Auto News 5

After a flying start in 2009, Smart sales are crashing in the United States. But there's hope for the European microcar brand. Full story...

Spyker Cars inherited an extensive product plan when it acquired Saab from General Motors in February. The redesigned 2010 9-5 sedan went on sale last month. Production of the 9-4X, Saab's first crossover, will begin in April. Full story...

This year's launch of the Ghost -- the long-awaited "baby Rolls" -- is expected to boost Rolls-Royce production to about 2,000 cars in 2010 from 1,200 last year. Now watch for plans by BMW AG's superluxury brand to bring out Ghost derivatives. Full story...

Magna International Inc. shareholders who opposed ending the dual-class share structure of Canada's largest auto-parts maker lost a court appeal of the decision. Full story...

Ford's sale of Volvo to Geely this month leaves doubt about the Swedish company's product plans. For example, all of Volvo's current range except the 9-year-old XC90 crossover makes use of Ford vehicles and components. Full story...

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a wave of small luxury vehicles in the United States. An all-new C-class coupe will debut next year, followed by three derivatives of the front-wheel-drive B class in 2012 and 2013. Full story...

BMW plans to expand Mini's product range in the United States in an effort to boost sales and keep dealers profitable as the brand's U.S. network expands to 120 stores, from 86. Full story...

BMW plans to expand Mini's product range in an effort to boost sales and keep dealers profitable as the brand's U.S. network expands to 120 stores, from 86. After flying high for several years with record sales, Mini has stalled in 2010. Full story...

This year's launch of the Ghost -- the long-awaited "baby Rolls" -- is expected to boost Rolls-Royce production to about 2,000 cars in 2010 from 1,200 last year. Now watch for plans by BMW AG's superluxury brand to bring out Ghost derivatives. Full story...

A new power player is set to join the Los Angeles scene on November 18th as the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The M Hybrid, based on the popular Infiniti M sedan, promises V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy - without compromising driving excitement or trunk space. It will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2011. Full story...

Formula 1 rookie driver Lucas di Grassi has bought into the GP3 arm of the Spanish GP2 outfit Addax. Full story...

INRIX(R), a leading provider of traffic information and driver services, announced the immediate ability for millions of consumers to save time and reduce frustration driving throughout Europe with the launch of a free app, INRIX Traffic!, for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Full story...

A new supercar is reportedly being built right now... in Canada! We're not talking about the Plethore but rather a different machine which Britain's CAR magazine unveiled today - as a 1:4 scale model. Full story...

Chrysler Canada will offer a new method of financing the purchase of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicles. Called 'Customer Choice Financing', this program allows consumers to purchase a new vehicle with low monthly payments and have the option to return the it at the end of the predetermined time period. Full story...

The flexible cars controversy slowed down the previously dominant Red Bull team at Spa-Francorchamps, according to Jenson Button. Full story...

Crewe, England Bentley will reveal its new and compelling vision of the Continental GT next month with a unique internet reveal. The studio lights are switched-on and the cameras will start rolling at 1500 British Summer Time on Tuesday 7 September. Full story...

Discussions about a pre-race test in Bahrain immediately before the 2011 season took place at Spa-Francorchamps. Full story...

Automakers are like pop singers. Sometimes, they produce hits (think Mazda Miata or Ford Escape, two vehicles that enjoy steady popularity year after year); other times, they fail miserably (think Suzuki X-90, Subaru Tribeca or Chevrolet HHR, a trio that simply missed the mark and now lives in oblivion). Full story...

Former three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda of Austria has officially clarified his viewpoint on team orders in Formula 1 following the Fernando Alonso-Felipe Massa swap for positions during the recent Grand Prix of Germany. Full story...

"Innovation For All" comes to life November 17th when Nissan rolls out four major product introductions - including three world debuts - at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Leading the way will be the dramatic Nissan Ellure concept, which adds a new dimension to traditional sedan design - a dimension named innovation. The show also marks the return of the Nissan Quest minivan, with its innovative styling and functionality. Full story...