Auto News 5

Opel CEO Nick Reilly has promised his German dealers that the automaker will press ahead with the development of the minicar they have been wanting. Full story...

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. plans to build and sell a right-hand drive version of its newly unveiled Roewe 350 hatchback in England, said Chen Zhixing, executive vice president of SAIC. Full story...

When you talk to automotive executives about whether the German government should give financial aid to Opel, you run into unanimous opposition, unless you talk to a General Motors manager. Full story...

The 2010 edition of the Geneva show wrapped up midway through this past March, and one message was clear when all was said and done: hybrids and any variation on the theme is the here and now. It's gotten to the point where if you don't got one, you'll either get the orca-eye or the frown. Hell! Even Ferrari is on the bandwagon! If that don't say something about the trend, then I don't know my arse from my elbow. Full story...

Santa Clara, CA - The thousands of people who are already enjoying the convenience of the hundreds of different apps for their smart phones and other mobile devices - especially the iPhone and various BlackBerry models - can enhance their driving experience with topnotch apps from Beat the Traffic. Full story...

A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine is now the standard engine in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combination delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city - making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. Full story...

Detroit - The first of 500 retail 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition coupes will go to the highest bidder at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, Fla., on April 3. Full story...

By 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services. Full story...

Canadian and American race promoters have announced new classes for 2010. The Canadian series will feature V-Twins, while the AMA will focus on the XR1200 from Harley-Davidson. Full story...

According to reports, Graham Rahal could be back in action full-time with Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing for the upcoming Long Beach round of the IndyCar Series. Full story...

Karun Chandhok has denied claims the group behind next year's inaugural Indian grand prix is also funding his 2010 seat with the HRT team. Full story...

After the first of two days of a spoiler test at Charlotte Motor Speedway the consensus is that, other than a change in the appearance of the stock cars - moving away from the rear wing - don't expect big changes from how the cars race. Full story...

The source of many reliability problems encountered by F1's new teams so far in 2010 has been traced to their common supplier XTrac. Full story...

It is not right to describe Vitaly Petrov as simply a F1 "pay-driver", according to his manager Oksana Kossatschenko. Full story...

Ralf Schumacher will continue his DTM career in 2010, and will start his third season in the championship with Mercedes. Full story...

NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions is having its Map & Positioning Engine concept taken significantly closer to production by the development of a reference application in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors and the electronics and software specialist, Technolution. Full story...

The DTM organisers began discussions with american sportscar serie Grand Am for the future. Full story...

The organizers of the Dakar rally raid announced that the event would take place again in South America in 2011. Full story...

It emerged before the 2010 season opener that the McLaren driver will no longer be handled professionally by his father Anthony. Full story...

In a move that will have a positive impact on his racing in Canada, Harley-Davidson stalwart racer Darren James just announced that he will participate in non-clashing races of the inaugural Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Trophy race series, as part of the 2010 British Superbike Championship. Full story...