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News 8 Nov, 2012

Study claims poorer families are at greater risk of injury on our roads

President Barack Obama's second term likely will include a return to an agenda of support for electric vehicles and also could clear the way for new rules on tailpipe emissions and auto safety that his appointees have been eager to release.

Australian supplier Autodom was thrown a lifeline when local units of Ford and GM agreed to underwrite the company's $6.5 million debt to avoid a crippling vehicle production shutdown.

It's a small stumbling block in the mountain of problems plaguing Suzuki in America, but its ugly fallout with partner Volkswagen made it even more untenable for the Japanese carmaker to keep selling cars in the United States. With VW gone, the U.S.

Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors stand to fork over about $100 million to compensate consumers after overstating fuel economy claims on several models, Moody's Investors Service said.

From GMM

The F1 world should handle with caution Bernie Ecclestone's suggestion his sport could be heading back to Magny Cours.

Amid reports Paul Ricard is leading France's bid to revive the country's defunct grand prix in 2013, F1 chief executive Ecclestone said this week: "If we go to France, it will be Magny Cours".

But former French F1 driver Patrick Tambay told RMC Sport that commentators "must be wary" of the wily 82-year-old's comments.

He said Ecclestone could merely be using Magny Cours' name to put pressure on Paul Ricard amid the negotiations.

Magny Cours chief Serge Saulnier declined to comment. But a source close to the circuit, which last hosted the French grand prix in 2008, said Magny Cours' bid to host F1 again is still alive.

Enzo Ferrari and Patrick Tambay. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel remains the overwhelming favourite to become 2012 champion, despite Red Bull's qualifying crisis and the loss of 3 points to Fernando Alonso in Abu Dhabi.

That is the view of F1 legend Niki Lauda, who was asked by Osterreich newspaper if he has changed his mind after Red Bull bungled qualifying last weekend, forcing Vettel to fight up to the podium from a pitlane start.

With just two races to go now, Vettel is 10 points ahead of Ferrari's Alonso.

Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull stopped after the qualifying session. (Photo: WRi2)

"Nothing has changed," Lauda insisted. "I believe Red Bull will have learned from its errors and now have everything technically perfect in the last two races. Then it will be up to Vettel, and he has the fastest car."

Spaniard Alonso, however, remains determined and feisty, continuing to espouse samurai quotations and push Ferrari to improve the F2012.

"That's what he's paid for," Lauda said, "but he can only carry on as before. Although he does everything right, it's not enough, because Ferrari cannot compete with Red Bull."

Niki Lauda, however, said he is not expecting Vettel to wrap it up in Texas next weekend, but that F1 will get its "super finish" to the championship in Brazil.

David Coulthard, the former McLaren and Red Bull driver, warned Vettel to be wary of the wily Alonso.

"Fernando is a teak-tough competitor and I have a feeling these last two races could get a bit dirty," he wrote in the Telegraph.

"Fernando wants to go to war, wants this to become a battle of wits as much as machines. He is trying to unsettle Seb, while at the same time exuding confidence and serenity. My money is on Seb, but only just," added Coulthard.

Matt Kenseth will be sponsored in 17 Sprint Cup races while Brian Vickers will get full time sponsorship in NASCAR's Nationwide series from Dollar General at Joe Gibbs Racing.

This is a step up for the discount retailer which had been involved primarily as a Nationwide series.

Kenseth's first race with his new team and new sponsor will be at the Daytona 500 where he is a two -time winner. He's currently finishing his final year with Roush Fenway Racing.  

“We are very excited about growing our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. “NASCAR effectively reaches our customers, and our racing program has proven to be successful in helping us build our brand. We're thrilled to have Matt Kenseth and Brian Vickers driving Dollar General branded race cars next season.”

Joe Gibbs Racing unveiling the 2012 Dollar General cars at the beginning of the season. (Photo: NASCAR)

Vickers who had been racing full-time in the Cup series until a rare condition sidelined him is making his way up the stock car ladder. He was youngest driver to win the Nationwide Series Championship at the age of 20. Most recently, Vickers spent the 2012 season driving a partial NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he finished in the top 10 in five starts including three top-five efforts. He has two career wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

And Vickers previously announced that he will be driving for Michael Waltrip racing in nine Sprint Cup races including all the Bristol, Martinsville, New Hampshire and road course events, as well as the Kentucky Speedway race.

“I am fortunate to have raced with Dollar General before, and I am so excited to be reunited with Rick (Dreiling) and everyone involved with their program,” said Vickers. “Dollar General is a tremendous company, and its support and enthusiasm for racing is outstanding.  I'm very happy to stay in the Toyota family, and when you look at the Nationwide Series over the past several years, no team has dominated like Joe Gibbs Racing. Hopefully we'll be able to get Dollar General, Toyota and JGR a Nationwide Series Championship next season.”

