Auto News 5

The crisis in Europe is turning into a nightmare for French automakers. Casting dark clouds over the Paris Auto Show, the Comité des constructeurs français d'automobiles (CCFA) slashed its 2012 outlook to predict a 12% decline.

All sectors are affected, particularly industrial vehicles (-20.1% forecast), and while foreign companies reported sales drops in September, none fared worse than Renault AG (-33.4%). PSA Peugeot Citroën (-5%) is also down.

Due to the struggling economy and rising fuel prices, French families are postponing major purchases, according to a study by the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies.

Source: Les Echos.fr

Michel Bergeron is a well-known public figure, especially if you're a fan of the NHL. These days, Mr. Bergeron is busy talking about the lockout, and he confessed that it's a very unfortunate situation that he's talked on quite a bit lately.

Given that he was at our offices for a brief video shoot, we thought we'd change things up and talk cars with him -- something we'll never tire of discussing.

Mr. Bergeron is a spokesperson for a local Hyundai dealer, so we put together a short video to get his thoughts on the Korean brand and their product.

Note: The video is solely in French.

From GMM

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport claimed on Monday that Mexican Sergio Perez was another candidate to oust Michael Schumacher at Mercedes AMG.

The magazine said it means the great seven-time world champion was therefore only the third choice to line up alongside Nico Rosberg in 2013, after Lewis Hamilton and Mexican Perez.

Ultimately, Mercedes secured its number one choice Hamilton, leaving McLaren to sign Mexican Perez to succeed him -- and Schumacher out in the cold.

Sergio Perez driving the C31 Sauber. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Prior to signing Hamilton, "the Silver Arrows bosses had stretched out their feelers to the Mexican (Perez)," journalist Michael Schmidt claimed.

It remains a fact, however, that Schumacher could have definitely kept his seat if, early in the summer, he exercised an active and unilateral 'option' for 2013.

"Why play poker until October when the best time to extend the contract had already come?" Schmidt wondered rhetorically.

"Had he signed after qualifying in Monte Carlo, Hamilton would never have been a topic."

A Mercedes insider is quoted as saying: "Michael's stalling until October forced Mercedes to think about alternatives."

But other issues were also at play, including Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug and Niki Lauda's task in convincing the paymasters in Stuttgart to sign a new Concorde Agreement and keep the three-pointed star in formula one.

Correspondent Schmidt said the task was easier when pitching the contemporary star Hamilton or the "fresh blood" of 22-year-old rising sensation Perez, rather than "the 43-year-old veteran".

So Hamilton will join Rosberg in Mercedes' 2013 garage, but only after his final title tilt with his boyhood marque McLaren is done and dusted.

It could be an awkward last six races in one shade of silver, but McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh insists he is not worried.

"Lewis has assured me that at the moment he is a McLaren driver and he's focused on winning," he told the BBC. "He will be professional, the team will be professional around him and we will be seeing if we can do the best job we can."

General Motors jumps on the small SUV bandwagon with the introduction of the new Chevrolet Trax, which just celebrated its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

"Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the styling, functionality and cargo space expected of a much larger vehicle, but in a smaller sporty package,'' said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet in Canada.

The Chevrolet Trax boasts a 1.4L turbocharged engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission on the LS model. LT and LTZ models receive a six-speed autobox and available all-wheel drive.

Cargo capacity increases to 1,370 litres with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat folds flat, too, offering additional flexibility for longer items. More storage solutions can be found under the cargo floor.

Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with 7'' touchscreen display comes standard on 2LT and LTZ models, while the Bringo navigation app (offered through online app stores) provides real-time traffic information as well as driving efficiency records.

The Canadian pricing and release date for the Chevrolet Trax will be announced later.

Photo: Chevrolet

Sometimes having the fastest car is not the way to winner's circle. Brad Keselowski's Dodge won the fuel mileage battle at Dover, Delaware known as the Monster Mile.

It was Keselowski's second win, in three races, and fifth of the year. This puts him back in the Sprint Cup Chase lead by five points over Jimmie Johnson and 16 points over Denny Hamlin.

Second "Chase" win this season for Brad Keselowski. (Photo: NASCAR)

The dominant driver of the day, Kyle Busch, had to pit on lap 389 of the 400-lap race and was followed down pit road by teammate, Denny Hamlin one lap later.

"We ran up front all day and hung around the top five and just kept creeping around and creeping around, and when you do that, you put yourself in position for good things to happen," Keselowski said. "That's what this team has been doing the past few months."

Paul Wolfe, Keselowski's crew added "we're capable of putting our car in the top five any weekend.” And he added I don't think that there is a race this year where we've given up power for fuel mileage.”

