Auto News 5

Renault says it will halt production at its Avtoframos plant in Moscow for three weeks as the worsening economic situation in Russia takes its toll on the automotive industry.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Wednesday brought together commercial vehicle and bus manufacturers with London's transport policy makers and others around the country at a special event in the capital to discuss the future contribution of commercial vehicles to improving air quality.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Wednesday brough together commercial vehicle and bus manufacturers with London's transport policy makers and others around the country at a special event in the capital to discuss the future contribution of commercial vehicles to improving air quality.

Honda plans to spend $85 million to enable its East Liberty, Ohio, plant to produce a fourth nameplate, a move stemming from the company's bullish outlook for North American truck sales.

News 12 Feb, 2015

Nissan becomes first carmaker to apply UV absorbing glowing paint to a production car. The Leaf EV is the beneficiary.

It's not a 600-hp supercar, but Ford is unveiling a vehicle Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show that most people would find even more intimidating if it suddenly appeared in their rearview mirror.

According to LMC Automotive, the global light vehicle market ended 2014 on a high note with a best ever seasonally adjusted annualised rate of sales (SAAR) of 92m units a year posted in December as dealers and OEMs across the world aimed to hit their volume targets.

BMW will expand its minivan lineup with the seven-seat 2-series Gran Tourer that goes on sale in Europe in June. The latest 2-series variant will debut next month at the Geneva auto show.

Volkswagen's Audi unit bought fuel-cell technology from Ballard Power Systems in a deal worth as much as $112 million to advance VW Group's development of clean-running vehicles.

Strong year-end vehicle sales, gains in service and parts gross margins and investments in US commercial vehicle businesses pushed Penske Automotive Group to a 23 percent gain in net income during the fourth quarter.

Renault will stop production at its Moscow factory for three weeks in response to a slump in Russian car sales. Renault's vehicle sales in the country fell 32 percent last month in a market down 24 percent.

The Justice Department said it reached a settlement in its first-ever discrimination case against auto dealers who also finance the purchase of used cars.

Opinion 11 Feb, 2015

We’ve been teased by the prospect of future Fiats before, only to find another 500 variant, says Steve Fowler

Takata plans to double production of replacement air bag inflators within six months, according to media reports.

News 11 Feb, 2015

Toyota has announced new active safety tech, including a crash prevention system, will be rolled out on new models in 2015

US based Penske Automotive Group, which operates dealerships world wide, boosted adjusted operating income 18.9% year on year to US$295.7m or $3.27 a share in 2014.

One Russian analyst says Moscow is actively involved in attempting to boost its automotive industry as the latest figures show sales falling 25% last month.

A convertible version of the Range Rover Evoque has been spotted during road testing. An open-air Evoque would give Land Rover a lead over German premium rivals BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz by creating a niche where they have no competitor.

Ford was sued for patent infringement more than a dozen times between 2012 and 2014 by so-called 'patent trolls.' These outfits, also known as patent assertion companies, initiate patent cases but don't sell products of their own.

Moscow analysts estimate the sustained pressure under which the Russian rouble is currently straining, presents an opportunity for domestic suppliers.

News 11 Feb, 2015

Exclusive: Insider sheds more light on Mazda MX-5's sister car – it could see famous Fiat 124 Spider badge return