Auto News 5

Volkswagen is sketching out a 10-year strategy for India, a market it sees as having one of the most promising growth prospects in the world.

Germany's Getrag formed a joint venture with Dongfeng to develop and produce dual clutch transmissions in China. The joint venture will start manufacturing transmissions for compact cars in 2016 at a factory in Wuhan.

It is not only the largest car market in the world, China can also be the most confusing for marketing departments as age profiles go out of the window.

News 20 Oct, 2014

There are more roadworks in the UK in 2014 than at any time in the past decade. These are the ten most disruptive roadworks for motorists.

News 20 Oct, 2014

The Ford Focus RS saga continues with another version of Ford’s mega hatch spotted at the ‘ring

Used-car powerhouse CarMax has begun posting vehicle inventory again on AutoTrader.com and Cars.com after a 16-month hiatus.

Most dealerships send totaled cars straight to the junkyard. White Bear Mitsubishi put one on display, and it has been reaping the rewards ever since.

Mike Maroone, COO of AutoNation Inc., said the dealership group intends to proceed cautiously in reducing its reliance on third-party online shopping sites.

For a sign of the challenges in selling fuel efficiency as a virtue, Tanner Hulette need only look at the signs near his dealership advertising gasoline for $2.70 a gallon. Hulette, general manager of Mechanicsville Toyota near Richmond, Va.

Porsche's limited-run 918 Spyder is nearing sellout status.

GM nixed the sale of a Chevrolet store in Montana to former NADA Chairman Bill Underriner.

An Automotive News analysis of documents filed with federal regulators shows that GM is moving faster to identify and fix problems but that many defects, especially in newer vehicles, are still reaching customers.

When Chrysler Group said in May that the SRT designation would be for Dodge vehicles only, it was silent on the fate of the SRT versions of the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Ford has fewer vendors on its "watch" list of suppliers that are struggling to meet production targets. Ford purchasing chief Hau Thai-Tang says the company learned its lesson about unreliable parts supply.

Hyundai needs a new assembly plant to keep up with crossover demand, says U.S. boss Dave Zuchowski. Until then, Hyundai will likely get production from sibling brand Kia's factories in Mexico and Georgia.

Automakers frustrated by expensive delays in transporting vehicles to dealerships are about to learn whether railroads give preferential treatment to other shippers.

From GMM

Even now crowned the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Carlos Sainz jr is still in the dark about his F1 future.

Clearly the cream of Red Bull's hopeful clan of young development drivers, the 20-year-old is in the running to replace Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso in 2015.

But with the 17-year-old Max Verstappen already signed up, it is clear that team boss Franz Tost and owner Dietrich Mateschitz think keeping the experienced Jean-Eric Vergne on board might be the smarter play.

F1 legend Alain Prost agrees with them.

"Yes," he told Spain's Marca. "I would opt to stick with Vergne. Carlos is very young."

Dr Helmut Marko, on the other hand, is believed to favour taking another risk and promoting Sainz, whose namesake and father is the world rally legend.

Carlos Sainz son and father, and Dr Helmut Marko. (Photo: WRi2)

But even with the Renault 'world series' title now to his name after the Jerez finale at the weekend, Sainz admitted to Spain's El Mundo newspaper that he is still in the dark.

"I don't know yet. Not yet, because they haven't called me," he said. "I am patient. I wish I could say 'yes', but I have to wait."

Asked if Marko, the boss of the energy drink's driver programme, has called him, Sainz admitted: "No, he has not. Yes, of course I am waiting. Some day he will to tell me 'yes' or 'no'. Everything is open.

"Hopefully I will be in formula one with Toro Rosso, because thanks to them (Red Bull) I am where I am. And I would stay with them. But if not, I'll have to go on with my life. Make other goals. But for 2015 I would obviously like to be in F1," added Sainz.

Carlos Sainz Jr, 2014 Champion Formula Renault 3.5. (Photo: WRi2)

Meanwhile, the new champion of the German touring car series Marco Wittmann has secured a Toro Rosso test.

"They (BMW) have organised a formula one test at Toro Rosso for me," the BMW works driver confirmed. "But don't be afraid -- I will stay in the DTM."

From press release

Sahara Force India Formula One Team is pleased to confirm that Nico Hulkenberg will continue to race with team for 2015.

The 27-year-old German returned to Sahara Force India at the start of 2014 and has enjoyed his most successful Formula One season to date. With points finishes in 13 races, including four fifth place finishes, Nico remains one of the most exciting drivers on the Formula One grid.

Otmar Szafnauer and Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director: "Everybody in the team is delighted to see Nico remain a Sahara Force India driver for next season. We rate him very highly and he has done a tremendous job this year by consistently picking up crucial championship points. We know him extremely well: he's a true racer and he knows how to motivate the team. I am convinced he is one of the best talents on the grid and I am proud that he will continue to race in the colours of Sahara Force India."

Nico Hulkenberg: "It's good to confirm my plans for next season. This is a team I know extremely well and we've enjoyed a great year together with some special results. The team has big ambitions and I believe we can have a competitive package once again next year. We have a strong partner in Mercedes and everyone in the team is motivated and hungry for more success. I have a good feeling for 2015 and there is a lot to be excited about as we try to build on the results we have achieved this year."

From GMM

Williams reserve driver Felipe Nasr linked with a race seat for 2015.

Felipe Nasr admits he is "upset" to have missed out on this year's GP2 title to Jolyon Palmer.

But Brazil's Globo claims it is possible that, with the help of his sponsor Banco do Brasil, the 22-year-old might have a chance to debut in 2015 with Lotus or Sauber.

"For next year the plan is to be in formula one," Felipe Nasr confirmed. "With my manager we have started some negotiations. We are talking to some teams," he added.

Felipe Nasr, Williams. (Photo: WRi2)