Jeff Gordon finished second and ageless 53-year old Mark Martin was third followed by Jimmie Johnson who was also fuel conservation mode. The five-time champion said “we're not very good fuel-mileage racers," Johnson said of #48 team.. "When I heard that (I needed to save fuel), I said, 'Man, we are in big trouble'."

Photo: NASCAR

Jeff Gordon explained “I was just hoping that they were going to have to save fuel. And everybody did but the No. 2 (Keselowski). We knew coming into the Chase that the fuel mileage would be a factor and we've known that we've been behind on that. The No. 2 car, they've got something figured out on fuel mileage. Credit to them. They've done their homework and it's gotten them some wins and it got them one today.”

Kyle Busch couldn't be reached for comment, but, he expressed displeasure with the Joe Gibbs Racing's fuel economy.

Hamlin, who started from the pole said "It was a good day running the way we did, but frustrating at the end," Hamlin said. "You look at the (scoreboard) at the end and wonder how in the world all these slow cars beat us. ... We've got to work on our fuel mileage. We've got the speed to win."

Is he the favorite to win his first Cup Championship Keselowski said that “this is only round three and there's seven more rounds.”

2013 Chevrolet Trax First Impressions

2013 Ford Fusion First Impressions

2013 Dodge Dart Rallye Review

Other very interesting topics:

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Augusto Farfus (BMW) took his first DTM victory ever in Valencia, as Bruno Spengler (BMW) inched ever closer to championship leader Gary Paffett despite a drive-through penalty.

Tension was high before the start of the race, as the three championship contenders, Gary Paffett (Mercedes), Bruno Spengler (BMW) and Jamie Green (BMW) started from the back of the field, 16th, 12th and 18th, respectively.

While pole sitter Augusto Farfus was pulling clear in front at the start, Gary Paffett was colliding with Joey Hand's BMW, and damaging the front of his C Coupé. From there on, the Brit was never on pace, and ran in the back of the field for the main part of the race. In the end, he was even forced to retire. Jamie Green too struggled aboard his Mercedes, but managed to take 10th position at the finish line.

Bruno Spengler meanwhile fared very well. After a good start from his 12th spot on the grid, the Canadian driver quickly reached the top 10. His progress was then slowed down by a drive through penalty for jumping the start (his car moved a little on the starting grid). He dropped down the order again.

But Spengler was not done yet, as he would prove with a great comeback. In the end, he took 6th position, which allows within only three points of championship leader Gary Paffett, with only one race remaining.

Adrien Tambay (Audi) had a great day, finishing second ahead of Mattias Ekström. Swiss female driver Rahel Frey was also impressive in her Audi, taking 7th position after a great fight with BMW drivers Andy Priaulx and Dirk Werner.

Robert Wickens (Mercedes) was not lucky in Valencia. The driver from Ontario was caught in an accident at the start, before he went off and hit the tire barriers quite heavily few moments later.

Valencia - Race :
1. Augusto Farfus (BMW) 46 laps in 1h08'22''522
2. Adrien Tambay (Audi) +8''406
3. Mattias Ekström (Audi) +8''967
4. Filipe Albuquerque (Audi) +23''067
5. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) +28''066
6. Bruno Spengler (BMW) +39''831
7. Rahel Frey (Audi) +48''318
8. Andy Priaulx (BMW) +49''562
9. Dirk Werner (BMW) +58''327
10. Jamie Green (Mercedes) +1'10''596
Etc.

Championship :
1. Paffett 127 points, 2. Spengler 124, 3. Green 109, 4. Rockenfeller 85, 5. Ekström 81, etc.

From GMM

2013 McLaren driver Sergio Perez is being managed by former Indycar driver and fellow Mexican Adrian Fernandez.

McLaren, who have signed current Sauber driver Perez to replace Lewis Hamilton, confirmed the 22-year-old's professional link to Fernandez, 47.

Fernandez - an owner of racing teams as well - has also been backed through his career by Perez's sponsor Telmex, but Fernandez denied Perez is still a "pay driver".

"He is not bringing money to the (McLaren) team," he insisted.

Sergio Perez honored by Niki Lauda for his second place at Monza. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Switzerland's Blick newspaper estimated Perez's new three-year contract to be worth EUR 10 million.

"I have been a successful driver and a successful team owner and now, with this, I hope I can be a successful manager and do a fantastic job for Sergio," added Adrian Fernandez.

From GMM

Nico Rosberg insists he is not worried about playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton.

The pair, who have known each other and even raced as teammates since their boyhood karting days, will each be driving one of Mercedes' F1 cars in 2013.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, team mates in karting. (Photo: Sébastien Blin/Sportimage)

German Rosberg has managed to dominate Michael Schumacher since the seven time world champion's 2010 comeback, but the 27-year-old might be forgiven for feeling more nervous about the similarly-aged Hamilton's arrival.

