Auto News 5

Incentive spending, rebates to customers and cash to dealers, is the magic elixir that lubricates the new-car marketplace. Customer rebates are well publicized, but dealer incentives, which are hidden from public view, are usually the larger and arguably more important. Auto companies do not publish their incentive spending figures, considering them closely guarded secrets, but outsiders can make an educated guess at the totals, which is exactly what the firm Autodata has done. We took a look at the incentive spending estimates for December 2009 to see which cars sell themselves and which need to be blasted out the showroom door with a fire hose full of money. Keep in mind that incentive spending can vary tremendously from month to month, so the December figures are only a snapshot, although a fascinating one.inline_mediumwraptextright27741829/features/news/1001_december_incentive_spending1001_01_z+2009_saab_9-5_sportCombi+rear_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

December auto sales provided some reason for hope going into 2010. The December total of 1,030,096 units sold was better than any other month in a grim 2009, save for August, which was fueled by the Cash-for-Clunkers program. December was also a considerable improvement over November - a 38% improvement, to be exact.inline_mediumwraptextright26530040/features/news/1001_2009_december_auto_sales_analysis1001_01_z+2009_subaru_forester_25XT+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

To showcase its ability to meld fuel economy and fun, Volkswagen unveiled its New Compact Coupe at the 2010 Detroit auto show. The New Compact Coupe features a hybrid drivetrain that allows it to get up to 45 mpg while maintaining a fun-to-drive nature.inline_mediumwraptextright31976001/features/news/1001_volkswagen_new_compact_coupevolkswagen-compact-coupe-with-dancers.jpgTrue

With GMC being one of GM's four core brands, GM is looking at expanding its lineup by offering smaller vehicles. The GMC Granite concept is the brand's smallest vehicle ever, but retains the functionality of a larger vehicle thanks to its "industrial-inspired" design.inline_mediumwraptextright27769336/features/news/1001_gmc_granite_concept1001_06_z+gMC_granite_concept+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Looking for a smaller Prius? Toyota officially announced the Prius sub-brand of vehicles (all powered by the Hybrid Synergy Drive system) will become a reality at the 2010 Detroit auto show. Toyota's FT CH concept will be smaller and cheaper than the current Prius if it reaches production. Though the FT CH is quite a bit smaller than the Prius, it is nearly as wide and has been designed to maximize interior volume.inline_mediumwraptextright31992180/green/news/1001_toyota_ft_ch_concept1001_03_z+toyota_fT-CH_concept+side_view.jpgTrue

Here are all the juicy details on the 2011 Honda CR-Z. we've seen this car several times in prototype and concept form, but now the real car is out and the reactions are very positive.inline_mediumwraptextright31981836/green/news/1001_2011_honda_cr_z_hybrid2011-honda-CR-z-rear-three-quarters-view.jpgTrue

For 2010, Hyundai refreshed its Santa Fe crossover. The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover received a new exterior and all new powertrains to go along with its new look.inline_mediumwraptextright31990959/features/news/1001_2010_hyundai_santa_fe1001_01_z+2010_hyundai_santa_fe+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Some four months after introducing the e-tron at the Frankfurt auto show, Audi is hinting at how it might expand its use of electric technology with a new concept: the e-tron.inline_mediumwraptextright31981713/green/news/1001_audi_etron_detroit_showcaraudi-e-tron-detroit-show-car-side.jpgTrue