Auto News 5

Leoni has reported second quarter net income up 27% to EUR29.9m (US$40m), with consolidated sales rising 3.5% year on year to EUR2.039bn in the first six months of 2014, reaching EUR2bn at the half-year mark for the first time.

Johnson Controls has opened a new crash test facility at its Automotive Seating headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan.

News 13 Aug, 2014

Two years after being installed, variable speed cameras will finally be switched on

China's anti-trust probe has expanded to include over 1,000 local Chinese and overseas automotive companies, according to local sources quoting a Chinese government official.

Autoliv has unveiled a new operating structure, which it says will create two business segments, namely passive safety and electronics.

GM's European transformation is gathering momentum, with the vast majority of its former Chevrolet dealers in the region now selling only Opel-branded vehicles to boost the once-flagging German brand.

Skoda said today its global sales in July rose 19 percent to 82,800 units, the most ever for that month and biggest monthly increase so far this year.

A new generation of the Ford Ka has been shown to the media in Brazil. Unlike the outgoing model, there are two body styles: a sedan and a five-door hatchback.

News 13 Aug, 2014

The results of the Driver Power 2014 survey are in, showing that dealers annoy most by failing to find a reported fault

Britain's fourth-largest car dealer, Lookers, expects to post a full-year pretax profit of more than 60 million pounds (75 million euros) after record sales lifted its pretax profit by 36 percent in the first half.

News 13 Aug, 2014

50,000 UK motorists told Driver Power about their car insurance experiences. Here's the low-down on the premiums, discounts and claims

Nothing can prepare you for the sudden popularity that comes with driving a Lamborghini. One minute you're as average as white bread, the next minute you're being photographed like a supermodel.

Europe's car sales slump took its toll on the executive ranks at automakers active in the region. Just 13 of the 37 executives who topped their organizational charts before the crisis are still there.

In an interview given to Syracuse.com, Kevin Ward Sr. spoke publicly for the first time about the death of his son, Kevin Ward Jr.

The angry father blamed Stewart for striking and killing his son during a dirt race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night.

Ward Jr. and Stewart had contact during the race, forcing Ward into a retirement.

Ward got out of his car, ran onto the track and angrily gestured at Stewart. Seconds later, Stewart's right rear tire struck Ward and threw him an estimated 20-30 feet, fatally injuring him.

"I think the reason he (Ward Jr.) probably got out of that car is who put him into the wall. He was definitely put into the wall," Ward Sr. told Syracuse.com.

"Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it."

"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," Ward Sr. told the New York state website, noting that several other drivers on track avoided his son.

"The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?"

As for the social media reaction, Ward Sr. told Syracuse.com, "A situation happened and everybody has their own opinions," Ward Sr. said. "Some are way off, some without a clue and some are very hurtful. A 20-year-old talented driver was killed and that's what we need to focus on. ... We've had a lot of messages sent. We are so thankful. If everybody could just pray for us, we'll get through it."

Hot on the heels of the insanely powerful Challenger SRT Hellcat comes the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, which is directly inspired by the classic 1969 model.

With a 6.2L V8 HEMI producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Charger SRT Hellcat becomes the fastest and most powerful sedan in the world. Its unrivalled 4-door performance includes NHRA-certified quarter mile elapsed time in 11.0 seconds on street tires, 0-100-0 mph (0-160-0 km/h) in under 13 seconds, and a top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h).

Photo: Dodge

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat also uses an 8-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission, 15.4'' 2-piece brake rotors with 6-piston Brembo callipers, 20'' forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and 3-mode adaptive damping. Similar to the Challenger SRT Hellcat, it comes standard with two key fobs: The red one is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the SRT Hellcat engine, while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.

Despite paying tribute to vintage Chargers, the new Charger SRT Hellcat features state-of-the-art technology such as an 8.4'' Uconnect touchscreen and a 900W, 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, not to mention heated and cooled front seats.

Pricing for the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will be announced later. Stay tuned for Canadian details.
Source : Chrysler

Photo: Dodge

In November 2012, Hyundai and Kia admitted to misrepresenting their vehicles' fuel economy, which led to a class action against both companies. A settlement with the plaintiffs was reached last January... except in Quebec.

That changed last week when a Quebec judge ruled in favour of Hyundai and Kia owners, represented by Siskinds Desmeules.

Compensations are based on mileage. Over the next few weeks customers will be notified in the media and through a special website, and invited to fill a compensation form.

Under the terms of the proposed settlement, they may choose a one-time lump sum cash payment or join the ongoing reimbursement program for as long as they lease or own the affected vehicles. Customers can also elect other options, such as a dealership credit of 150% of the lump sum cash payment amount, or a credit of 200% of the cash amount toward the purchase of a new Hyundai or Kia vehicle.

If you leased or own one of the following vehicles, you are entitled to a compensation:

Hyundai:

• 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid;
• 2011-2013 Elantra;
• 2012-2013 Accent;
• 2012-2013 Genesis;
• 2012-2013 Tucson;
• 2012-2013 Veloster;
• 2013 Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe;
• 2013 Santa Fe.