But when asked if he is worried he will be Hamilton's 'number 2', Rosberg insisted: "Absolutely not. I know the situation. Although Lewis will be a challenge and I gladly accept it."

"He is one of the best drivers of the moment, but I do believe that I can measure up," the 2012 shanghai winner told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Since the Hamilton announcement, Mercedes chiefs Ross Brawn and Norbert Haug have insisted that the high-profile 2008 world champion will not be Mercedes' 'number 1'.

"Yes, that's good. And it's in my contract that I always have the same opportunities as my teammate, no matter who it is," Rosberg answered.

But at McLaren in 2007, Hamilton clashed spectacularly with his short-term teammate Fernando Alonso. Is Rosberg worried that might happen again, this time at Mercedes?

"I think we're both smart enough to avoid that," he smiled.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Michael Schumacher at Shanghai. (Photo: WRi2)

Finally, Rosberg said he does not 'feel sorry' for Michael Schumacher, who has been pushed out.

"No," the German laughed. "He was not sure whether he wanted to continue or not, but Mercedes had to make a choice -- and anyway Michael has said himself that he is not unhappy."

Every Monday evening when I pick my kids up at school I've got a different car in the parking lot. I'm always anxious to hear what their first impression will be when I show them which one it is. Sometimes, in a row of 10 cars, they'll guess themselves.

So, as the kids and I step out the main entrance of the school this past Monday night and head to my new press vehicle, my daughter instantly shouts: “Oh, that car's really ugly!”

The vehicle in question was a 2012 Acura ZDX. You know, the thingamabob that looks like something, everything and nothing all at once.

2012 Acura ZDX (Photo: Honda)

What fascinates me about kid's opinions about cars and trucks is their honest, unbiased point of view.

My kids like the Jeep Wrangler, the Shelby GT500, the Nissan Juke and, for some reason, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. They also like pickups. Actually, they love pickups. Every one of them. Pickups rule.

When my son was 3-and-a-half years old, I picked him up at daycare, and when he gazed upon my ride of the week (a smart fortwo cabriolet) he said, “Was your car in an accident?”

My daughter has a preference for convertibles. She liked the BMW M6 Cabriolet and the MINI Cooper Roadster. She doesn't like cars with electric childproof door locks, a cool safety feature found in many GM products, as well as in several luxury brands like Volvo.

Toyota Corolla? Yaw.
Nissan Rogue? Meh.
Chevrolet Orlando? Yeah, whatever.
Volkswagen Passat? Bo-ring.

Kids like cars that have character, cars that stick out from the crowd. They like cars with wild paint colours, but ironically (or not) didn't like the slime green paint of the Mustang GT tester I had.

Obviously, there are features that please them more then others, such as a panoramic sunroof, rear-seat climate controls, a third-row seat and -- of course -- a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Yet I'm proud of my kids when they ask questions about how an electric car works, and when they say everyone should be driving EVs to save the planet.

So, whenever you're unsure about a car's looks, ask your kids. You won't get a straighter answer.

From GMM

Alain Prost has admitted he can imagine former rival Michael Schumacher extending his career into a twentieth season in 2013.

When asked about Schumacher's deliberations now that he has been ousted by Mercedes, Frenchman Prost answered: "I was not particularly positive when he returned (in 2010). I don't quite understand why."

"Maybe he's going to Sauber now?" the quadruple world champion told RMC Sport, after testing a modern Red Bull F1 car at the Renault World Series event at Paul Ricard.

Alain Prost aboard the RB6 Red Bull at Paul Ricard. (Photo: Renault F1 Sport)

"It's a very personal choice," continued Prost, who ended his career with a fourth drivers' championship in 1993. "I can understand that he is passionate and wants to continue driving, and it's very difficult to judge from the outside. Everyone should live their life as they wish. I can understand his position. But at some point, you have to decide it's enough."

Asked what Schumacher's biggest contribution to F1 is these days, Prost answered: "Passion in its purest form. It's pretty amazing to see someone at that level. He drives for pleasure, on the bikes, go-karts ... it's to his credit."

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Eddie Jordan, who gave Schumacher his first F1 seat in 1991, thinks Sauber could be a good option for Schumacher.

"I think it could make sense," Jordan told Welt newspaper, "because the situation there is completely different. I imagine he would have the chance to live out his passion with a competitive car but also in a small racing team, with a much more intimate atmosphere than a global group like Mercedes. It could be just right for him."

