Auto News 5

Volkswagen sales in China hit a record 1.4m vehicles in 2009 - up almost 37% over the previous year - in what has now become its most important market. Full story...

Ford's F-series truck line was again the best-selling single vehicle model line in the US last year, with sales of 413,625 units. Next best was Toyota's Camry with 356,824 sales. Full story...

Continental AG is to raise just over EUR1 bn (USD1.44 bn) in fresh equity from a rights issue in a bid to boost its balance sheet. Full story...

Saab's future remains up in the air so far on Thursday with GM talking of starting factory closures while there are reports of new or renewed bids. Full story...

Ford Motor China has released further details of its 2009 performance which saw record sales up 44% to 441,000. Full story...

All-new small crossover, inspired by the Qazana concept, is named and revealed in teaser image

Full story...

Nissan has named its new small UK-built crossover Juke ahead of its Geneva show debut in March and October arrival in showrooms. Full story...

The Golf is a gifted little car. In Europe, its trophy case is pretty full, while in Canada, the TDI edition racked up a couple of honourable mentions such as AJAC's Best New Family Car under $30K and Auto123.com's 2010 Green Vehicle of the Year. Full story...

I'm sad. Are you sad? Just a little? Not at all? In fact, I'm nearly upset about the loss or potential loss of Sweden's other manufacturer, the other-other one being Volvo of course. Full story...

Dearborn, Michigan -- When the "mouse" arrived the PC became infinitely better to use and enjoy. Derek Kuzuk, V-P, Global Product Design, Ford, instructed his troops to create the "mouse" for the vehicle, so drivers could more easily use and enjoy those increasingly amazing but also increasingly complex entertainment, information, climate and navigation systems. Full story...

F1's governing body is reportedly considering a fresh attempt to sanction Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, after the crashgate conspirators this week won their French legal action. Full story...

With hard work, and some help from the Roush Merger with RPM, Greg Biffle is charged up and ready to hit the track this year. Full story...

Robert Kubica's teammate at Renault in 2010 is not likely to be a Frenchman, Eric Boullier has admitted. Full story...

The new FAZZT IRL team race team, the creation of IRL driver Alexandre Tagliani, Montreal businessman André Azzi and IRL veteran Jim Freudenberg tested one car at Miami-Homestead in Florida. Full story...

DETROIT - With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Full story...

Got a hankering for good news? Want to look forward to a positive 2010? Well, we've got some good news indeed. As we all know, the auto market is very indicative of the state of our economy. If an industry average of +17,8% in growth is not a reason to put a smile on our faces then we don't know what to tell y'all! Full story...

Front Row Motorsports announced a switch to Ford Fusions and named Travis Kvapil and rookie Kevin Conway to its expanded two-car team. Full story...

American rally star Ken Block will compete in the World Rally Championship in 2010 and 2011 as part of the newly formed 'Monster World Rally Team', backed by the American energy drink company and Ford. Full story...

Auto123.com called Canadian race car driver Jacques Villeneuve to get an update on his quest to return in Formula 1 racing in 2010. Full story...

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle today to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources. Full story...