Auto News 5

Thai vehicle sales increased by 35.2% to 72,012 units in October, compared with 53,271 units a year earlier, according to data gathered by Toyota Motor (Thailand). This brings the cumulative total for the year to 628,371 units - almost 50% higher than last year. Full story...

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Saab Automobile AB plans to begin distribution to China some time in 2011. A deal is expected to be signed by year end, CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said last week. Full story...

Renault said it's seeking an early-retirement agreement with unions in response to declining domestic production. Full story...

With a car like the original Mazda Miata in his portfolio, a designer might be content to ride off into a sunset of academia and speaking gigs. Not Tom Matano. He's giving it one more shot. Full story...

As Ralph Gilles introduced six vehicles to reporters at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, he talked so fast that his words tumbled over each other. The Dodge brand CEO had just 20 press-conference minutes to introduce six cars. Full story...

Italy is backing a plan by luxury carmaker De Tomaso to take over the Termini Imerese plant that Fiat will close next year, Italy's Minister for Economic Development Paolo Romani said. Full story...

Belgian dealer group D'Ieteren raised its 2010 profit forecast after its third quarter was boosted by strong sales of new cars in Belgium and a steady return of business customers to its rental business. Full story...

GM said it may enter the World Rally Championship for the first time in more than 20 years to bolster the image and selling prices of European brands Opel and Vauxhall. Full story...

To mark the presentation of the stunning C-X75 at the Los Angeles Motor Show, Jaguar has launched an all-new iPad app that, like the supercar, celebrates three-quarters of a century of beautiful, fast cars. Full story...

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - CODA Automotive, a California-based electric car and battery company, and The Hertz Corporation, the world's largest general use airport car rental brand, entered into a partnership making 100% all-electric CODA Sedans available at select Southern California Hertz locations. Full story...

SONOMA, California - At first glance, the 2011 Challenger standing on the tarmac of Infineon Raceway, appears little changed from the previous model. Full story...

Have you ever thought about making our roads more exciting by changing the look of traffic lights? Probably not, but designer Thanva Tivawong did! I have to admit that they might not be useful for color-blind people, and that we will probably never see them on the road, but they look really good! Full story...

It's not often, at least here in the cold desolate North, that we get to see a grouping of cars such as those found in this evaluation. In fact, so rare and expensive are some of these cars that this was the first time that I had actually gotten the opportunity to sit in one, let alone drive it. Full story...

This is the official video of new NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana's rally hillclimb up Mt. Washington, New Hampshire in a 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car. Full story...

Toyota is to undertake European road trials of an electric-powered version of its iQ city car from next year. It announced the study this week in a progress report on its product and technology strategies to use electricity and alternative power sources to develop low carbon vehicles that are less dependant on fossil fuels. Full story...

The signs have begun to appear: NHL hockey on the TV, leaves on the ground and a chill in the air -- Old Man Winter is just around the corner, and he's ready to deal us a side order of stress along with the usual serving of snow and ice. According to a new poll sponsored by Goodyear Canada, despite our reputation as winter warriors, nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent) Canadians admit that they find driving in snowy, icy conditions stressful. The poll also reveals that more than half of us (51 per cent) avoid driving in bad weather altogether, causing us to miss a range of professional and personal obligations every winter. Full story...

It appears that Graham Rahal is close to signing a deal with Chip Ganassi that would see the young American driver be part of a second Ganassi team during the 2011 IndyCar season. Full story...

Winter is at our doorsteps, cold winds are blowing and the first snowfalls are just waiting to bury our roads and driveways, and preparing your car for difficult driving conditions is essential. Because mishaps can happen to anyone, keeping a few tools handy and checking some key elements before taking the wheel can save you a lot of hassle, and even your life in more extreme conditions. So here's a short list of essential equipment as well as inspection tips that will help you survive our harsh Canadian winters. Full story...

At the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals held in Italy this past weekend, Team Canada won two of the four world titles! Full story...