SANTA MONICA, CA -- We're traveling down the storied Sunset Blvd. en route to the Pacific Coast Highway. To our left trundles a Toyota Prius, while directly behind us follows a lovely graphite Aston Martin DB9. Such is California.

As for us, we're piloting a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid that could be a result of an unholy alliance between the two.


Ford's justifiably proud of the new Fusion, not only have they produced a midsize sedan that easily could have sprung from one of the premium European design studios, but they can now boast the best mileage in the segment -- better than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid -- in fact, only the aforementioned Prius can top it for fuel economy.

Other than a set of multispoke aluminum wheels exclusive to the Hybrid, there's little externally to differentiate the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid it from its conventionally powered brethren.

Running gear, the same powertrain as in the recently introduced C-Max, includes a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4 that puts out 141 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque in tandem with an electric motor rated at 118 hp and 117 lb-ft. Mated to an electronic CVT, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid claims 4.0L/100km city, and 4.1 highway.

Over a 22 kilometre route along the Santa Monica coastline, we achieved just over 5.0L, encouraged by a dash display that sprouts virtual greenery as a reward for frugal driving habits. The Hybrid reportedly can travel up to 100km/hr on electric power alone -- heavy traffic on the short drive route prevented us from validating that claim, but we did achieve some seamless switching back and forth from gasoline to electric power.

Over a 22 kilometre route along the Santa Monica coastline, we achieved just over 5.0L. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

During the presentation, Ford emphasized the amount of work that went in to making the transitions as smooth as possible, and there's no detectable shudder or vibration.

Drive characteristics of the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid are pretty much the same as the gasoline varieties we sampled -- other than the inherent grabbiness and whine of the regenerative braking, the Fusion Hybrid is engaging and enjoyable to drive. McPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension provide a firm, composed ride with a decidedly European flavour.

Under-body cladding and dynamic grill shutters help make the Hybrid more aerodynamically slippery, while an active noise cancellation system helps negate the four cylinder's inherent buzziness.

Ford claims they benchmarked Audi for perceived cabin quality, but while materials and craftsmanship are good, overall, the interior doesn't live up to the promise of its gorgeous exterior. Our tester came with recycled plastic cloth upholstery, but there's an optional leather upgrade.

The interior doesn't live up to the promise of its gorgeous exterior. (Photo: Ford)

Aside from the Eco "coaching" hybrid displays, there's the same optional MyFord Touch offered in the conventional 2013 Ford Fusion. Although it's been upgraded to be more "user-friendly," the lack of tactile button-feel can be confusing. We found ourselves accidentally changing the music channel while accessing the Nav system due to an errant flick of a finger.

The lithium-ion battery in the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid does limit the overall cargo space, reducing trunk capacity from 454 litres to 340 litres.

Priced at $29,999, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid will arrive in Canadian showrooms later this month, with Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid to be introduced next year.

Marc Basseng and Markus Winkelhock (Lamborghini Gallardo) captured the GT1 championship after an accident that forced into retirement title rivals Yelmer Buurman and Michael Bartels in their BMW Z4.

Makowiecki and Dusseldorp (McLaren) took victory in he qualifying race, but that was not enough for them to stay in the title hunt sinceBasseng and Winkelhock, while Bartels finished 5th, and Buurman took 9th place.

The winning McLaren MP4/12C of Makowiecki and Dusseldorp. (Photo: FIA GT1)

Only three points separated both championship contenders before the championship race, final round of the season.

The first laps were disrupted by a big crash from Nikolaus Mayr-Melhnof (BMW) and Laurent Groppi's Ford GT, which hit the tire wall very heavily. As a result, the race was red flagged.

At the restart, another incident involved both championship rivals, as Buurman tried to overtake Winkelhock's car. But the German driver closed the door on his rival, and Buurman went off the road, hitting the tire wall heavily, as Winkelhock was also forced to retirement.



That gave Winkelhock and Basseng the 2012 title, although they were excluded from this week end's results.

Buurman was taken to hospital, with no serious injury though. The race was finally stopped by another red flag few laps later, giving a second victory to Makowiecki and Dusseldorp.

Next year, the GT1 championship will disapear, but will continue under a new format made of sprint races of the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Donington - Championship race:
1 - Makowiecki/Dusseldorp (McLaren MP4/12C) - Hexis
2 - Rosina/Kox (Lamborghini Gallardo) - Reiter - 1"091
3 - Demoustier/Parente (McLaren MP4/12C) - Hexis - 1"682
4 - Carroll-Ortelli (Audi R8) - WRT - 2"185
5 - Ide/Castellacci (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3"172
Etc.

Championship:
1. Basseng-Winkelhock 145 points; 3. Dusseldorp-Makowiecki & Bartels-Buurman 144, 7. Vanthoor 122, etc.