Auto News 5

Used cars should get cheaper in 2014 after five years of consistently rising prices, National Automobile Dealers Association economists said today. But analysts from the NADA Used Car Guide insisted this is not a sign of a bursting bubble.

Volkswagen of America's top sales executive, Frank Trivieri, is leaving the automaker. The former GM executive was recruited to VW by Jonathan Browning, VW's former U.S. chief.

Volkswagen of America's top sales executive, Frank Trivieri, is leaving the automaker. The former GM executive was recruited to VW by Jonathan Browning, VW's former U.S. chief.

Volkswagen of America has disclosed the departure of another top executive: Frank Trivieri, who since 2011 had been the Volkswagen brand's executive vice president of sales.

Volkswagen of America has disclosed the departure of another top executive: Frank Trivieri, 51, who since 2011 had been the Volkswagen brand's executive vice president of sales.

Carlos Tavares could take over as chief executive of PSA Peugeot Citroen in March, two sources close to the situation said. Tavares, the former second in command at rival Renault, joined the loss-making French carmaker as CEO-in-waiting on Jan. 1.

Carlos Tavares could take over as CEO of PSA/Peugeot-Citroen in March, sources said. Tavares, the former No. 2 at rival Renault, joined PSA as CEO-in-waiting on Jan. 1.

Carlos Tavares could take over as chief executive of PSA Peugeot Citroen in March, two sources close to the situation said. Tavares, the former second in command at rival Renault, joined the loss-making French carmaker as CEO-in-waiting on Jan. 1.

Italian brake supplier Brembo established its foothold in racing 40 years ago with Ferrari. Since then, Brembo has expanded into a business that has made the company's chairman, Alberto Bombassei, a billionaire.

If you see a dazzling concept car at an auto show this year, consider this: Somebody is going to have to find the space to park it and maintain it in a heritage collection.

Independent car repair chains and parts retailers have been lobbying for laws that would give them standardized access to the diagnostic tools that automakers give their franchised dealers.

Helen Emsley remembers the anxiety she felt six years ago when asked to lead the interior design for the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

From GMM

Mercedes' all-new, V6-powered formula one car was in action on Friday.

Mercedes even released audio of Nico Rosberg speeding past at the wheel of the unlaunched W05 for a 'filming day' at Silverstone.



Also running at Silverstone was the locally-based Force India's VJM07, with Nico Hulkenberg at the wheel, while both of Toro Rosso's drivers were running in the newly Renault-powered STR9 at Misano in Italy.

Audio clips of the V6 engines on test benches had raised alarm bells among some F1 fans, but the new Mercedes clip - where the turbo whistle could be easily heard - was warmly welcomed.

"You guys had scared me with the sound of that engine test you posted last year," one commenter wrote, "but once in the track it sounds wonderful."

McLaren's Jenson Button agrees: "From what I've heard it still sounds pretty good.

"It's a real mix of sounds because you've got the turbo, so it's quite an unusual sound. But I like it, it sounds good."

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that a slight dispute is in the making between the three V6 makers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari.

The dispute is over whether a protective cover for the turbocharger, weighing a crucial 3 or 4 kilograms, is necessary.

Mercedes and Renault argue that the cover is needed for safety reasons in the event of a turbo failure, but Ferrari wants to leave the cover off.

"Next week there will be a clarifying conversation with the FIA," wrote correspondent Tobias Gruner.

"Renault will apparently show a film of what happens when a turbocharger explodes."

From press release

Alessandro Zanardi completed a successful roll-out with the BMW Z4 GT3, which has been modified to meet his unique requirements. The roll-out took place at the "Adria Raceway“ near Venice.

Alex Zanardi, BMW. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

In 2014 Zanardi will race as a BMW works driver in the Blancpain GT Sprint Series with ROAL Motorsport. He used the first outing at Adria to get acquainted with the BMW Z4 GT3, which is still new to him. At the same time, Team Principal Roberto Ravaglia's crew collected valuable information how to further modify the car in order to perfectly meet the requirements of the racing driver who had both his legs amputated. This first test was very satisfying for Zanardi and ROAL Motorsport.