Kia:

• 2011-2012 Optima Hybrid;
• 2012-2013 Rio;
• 2012-2013 Sorento;
• 2012-2013 Soul;
• 2012-2013 Sportage.

Source : argent.canoe.ca

From GMM

Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi has backed the sweeping changes at Caterham, even though it has put his Formula 1 future in doubt.

After founder Tony Fernandes' sudden sale and departure, the Malaysian team entered the hands of mysterious Swiss-Middle Eastern investors and new bosses Colin Kolles and Christijan Albers.

Almost immediately, 40 staff were controversially axed.

The next possibility is a change in the green-lined cockpits, with Swedish rookie Marcus Ericsson adequately backed but exciting Japanese driver Kobayashi substantially unfunded.

Dutchman Albers admitted recently that he has had talks with the cream of the Red Bull junior programme, Carlos Sainz Jr.

When asked about Ericsson and Kobayashi, he said: "I want to see results -- that's very important for every formula one team."

The former Spyker and Minardi driver said he thinks Caterham's current duo is doing "a good job", but he also hinted that a change cannot be ruled out.

"We know we need performance and also of course with a team like Caterham we also always need a little bit of budget," said Albers.

Kamui Kobayashi's place in F1 is on the line once more (Photo: WRi2)

Although perhaps the most likely driver to make way at Caterham, Kobayashi insists he backs the sweeping changes at the struggling team.

"I think this is what we needed, otherwise I think we couldn't finish the season," he said. "It was the right move.

"As you see in the news I think quite a lot of people left straight away but I think we need to keep motivated. I think if we want to survive we need to change something," Kobayashi added.

"Of course, it's the same from my side. I think I need to always drive 100 per cent, which gives motivation. Let's see what happens."

From press release

Brad Keselowski  Racing announced today that Alex Tagliani will drive the team's No. 19 Ford F-150 in the August 31 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.

Tagliani, a native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has five NASCAR Nationwide Series starts sprinkled over six seasons dating back to 2009.

He has racked up two poles and two top five finishes and enters the NCWTS event at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on the heels of a strong performance at the recent NNS race at Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wisc.), where he won the pole and scored a strong second-place finish.

Tagliani also scored a second place finish at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal in 2011 and won the pole there in 2012. 

(Photo: Tagliani Autosport)

"Alex did a heck of a job in the Nationwide car for Team Penske at Road America and I knew I had to put him in one of my trucks," Keselowski said.  "I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do."

The race will be the debut for Tagliani in NCWTS competition and adds to his diverse racing portfolio, which includes the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar, road racing and Champ Car competition. 

"It's an honour to get a call to drive for Brad's team this year, especially after sharing the No. 22 Team Penske Nationwide car with him for two races," Tagliani said.

"It will be my first time competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, but Mosport is a great track to drive and I am hoping to be able to help the team with a strong result."

The former IndyCar driver currently competes as an owner/driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and in the United Sports Car Championship.

Forbes magazine has published its list of the best-paid female athletes in the world.

The list is made largely of tennis players, with one race car driver.

These top 5 women made the most money between June 2013 and June 2014 from prize money, salary, licensing, appearances and endorsements.

No. 1 Maria Sharapova, tennis player
Total earnings: $24.4 million
Prize money: $2.4 million
Endorsements: $22 million

No. 2 Li Na, tennis player
Total earnings: $23.6 million
Prize money: $5.6 million
Endorsements: $18 million

No. 3 Serena Williams, tennis player
Total earnings: $22 million
Prize money: $11 million
Endorsements: $11 million

No. 4 Kim Yuna, skater
Total earnings: $16.3 million
Prize money: $300,000
Endorsements: $16 million

No. 5 Danica Patrick, NASCAR driver
Total earnings: $15 million
Salary/winnings: $7 million
Endorsements/licensing: $8 million

Despite not having won a single race in NASCAR, Danica Patrick remains one of the sport's biggest draws and has more than 10 personal endorsement partners, including Coca-Cola, Tissot and Peak.

She also appeared in a record 13 Super Bowl commercials for her main NASCAR sponsor, GoDaddy.

From GMM

Imperial Tobacco has played down reports it is looking to return to Formula 1 with Lotus.

Recently, Pastor Maldonado said he would welcome the inspiration of Lotus' black and gold livery - the iconic John Player Special cigarette brand - back to the sport with Enstone.

Tobacco advertising in F1 is banned, but Ferrari continues to be backed by Philip Morris, whose Marlboro colours resemble the imagery on the Italian team's cars and logos.

"For sure, a sponsor is welcome," Venezuelan Maldonado said. "Whoever can join the team, it's always welcome."

But John Player Special parent Imperial Tobacco has played down the rumours.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22 (Photo: WRi2)

"As is well known, sponsorship in Formula 1 with tobacco companies has been prohibited for quite some time," group press officer Simon Evans told Speed Week.

"Our company would never act in a way that amounts to a breach of the law."

However, those comments would seem to leave the door open for a partnership along the lines of Ferrari's with Philip Morris.

Evans replied: "I have no knowledge of the details of the agreement between Philip Morris International and Ferrari.

"I can only repeat that we do not seek a sponsorship agreement with a team."