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Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Giti Tire says it is to build a new manufacturing plant to meet growing demand in the North American market.

American Honda's newly independent Acura division has dropped the hybrid version of the ILX sedan for its 2015 model year, with just 227 cars having been sold so far this year.

Tesla Motors has revealed more details of its forthcoming Model X to those who have ordered the vehicle.

BMW sales in China have been boosted by the group's consumer finance unit, which was launched in the country four years ago. The carmaker's China finance boss, Uwe Stadtler, explained how BMW plans to expand the unit's business.

GM CEO Mary Barra will tell the U.S. Congress today that she 'will not rest' until the automaker has fixed problems that allowed a deadly flaw in the Chevrolet Cobalt to fester for more than a decade.

From GMM

Red Bull has directly contradicted Ferrari's claim that the Italian team never tried to secure the services of Adrian Newey.

Following weeks of speculation about the hugely-rated engineer, it was confirmed on the day of the Monaco grand prix that Briton Newey, 55, is staying at Red Bull.

However, while still advising the F1 team and mentoring its full-time staff, Newey will focus instead on a new Advanced Technologies Centre, reportedly to feature forays such as the new British bid for the America's Cup.

"Adrian has admitted openly that he is a little tired," Red Bull director Dr Helmut Marko this week told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV.

"This is because in formula one there is gradually less and less room for innovation," he explained.

"We do not want to lose him, so we will build this new centre where - alongside his work in formula one - he can also manage multiple projects," added Marko.

He said Adrian Newey, for instance, is still working on the design of the RB11, the 2015 Red Bull car.

For Red Bull, keeping Newey as a mere advisor is the best possible outcome, as it keeps the only designer revered in F1 circles as a 'genius' out of the clutches of its rivals.

Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari, for one, is known to have made an enormous monetary offer - in the dozens of millions - to woo Newey to Maranello.

Ferrari, however, denies it. "As I said in Monte Carlo," team boss Marco Mattiacci insisted last week, "we never contacted Adrian."

Dr Helmut Marko says that is not true.

"We have had long conversations with Adrian," the Austrian told Servus TV.

"Ferrari made him an absurd offer -- both on the financial side as well as in terms of his responsibilities," Marko claimed.

From press release

With a month to go before the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto 2inTO weekend, construction of the race track, grandstands and hospitality suites is already underway at Exhibition Place and organizers of the event have pledged to do three things to minimize their impact on the city's traffic problems.

"We pledge to do three things to help alleviate traffic, especially along Lake Shore Boulevard where the Verizon IndyCar Series will be run on Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20," said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto.

"First, we will only do track work at night, long after the major traffic of the day has dissipated and Torontonians have made their way home. Second, we normally begin our work on Lake Shore Boulevard in June, but this year we won't start until July when there is less traffic on the roads because of summer holidays. And third, we will not fully close any arteries in and around Lake Shore Boulevard while we work; there will be partial lane closures only and we guarantee that when a lane is blocked it will be for essential track work."

Johnstone acknowledged that this approach would incur extra costs for the event organizers, but that they felt this was the right way to go.

"Indy racing has been a staple of the summer season and waterfront communities since 1986," said Johnstone.

"We care deeply about the city, residents and our neighbouring communities. When we learned about the scale of construction in and around the downtown core, we knew we'd want to do everything in our power to minimize our impact."

Johnstone added that fans from all over the province and the rest of the country who intended to take in the race and all of its ancillary events would do themselves a great favour if they used public transit.

Exhibition Place - site of the race - is extremely well serviced by all forms of public transit: Go Transit (Lakeshore East and West lines in train service and Niagara Falls/Toronto and Milton/Oakville in bus service), TTC Streetcar (Routes 509 and 511) and the track is only a short walk away from stops along the King and Queen Street corridors.

Track build on Lakeshore Boulevard begins on Tuesday, July 2. Two lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard, between Strachan Avenue and Ontario Drive, east and west directions, will be closed nightly until Thursday, July 17, at which time all lanes will be closed for the event weekend until 6 am on Monday July, 21.

A total of 23,600 Hyundai Elantra Touring wagons from the 2010-2012 model years are being recalled in Canada to correct an airbag problem.

In some cases, a bracket securing the headliner could become dislodged during side curtain airbag deployment and be propelled toward the occupants, increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, Hyundai dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to the headliner.

Source: Transport Canada

From nascar.com

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart was uninjured Tuesday when his No. 14 Chevrolet struck the Turn 1 wall during a Goodyear tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

According to local CBS affiliate WISH-TV, Stewart's accident occurred during the portion of the test closed to media. Transportation by paramedics was not necessary, although the station reported Stewart did speak with NASCAR medical personnel.

Stewart, co-owner and driver for Stewart-Haas Racing, is one of six Sprint Cup drivers participating in the two-day test.

Also taking part are drivers Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing Ford) Clint Bowyer (Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota), Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota), Joey Logano (Team Penske Ford) and Ryan Newman (Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet).

