Auto News 5

General Motors last night announced plans to be the first major US automaker to manufacture electric motors and said it would spend US$246m on electric motor and electric drive facilities in the US. Full story...

Toyota Motor group plans to sell 8.3m vehicles worldwide, up 6% on 2009, it announced today. Full story...

Mazda Motor has said it expects to sell 220,000 vehicles in China this year, up about 22% over the 2009 tally. Full story...

Genii Capital has withdrawn from from bidding for General Motors' Saab unit saying last night "that the timing of the bidding process for Saab is incompatible with implementing a solid business platform for the future." Full story...

Popular Mondeo-rivalling family car goes under the knife

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Nissan's Sunderland Plant has been recognised as the UK's largest car producer for the 12th year running. Full story...

Seven-seater MPV spied undergoing winter testing

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The Toyota Matrix has an identity problem. It still hasn't decided whether it wants to be a wagon or a small compact car. But in either case, it attracts a certain type of client, one that's looking for a little bit of comfort and a little bit of space. Full story...

A driver safety program should be offered in every organization. It enhances the organization's workplace safety measures and sends a strong message that safe driving is a key part of the corporate culture. Full story...

Ford Motor Company today announced it will produce the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV at the company's Chicago Assembly Plant beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. Full story...

A new facelift version of the popular Mazda6 will make its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March. This new, upgraded version enhances the strengths of its predecessor, retaining its fun-to-drive feeling and excellent fuel efficiency; while improving refinement, cabin ambience, environmental compatibility and safety performance. Full story...

GM will expand its in-house electric vehicle development capabilities by becoming the first major U.S. automaker to design and manufacture electric motors, a core technology for hybrids and electric vehicles. Full story...

The layout for the street course that will be presented in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the inaugural race of the 2010 IndyCar Series has been unveiled. Full story...

American Formula 1 team USF1 on Monday confirmed Jose Maria Lopez as its first driver for the 2010 season. Full story...

German driver Nick Heidfeld may also be able to count McLaren among his options to remain involved in formula one in 2010. Full story...

Daniel Ricciardo and Brendon Hartley were on Tuesday announced as Red Bull's joint reserve drivers for 2010. Full story...

Paul di Resta will be Force India's reserve driver in 2010 and even appear in Formula 1 official practice sessions. Full story...

Renault has reportedly signed Jerome d'Ambrosio and Ho-Pin Tung as joint reserve drivers for the 2010 season. Full story...

Chrysler Group LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), has reached a milestone in the Low-speed Vehicle (LSV) industry by selling more than 40,000 GEM battery-electric vehicles. Full story...

WASHINGTON, D.C.,-Electric vehicle manufacturer THINK today announced that it will work with AeroVironment, Inc., a leading developer and supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to pursue demonstration and commercial projects using AV's level III fast-charge system and the THINK City electric vehicle. The projects will be designed to jump-start the development of fast-charge infrastructure in the United States. Full story...