Auto News 5

The Mini Countryman, which makes its public debut at next month's Geneva motor show as the fourth model in the Mini line, will cost from EUR20,200 including 19% VAT (GBP17,529; $US27,525) when it goes on sale in Germany in September, BMW said on Monday. Full story...

The Mini Countryman, which makes its public debut at next month's Geneva motor show as the fourth model in the Mini line, will cost from EUR20,200 including 19% VAT (GBP17,529; $US27,525) when it goes on sale in Germany in September, BMW said on Monday. Its UK unit said its five-version range would cost GBP16,000-GBP20,810 when sales start on 18 September. Full story...

Sports car maker Porsche is making available roof space on its Sachsenheim central parts warehouse for solar electricity generation. Full story...

Tata Motors' group global sales almost doubled in January, growing 93% over year-ago levels to 85,714 units. This growth has taken fiscal year-to-date (April 2009-January 2010) sales to 681,480, up 13% year on year. Full story...

Automotive lubricants is big business for Shell and it's about a bit more than engine oil. David Pirret, Executive VP for Shell Lubricants, and Dr Richard Tucker, a technology specialist at Shell Lubricants, tell Dave Leggett how the business is faring globally and explain how lubricants play a vital role in improving mechanical efficiency Full story...

Compact Audi A3 rival to become first hybrid in class Full story...

Hi-tech new hybrid promises range of 746 miles and effective 202mpg fuel economy Full story...

SUVs meet up in head-to-head clash- £16k Countryman will undercut BMW by £7k Full story...

German truckmaker MAN has posted a wider than expected net loss of EUR258m (US$351m) for 2009 - due to a writedown on its stake in truckmaker Scania and fines after a bribery probe - on revenue down 20% to EUR12bn, although the group did book an operating profit of EUR504m, and warned growth was unlikely in 2010. Full story...

Updated version of BMW's V8 3-series gets hardcore competition pack and stop-start function

Full story...

Suzuki has said it remains committed to the US market despite steep declines in sales and was confident a new vehicle launch would help it regain traction there. Full story...

Bridgestone, Japan's largest tyre maker, has raised its annual profit estimate for 2009 by 25% to above market expectations, citing cost cuts. Full story...

Nissan has announced the purchase process for its Leaf electric car in the United States. Prospective purchasers already can register on the automaker's website, with 50,000 signed up to date, and they'll get first priority when the "reservation process" begins in April, soon after the EV's price is announced. Full story...

Tata Motors said its global vehicle sales for January nearly doubled to 85,714 units from a year earlier. Full story...

In the Spring of 2010 individuals will have the opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting franchises in the country...CODE ZEROTM. This program has been cited as a Thrill of a Lifetime by individuals of all ages. Full story...

A redeeming investor for the embattled new Campos Formula 1 team is reportedly set to be announced on Tuesday. Full story...

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is supporting the generation of renewable energy. The manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles is making a 40,000-square-meter area on the roof top of its central spare parts warehouse in Sachsenheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg) available to the firm Goldbeck Solar GmbH, Hirschberg an der Bergstrasse, in order to install and operate approximately 8,500 photovoltaic modules there. Full story...

The "5 by Peugeot" concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the Marque's future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment. Its pure and elegant lines blend with subtle technical detailing to create an overall effect of a timeless, exclusive and modern design. Full story...

Sometimes I see a manufacturer's newest offering and I feel they went too far in trying to be original (so many concepts resemble space vehicles!) Other times, I am unimpressed by how unoriginal it is. I think it is a growing concern for many auto enthusiasts-- what else can they do without repeating themselves or being utterly ridiculous? Full story...

In response to the horrific natural disaster that has crippled the nation of Haiti, Naomi Campbell together with Lotus Cars will be auctioning eight special edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evora sports cars, with the proceeds from the auction going to help the relief effort in Haiti. Full story...