“We look forward to our expanded partnership with Dollar General in both our Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series' programs for next season,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of JGR.  “With Matt (Kenseth) and Brian (Vickers) we feel well positioned to deliver great visibility and winning results for the Dollar General brand. Matt is obviously a great talent, and his experience will be invaluable to our race team. Brian has proven to be successful in everything he has raced.”

From GMM

Mika Salo has backed his countryman Kimi Raikkonen's radio attitude en route to victory in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.

The 2007 world champion's growing frustration with his engineer throughout his chase for Lotus' first win of the season culminated in him saying "leave me alone".

But Salo, another Finnish driver, insisted Raikkonen's attitude is actually "pretty normal".

"During a race you are so concentrated that you are fully aware of the situation if you're in the lead and you see a red car in the mirrors," he told the broadcaster MTV3.

During that phase, constant radio messages can just be "a nuisance", former Sauber and Toyota driver Salo added.

"If the driver wants information, he can ask for it. That's how it was for me. I asked what I wanted to know," he said.

First win of the season of Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) ahead Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). (Photo: WRi2)

Kimi Raikkonen, however, did not criticise his Lotus engineer for trying to feed him information in Abu Dhabi.

"It's the same with all the teams," he said. "They are just trying to help but if you keep saying the same things two times a minute, I'm not so stupid that I cannot remember what I'm doing."

"It's a normal thing, they are just trying to help," he added. "I know what I'm doing."

Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen is facing some criticism for posing for Lotus' post-victory photograph in Abu Dhabi with a bottle of beer in his hand.

At F1's Arab races including Bahrain, drivers spray non-alcoholic drinks on the podium, for cultural reasons.

"To publicly celebrate in a Muslim country with an alcoholic beverage is not very appropriate," said the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Formula 1 cars were supposed to be powered by a single electric engine in the pitlane starting in 2014, however, this arrangement has been postponed.

Autosport revealed today that FIA president, Jean Todt, has agreed to delay the introduction of this technical regulation.

Article 5.19 of the 2014 Technical Regulations states: "The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pitlane."

This measure was requested to adhere to environmental measures, and for the purpose of developing electric power.

According to several sources, engine manufacturers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari wrote to the FIA to request a postponement of this regulation.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, at Singapore. (Photo: Pirelli)

Two arguments were taken into consideration: First, the cost of developing such electrical systems only to be used in the pitlane. Secondly the danger of having moving noiselessly at high speeds without warning of their presence to team members.

The FIA President confirmed he has agreed to delay the introduction of electric engines. The rule change must be ratified at the next FIA World Motor Sport Council at the end of the year.

Jean Todt told Autosport: "I have accepted to delay it. It has to go through the World Council, but it will be delayed for around three years."

After the Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 burned through most of last month's fuel budget, I decided to spend some time in a few more sensible and less-thirsty sports cars.

Result?

Yours truly did some 2,000 kilometres at the wheel of the Honda Civic Si, Scion FR-S and Hyundai Veloster Turbo. In a way, these cars are all the same. They all cost $26,000. They all have 200 horsepower. They're all sporty.

However, to drive and live with, they're very different from one another. This means, among other things, that you should probably test drive all three if you're considering any one of the above.

Here are some notes and highlights from my test of each machine.

Honda Civic Si
Good: The VTEC engine is sweet, loud and powerful. There's good mid-range power unlike the last-generation model. The Honda Civic Si has a great shifter -- super light and easy to change gears quickly. In all, the Honda is very usable thanks to relatively generous rear seats, a good-size trunk and lots of storage inside.

Bad: A plain-looking and plastic-y interior is the Si's biggest weakness. It also boasts the lowest-quality feel of the three. The electronic throttle calibration is infuriating in traffic, holding revs, lagging and lurching. Also, there are no heated or leather seats.

Observed Mileage: 8.1L/100km

Pick This One If: You want a long-lived, proven nameplate in a sports car -- as well as one that's everyday friendly and fun.

Other Notes: VTEC gauge is a neat-o touch. The Honda Civic Si offers a decent stereo and the best stock tires in the group.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Scion FR-S
Good: Rear-drive dynamics in the Scion FR-S draw out the simple, raw satisfaction that comes from operating a pure sports car. The shifter and clutch combo is meaty, holds lots of power, and has plenty of bite. The Scion FR-S is thrilling to put through its paces and relatively comfortable on most highways. It also sports the best shifter and steering wheel in the group and the styling draws crowds.

