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Volkswagen brand's U.S. vehicle sales rose 3 percent last month from a year earlier with most of the gains coming from one nameplate: the Beetle.

Germany knows just how powerful the BRIC nations have become.

Mercedes plans to launch a subcompact car range with the help of Renault-Nissan, a German magazine reported. The cars, badged as X-class models, would be priced below 20,000 euros and compete with BMW's Mini brand and the Audi A1.

BMW may export cars built under a new brand developed with Chinese partner Brilliance Automotive to mature and developing markets, global sales boss Ian Robertson said.

Opel has found no evidence in a crash test on its new Mokka small SUV that a controversial air conditioning refrigerant could catch fire in a collision and release toxic fumes.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors are recalling vehicles in the United States to replace a faulty switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating and trigger other problems. About 1.7 million vehicles are involved.

The bankrupt electric-car battery maker formerly called A123 Systems, renamed B456 Systems, reached a settlement in which Fisker Automotive reduced its claims by 89 percent to $15 million.

Hyundai and its affiliate, Kia, will take "global action" to fix a potentially faulty brake light switch, after they said they planned to recall almost 1.9 million cars in the United States.

General Motors' Opel unit has found no evidence in a crash test on its new Mokka small SUV that a controversial air conditioning refrigerant made by American auto suppliers could catch fire in a collision and release toxic fumes.

From GMM

The calmer tones of F1's new-generation turbo V6 engines could be artificially enhanced, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

The F1 chief executive is worried the sport will lose some of its appeal to fans when next year's engines fail to live up to the dramatic noise of the current V8s.

The grand prix circuit promoters, led by Australia's Ron Walker, are also worried.

"As Bernie will attest," Walker told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, "it (the V6) sounds like a lawnmower engine, and we will be fighting this tooth and nail."

V6 engine. (Photo: Mercedes)

Less publicly worried are the engine makers themselves, who see the new regulations as a welcome step into the automobile's modern era.

It is also expected that Honda could now return to F1, amid rumours Volkswagen and Toyota are also interested in the V6 rules.

But Ecclestone thinks the radical change of regulations is actually a risk for the suppliers.

"The danger is that what will happen is what always happens with the manufacturers, which is that if it doesn't work they will stop," he told Autoweek.

And another risk is that the 'lawnmower' tones of the V6s will also drive the spectators away.

"What Ron (Walker) is saying is that you have to make sure that the engines will make it to 16,000 revs," said Ecclestone. "That was agreed and now we know they won't rev to anything like that. The fuel flow has been agreed so even if you have big tanks it still can't rev (to 16,000)."

Admitting it is not his preferred option, Bernie Ecclestone nonetheless revealed that artificially enhancing the V6 engine sound is a possibility.

"Maybe we can make them sound like the current engines," he said.

Ron Walker added that in 2011, "(FIA president Jean) Todt told me in Australia that the next thing is they are going to have a hybrid. I said 'what about the noise' and he said they will put a squeak box on the back of the car. God almighty!"

On Tuesday, April 2nd, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the bill that officially repeals a controversial law forcing Canadian drivers to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) on the roads of the Sunshine State.

The law initially came into effect without notice, resulting in a backlash from Canadian tourists. Authorities agreed to defer enforcement of the law before finally opting for a repeal.

“Effective immediately, Canadians in Florida can go back to doing what they have always been able to do: Drive with peace of mind using their provincial driver's license,” said Jeff Walker, CAA Vice President of Public Affairs. “CAA is pleased that the voices of its members and others were listened to by state officials, and that the state of Florida has removed any uncertainty.”

Source : CAA

Several IndyCar drivers will conduct tests at Pocono next week which will be used for tire evaluation by supplier Firestone. This will mark the first time that Indy-type of single seaters has been at the Pennsylvania trioval in more than 20 years.

Will Power, Dario Franchitti, Marco Andretti and Simon Pagenaud will be on hand on the fast race track which will join the Indianapolis 500 and Fontana in comprising the series' Triple Crown.

The series last visited the circuit in 1989 in its CART series' days before concerns over safety standards forced Pocono out of the schedule. It has since undergone significant upgrades and remains a regular stop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule.

Photo: Pocono Raceway

Ana Beatriz
Meanwhile, Brazilian Ana Beatriz will remain behind the wheel of the second Dale Coyne Racing car until at least the Indianapolis 500. This coming weekend will mark her first race at the Alabama circuit.

Stefan Wilson was supposed to be at the wheel of the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Dallara for the Alabama round but the Briton has been unable to put together a deal in time, but remains optimistic of being able to race later in the year.

Detroit Electric is making a comeback after an absence of over 70 years. Its all-new SP:01 electric sports car, based on the Lotus Exige, will be limited to 999 units and priced at $135,000 in the U.S. when it goes on sale this August.

