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The Volkswagen brand is off to a good sales start in 2012, with passenger car sales up 9.1 percent in the first two months.

Mercedes-Benz is again considering building a supermini wearing its own badges, rather than smart.

Volkswagen's Audi Group has posted financial results for calendar 2012 that, while including significant sales gains in the expected markets, reflect what was described at the presentation here in Ingolstadt as an "increasingly difficult economic environment".

Volvo sold 8,719 vehicles in China in January and February to establish China as Volvo's second-biggest market after the United States. Sales in China were strong enough to outpace Sweden, where Volvo sold 6,847 units in the first two months.

Magna International's roof systems business falls under the auspices of Magna Steyr. Continuing just-auto's interviews with global manufacturers of roof systems, Matthew Beecham talked with Johann Ecker, president, Magna Steyr roof systems.

PSA aims to shift the positioning of its two brands further apart, although analysts are skeptical of the move. Peugeot and Citroen cars chase a very similar customer base, which has been a problem for the French automaker for a long time.

From GMM

John Watson has accused his former team McLaren of effectively hiring a pay-driver to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2013.

Ulsterman Watson, a McLaren winner three decades ago, thinks McLaren was tempted by team newcomer Sergio Perez's connections to the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"Politically they have always tried to employ the best possible drivers who were available. Not who they could afford but who were available," he told the Guardian.

"There were other options and some of those were probably ones I would have gone for," said Watson, who said Nico Hulkenberg and Kimi Raikkonen would have been better choices in his opinion.

"Unfortunately they've ended up with Perez and the fact he's associated with Carlos Slim will have some value to McLaren," he continued.

"McLaren have always sought the best talent and clearly that is not the case right now," the 66-year-old Briton added.

Martin Whitmarsh and his 2013 race drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio Perez. (Photo: WRi2)

As teams, fans, media and everyone associated with Formula 1 await the 2013 season's curtain raiser in Melbourne next weekend, Auto123.com's newest recruit, British journalist George East, takes a look at the best and worst Australian Grands Prix since the first event was held Down Under in 1985.

10. 2008 - Lewis conquers the carnage
The season opener was characterized by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton scoring a controlled lights to flag win in a race that featured just six finishers and three safety car periods in 37C degree conditions. Furthermore, all six powered Ferrari cars - the two works cars of Raikkonen and Massa, the Toro Rossos of Bourdais and Vettel and the Force Indias of Sutil and Fisichella - failed to finish the race.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 2008. (Photo: WRi2)

9. 2005 - the changing of the guard.
Whilst 2003 was the first event in four years that a Ferrari driver had not stood on the podium, the 2005 race was pivotal in signalling that the balance of power had shifted in F1. The newly signed Giancarlo Fisichella took an emphatic pole to flag victory in the Renault R25 with with team-mate Fernando Alonso charging from 13th to third. The Spaniard went on to claim his first world title that year, and in the process became the youngest driver in the history of the sport to do so.

8. 1996 - Jacques rocks the boat
Although the first race in Melbourne will hardly go down as a ‘classic', the 1996 Australian Grand Prix heralded the arrival of Jacques Villeneuve. The son of the mercurial Gilles, Jacques literally ‘rocked up' from IndyCar with his baggy Williams overalls and dyed hair and proceeded to join the elite club of drivers who scored a pole position on their debut race. Had it not been for an oil leak on his Williams Renault, Jacques would have completed the triple in his first race: pole, fastest lap and the win.

7. 1988 - McLaren make history
The final race of 1988 saw McLaren Honda make history by scoring its 15th win in 16 starts with its MP4/4. Alain Prost won the race by 36.4 seconds from team-mate Ayrton Senna with Nelson Piquet finishing third in a Honda powered Lotus, giving the Japanese manufacturer a podium clean sweep in the last race for the 1.5 turbocharged engines until - should the rumours be true - 2014.

6. 1985 - Formula 1 arrives Down Under
1985 heralded the arrival of Formula 1 in Australia with the Adelaide based race running to its full two-hour limit over 81 out of 82 laps. Ayrton Senna recorded pole position in a Lotus Honda and the race saw the final victory of the Williams Honda/Keke Rosberg combination ahead of the Ligier Renaults of Jacques Lafitte and Philippe Streiff. The event was also one of many lasts as it was the final event for triple world champion Niki Lauda, the Toleman team (although it would reappear in 1986 under the guise of Benetton) and for Alfa Romeo and Renault as manufacturers, although the latter would reappear as the once again as a full manufacturer in 2002.