A native of Columbus, Ind., Stewart won Sprint Cup titles in 2002, '05 and '11. He has 48 victories in the series in 536 career starts.

He is a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 at IMS, scoring his first victory in 2005 and adding a second win two years later, in '07.

No. 14 team engineer Chris Chidgey posted an image of Stewart's car from the garage in the Instagram post below, saying, "Glad Tony is okay."

Tony Stewart's Chevrolet. (Photo: Chris Chidgey)

Lafayette, IN -- It's not often one gets to journey behind the heavy industrial curtain and see how products become what we see and purchase at the end of the line. Ever thought about how your shoes come together? Or your TV? What about your car? As a society we've become so complacent in our consumption, simply ingesting and utilizing without actually considering how the things we binge on are made.

Well, I was given the chance to step behind the iron curtain, so to speak, and see first hand how one of Subaru's top-performing North American plants functions. SIA (Subaru Indiana Automotive, Inc.) invited us behind the red tape to get a feel for their operations and catch a glimpse of the assembly line for the brand new 2015 Subaru Legacy.

Home of the Outback (as well as the Toyota Camry, at least until 2016), SIA's monthly production capacity sits at 20,500 units; 13,000 of those being Subarus. In 2013, SIA produced 271,583 cars and they project that number to rise above 300k by 2015.

Photo: Subaru

It's a way of life
More than anything, what struck me about the SIA plant was how all encompassing it was. From childcare facilities to a wellness centre, scheduled workout regiments and routines for workers, as well as a nature reservation (where Blue Herons chill and live), the SIA grounds are vast, well kept and impressive. To work here is to live here, so to speak. With over 3,000 employees, SIA is rather like a village unto itself. Massive and sprawling, the interior of the plant is a maze of catwalks, specifically cordoned off bike paths (for nifty three-wheeled bikes with baskets in the back for transporting personal items and work-related things), message boards and designated break, eating and locker areas. And like a well-oiled and preserved machine, each of those areas was pristine and well kept.

It's clear a certain amount of pride is taken in each vehicle that's produced and assembled at SIA. Working conditions aren't just clean, they are also tailored to ensure well-being at all times.

Unless performing a highly specialized task where certification or training is needed, workers are not allowed to work on any given job for more than two hours. Rotational tasks ensure muscle and mental fatigue is avoided at all costs.

Photo: Subaru

Environmentally aware
Proudly displaying their “zero waste” status, SIA is one of the only North American production plants to claim such a title. Everything is recycled, reused and kept out of waste bins. Even the containers they ship parts to dealers in are reused, as are the Styrofoam shavings/pieces for packing. On average they are used 15 times, to and from the plant. That's impressive.

In the middle of their oval test-track sits a small lake where Blue Herons nest and live. Coyotes are seen on the grounds often, and a host of other creatures happily set up camp in the sprawling, green grounds surrounding SIA.

Photo: Subaru

Consider where it came from
For once, I was given the opportunity to see where the car I was about to drive really came from. Not from the minds of engineers or designers or from the drawing boards and pockets of executives, but from the hardworking hands of middle-Americans who live and breath the brand.

Subaru Indiana Automotive, Inc. is an institution, heavily engrained in the community of Lafayette, in preserving the environment, and in producing reliable well-built vehicles for the public who may never take a moment to consider the back story to the car they just got behind the wheel of.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone could terminate Hockenheim's contract, as he looks to secure the long-term future of formula one in Germany.

Currently, Hockenheim - to host the German grand prix next month - annually alternates the race with the country's other F1 venue, the fabled Nurburgring.

But it emerged this week that, following the formerly insolvent Nurburgring's sale to a Dusseldorf group called Capricorn, the new owners are close to agreeing a contract to stage the German grand prix every year between 2015 and 2019.

A press release to that effect was issued by Capricorn on Tuesday.

"It is outrageous that this press release was issued," Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler told the German news agency SID.

"In formula one there is an unwritten law that says 'No press releases while you are negotiating'. This is scandalous."

After hosting July's 2014 race, the remainder of Hockenheim's current contract is for grands prix in 2016 and 2018.

Referring to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, Seiler said: "He cannot and will not terminate."

And DPA news agency also quoted him as saying: "I know Mr Ecclestone as a fair and good partner. The fact is that I was surprised by this news."

Start of the 2012 Grand Prix at Hockenheim. (Photo: WRi2)

Ecclestone, however, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that the new annual Nurburgring deal would result in Hockenheim's contract being terminated.

"I met with the people from Capricorn," he confirmed. "The problem is that they need to find revenues on the level of other European races.

"Since the Nurburgring is close to Spa, I offered them the same deal that Belgium has," added Ecclestone, referring to an arrangement where Spa gives up ticket revenues in exchange for a low race fee.

"I have nothing against Hockenheim," he explained, "but it seems that they are not able to meet our requirements.