This zero-emission two-seater reportedly offers a range of 288 kilometres. A full charge takes 4.3 hours through a 240V power source. As for performance, the SP:01 sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 249 km/h. The 201-horsepower electric motor draws energy from a 37kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.

Inside the SP:01, the Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment (SAMI) system provides access to a wide range of functions, including music, phone, navigation, regenerative braking adjustment, and interior lighting adjustment. Users can also check the vehicle status on their smartphone.

No word yet on the SP:01's Canadian availability.

Photo: Detroit Electric

Attention, Canadian drivers: Hyundai and Kia are now recalling 254,784 and 106,098 vehicles, respectively, because the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights.

Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Consequently, Hyundai and Kia dealers will replace the switch.

Affected models include:

• 2007 Kia Sedona;
• 2007-2012 Kia Rondo;
• 2007-2010 Kia Sportage;
• 2007-2011 Kia Sorento;
• 2010-2011 Kia Soul;
• 2011 Kia Optima;
• 2007-2009 Hyundai Accent;
• 2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra;
• 2007-2011 Hyundai Santa Fe;
• 2007-2009 Hyundai Tucson;
• 2008-2009 Hyundai Veracruz;
• 2010-2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe;
• 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Price Range: $26,190

Description: As Canada's best-selling passenger car for 14 consecutive years, the Civic returns for 2013 with a host of design upgrades and an onslaught of new standard features while maintaining the efficiency and value that have made it a household name.

The range-topping Civic, called the Civic Si, stands for Sport Injected. It's a badge that's been worn by the hottest factory Civic models for generations.

In its latest application, the Si treatment sees the best-selling Civic model fitted with various suspension, styling and chassis upgrades to handle the duties of high-performance driving. Track-validated brakes, tires and suspension components are all on board the 2013 Honda Civic Si.


Visual upgrades include a spoiler, special wheels, a sunroof, unique badging, and plenty more. The 2013 Civic Si is available in both two- and four-door configurations, both of which capitalize on the recent redesign and update of the Civic family. Look for 17” wheels, red contrast stitching, sport-tuned exhaust, and sport-tuned suspension. A full complement of airbags and a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system are both standard on the safety front.

Drivetrain: With motivation from a high-revving 2.4L V-TEC engine, the upgrades are no empty threat. The furious K24 engine under the 2013 Civic Si's hood generates 201 horsepower while spinning eagerly to its 7,000 rpm redline. When drivers enter the upper limits of the engine's rev range, the V-TEC system engages a more aggressive camshaft profile to ramp up power output and sound effects.

2013 Honda Civic Si models are available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox featuring a lightweight and compact design and excellent shift-feel. Power is sent to the front wheels through a helical-style Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that helps increase handling potential while reducing wheel-slippage when powering out of tight corners.

Consider it if: you like the idea of a fun, efficient little sports car you can drive every day of the year, or if you're after a reliable nameplate with a proven reputation for no-nonsense ownership. The 2013 Honda Civic Si also makes a great starting point for custom tuning, visuals and other modifications. With two body styles, there's plenty of selection. Resale values are relatively high, too.

Skip it if: you're after all-out firepower for your dollar, or if you need an automatic transmission since one isn't available.

Other Notes: Feature content includes:

• Navigation
• Premium audio
• Remote keyless access
• Slick driver computer system

Full multimedia connectivity is also on board the 2013 Honda Civic Si, as are specially embroidered sport bucket seats.

Premium fuel is recommended.

Don't Miss: the V-TEC meter! As the system dials up engine power, a small meter with LED indicator lights comes to life, with more lights activating across the meter as the system is worked harder. The final light, achieved at redline, is a shift indicator that blinks quickly just ahead of the rev-limiter to advise drivers that an upshift is required.

Photo: Honda

From GMM

India is facing a long wait for another formula one driver, Karun Chandhok has warned.

Not too long ago, both Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan were representing the populous nation on the grid.

Now, they have been priced out of the market.

Karun Chandhok testing for Team Lotus in 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

"F1 is F1, everyone knows the financial situation," Chandhok, who now races in Le Mans-style sports cars, told the Press Trust of India.

"F1 is difficult at the moment unless you have millions."

The 29-year-old lamented that, while he and Karthikeyan are locked outside of F1, there are no countryman poised to take their place in representing India.

Narain Karthikeyan, racing driver for HRT in 2012. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

"(The) next F1 driver from India? At the moment don't see anyone else," said Chandhok.

"If any Indian has to be in F1 in future it would be either me or Narain. To be able to do well in F1, you need to win in Europe and so far only I and Narain have been able to win in GP2, A1GP and Formula 3. No other Indian has been able to do it. Have you seen anyone in the junior ranks? There are a few but no one is winning," he added.

Being green has never been trendier, as evidenced by the growing presence of highly efficient automobiles on the road. These include vehicles powered by alternative energy such as clean diesel, electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane.

