Auto News 5

The next natural extension of Ford's hybrid strategy is being revealed on Wednesday at the New York auto show with the unveiling of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid. Full story...

PSA plans to double its production capacity in Brazil and invest 580 million euros (about $780 million) by 2012 to boost production in South America's largest market. Full story...

Daihatsu said on Wednesday it would recall 114,358 vehicles in Japan due to a problem with a bolt holding the steering shaft and gear box. The automaker said the recall covers 80,884 units of the Tanto and 33,474 units of the Move model. Full story...

Suzuki has scrapped plans to offer hybrid and V-6 engine versions of its new Kizashi sedan. That's because those versions were meant to use technology borrowed from General Motors, which sold its 20 percent stake in Suzuki in 2008. Full story...

Two leading U.S. economists predicted a return to more normal economic conditions by the end of 2010. As a result, they forecast U.S. light-vehicle sales will reach 14 million units in 2011 and grow to old levels of 17 million and above by middecade. Full story...

Britain's vehicle scrappage scheme ended on Wednesday after contributing to a fifth of new car registrations since its launch. The initiative has helped 400,000 customers since it was introduced in the budget last April, the government said. Full story...

No Chinese company has succeeded in reviving a business acquired overseas. It's almost a curse for Chinese companies venturing to go global. With Volvo, Geely has a chance to break the record. Full story...

Lincoln is giving MKZ customers what they want: a hybrid. Sales of the 2011 MKZ, Lincoln's first hybrid, begin this fall. The car made its debut today at the New York auto show. Full story...

Nissan's new Juke and#8220;sport crossand#8221; may be the brand's smallest new entry. But not entirely, especially when it comes to engine revs. The car is scheduled to reach U.S. Full story...

The evolution of the Cayenne continues. From its controversial beginnings in 2002, the Cayenne has quickly become the performance-luxury SUV to be seen in. The second generation hot pepper is not only more powerful and faster than ever, it's actually greener, thanks to the availability of diesel and, finally, hybrid alternatives. The increasingly organic bodylines convey poise and prestige and really make the first generation truck look old... Full story...

Loosing 208 kg (460 lb) is no easy task for anyone but Volkswagen managed to get their behemoth in the gym. What we also got as the weight dropped was a few new cleaner and yes, more powerful engine choices. Like the Cayenne, the words hybrid and diesel can now be used in the same sentence. In true Volkswagen fashion, the new family face, first introduced on the MKVI Golf, adorns the Touareg however the remainder looks very familiar. Full story...

We can almost see all the spinoffs now: Countryman Hillbillies Edition, Deep South Countryman, Countryman P (for Pilgrims...). OK, sorry, a little of topic there... We gather by the interest and buzz surrounding the 4-door and AWD Mini Countryman that it will be a hot seller for BMW's premium small car make. The only problem we can find is that it should have been launched 3 or 4 years ago. Full story...

Boston, MA - Rapier Automotive is betting that its new supercar will capture the very essence of the thin, light, fast, and well-balanced thrusting swords that were made infamous by the sport of Fencing and that also carry its name. Based out of Boston, Massachusetts, Rapier Automotive has been methodically preparing its mid-engine supercar for the past five years and is now taking orders. Full story...

They've been teasing us for a while now, but we finally have more information on the Canadian version of the Mazda2 subcompact. Full story...

New York - At the New York Auto Show, Chevrolet reveals the compact 2011 Cruze Eco. This high-efficiency model is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing that achieves an estimated 40 mpg on the highway when combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Cruze Eco is expected to deliver the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while offering midsize car presence. Full story...

Bentley Motors is showcasing its fastest, most potent drop-top ever - the new 2011 Continental Supersports Convertible - during the New York Motor Show beginning this week. The newest addition to the Continental model range features a 621-horsepower, twin-turbocharged W12 engine that is capable of running on both gasoline and E85 bioethanol, making it both powerful and environmentally conscious. Full story...

Fresh from its World Debut in Geneva, Volvo's anticipated S60 finally breaks cover in the New World. Sleeker and sexier than ever, the new car should garner at least as much attention as did the 850 back in 1993, essentially announcing a revival at Volvo design. One way or another, this next generation Swede's got lots going for it including a 304 hp turbocharged 3.0L I-6. If Volvo plays their cards right, this may be the car to help them regain some lost ground. Full story...

New York - At its press conference at the New York International Auto Show, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced it plans to launch its all-new SKY Concept* powertrains into the U.S. market, beginning as early as 2011. Full story...

Visually influenced by the Fuse Sports Coupe Concept which was unveiled at the 2009 Montreal Auto Show, the new tC carries the 2.5 litre I4 engine producing 180hp from the Camry SE. Some of its concept-inspired features are the similar rear quarter-panel window line and xB-style blacked-out A-pillars. The new tC still maintains the all-glass roof, roomy interior, hatchback design and orange-coloured dash instruments. Full story...

At the New York Auto Show today, Hyundai unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, changing the game in hybrids with unique approaches in hybrid powertrain design, battery technology and vehicle appearance. The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai's first hybrid in the U.S. market. Full story...