Keke Rosberg, Williams, 1985. (Photo: WRi2)

5. 1991 - Senna wins shortest ever Grand Prix
In the year of his third and final title, Ayrton Senna won the shortest race in Formula 1 history that was stopped after just 14 of the 82 scheduled laps (24 minutes) due to treacherous conditions. After the race, the Brazilian slammed the conditions by saying “I don't think that was a race, there was no point to try to go quick at all. It was impossible.”

4. 1994 - Schumacher takes the title under a cloud
In a season that was clouded by tragedy and controversy, the 1994 season ender - then held in Adelaide - continued in a similar manner; Williams' Damon Hill entered the race just one point behind championship leader, Michael Schumacher. Lap 36 proved decisive as Schumacher's ill-handling Benetton turned in on Hill, immediately retiring the young German on the spot with his rival retiring at the end of the lap with a damaged suspension; subsequently, Schumacher claimed the first of his seven.

Michael Schumacher (Benetton) and Damon Hill (Williams), 1994. (Photo: WRi2)

3. 1986 - Prost outsmarts Mansell and Piquet in Adelaide
In a vastly superior Williams Honda, Nigel Mansell needed only a third position to secure his first title, whereas team mate Piquet and Alain Prost - in a much less powerful McLaren-TAG - needed to win, with the Brit finishing third or lower. Fate played a hand in issuing Mansell's car a spectacular mechanical failure whilst in a championship winning position on the 20th lap, which forced him into retirement. Whilst his team-mate pitted as a safety precaution, Prost claimed the win and an unexpected second consecutive drivers title.

2. 2009 - a fairy tale beginning
The 2009 Australian Grand Prix could not have been scripted better; the newly formed Brawn - formerly Honda - team took a 1-2 in qualifying and the race with Jenson Button leading team-mate Rubens Barrichello home in the Mercedes powered BGP001. Brawn also made history by becoming the second car manufacturer since Mercedes in 1954 by winning their maiden event.

Jenson Button, Brawn GP, 2009. (Photo: WRi2)

1. 2002 - Webber makes his mark
In an event that is widely remembered for the nine-car pile up at the start, the 2002 Australian Grand Prix was also a matter of Australian pride. In an uncompetitive Minardi, then newcomer Mark Webber kept his head amongst the attrition and brough the car - with body damage, a missing top gear and a vastly more powerful Toyota of Mika Salo behind him - home to a fifth place and two world championship points on his debut. The result was so welcome to the Australian crowd, that Webber and fellow Australian, Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart, were given their own podium celebrations after the race.

Mark Webber, Minardi, 2002. (Photo WRi2)

From GMM

Carlos Gracia, a vice-president of F1's governing FIA, has lost his license for drink-driving.

Spain's El Confidential reports that the Spanish motor racing chief was pulled over in the Aragon region last October.

The 72-year-old failed the breath test, the report added.

A court has taken away Gracia's license for a period of eight months. The German-language Speed Week claims he also lost his license for the same reason in 1966 and 2003.

"We all make mistakes, and on that day (in 2012) I made one," he is quoted as saying.

"I was at my sister's birthday party, I was not feeling well and I had a glass too much to drink.

"The police stopped me, I did not have an accident but my alcohol level was too high," said Gracia.

Consumer Reports recently published its annual listing of the best used cars available. Here they are:

Less than $10,000
Small car: 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Sedans: 2008 Hyundai Sonata (4 cyl.), 2004 Acura TSX
SUV: 2004 Toyota RAV4 (4 cyl.)

$10,000-$15,000
Small cars: 2011 Honda Fit, 2011 Mazda3
Sedans: 2006-2008 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Acura TL
Small SUVs: 2006-2008 Toyota RAV4 (4 cyl.), 2005-2007 Honda CR-V
SUVs: 2004-2007 Toyota Highlander, 2003-2004 Infiniti FX

$15,000-$20,000
Small cars: 2010-2011 Toyota Prius, 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra (sedan)
Sedans: 2011-2012 Toyota Camry, 2006-2007 Infiniti M
SUVs: 2007-2008 Honda Pilot, 2009 Mazda CX-9

$20,000-$25,000
Sedans: 2009 BMW 320i, 2009 Infiniti G, 2010 Toyota Avalon
SUVs: 2007-2008 Acura MDX, 2008 Lexus RX

What about the worst used cars? Consumer Reports urges buyers to avoid models like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Grand Caravan, MINI Cooper S, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and Volkswagen Touareg from 2003-2012.