Here, we'll focus on electric cars.

100% electric cars
These models are completely emission-free since they make do without any combustion engine or gasoline-powered generator. They rely exclusively on an electric motor and battery, and their range can exceed 100 kilometres with a full charge (depending on traffic conditions and driving habits). That makes them ideal for daily commutes around town.

Charging electric cars can be done at home or at one of the hundreds of charging stations across the country. Three affordable models are currently available:

• Nissan LEAF
• Mitsubishi i-MiEV
• Ford Focus Electric

If money isn't really an issue, or if you're looking for the most luxurious EV around, consider these two:

• Fisker Karma
• Tesla Model S

Extended-range electric cars
In this case, a gasoline engine/generator can charge the battery that feeds the electric motor. So, whenever the battery is about to run out, the generator kicks in to extend the range - anywhere from about 60 to 500 kilometres. The only model that fits this description right now is the Chevrolet Volt.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Adapted from GMM

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion turned TV pundit, thinks Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen would be a good bet for this year's championship.

"I said before Australia that it would be Alonso and Hamilton for the title, now I think I would bet everything on the Spaniard and the Finn," he is quoted by France's Auto Hebdo.

"This could be Ferrari's year," the French Canadian added in the Italian media. "The car is fast, although maybe it's a bit difficult to drive. Perhaps he will also have the support of Massa this year."

The Enstone based team, however, had a much less impressive weekend in Malaysia, just a few days after Raikkonen's Melbourne win.

"It's true, we didn't have a good race at Sepang," technical boss James Allison is quoted by Speed Week.

"But the damage was done in the first few laps, when we fell half a minute behind, but Romain (Grosjean) was only 35 seconds behind Vettel at the end. Sepang didn't show what our car can really do," he added.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

However, Grosjean and Raikkonen have both spoken about how good the black E21 is, whilst expressing fears Lotus might not be able to keep up with the development pace of the better funded top teams.

James Allison insists: "The most expensive thing is bringing the car to the track, not developing it. We've also noticed that it is relatively easy for us to find promising developments in the wind tunnel. And we have lots of ideas about how to develop mechanically."

Team boss Eric Boullier told Brazil's Totalrace: "I think Romain has all the same upgrades as Kimi for China. We have parts arriving for every race and will keep working hard. It will be interesting."

Electric car buyers have to consider a number of things, such as the location and availability of charging stations in their immediate area. There's been a real proliferation of charging stations across Canada in 2012. One company in Ontario, Sun Country Highway, even set out to build the ''World's Longest Greenest Highway'' by electrifying Canada from coast to coast. There are currently charging stations every 1 to 230 kilometres along the Trans-Canadian Highway and (best of all) they are free.

• Map of Sun Country Highway charging stations

In Quebec, the Electric Circuit offers electric car owners access to charging stations at various partner locations. All you need is a prepaid card.

• Map of Electric Circuit charging stations

Moreover, Electric Mobility Canada, in collaboration with Plug'nDrive Ontario and CAA, developed a comprehensive map of all charging stations from various providers across Canada.

• Canadian map of all charging stations

VERnetwork (Vehicles Electrically Rechargeable), developed by Add Énergie, covers both Quebec and British Columbia. A membership is required.

• Map of VERnetwork charging stations

United States
South of the border, you'll find a vast network of charging stations for electric cars. The U.S. Department of Energy has a map that points to the location of over 11,000 stations, all identified by energy type (electricity, propane, hydrogen, ethanol, etc.).

• Map of charging stations in the U.S.

Europe
Planning a trip across the pond? Regardless of your destination, you can find thousands of charging stations to dispel your range anxiety. Take a look at:

• EV-Charging Station: (U.K., Germany, Spain, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, and other countries);
• France Mobilité Électrique: (France, Spain, U.K., Italy, Germany, and more);
• Chargemap.com: Over 13,000 charging stations for electric cars on both sides of the Atlantic.

Photo: Chevrolet

British magazine, Autosport says Formula 1 teams may get an extra test session to fine tune the new 2014 V6 hybrid turbo engines.

Normally, only three test sessions are held in preparation for a new season. But due to the immense task of developing these totally new 1.6-litre engines, teams have been lobbying for an extra test or for an early first test.

Autosport talked to Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director who confirmed that the teams have asked for an additional test session but the format and the location were still undecided.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

There also had been suggestions of an engine test being held this year, but according to White it would be too late to schedule such an early debut. It takes a lot of time to manufacturer all the components, and a test in October would be way too early.

"We're still designing pieces and some pieces that we're designing are not yet made. On the current project timing, it's just not possible to put a representative engine in the car by October,” said White.

The three engine suppliers - Renault, Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari - will continue to bench test the V6 engines to confirm the design of the new V6s.

"It's going to be a very intense pre-season in 2014,” White concluded.