Auto News 5

BMW is accelerating a shift to battery-powered vehicles, developing lightweight carbon parts and slashing spending as it guards against a wave of consolidation in the auto industry. Full story...

General Motors Co.'s OnStar telematics unit is bringing Google mobile navigation technology into the car. Full story...

Seeking to broaden its customer base and add momentum to U.S. sales gains, Chrysler Group on Monday told dealers that it has reached an agreement with Santander Bank to offer financing to customers who don't qualify for prime loans. Full story...

U.S. regulators have opened a formal investigation of 900,000 Ford Windstar minivans following 234 complaints of rear axles fracturing in 1999-2003 models, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Full story...

VW returned to its traditional place as the top-selling brand in the European Union in April after being overtaken by Ford for just one month. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. will build the company's first hybrid models for European customers in Spain. Full story...

Germany's VDIK foreign carmaker association opposes new rules that will require dealers to disclose new cars' energy efficiency. Full story...

Veteran Mazda engineer Hiroyuki Matsumoto is the new head of the carmaker's European randd center. Full story...

Stefano Domenicali has raised the possibility that the ban on spare cars may be overturned. Full story...

Colin Kolles has confirmed reports that Bernie Ecclestone is helping the struggling HRT team with its plans for the future. Full story...

Damon Hill is no longer sure former drivers should be acting as full FIA stewards at grands prix. Full story...

I had fun reading my colleague Rob Rothwell's blog about the many different cars he used to own (or dreamed of owning) until I realized that I went through a fair share of automobiles myself, including a few memorable and controversial ones. To tell you the truth, some of my personal four-wheel possessions would have anybody seriously doubting my judgment and knowledge as an auto journalist. However, I fully embraced them as most if not all of them were justified (or justifiable) in my mind. Full story...

If there was a throwback Firecracker 400 JR Motorsports would be the instigator. Full story...

Formula 1 team Mercedes has decided not to appeal the decision of penalizing Michael Schumacher for powering ahead of Fernando Alonso in the last corner of the Grand Prix of Monaco moments after the Safety Car entered the pit lane. Full story...

The Citroen World Rally Team tested again their DS3 rally car, which is expected to be Citroen's next WRC challenger from 2011. Full story...

Formula 1's medias and pundits are divided over Michael Schumacher's last-corner overtaking move on Fernando Alonso in the streets of Monaco. Full story...

Warm-weather family travels are fast approaching-- as are costly admission fees to amusement parks, expensive campsite rentals, and ridiculously overpriced last-minute travel supplies at the gas-stations along the way. Full story...

The MINI Countryman takes the hallmark driving fun of the brand into a new dimension. This is the first MINI to come with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a versatile interior offering space for up to five people. Full story...

Brian Vickers, who was pulled from Red Bull Racing's No. 83 Toyota last weekend at Dover International Speedway, is on the initial entry list for this weekend's All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Full story...

London has long been famous for its retro-style taxi cabs and bright red double-decker buses. The urban landscape will slightly change with the arrival of new ultra-modern buses in 2012. And red will turn into green! Full story...