Auto News 5

General Motors will start a second shift at its Lansing plant in Michigan from July, adding 600 workers to assemble the new Cadillac ATS sedan.

Russia's second-largest vehicle maker, GAZ, recorded a fourfold rise in net profit in 2011 to 8.5 billion rubles ($274.87 million) and expects to achieve similar financial results in 2012, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The new Range Rover is shedding its disguise, and we've got the best spy shots yet

As the financial crisis in Europe swirls, we bring you exclusive extracts from LMC Automotive's suite of quarterly European national market sales reports and forecasts. The reports cover forecasts for car and light commercial vehicle sales by make and model over the next seven years. This first extract from the quarterly series is France.

The UK's Forum of Private Business has welcomed Thursday's announcement that General Motors Europe's Vauxhall plant at Ellesmere Port will build the next generation Astra.

Unique automotive artwork, depicting the Volt in UV paint, revealed in London

Skoda says it will significantly increase the capacities for the manufacture of the automatic dual-clutch transmission DQ200 in its plant in Vrchlabí, which is set to begin in mid-2013.

General Motors Europe's Opel /Vauxhall unit on Thursday (17 May) assured the future of its Ellesmere Port plant in northwest England with the announcement that it would be the lead plant of only two in Europe building the next generation Astra (internally coded T3600).

Flagship roadster has been spotted testing, sporting four tailpipes and a 5.0-litre V8 engine

Google's driverless prototype has been given the go-ahead, but BMW boss says autonomous driving technology already exists

Google's driverless prototype has been given the go-ahead, but BMW boss says autonomous driving technology already exists

Figures show that the average number of miles driven per year are falling, yet car ownership is up

The redesigned Audi A3 will offer buyers greater choice than either of the previous two versions, including a four-door sedan for the first time.

We've got the best shots yet of Aston's £200,000, 550bhp DBS replacement

We've got the best pictures yet of Aston's new £200,000, 550bhp DBS replacement

Next-generation Vauxhall Astra will be built at Ellesmere Port, General Motors has confirmed

Germany's Continental plans to hire 5,000 more people in China by year end, boosting its work force in the country to 21,000. The new hires will be mainly in engineering and manufacturing, the supplier said in a statement.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, the new alliance partner of General Motors, faces tough times, but the automaker can achieve a turnaround as early as this year.

British race car constructor Lola Cars has announced that it is going into financial administration as it continues to search for possible investors.

Lola Cars International Ltd was formed in 1958.

Photo: Lolacars.com

Here is the content of the press release:

“In recent years, significant investment has been made in technology and capability in the motorsports business as well as diversifying and creating Lola Composites Limited, serving the defence, aerospace, communications, renewable energy, automotive and motorsports markets.

The latest economic downturn and the decision of HMRC not to pay ongoing R&D tax credits has caused a serious cashflow problem for the businesses. It is with enormous regret that a decision has been taken to issue Notices of intention to appoint an Administrator to Lola Cars International Limited and Lola Composites Limited. This step allows the board to continue its discussions with possible investors and prospective purchasers with a view to securing the best outcome for the staff, creditors and customers of both businesses.

The Lola board have declined to make further comment until Monday May 21.”

From Penske Racing

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will join Penske Racing for two upcoming road course races on the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule.

The 1995 Indy 500 winner will compete behind the wheel of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger in the NNS races at Road America (June 23) and Montreal (August 18).

The Canadian will return to the Dodge at these venues for the second-consecutive season. Villeneuve will round out a talent-rich lineup for the No. 22 Dodge that will also include 2010 NNS champion Brad Keselowski and Parker Kligerman throughout the 2012 season.

Photo: Penske Racing

“I appreciate Penske Racing giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge this season,” said Jacques Villeneuve.

“Road America and Montreal are two of my favorite racetracks. I feel, after winning the pole last year at Montreal, that we can have a lot of success. A NASCAR victory is something I want.”