Auto News 5

Increasingly sophisticated on-board entertainment, navigation and information systems are among the must-have features of today's premium cars, but adjusting and monitoring their functions can risk taking a driver's attention away from the road ahead. Designing a centralised control system that is simple to understand, intuitive to use and likely to cause the least distraction from the job of driving was a key challenge for Lexus in designing the new RX 450h. Full story...

The new international film star, featured in an original advertising campaign, is the Lancia Delta: the car that revolutionises product placement and publicity. Full story...

(TORONTO) - Canadian drivers concerned about their environmental footprint know Toyota has a proven recipe for success: Take one of North America's most popular passenger cars and make things better by boosting its environmental performance and driving comfort with the addition of cleaner, efficient hybrid power. Full story...

IRVINE, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Jenkins to the position of Design Director, Mazda Design Americas (MDA). Full story...

HERNDON, Va., Apr 30, 2009 - Before stepping into a new car, you need to step into a dealership - an experience which has long been characterized as hectic, overwhelming, and disjointed. But what if a dealership was designed like a luxury vehicle itself, where every detail was taken into account - down to the flowers and coffee cups? The Audi commitment to progress goes beyond vehicles to redefining dealerships themselves. Full story...

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 30, 2009 - Chrysler LLC today announced that, as a result of the comprehensive restructuring plan agreed to by many of its stakeholders, it has reached an agreement in principle to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat SpA to form a vibrant new company. It will allow Chrysler and Fiat to fully optimize their respective manufacturing footprints and the global supplier base, while providing each with access to additional markets. Fiat powertrains and components will also be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites. Full story...

DEARBORN, Mich., April 30, 2009 - Today's announcement that Chrysler is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is an important development during this unprecedented period for the auto industry and the global economy. Full story...

Chrysler's UAW members, facing the specter of the automaker seeking bankruptcy as early as Thursday, approved contract concessions that may help the company win additional U.S. rescue loans. Full story...

A UAW union local representing some workers at a Chrysler LLC stamping plant in Twinsburg, Ohio, approved a modified labor contract with the automaker, the local said tonight. Full story...

President Barack Obama said tonight he is more optimistic than he was a month ago about Chrysler's prospects for surviving as a viable company in a merger with Fiat S.p.A. because of concessions made by lenders and unions. Full story...

Chrysler LLC and Fiat S.p.A. are prepared to complete an alliance by Thursday that would be taken into bankruptcy court as a key element of the U.S. automaker's restructuring plan if needed, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said. Full story...

Austrian-Canadian car parts maker Magna International wants to help Opel but it is too early to say what role it will play, Magna founder Frank Stronach said in a newspaper interview on Wednesday. "We don't see ourselves as a white knight. Full story...

Barack Obama is planning to announce Thursday morning that Chrysler LLC will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it completes an alliance with Fiat S.p.A., Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. expects a modest improvement in sales in the second half of 2009. But the automaker won't be cranking up production until demand actually materializes, said George Pipas, Ford's sales analysis and reporting manager. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. expects a modest improvement in sales in the second quarter of 2009. But the automaker won't be cranking up production until demand actually materializes, said George Pipas, Ford's sales analysis and reporting manager. Full story...

With Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy prospects still up in the air, the company extended its major incentive programs through Monday, May 4. Full story...

The annual Petersen Automotive Museum's fundraising event on May 7 promises to be fun, fun, fun when Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his band take the stage. Full story...

How ironic that General Motors is launching the excellent Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan just as the parent company faces the question of its very survival. Full story...

How ironic that General Motors is launching the excellent Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan just as the parent company faces the question of its very survival. Full story...

Corinne Ball, the charismatic and hard-charging lead bankruptcy attorney for Chrysler LLC, is likely finding every one of her negotiating skills pushed to its limit this week. Full story...