement will be Raffaele Fusilli, Maserati's global commercial director. Full story...

Maserati North America Inc. said CEO Marti Eulberg has resigned "to pursue other opportunities." The interim replacement will be Raffaele Fusilli, Maserati's global commercial director. Full story...

For Audi to build vehicles in North America, it would need higher volume and a local supplier network, says Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. Full story...