Bad: The Scion FR-S has a small trunk opening, and entry/exit can be tight for bigger folks. The FR-S is also missing a sunroof, covered storage console and an armrest. The infotainment screen on the upgraded stereo is hard to read if it's sunny out and the factory-spec tires don't belong on a sports car.

Observed Mileage: 7.9L/100km

Pick This One If: You want the ultimate driver's car in this price range - along with fantastic looks, a great engine and great mileage.

Other Notes: The 7,500 rpm redline and blinky “shift-me-please” LED light in the centre-mounted tachometer is slick. It also features the best sounding engine in the group.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Good: The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is absolutely loaded with features and thoughtful design touches. The equipment list smokes the other cars. The Veloster Turbo has the most mid-range torque of the three, the best stereo and the most flexible, usable design. The three-door setup is handy, the panoramic sunroof is great, and the trunk is deep and generous.

Bad: Numb electronic throttle calibration feels stodgy and makes heel-and-toe shifting largely impossible in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. A mushy, soft clutch doesn't help, either. Factory tires on the Veloster give up too easily when pushed, and the steering is quick and heavyset, but has no feel.

Observed Mileage: 8.8L/100km

Pick This One If: You want flexibility, a unique design and a laundry list of goodies over a sporty driving experience.

Other Notes: There is room in the centre console for my Canon T3 SLR camera with two lenses, and there's a household power outlet for recharging, too.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Suzuki Canada's 2013 model lineup will offer more content than ever. Leading the way are the Grand Vitara, SX4 (AWD versions) and Kizashi (SX and Sport), which all receive a new infotainment system with touchscreen, USB port, navigation, voice command and Bluetooth connectivity.

Other key upgrades include new alloy wheels (Grand Vitara, SX4 Crossover), new seat fabric (Grand Vitara, SX4 Crossover and Hatchback), a redesigned front grille (certain SX4 trim levels), and a rearview camera (included in the Kizashi SX and Sport, available on the SX4 Crossover and Grand Vitara).

The 2013 Grand Vitara also sports a revised front fascia and turn signals, while offering new exterior colours.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

For the second day of Formula 1's young driver test in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull Junior driver António Félix da Costa was back in the cockpit of the Red Bull-Renault RB8, and today he set the fastest lap.

Da Costa clocked a time of 1m42.679. His day was again split into sessions of aero and mechanical work, with the morning given over to aero mapping and the afternoon to tire work as well the testing of some car components.

Antonio Felix Da Costa, Red Bull RB8. (Photo: WRi2)

Briton Oliver Turvey spent the morning session driving the McLaren-Mercedes, and he set the second fastest time of the day. Gary Paffett, the team's reserve driver, took over the driving duties in the afternoon and set the fifth time.

Audi DTM driver Edoardo Mortara drove the Lotus-Renault, and emerged third quickest. Mortara worked on aerodynamic programming and DDRS testing in the morning, and then focused on set-up adjustments and balance change.

Edoardo Mortara, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

In fourth place was Mexican Esteban Gutierrez in the Sauber-Ferrari. His focus was on aero work with a set up change over the lunch break. Later in the afternoon, Gutierrez ran on a set of medium and a set of soft Pirelli tires.

Esteban Guetierrez, Sauber C31. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Venezuelan Johnny Cecotto Jr. was behind the wheel of the Toro Rosso STR7 and he completed a total of 76 laps, setting the sixth fastest time.

Johnny Cecotto Jr, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Seventh and last was Giedo van der Garde in the Caterham-Renault.

Young driver test, Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi, Day2:
Pos   Driver  Constructor  Time*   Laps
1. Antonio Felix da Costa  Red Bull-Renault   1m42.679s 61
2. Oliver Turvey  McLaren-Mercedes   1m43.176s  + 0.497 62
3. Edoardo Mortara  Lotus-Renault  1m43.418s  + 0.739 75
4. Esteban Gutierrez   Sauber-Ferrari   1m43.486s  + 0.806 93
5. Gary Paffett  McLaren-Mercedes   1m43.771s   + 1.092 41
6. Johnny Cecotto Jr   Toro Rosso-Ferrari  1m44.569s   + 1.890 76
7. Giedo Van der Garde  Caterham-Renault   1m46.106s  + 2.427 72
*Unofficial timing

Automakers, especially those that are banking on alternative energies, must be thrilled about Barack Obama's win in the U.S. presidential election last night. After investing billions of dollars to rescue GM and Chrysler in recent years, his administration will now keep pushing the development of hybrid and electric vehicles as well as more fuel-efficient technologies.

