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From GMM

German prosecutors on Wednesday appeared likely to press ahead with a corruption case against Bernie Ecclestone.

Until now, the F1 chief executive has been implicated in the Gerhard Gribkowsky scandal but only as the subject of an investigation into the money he paid to the jailed banker.

Bernie Ecclestone, 81, has also appeared as a witness in the trial to give evidence protected by immunity, but on Wednesday it sounded likely he will be separately charged and pursued by the Munich prosecutors.

As prosecutor Christoph Rodler wrapped up Gribkowsky's trial on Wednesday, he described Ecclestone as an "accomplice".

He said the diminutive Briton's explanation of the $44 million payments to Gribkowsky was a "nebulous story", arguing Ecclestone was "not the victim of an extortion but the accomplice in an act of bribery".

According to the Financial Times, Rodler said Ecclestone had an "existential interest" in paying the money to Gribkowsky because his "life's work" was at risk.

Bernie Ecclestone has not yet been charged.


UPDATE:

Gerhard Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight and a half years in jail for crimes including bribery, for the $44 million received from Ecclestone.

The guilty verdict could have serious implications for F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

While May's UK car market numbers looked impressive (market up 7.9%), Toyota's UK sales head Jon Williams has told just-auto that there is also widespread aggressive selling and 'big discounting' taking place.

There are vague promises of a replacement but no guarantees: Mazda has just ended production of the RX-8 after nine years.

Detroit Manufacturing Systems today announced its top executives as the auto supplier prepares to begin manufacturing this year.

The awards everyone wants to win are back, as we name the finest models in 18 categories and crown our Car of the Year for 2012

A federal appeals court has knocked down a challenge to the Obama administration's 2012-2016 model-year fuel economy rules and has paved the way for new ones to be finalized this summer for the 2017-2025 model years.

Opel's management will present a comprehensive turnaround plan to its board on Thursday that spans everything from model strategy through brand positioning to new export markets, while avoiding the delicate issue of job cuts in Germany.

Opel's management will present a comprehensive turnaround plan to its board on Thursday that spans everything from model strategy through brand positioning to new export markets, while avoiding the delicate issue of job cuts in Germany.

Also in this episode: Mini goes commercial, Mitsubishi grows its green cred and

Mazda will bring the Miata of our dreams to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom on June 28.

Ford has started production of the Focus at its new, US$450m plant at Rayong in Thailand.

There are a few advantages to camping near a track on a race weekend, as I did at last weekend's 2012 Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.

For the first time, Toyota Avalon buyers will have a choice of powertrains when the new car goes on sale later this year.

Ford Motor today detailed plans for the freshened 2013 F-150's new top-of-the-line trim level, and for the truck's top off-road trim level, seeking to take advantage of rising demand for high-end pickups.

Ford will offer some unique upgrades for its off-road terror, the

Ford sees the sales pace of new cars and trucks in June largely in the same range as in May as the outlook for the economy remains mixed, a top executive said today.

First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Pleasant, but not sporty.

It's impossible to find a coupe, of any size, price or degree of musculature, that doesn't have the word "sporty" attached.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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General Motors appears willing to invest in growing its European arm Opel/Vauxhall, a tentative sign that GM and powerful German labor leaders are making progress in talks over restructuring.

General Motors appears willing to invest in growing its European arm Opel/Vauxhall, a tentative sign that GM and powerful German labor leaders are making progress in talks over restructuring.

Lifan plans to make an investment of CNY670m to make a battery production plant as well as a new energy research institute.