Source : Consumer Reports

From GMM

Former Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton has revealed that part of his new Mercedes deal is being allowed to keep his helmets and trophies.

Although some see his move as 'leaving home' after years of grooming at McLaren, or simply seeking a better financial deal, the Briton last year insisted McLaren's refusal to let him keep his helmets and trophies was a deep frustration.

"The question is, do we get trophies (in 2013)?" Hamilton laughed, according to the Express newspaper.

"Great, I get to keep my trophies, oh shoot, I don't have any," he joked.

"It ws a small thing, but small things matter, like my helmets.

"It (his helmet) has my sweat, blood and tears in it so that is why I want to keep that," explained Hamilton.

"Now I keep them and my trophies are my trophies."

Podium of the 2012 United States Grand Prix, last victory of Lewis Hamilton with McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Although some still question whether McLaren-to-Mercedes was the wisest career choice for Hamilton, he insists he is enjoying life at the German team.

"I have come from a place with a lot of control, a really controlled environment where you are restricted to do and say what you are told," said Hamilton.

He revealed that he began to relax towards the end of 2012, once he had decided to leave McLaren.

"I was able to loosen up and put on the performances I put on," he claimed.

Ford will voluntarily recall 859 vehicles in Canada due to a problem with the left rear door child lock. Affected models include the 2013 Ford Escape, C-MAX and Focus.

In some cases, that lock may not engage when the owner uses normal turning force. As a result, the door can be opened using the inside door handle. This condition could potentially increase the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

Ford dealers will therefore inspect the door latch and replace it if necessary.

Source: Transports Canada

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen's mother says her son is once again enjoying formula one, after his rallying sabattical in 2010 and 2011.

The famous Finn burst back into F1 with Lotus last year, earning legions of new fans who enjoy his unique personality, and finishing a surprise third in the world championship.

Kimi Räikkönen, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

Raikkonen's mother, Paula, said she was surprised late in 2011 when she read rumours her 33-year-old son was thinking about returning to F1.

I had heard rumours of his talks with Williams, so I asked him about it," she is quoted by the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"He said he would prefer to go to Lotus, because it was a better option for him. It was a surprise," she said.

"His friends had told me that he stopped formula one because he was tired (of it), and then suddenly he went back. I think the little break was a good thing, because now he seems to be enjoying the racing again," she added.

After making its Canadian debut at the MIAS in January, the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester is now arriving at dealerships nationwide with a base MSRP of $25,995 for 2.5i models, and $32,495 for 2.0XT models.

The roomier interior of the 2014 Subaru Forester creates a longer distance between the front occupants and the instrument panel. In the back, the 25-millimetre longer wheelbase results in extra legroom.

Once again, 2.5i models use a 170-horsepower, 2.5L boxer engine that achieves 6.2L/100km on the highway according to Subaru. Meanwhile, 2.0XT models get a 250-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged variant (same engine as the BRZ sports coupe).

Other notable features inside the 2014 Subaru Forester include a standard tilt/telescoping steering column, 2,115 litres of cargo room (with the rear seats down), and more comfortable front buckets.

Photo: Subaru

Minivan production at the Chrysler assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, has been reduced to three 4-hour shifts this week.

Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said normal production will return on March 18th. Apparently, the slowdown was intended "to align production with market demand."

As of March 1st, Chrysler had unsold inventory of 24,713 Chrysler Town & Countrys (a 69-day supply) and 18,547 Dodge Grand Caravans (a 43-day supply), according to Automotive News.

Combined sales of both minivans were down 15% through the first two months of 2013.

Source: Automotive News

Stefan Wilson, younger brother of Justin, will be testing for Dale Coyne Racing in day 2 of the official IZOD IndyCar's pre-season test at Barber Motorsports Park on Wednesday.

Veteran IndyCar driver and former Formula 1 driver Justin Wilson is 11 years older than his brother and if the two were to become teammates it would be a first.

According to reports, Stefan, who finished third in the ranking of the Indy Lights Series in 2011, has secured enough sponsorship to run a partial calendar in 2013.