"Obama clearly still has a goal of 1 million plug-in EVs on the road by 2015," said Roland Hwang, director of the transportation program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The president will also insist on the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, set at 54.5 mpg (4.4L/100km) by the 2025 model year.

However, given the reluctance of many American drivers to embrace alternative technologies, Obama has his work cut out for him if he hopes to change the face of the automotive landscape in the U.S. He has four more years to reach his goal, and you can bet the consequences will be felt north of the border, too.

Soure: Automotive News

There's a new member in Infiniti's family, and this time the brand is aiming at a broader audience. The 2013 Infiniti JX crossover is a seven-passenger, all-wheel-drive midsize vehicle that's sure to please high-income families looking for style, luxury and a gazillion gadgets at an affordable price.


The 2013 Infiniti JX starts at just $44,995, which undercuts virtually every other luxury seven-passenger SUV or crossover, including the Acura MDX, the Lexus GX and the Lincoln MKT. In fact, the Buick Enclave has a lower base price only because you can get one in front-wheel-drive configuration. Our tester carried a $58,700 sticker.

There is a compromise, though, and that's sharing a platform and mechanical components with the new-for-2013 Nissan Pathfinder that may seem out of step with Infiniti's brand character.

As big luxury crossovers go, the JX35 delivers the goods because you get a well-finished product with a fair amount of standard kit, a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. No wonder it's already outselling every other product in Infiniti's line-up.

Efficiency and performance
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is the second biggest vehicle in the lineup behind the immense QX, yet it's the least powerful since the base G25 sedan was discontinued. Still, it's no slouch, as its 3.5L V6 develops 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds.

The JX is also the first Infiniti to feature a CVT automatic transmission, or a -- ahem -- sport-tuned CVT, as the brand calls it. This type of gearbox isn't the best option in a vehicle with sporty pretentions, and all other models in Infiniti's portfolio rely on 7-speed automatics, even the hybrid M35h.

On the other hand, the CVT in the 2013 Infiniti JX35 draws little criticism as it's well matched to the engine and provides smooth operation. At 100 km/h on the highway, the V6 spins at just 1,700 rpm. Interestingly enough, when you select the Sport mode and mash the go-pedal, the CVT actually simulates gear upshifts, a trait I also noticed when I drove the redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima. It doesn't make the JX quicker.

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 averaged 11.7L/100km over the course of our test, which is actually pretty good for a 4,400-lb truck with a loaded cargo area (which is very spacious, by the way) for a trip to the cottage.

While the FX crossover is downright sporty and aggressive, the JX boasts a more docile attitude, emphasizing ride comfort. Simply put, the 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't feel as dynamic and frisky as its family members, including the QX. The JX's suspension isn't as stiff and its steering feel isn't as precise. On the other hand, fuel economy is better than in the FX37 and EX37 which, by the way, both get engine upgrades for 2013.

We averaged 11.7L/100km over the course of the test, not too shabby for this type of vehicle. (Photo: Infiniti)

Big schnoz
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is no doubt stylish, with a fluidic shape that includes a wave-like design that flows over the front and rear wheel wells, more apparent in darker paint colours.

However, you may or may not like certain elements like the supersized front grille and curved rear pillars. Overall, yours truly likes the effort put into the 2013 Infiniti JX35's styling, and the family resemblance is undeniable.

The JX35 delivers the goods because you get a well-finished product with a fair amount of standard kit, a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. (Photo: Infiniti)

Gadget lovers, rejoice!
Our JX tester included just under $14,000 worth of option packages, including a bunch of electronic safety devices, as well as handy comfort and convenience features.

A beautifully crafted interior awaits its seven occupants, with high-quality materials and a well laid-out switchgear. The seats proved comfortable over the long distances travelled aboard the JX, although we did wonder why the door and centre armrests aren't the same height.

One noteworthy novelty is the 2013 Infiniti JX35's new Backup Collision Intervention system which hits the brakes for you if it senses you're about to collide with an object behind you, whether it's moving or not. The system ultimately prevented me from turning around on a cottage trail because I was backing up on six-feet-high bushes. So, I guess it works.

The 360-degree camera system, which uses fish-eye lenses located up front, out back and under the side mirrors, is also useful for perfectly aligning the big 2013 Infiniti JX35 in a parking space. It'll make you look like a pro.

A beautifully crafted interior awaits its seven occupants, with high-quality materials and a well laid-out switchgear. (Photo: Infiniti)

You also get the usual luxury vehicle amenities such as a blind spot monitor, lane-departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, cooled front and heated second-row seats, and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.

