Auto News 5

At a recent 'EV Battery Tech 2010' conference held in London, the proceedings looked beyond prospects for electric vehicles themselves to consider issues associated specifically with batteries. These included their technology, cost, ease of manufacturing, raw material supply and recycling. Ian Henry was there to report for just-auto. This is the first of a two-part article (part two to be published on Monday, May 24). Full story...

Hyundai has added a body parts stamping line to its factory in St Petersburg. Full story...

WITH VIDEO -- What is it? Full story...

Our spies capture the first three-door Astra Sport Coupe on test ahead of its 2011 debut.

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Opel/Vauxhall has reached an agreement with employee representatives on annual wage savings of 265 million euros ($329 million). The deal removes an important obstacle to Opel winning loan guarantees toward a 3. Full story...

Volvo could see sales revive more than the current plan for 390,000 units this year, CEO Stephen Odell said. Volvo's European sales have outpaced the market this year while U.S. sales have stabilized. Full story...

Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said the carmaker may undertake an initial public offering next year and he prefers that General Motors Co. goes first. "Probably 2011," Marchionne said when asked about the timing of a listing. Full story...

Toyota has found no evidence that its electronic throttle-control technology caused unintended acceleration of vehicles, the company's U.S. chief said. Full story...

Brilliance China Automotive, BMW's joint-venture partner in China, has hired an executive from its former European distributor to run a new company that it wants to oversee its comeback in the market. Full story...

Dealer groups suffered a temporary setback Thursday when the Senate approved a sweeping financial regulation bill that excluded an exemption for auto retailers from government oversight. Full story...

ART is not expecting a free ticket onto the 2011 grid, even though the French team's boss is the son of FIA president Jean Todt. Full story...

Another possible venue for a future United States grand prix has emerged. Full story...

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is joining forces with the City of Vancouver and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) to help communities prepare for the use of Electric Vehicles (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). Initially founded by the Rocky Mountain Institute and in partnership with the City of Vancouver, Project Get Ready Vancouver will see BCIT champion the development of a five-year plan of action aimed at making the City of Vancouver electric vehicle ready. Full story...

German car manufacturer Porsche is going "green" racing. Last weekend, Porsche raced a 911 GT3 R Hybrid in the grueling 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. The car came very close of winning the race, falling with engine problems with less than 60 minutes to go. Full story...

Mercedes is winning the race as the team with the fastest pit stops in 2010. Full story...

Since the beginning of the 2010 season, the F-duct of the Formula 1 cars is features in the headlines. How does it work? Full story...

Italian police have seized former Renault F1 Team director Flavio Briatore's exotic yacht. Full story...

The Mercedes AMG Driving Academy kicking off this month is featuring the highly anticipated Gran Turismo® 5 game exclusively for the PlayStation® 3 (PS3(tm)) system, enhancing the trackside experience for race enthusiasts driving several real 2011 SLS AMG supercars that are part of this year's vehicle line-up during AMG Driving Academy sessions. Full story...

Louisville, Kentucky -- Kentucky is every horseman's paradise. Hundreds of owners and jockeys make the annual trip to Louisville's Churchill Downs to take part in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. During the event, the backyards of the legendary horse track become a luxury SUV heaven, with most vehicles pulling trailers and other equipment. You wouldn't believe the number of Escalades, Expeditions, Navigators, Q7s, Tahoes and Cayennes on site. Full story...

DeltaWing of Indianapolis announced the initial results of its first full size model test in the wind tunnel in Concord, North Carolina. Full story...