Auto News 5

Alfa Romeo is not for sale, Fiat Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said after a recent analyst report suggested the money-losing brand could be bought by Volkswagen. Alfa is undergoing a strategic review which could freeze new investments. Full story...

Alfa Romeo is not for sale, Fiat Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said after a recent analyst report suggested the money-losing brand could be bought by Volkswagen. Alfa is undergoing a strategic review which could freeze new investments. Full story...

French car parts maker Valeo SA raised its year-on-year sales growth forecast for the current quarter to 17 percent from a previous target of 6.8 percent, citing favorable market conditions. Full story...

European new passenger car sales rose nearly 27% in November as scrapping schemes encouraged drivers to trade in old models. In Western Europe sales rose 30.6 percent while in new European member states sales declined 16.7%. Full story...

European new-car sales rose nearly 27% in November as scrapping schemes encouraged drivers to trade in old models. In western Europe, sales rose 30.6 percent while in new European member states sales declined 16.7%. Full story...

Beijing Auto paid $197 million for the intellectual property rights and equipment to make Saab's 9-5 and to purchase some technology rights to the 9-3, a report said. Beijing Auto has acquired some Saab assets to develop its own-brand cars. Full story...

Porsche is almost halfway to its annual sales target for its new Panamera. "Sales of the Panamera have really taken off. We have already secured over 9,000 orders," Porsche CEO Michael Macht said. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. is not planning for a big gain in North American sales for 2010 but will likely boost production if business is better than expected, the company's chairman said. Full story...

Beijing Auto paid $197 million for the intellectual property rights and equipment to make Saab's 9-5 and to purchase some technology rights to the 9-3, a report said. Beijing Auto has acquired some Saab assets to develop its own-brand cars. Full story...

Beijing Auto paid $197 million for the intellectual property rights and equipment to make Saab's 9-5 and to purchase some technology rights to the 9-3, a report said. Beijing Auto has acquired some Saab assets to develop its own-brand cars. Full story...

Beijing Auto paid $197 million for the intellectual property rights and equipment to make Saab's 9-5 and to purchase some technology rights to the 9-3, a report said. Beijing Auto has acquired some Saab assets to develop its own-brand cars. Full story...

Fiat has no need to find an Asian partner, chairman Luca di Montezemolo said. Fiat's deal with Chrysler is also aimed at Eastern markets, he said, adding "we will go into China with the Jeep." Full story...

Hordes of Formula 1 fans were deeply disappointed to learn on Monday that the new Lotus F1 Team had not chosen former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve as one of their drivers for 2010. Full story...

FG Group, the company that currently works on setting up the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Rome, will launch a new GT series in 2010: the Superstars GT Sprint. Full story...

Richard Branson's Virgin Group has invested in the new Manor Formula 1 team, which will compete in the 2010 F1 World Championship. Full story...

Kepler Motors, founded by World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks, will unveil its groundbreaking MOTION supercar at this year's Dubai International Motor Show, December 16-20. Infusing state-of-the-art automotive engineering and applied science materials with the latest advanced technologies, the MOTION redefines the paradigms of the supercar with unprecedented performance, style, exclusivity, safety and efficiency. Full story...

Jenson Button insists he has time to forge a good relationship with Lewis Hamilton prior to the start of the 2010 season. Full story...

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the highlight of this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, is on display in a stunning gold paint finish at the Dubai International Motor Show. Full story...

United Kingdom-based Wirth Research has designed Formula 1's first ever car without a wind tunnel. The Cosworth-powered Virgin Racing VR-01 has been designed by 'greener' CFD process. Full story...

A new name, a new segment, a new car. Is there a more fascinating challenge for a car designer? Bold and surprising design was what the Audi team was aiming for in 2007 when it designed the A1 project quattro for the Tokyo Motor Show and again in 2008 for the A1 Sportback concept for the Paris Auto Show. Full story...