Some gadgets are less enjoyable than others, though. I don't mind power tailgates, but not when it doesn't allow me to open it manually, especially since the JX's is slow to open and close, and includes a somewhat aggravating warning chime.

From GMM

If as is expected the 2012 title battle goes down to the wire, Mark Webber is not sure he would put his money on his Red Bull teammate.

With a 10 point lead over Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and the faster car, Sebastian Vettel is the overwhelming favourite to win his third consecutive drivers' championship late this month.

But according to Webber, who like Vettel also races the RB8, the 25-year-old German should be worried if bad weather is forecast for Sao Paulo.

"Sebastian needs dry weather there," the Australian told Austrian Servus TV this week.

"He can also drive in the rain, but Fernando is very strong. And it can be wet in Sao Paulo," said Mark Webber.

Mark Webber, winner in Brazil in 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

Another factor, he said, is the nature of championship showdowns, and the often tumultuous contests that take place at Interlagos.

"In Sao Paulo there is always some drama," said Webber.

Indeed, he tipped the 2012 finale to be "very dramatic".

Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another MINI, there it is! That's right, BMW has released the brand new (though eerily similar to the Clubman) 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan. Just as the Clubman brought to mind images of the '60s-era Morris Mini Traveller, the Clubvan is meant to conjure up that image once again with even more purpose.


Aimed more towards hip, cool business needs than the average family consumer, the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan offers a stylish option for commercial applications. With exactly the same dimensions as the MINI Cooper Clubman, the main difference lays in the removal of the rear seats (for more cargo room) and the rear side windows are blocked-out with body-coloured polycarbonate reinforcement. This makes the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan the ideal marketing tool (it's sides are a great canvous for company logos and contact info) while also keeping your cargo in complete privacy with all windows covered.

So, with the rear seats removed, how much room does the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan really have? Because the Clubvan features a partition directly behind the driver and front passenger's seats, the entire cargo area can be loaded up to the roof which means this MINI has some serioulsy non-mini cargo volume at 860 litres, and a max payload capacity of up to 500kg.

Those are some big and heavy numbers for a MINI, which is why it's clear BMW had businesses in mind when they released the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan.

As far as the dash is concerned in the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan, you'll instantly recognize it as a MINI because it looks the same as its stablemates. From the centre-mounted speedometer to the rounded door accents, it's standard MINI fare.

Four body colours are available on the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan: Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green and Midnight Black. The body colour is then mimicked on the roof, mirror caps and rear windows. Unique to the Clubvan are its 15” Delta-spoke wheels. Options are not as plentiful on the Clubvan, but then as a work vehicle they shouldn't need to be.

Just as the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan shares its shape and look with the Clubman, it also shares its engine which is the same 4-cylinder 1.6L found in the Clubman. With 121 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, the MINI Cooper Clubvan offers just the right amount of power to get your high-end goods to your customers on time and in one piece.

Why add another MINI to a stable already loaded to the brim? Well, BMW is targeting urban, high-end businesses (photographers, architects, florists, upscale bakeries) who want to make an impression on their customers with a delivery vehicle that has as much flare and fun as their product.

Pricing will be announced when the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan becomes available later this year.

This makes the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubvan the ideal marketing tool.(Photo: MINI)

A total of 4,812 Britax child seats manufactured in 2012 are being recalled because the chest pads on the restraint harness are made of a soft, pliable material. If children were to bite or chew on the pads, small pieces could break off, presenting a choking hazard.

Therefore, consumers are advised to call Britax Child Safety, Inc. at 1-888-427-4829 to request a remedy kit containing replacement chest pads and instructions for their installation.

Make Model Model Year(s) Affected
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG91A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93N (SERENE) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93P (ZEBRA) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93X (OPUS GRAY) 2012
BRITAX ADVOCATE 65-G3 CAN E9LG93Y (ANNA) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11M (CAITLIN) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK11S (SILVER BIRCH) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK13P (ZEBRA) 2012
BRITAX BOULEVARD 65-G3 CAN E9LK13S (AZTEC) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK41A (ONYX) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK41Q (COWMOOFLAGE) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK42D (BLUEPRINT) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK42Z (SOPHIA) 2012
BRITAX PAVILION 65-G3 CAN E9LK43Q (BISCOTTI) 2012

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Britax

On Nov. 5, 2012, the American Suzuki Motor Corp.filed for bankruptcy and announced that no more Suzukis will be sold in Americaand#8212;not now, not ever.

An American couple accused of stealing General Motors' trade secrets used a large trash container at a Metro Detroit grocery store to discard the evidence, FBI special agents testified Tuesday at a criminal trial in Detroit.