Auto News 5

Mahindra, India's largest SUV maker, will pay 427.1 billion won ($378 million) for a controlling stake in South Korea's Ssangyong, the companies said Tuesday. Full story...

There are no official images of it yet but the new Volkswagen Beetle has already been sanctified by one of the most influential marketers on the planet - Oprah Winfrey. Full story...

BMW and Mercedes will shorten Christmas breaks at their factories because of surging demand for new models. BMW's German plants in Dingolfing and Leipzig will stay open over the holidays after halting output for about three weeks in 2009. Full story...

Audi has big plans for its electric vehicle business. Full story...

U.S. regulators have rated the electric Leaf from Nissan Motor Co. at an equivalent of 99 miles per gallon (about 2.7 liters per 100km) in combined city and highway driving, the Japanese automaker said. Full story...

Alain Prost has admitted he is frustrated that moves to revive a French grand prix have so far not succeeded. Full story...

According to Jalopnik, and to quote them, the Audi Quattro is a Go for production. We were in Paris last September where Audi unveiled the modern rendition of the historical high-performance classic that, for many, put Audi on the map. Full story...

Pirelli has confirmed it will try to contribute to the F1 'show' next year but warned it must also be seen as a competent tyre maker. Full story...

The Italian press has leapt to the defence of Fernando Alonso, following media reports that he has so far refused to congratulate F1's new world champion Sebastian Vettel. Full story...

Mazda Canada today announced that the 2012 Mazda5 compact multi-activity vehicle will have a starting manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $21,795. The 2012 Mazda5 will go on sale in Canada early in January 2011. Full story...

The ongoing drama of the survival of Richard Petty Motorsports has an optimistic note thanks to a short statement released in the seven-time NASCAR champion's name. Full story...

There's a newcomer to the RS family. Audi announced the introduction of its all-new RS 3 Sportback in a press release today. Full story...

Mercedes chief Norbert Haug played down the Hulkenberg rumours. Full story...

Organisers of the European Formula 1 Grand Prix at Valencia are desperately trying to offload the race contract to an alternate host. Full story...

According to an article published in the Edmonton Journal, the Edmonton race could return on the 2011 IndyCar series' schedule. Full story...

Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung has moved one stop closer to a full-time ride in the IZOD IndyCar series following an extensive, two-day test at Sebring International Raceway with the FAZZT Racing Team. Full story...

According to an article published in the Edmonton Journal, the Edmonton race could return on the 2011 IndyCar series' schedule. Full story...

The next instalment in my Audi Electrification adventure landed me in a Q5 Hybrid. We all know that compact crossovers are the "in" segment at the moment. Mix in luxury, and your vehicle is a sure-fire winner. Throw in "hybrid" and you're now dabbling in a backyard that has seen only one player for the last few years, the Lexus RX. Well-established and highly-regarded, the RX is no pushover and nor does Audi intend on aiming straight at it. Full story...

Nissan's electric Leaf sedan will display a fuel economy rating of 99 mpg when it goes on sale next month, even though the car uses no and#8220;gallonsand#8221; and, indeed, no fuel in the traditional sense. Full story...

Nissan's electric Leaf sedan will display a fuel economy rating of 99 mpg when it goes on sale next month, even though the car uses no and#8220;gallonsand#8221; and, indeed, no fuel in the traditional sense. Full story...