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Sergio Marchionne, who plans to merge Fiat and Chrysler, has said he will file an initial public offering for the U.S. carmaker in the coming days, but it's an IPO that he'll be keen to avoid.

Sergio Marchionne, who plans to merge Fiat and Chrysler, has said he will file an initial public offering for the U.S. carmaker in the coming days, but it's an IPO that he'll be keen to avoid.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Barb Samardzich will be just the third person to be Ford of Europe COO in the last decade when she starts the job Nov. 1. The other two were promoted to a CEO job in a year or less.

Volkswagen plans to start selling electric cars in the United States in 2015, a newspaper reported, citing a company official.

German carmaker Volkswagen plans to start selling electric cars in the United States in 2015, the New York Times reported, citing a Volkswagen official.

BMW disputes claims that subcontractors working for the automaker in France attempted to obtain information about rival Bollore's EV technology.

BMW disputes claims that subcontractors working for the automaker in France attempted to obtain information about rival Bollore's EV technology.

Electric car company Tesla Motors is working to produce a car capable of running on "auto-pilot" within the next three years, CEO Elon Musk said, joining tech giant Google Inc. and rival carmakers in the race to roll a driverless car into the market.

GM says it is hatching a plan on how to best position Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe, but disagreement on branding still exists between the marque's top managers.

GM says it is hatching a plan on how to best position Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall in Europe, but disagreement on branding still exists between the marque's top managers.

Portland, OR - Is there anything better than wind-in-your-hair motoring on a hot summer evening? Yes, convertibles may hold a special place in the car enthusiast's heart, yet most of us shy away from such impulsive purchases simply due to practicalities. For a start, it's difficult to source a sporty drop-top boasting anything but two usable seats (unless you count those just-for-show rear pygmy-pockets certain manufacturers fit), and that simply doesn't cut it for most of us.

Then of course, there's the image. A two-seater sports model may well appease one's midlife crisis (and possibly assist a little with your love life), but it's hardly the vehicle to be seen in arriving at your elderly aunt's funeral.

Whichever way you look at it, it's tough to balance style, prestige and dignified open-air pleasure, or is it?


What is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In my opinion, the E-Class has always been the smart person's choice within the Mercedes-Benz lineup as it simply ticks all the right boxes. Prestigious enough to impress, it's perfectly sized for today's cramped highways and its purchase price won't break your bank manager's heart.

However, the E-Class Cabriolet adds to this with an abundance of open-air fun, which is enjoyable for four reasonably sized adults. In fact, if you're looking for an impressive (yet sensible) convertible, the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet could be in a “class of its own.”

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Price and Specs
Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

Mercedes also thoughtfully included some rather stylish colour schemes for 2014 (see photos) and all Canadian models receive AMG body styling as standard.

Pricewise, the E 350 starts at a quite reasonable $69,800 (a great deal for what you're getting), and there's very little in the way of additional packages to add to this figure as the vehicle comes well-equipped already. The more powerful E 550 will set you back substantially more (a tad over $80k), but performance-driven buyers (and possibly those seeking long-term ownership) may prefer it. Fuel-economy differences between the two aren't overly outrageous.

Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet
I drove both the 2014 E 350 and 2014 E 550, and I enjoyed them each immensely. However, if it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. In my opinion, it's the best all-rounder. Its V6 propels the vehicle at a sprightly pace without any fuss or drama (particularly in Sport mode), and is surprisingly good at balancing performance with fuel economy (9.0L/100km combined).

The E 550, on the other hand, is perhaps more the choice of the automobile connoisseur as it truly is a refined driving experience (10.2L/100km combined). Its uber-power comes on silky smooth, and it boasts a wonderful exhaust roar at full bore!

If it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Like the Mercedes E-Class sedan and wagon, the coupe and cabriolet versions were refreshed for 2014.

The new styling, both front and rear, is now complemented by a host of modern technology that includes something Mercedes refers to as, "Intelligent drive." This innovative system not only constantly scans for wayward pedestrians (it detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 50 km/hr), and is also capable of keeping the vehicle centered in the lane should the driver start to wander (it can even follow the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic automatically). This remarkable achievement is obtained via extensive use of radar, and with cleverly positioned cameras that effectively operate as all-seeing eyeballs. It's impressive to say the least, and is truly a major leap forward in vehicular safety.

If the stunning curbside appeal doesn't immediately melt your heart, then sliding behind the wheel of the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet will certainly take care of that problem. Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. Its well-planned cockpit ensures comfort for all shapes and sizes. Pleasant touches, such as contrasting stitching to the leather seating, make you feel special and then some.

Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Yes, there are other manufacturers offering luxury convertibles, but very few boast products to match the E-Class Cabriolet. Typically, convertible ownership is a compromise between performance, style, and capacity. You either go for all-out performance and suffer the discomfort while cruising or you plumb for a more sedate ride and perhaps greater seating capacity (think Chrysler Sebring). It's rare to find a vehicle that adequately combines sporty performance, style & comfort.

If you're considering the purchase of a convertible sometime in the near future, you owe it to yourself to check out the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. It truly is an exceptional vehicle.

German drivers Maximilian Buhk and Maximilian Götz have been rewarded for their victory at the 24 Hours of Spa with a test of a Mercedes DTM car.

The two Germans, who raced alongside veteran Bernd Schneider, gave Mercedes its first success in the classic endurance event in Belgium for almost fifty years, driving a SLS AMG GT3 ran by team HTP.

As a reward, and in order to celebrate the 100th success for Mercedes since the customer sports programme was inaugurated in 2010, Mercedes invited Buhk and Götz to test the Mercedes AMG C-Class DTM this week at the Lausitzring.

Maximilian Buhk und Maximilian Götz had been quite successful 2012. Driving a gullwing SLS AMG GT3, Buhk won the FIA GT3 European Championship while Götz took the title in the ADAC GT Masters.

Maximilian Buhk and Maximilian Götz. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told the Financial Times he hopes to put a self-driving car on the road within three years, well before other manufacturers.

“We should be able to do 90% of miles driven within three years,” he announced, meaning that drivers would only have to grab the wheel 10% of the time.

Musk did not reveal further details of Tesla's autonomy project, but said it was “internal development” rather than technology being supplied by another company.
Daimler, Nissan, and Google are also working on a driverless car.

Of course, laws and regulations will need to change. In Europe, for instance, drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicle at all times. Moreover, insurance companies and road users will have to have complete faith in the safety of self-driving cars, which definitely won't happen overnight.

Source: ft.com

Photo: Wikipedia

Nationwide, the title sponsor of NASCAR's junior series will not be renewing as series sponsor after 2014.

“It's a natural evolution for Nationwide Insurance to move our marketing investment to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and we'll continue to put tremendous effort behind all of our NASCAR marketing platforms in the years to come,” said Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer Matt Jauchius in a news release.

The Sports Business Daily said that the deal, which dates back to 2007, had been worth in the area of $8USD million.

One of the stated reasons was to get exposure relating to NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup Series.

Jauchius said told the SBD "Being a series sponsor was the right thing at that particular time but we see Sundays (for Cup races) as the next step. You'll see us lean into this even more at the Cup level. ... I will spend more money in 2014 and 2015 (in NASCAR) by shifting assets around a bit." NASCAR plans to begin searching for a new title sponsor immediately.”

Thus it's possible that there will be no net loss in NASCAR spending by the Insurance giant, but, a shift to teams. Currently Nationwide has a partial sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing on rookie, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s Sprint Cup Ford Fusion.

NASCAR and Nationwide Insurance have finalized a new agreement to extend Nationwide's position as the official auto, home, life and business insurance partner of NASCAR through 2017. As part of the new contract, Nationwide Insurance also will become the presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Portland, OR - Is there anything better than wind-in-your-hair motoring on a hot summer evening? Yes, convertibles may hold a special place in the car enthusiast's heart, yet most of us shy away from such impulsive purchases simply due to practicalities. For a start, it's difficult to source a sporty drop-top boasting anything but two usable seats (unless you count those just-for-show rear pygmy-pockets certain manufacturers fit), and that simply doesn't cut it for most of us.

Then of course, there's the image. A two-seater sports model may well appease one's midlife crisis (and possibly assist a little with your love life), but it's hardly the vehicle to be seen in arriving at your elderly aunt's funeral.

Whichever way you look at it, it's tough to balance style, prestige and dignified open-air pleasure, or is it?


What is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In my opinion, the E-Class has always been the smart person's choice within the Mercedes-Benz lineup as it simply ticks all the right boxes. Prestigious enough to impress, it's perfectly sized for today's cramped highways and its purchase price won't break your bank manager's heart.

However, the E-Class Cabriolet adds to this with an abundance of open-air fun, which is enjoyable for four reasonably sized adults. In fact, if you're looking for an impressive (yet sensible) convertible, the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet could be in a “class of its own.”