Alex Zanardi, BMW. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

“I don't want to sound too excited, but it was at least as good as I could have dreamt it would be. The car is so nice to drive and I am back with a team where I am meeting a lot of old friends”, said Zanardi, who raced with ROAL Motorsport from 2003 to 2009.

Alex Zanardi, BMW. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Scuderia Ferrari unveiled this morning in Maranello, Italy its new turbo hybrid Formula 1 car.

Photo: Ferrari

The F14-T, designed by the team led by British engineer James Allison, is powered by a brand new 1.6L, Ferrari V6 engine.

Photo: Ferrari

Car No. 14 will be driven by two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso and car No. 7 will be driven by 2007 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen.

Photo: Ferrari

Photo: Ferrari

Photo: Ferrari

From GMM

In the context of the death of Jenson Button's father, a new spat between McLaren and Lotus is unlikely to rate high on his list of concerns.

As for whether losing his dad had caused him to even contemplate his future in F1, the 2009 world champion admitted: "Everything goes through your mind, that's all I have to say on it."

Button's grief coincides with a tumultuous period at his team, the famous British grandee McLaren, having emerged from the miserable 2013 season.

Gone now is the title sponsor Vodafone, but also missing at the launch of the MP4-29 on Friday was boss Martin Whitmarsh.

McLaren MP4-29 (Photo: McLaren)

Button welcomed the return to power of company supremo Ron Dennis.

"For me that's the exciting thing about this year. And you do need change sometimes," he said.

Multiple authoritative sources all agree that Whitmarsh's certain successor is Eric Boullier, the newly-departed Lotus team principal.

That move has ruffled some feathers at Enstone.

Lotus E22 (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Indeed, in what was widely interpreted as a spoiling move, Lotus chose the precise minute that McLaren's 2014 car was revealed to publish the first photo of its own new single seater, the E22.

And, defiantly hinting at Boullier's choice of next job, the team said on Twitter that the Frenchman's parting gift is a copy of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

Now, the respected Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt claims that a leading contender to succeed Boullier at Lotus is none other than Whitmarsh himself.

Schmidt also mentioned Ross Brawn as a contender, while rumours on Twitter pointed to Craig Pollock, Jacques Villeneuve's former manager, who may also be interested into buying into the Enstone based team.

Another reason for the animosity between McLaren and Lotus, according to Schmidt, is because the teams are both in talks with the same major potential sponsor.

Lotus has reportedly entered the talks with a lower asking price, but the identity of the sponsor is currently not known.

"We only know that it is a Japanese technology company," said Schmidt, speculating that it could be Sony.

Adapted from GMM



Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso compared himself with a younger Michael Schumacher, as Ferrari on Saturday became the next team to unveil its 2014 car, launching the fan-named F14-T online.

The characteristically red car, but with extra black in its livery for the new V6-powered season, features an unique take on the FIA's new aerodynamic limitations, and is a departure from the 'anteater' noses seen so far.

Ferrari F14-T (Photo: Ferrari)

And with former five-time Ferrari title winner Michael Schumacher currently seriously ill in hospital, Spaniard Alonso drew a parallel with the great German's breakthrough in 2000, and his own fifth consecutive season in red.

"I'm in the fifth year now so hopefully I can repeat some of the success that he had," said Alonso.

The F14-T's nose is a dramatic shape, wide and low. The car will be driven by Fernando Alonso as usual, but also team returnee and 2007 world champion, Kimi Raikkonen.

Audi wants young car buyers to feel more comfortable at its dealerships. Executives think there's an app for that.

Alicia Boler-Davis, GM's senior vice president of global customer experience and quality, knows this is no time for General Motors to rest on its laurels.

One of the biggest challenges facing Victory Automotive Group is the same one facing all auto dealers: attracting and retaining quality employees.