Auto News 5

GM's Chevrolet brand lost a little something in Russia last month. About 5,000 unit sales. And a crown. After three consecutive years as the No. 1 foreign brand in Russia, Chevrolet fell to third place in January behind Kia and Renault. Full story...

Fiat, Toyota and Ford were hit hard by a 10th straight monthly decline in European car sales as consumers cut spending following the end of government incentives. Registrations in the region fell 1.1 percent to 1.07 million vehicles in January. Full story...

Ford may build a new car plant in northern China after its three-way China car venture splits into two separate entities, a Chinese newspaper reported today. Full story...

The Renault-Nissan alliance is on track to produce 250,000 Leaf electric cars by early 2013 -- enough volume to satisfy likely demand in Asia, North America and Europe, a top Nissan executive says. Full story...

Lancia has released pictures of a new Ypsilon subcompact and four Chrysler-based vehicles it plans to debut at the Geneva auto show next month. Full story...

To keep pace with its planned model expansion and sales targets, Porsche will add more than 1,000 employees by 2015. About 500 jobs will be added for production of Porsche's new compact SUV, code-named the Cajun. Full story...

Kia has set its sights on becoming Europe's 10th-largest mainstream brand by 2013. To get there, the company will have to leapfrog its parent, Hyundai, as well as Volkswagen's Skoda brand and Renault's Dacia. Full story...

The Italian manufacturer announces the compound allocations of their tyres for the first four rounds of the 2011 season. Full story...

Following an exceptionally high level of performance demonstrated by all participants in the Selection Event, 12 drivers have been chosen for the first FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy. Full story...

Last week we learned that De Tomaso was making its automotive comeback with the SLC concept to be presented at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Full story...

New world champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted he is no supporter of F1's mandatory adjustable rear wings in 2011. Full story...

F1's owner has launched an investigation into the takeover of the sport five years ago. Full story...

Continuing its commitment to fuel economy, Hyundai launched the third-generation Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) at the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011 conference in Washington, DC. Full story...

A BMW dealer in Ajax, Ontario, has decided to offer die-hard bimmer fans their dream job and is looking for the best blogger out there. Full story...

As scheduled, Lotus Renault GP driver Robert Kubica was back in surgery today Wednesday as doctors at Santa Corona Hospital in Italy treated the complex fracture to his elbow. Full story...

Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand and Chrysler Group's chief designer, confirmed at the Chicago Auto Show that Dodge vehicles eventually will abandon the split cross-hair grille now that Ram is a separate brand. Full story...

Year after year, the Geneva Motor Show is one of the stops on the auto show circuit that stages the most world premieres. Land Rover is sticking its oar in for 2011, in the shape of the Range_e plug-in hybrid prototype. Full story...

Sources indicate that the GMC Acadia will be axed at the end of its life cycle around 2015. Full story...

"Man, when did Volvo's get sexy?" Considering a new S60 as an addition to your driveway or parking space? You'll want to have an answer to that question ready--as you'll be asked it a lot. The new-for-2011 S60 has officially done away with the Lego-inspired styling that characterized the Swedish brand for generations, and many folks curiously comment about the elegant, swoopy and understated look of Volvo's latest work. Full story...

Pirelli has tweaked its softest tyres ahead of the last European pre-season test this week. Full story...