Former Dreyer & Reinbold and Andretti Autosport driver Ana Beatriz will take the second Coyne car on day one on Tuesday. Justin Wilson will run both days.

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne need to really shine if they are to be promoted by Red Bull.

That is the claim of Jacques Villeneuve, the outspoken 1997 world champion turned television pundit.

Youngsters Ricciardo and Vergne have been given a second full season each at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, but Villeneuve thinks they face a tough task to prove they should be slotted in for 2014 alongside Sebastian Vettel.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

"They would need at least a podium," the 41-year-old French Canadian is quoted by RMC Sport.

"Vettel got there because he won a race with Toro Rosso. Many young drivers have been there (Toro Rosso) and most of them did nothing. Vergne needs to show that he is able to stand out; to be like Alonso or Vettel. Being a Webber is not enough," added Villeneuve.

From press release

Known by motorsport enthusiasts for its numerous karting races, Montreal's Kart-O-Mania complex is organizing a new and exclusive event on March 29th at 6pm to benefit the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation.

Tickets for this Grand Prix karting race will be sold for $60 each with all profits going to the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation.

(Photo: Phlippe Champoux)

This special activity is the brainchild of Kart-O-Mania owners in an effort to lend their support to Gabriel, who was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, a rare form of epilepsy, at the young age of 5 months.

Gabriel was fortunate enough to be diagnosed and immediately treated thanks to the Neurology Department at the Sainte-Justine UHC. He is now 16 months old and has made tremendous progress over the past year. Gabriel's weekly physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions have helped him reach some of his inch-stones. He has a long road ahead of him but Gabriel is a fighter and will battle so he can live a normal and healthy life.

Thanks to public donations, the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation is able to help kids like Gabriel right where is counts : in the hospital. The funds raised at the Kart-O-Mania event will go directly to the Neurology Department at the Sainte-Justine UHC.

Ticket price includes a thirty-minute Grand Prix karting race, canapés by caterers Buona Notte Traiteur, and door prizes contributed by Uggs, Créations Paul H, Santa Maria Foods, and David's Tea.

The public is invited to this special event on March 29th, at 6pm, at the Kart-O-Mania complex, located at 5196 de la Savane Street (corner of Décarie) in Montreal.

Caterham F1 Team has provided the motorsport medias with some very interesting technical information about running a Formula 1 car on the street circuit of Albert Park, home of the maiden Grand Prix of the season in Australia.

Here below is the track map with the turn numbers, and for some of them the gear selected, speed and lateral g forces.

Image: Caterham F1 Team/Renault Sport F1

Here below is an example of a complete lap of the Caterham F1 car around the 5.303km circuit of Albert Park. The graph has been provided by Renault Sport F1. This is exactly what the Renault engineers are watching all the time when the car is out on the race track. The data is provided live by the telemetry system of the car.

Image: Caterham F1 Team/Renault Sport F1

Red line: Engine speed (note the slight drop in RPMs during the gear changes. Lowest RPM is 10,000)
Black line: Speed of the car in kph (fastest speed is 330 kph, slowest speed is 80)
Green line: Lateral g's (ranging from +4 g's to -4)
Pink line: Gear selected
Yellow line: Percentage of throttle (0 being off the throttle, and 100% being throttle fully open)
Orange line: Pressure on the brake pedal

From GMM

Despite vowing never to race on two wheels again, former Formula World Champîon Michael Schumacher is back on the saddle of a powerful racing motorcycle.

German reports say the newly re-retired seven time world champion tried to keep his test outing this week at the Valencia circuit strictly secret.

But DPA news agency, and other news outlets, say Schumacher was definitely at full speed on a 220 horse power Honda, with the Holzhauer team.

In 2009 - during his first retirement from F1 - Schumacher was seriously injured when he crashed a similar bike.

It prevented him from filling in for Felipe Massa following the Brazilian's Hungaroring qualifying crash, and Schumacher vowed never to return to full speed on two wheels again.

Michael Schumacher. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

His manager Sabine Kehm says now: "Yes, he rides motorcycles again but he will not race anymore."

Speed Week claims Schumacher's best test lap at Valencia was only 4 seconds slower than the very best motorcycle racers in action on the same day.

Schumacher has revealed he will be watching this weekend's F1 season opener from the comfort of his lounge.

"I'm obviously still closely connected to the Mercedes team," he told his website this week, "but not in a specific role and not at the track."