Auto News 5

Hällered, a fenced-in 7 million m² area an hour away from Gothenburg, Sweden, is Volvo Cars main testing facility. The track stretches 26 km, consisting of 15 different test tracks designed to simulate every type of road surface and weather condition a car can be subjected to during its long life time, including a fully-equipped public highway within the area. The tests are carefully planned and computer monitored. Full story...

TOKYO, Japan -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will host the world premiere of the North American version of its i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from Wednesday, November 17 to Sunday November 28 (open to the general public from Friday, November 19). In addition, the Outlander Sport compact CUV (RVR in Japan, ASX in Europe), which is to go on sale in the North American market from the end of this year, as well as other core vehicles for the North American market are planned for display at the LAAS. Full story...

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., manufacturer of the world's most exclusive super sports cars, has launched a brand new e-commerce site, http://www.lamborghinistore.com. This is the only website where customers and enthusiasts can purchase official Automobili Lamborghini brand merchandise from Collezione Automobili Lamborghini. Full story...

Dodge has released a photo of its new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car, which will tackle the circuits next season. Full story...

Here is a teaser of the documentary about the rally life of former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen due to be released in 2011. Full story...

Adrian Newey has revealed he has no immediate plans to step down as the designer of Red Bull's F1 cars. Full story...

Russian investors are reportedly looking to buy into the new F1 team Virgin. Full story...

As he prepares to commit for another year to world rallying, Kimi Raikkonen insists he does not regret his decision to leave formula one. Full story...

Robert Kubica could be about to find himself free of his Renault contract, while Mike Gascoyne questions Group Lotus' F1 strategy. Full story...

I have to be honest; I was a little disappointed to find a V6 beneath the power-dome hood of my Mustang Convertible tester. That "downer" soon turned to elation after dropping the top and releasing the clutch. Ford's onto something here--something exhilarating. Full story...

Chrysler has laid the 'groundwork for a successful transformation, CEO Sergio Marchionne said today. Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, addressed workers in a message obtained by Bloomberg on the day the U.S. Full story...

Former President George W. Bush is defending his $17.4 billion bailout of the U.S. auto industry in his memoir, Decision Points. Full story...

WITH VIDEO -- Nissan Canada is reaching out to the video-gamer crowd to tout its Juke small crossover. The company is running a series of video episodes on YouTube with the common theme of "Urban Legend." Full story...

One of the most talked-about concepts at April's Beijing auto show is headed to production, beginning in 2012. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake will be assembled at the automaker's plant in Sindelfingen, Germany. Full story...

UPDATED -- General Motors Co. is dropping the GM Goodwrench car mechanic brand in the United States as the company moves to redirect the marketing emphasis around its four core vehicle brands, the company announced. Full story...

UPDATED -- General Motors Co. is dropping the GM Goodwrench car mechanic brand in the United States as the company moves to redirect the marketing emphasis around its four core vehicle brands, the company announced. Full story...

General Motors Co. is dropping the GM Goodwrench car service brand in the United States as the company moves to redirect the marketing emphasis around its four core vehicle brands, sources say. Full story...

Chrysler and Fiat are exploring additional models, including Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, derived from the new Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said Monday. Full story...

Jarmo Mahonen will be the next president of the FIA's World Rally Championship Commission, FIA president Jean Todt announced on Nov. 5. Full story...

General Motors Co. is dropping the GM Goodwrench car mechanic brand in the United States as the company moves to redirect the marketing emphasis around its four core vehicle brands, the company announced. Full story...