Auto News 5

Citroen will unveil this week a global re-branding initiative that introduces a new, "near-premium" product line and calls for wide-ranging changes across its 3,300-dealer global network. Full story...

Hyundai aims to pull out of its sales slump with a first-quarter marketing assault that makes use of several glitzy TV extravaganzas. Full story...

Louis Harrelson's six-store dealership group used the slogan "Everybody rides." Full story...

As hard times settle in, many vehicle manufacturers are backing off costly demands that they usually place on dealers. Chrysler, for example, is again trimming the required size of stores. BMW is relaxing training requirements. Full story...

Chrysler LLC CEO Bob Nardelli says the $3 billion in second-stage federal loan money the company seeks would be used in North American operations even if a proposed Chrysler-Fiat alliance goes forward. Full story...

Automakers and dealers are pushing federal legislation that would pay motorists to trade in old gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient new vehicles. Full story...

Automakers and their allies are gearing up for an intensive lobbying campaign to convince Washington that national standards for greenhouse gas emissions are better than state-by-state rules. Full story...

Talk about pressure. Just a couple of weeks before General Motors has to submit a detailed plan proving viability, GM executives have no idea what to do with their losing brands. Full story...

So why did Chrysler Financial Services pull the plug on embattled Minnesota megadealer Denny Hecker last fall, forcing Hecker to close six of his 16 dealerships and sell three others? Now it can be told. Full story...

U.S. car dealers are slashing their work forces, laying off service writers, secretaries, sales personnel, you name it, in a gritty effort to cope with crashing profits. Full story...

Suppliers to the 2009 Ford Flex include Burgess-Norton, Methode Electronics, Toyoda Gosei, Autoliv, Emhart Teknologies, IAC, Omron, Continental Structural Plastics, Stabilus, Empire Electronics, Valor Manufacturing, Dana, Dura, Midway Products, ABC,... Full story...

Crossover SUV shopping can be confusing enough to make those involved will themselves back to the station wagon era. What's reliable? What's safe? What's needed? What's not? Subaru's latest Forester has things taken care of when it comes to offering shoppers a 'safe bet'. Safety, reliability and value are all covered off here- in fact, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) says that it's the best new SUV under $35,000 in Canada this year. Full story...

Amid reports of early problems with Renault's 2009 car, the French team last week moved from the Portimao test to a British airfield. Full story...

Rome's bid to host a formula one street race should not pose a threat to the future of the existing Italian grand prix at Monza. Full story...

Rome's bid to host a formula one street race should not pose a threat to the future of the existing Italian grand prix at Monza. Full story...

Terri Morgan, the wife of Blair who was seriously injured during the final practice session leading to the Montreal Supercross last fall gave us the latest update on Blair's condition. Full story...

British engineer Mike Gascoyne has commenced legal action against Force India following the former chief technical officer's dismissal late last year. Full story...

Amid reports of early problems with Renault's 2009 car, the French team last week moved from the Portimao test to a British airfield. Full story...

To say the least, bad economic times are beginning to take their toll on a number of IndyCar series' teams and Conquest Racing has not been exempt but owner Eric Bachelart is adamant that the team will be there for 2009. Full story...

One of the original founders of the McLaren Formula 1 team, former boss Edward Everett 'Teddy' Mayer, has died at the age of 73. Full story...