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Price and Specs
Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

Mercedes also thoughtfully included some rather stylish colour schemes for 2014 (see photos) and all Canadian models receive AMG body styling as standard.

Pricewise, the E 350 starts at a quite reasonable $69,800 (a great deal for what you're getting), and there's very little in the way of additional packages to add to this figure as the vehicle comes well-equipped already. The more powerful E 550 will set you back substantially more (a tad over $80k), but performance-driven buyers (and possibly those seeking long-term ownership) may prefer it. Fuel-economy differences between the two aren't overly outrageous.

Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet
I drove both the 2014 E 350 and 2014 E 550, and I enjoyed them each immensely. However, if it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. In my opinion, it's the best all-rounder. Its V6 propels the vehicle at a sprightly pace without any fuss or drama (particularly in Sport mode), and is surprisingly good at balancing performance with fuel economy (9.0L/100km combined).

The E 550, on the other hand, is perhaps more the choice of the automobile connoisseur as it truly is a refined driving experience (10.2L/100km combined). Its uber-power comes on silky smooth, and it boasts a wonderful exhaust roar at full bore!

If it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Like the Mercedes E-Class sedan and wagon, the coupe and cabriolet versions were refreshed for 2014.

The new styling, both front and rear, is now complemented by a host of modern technology that includes something Mercedes refers to as, "Intelligent drive." This innovative system not only constantly scans for wayward pedestrians (it detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 50 km/hr), and is also capable of keeping the vehicle centered in the lane should the driver start to wander (it can even follow the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic automatically). This remarkable achievement is obtained via extensive use of radar, and with cleverly positioned cameras that effectively operate as all-seeing eyeballs. It's impressive to say the least, and is truly a major leap forward in vehicular safety.

If the stunning curbside appeal doesn't immediately melt your heart, then sliding behind the wheel of the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet will certainly take care of that problem. Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. Its well-planned cockpit ensures comfort for all shapes and sizes. Pleasant touches, such as contrasting stitching to the leather seating, make you feel special and then some.

Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Yes, there are other manufacturers offering luxury convertibles, but very few boast products to match the E-Class Cabriolet. Typically, convertible ownership is a compromise between performance, style, and capacity. You either go for all-out performance and suffer the discomfort while cruising or you plumb for a more sedate ride and perhaps greater seating capacity (think Chrysler Sebring). It's rare to find a vehicle that adequately combines sporty performance, style & comfort.

If you're considering the purchase of a convertible sometime in the near future, you owe it to yourself to check out the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. It truly is an exceptional vehicle.

Siegfried Marcus was born on September 18th, 1831, in Malchin, Mecklenburg, Germany. This man built four of the world's earliest gasoline-powered vehicles, including the first combustion-engined automobile in 1864.

Because the machine had no clutch, the rear wheels had to be lifted off the ground before the engine could be started. Dissatisfied with its performance after one test drive, Marcus dismantled the vehicle and took on other projects.

Ten years later, his next vehicle featured a remarkably advanced electrical system. It is currently preserved in the Technical Museum for Industry and Trade in Vienna as probably the oldest gasoline-powered automobile extant.

First gasoline-powered vehicule by Marcus, 1870 (Photo: Wikipedia)

Why isn't he more famous?
Because Marcus was a Jew, museum authorities had to hide the vehicle to prevent its destruction during the Nazi occupation. However, the Nazis managed to destroy all original documents, photos, and patent filings in both Berlin and Vienna.

Marcus was removed from German encyclopedias as the inventor of the modern car, under a directive from the German Ministry for Propaganda during World War II. He was replaced with the names of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, who were then credited with inventing the world's first combustion-engined automobile in 1885.

Following repeated requests by inventor Mario Petrucci, the memorial in front of the Vienna museum was rebuilt in 1949. A year later, Marcus' hidden automobile resurfaced and enjoyed major restoration.

After months of struggles and uncertainty, Fisker may have found its saviour. A group of German investors has made a formal $25 million offer to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). Only problem: The electric car maker still owes $171 million from its 2009 loan.

Fritz Nol AG submitted a "detailed offer including a signed [letter of intent] and a short presentation of our restructuring plan."

According to Autobild, the group reportedly plans to relocate production of the Fisker Karma from independent Finnish manufacturer Valmet to the U.S., likely in Wilmington, Delaware. Fisker previously bought this site to manufacture its second model, the Atlantic.

The DoE is still waiting for other offers including one by company founder Henrik Fisker (backed by Hong Kong Asian investors), who left in March after a disagreement with the board of management over strategic direction.

Source : autonews.com

Photo: Fisker