"To help them, we had to enter into an agreement with special conditions. But it can't stay like that forever," said Bernie Ecclestone.

"If we sign a long-term agreement with the Nurburgring, it's best to end the existing contract and begin the new one as early as 2015."

Santa Barbara, CA -- Brand perception, value, and worth and how to gain it is a hot topic in the luxury auto world right now.

In Lincoln's case, it could easily be argued that Ford's shackles have held it back from blossoming. The new direction and rebirth began a few years ago when the new MKZ was being drawn up. Although tangible success continues to elude them, the latest product from Ford's luxury brand has the potential to actually increase showroom traffic.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC is nothing short of a departure from what the storied company has been producing these last few decades and deserves plenty of attention for its very German-inspired exterior design, its tasteful interior and impressive road manners. If there ever was a good reason to consider a Lincoln, here it is.


What is a Lincoln MKC?
I can tell you what it will be. The 2015 MKC will be Lincoln's bread-and-butter compact luxury crossover. Using the Audi Q5 as the principal target, Lincoln created a product to draw new blood into showrooms, likely the kind of buyer who craves luxury, but is not especially interested in brand affiliation.

This is in part Lincoln's appeal -- or so Ford hopes. At the moment, Lincoln is not a tier one luxury carmaker, however, should the MKC take off the profits could vastly help the company's outlook. This vehicle will penetrate the important Korean and Chinese markets, and should be successful there as well.

2015 Lincoln MKC Price and Specs
The new 2015 Lincoln MKC's base price is of $39,940; equipped with a 240-horsepower turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, AWD, a 6-speed autobox, and Lincoln's Drive Control that adjusts the suspension.

To the base Premiere group, the Select package adds a 10-way power passenger seat and more for $2,260. The Reserve equipment group (includes the Select pck) throws in a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, navigation and more for $7,760.

Graduating to the 2.3L EcoBoost increases the price to $49,650. This new engine (shared with the new 2015 Mustang) produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. It comes nearly fully equipped as only a Technology package is offered. It includes active safety systems for an extra $2,250.

Driving the 2015 Lincoln MKC
Forget about what you've heard or know about how the average Lincoln drives. In very few words: the 2015 Lincoln MKC drives as good or better than the best offerings in its category.

The V6-engine disappearance trend endures with the new MKC. I spent most of my driving day at the wheel of a 2.3L EcoBoost version and must say that the absence of a 6-cylinder engine will not be a problem. The 2.3L generates all of its torque from 2,750 rpm and so feels fairly quick. The transmission plays along smartly.

If at first I thought the 2.3L was impressively strong, that feeling dissipated after only a brief stint at the wheel of a 2.0L model. Its torque and throttle response are as sharp (in Sport or Normal modes) as the 2.3L. The latter feels marginally more powerful at higher engine rpm, but few drivers are likely to ever exploit these higher engine speeds.

Where the 2015 Lincoln MKC excels is in the handling department. On Maricopa Highway, in the Los Padres National Forest, the MKC demonstrated how capable it is. In Normal mode, the suspension enjoyed being heavily compressed, holding its own. On straight sections, the ride felt floaty on occasion but all was fine once Sport was selected. Body roll, although present, was expertly controlled and the vehicle would settle, firmly grip the road, and head in the desired direction with little understeer.

On the subject of steering, Ford's EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) did an excellent job of transmitting driver inputs to the front wheels with the perfect dose of assistance and surprising precision. The MKC's brakes also performed admirably well given the fairly hard driving conditions through increasingly tight and challenging twisties.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Lincoln MKC
A massive plus and minus throughout the drive were the seats. The seatbacks demonstrated comfort and support, ideal for holding the occupants in place during the assault on switchbacks. Unfortunately, the lower seat cushions are far too short for the average 5'9” man. They are, however, perfect for the average woman, which will most likely be the buyer of the MKC.

The MKC's cabin is truly spacious, elegant and well put together. Materials are lovely, especially the woods, and ergonomics are quite good. Gone are the annoying MyLincolnTouch telematics/infotainment slider-touchy controls, instead replaced by good old conventional switchgears that work brilliantly well. The use of push buttons for transmission gear selection is interesting as an idea, but takes a little getting used to.

The exterior styling will play a huge role in the MKC's take rate. Decidedly German in inspiration, the MKC borrows heavily from both the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q5 (its main target) flawlessly balanced with Lincoln's signature grille. Because the Lincoln MKC doesn't look American it will do well with the crowd (not sure of the size though) that wants European sophistication without the stigma that may come with German brands.

The standard wheels and colour palate augment the MKC's handsome and determined lines.

Comparing the 2015 Lincoln MKC
The compact luxury CUV segment is going to triple in size in the next few years; in fact a quarter of the luxury cars on the road will be from this segment.

The MKC currently deals with the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, and will shortly tango with the Lexus NX. More are expected to come, but at the moment it is difficult to fault the Germans.

The Lincoln MKC could be the first to put some hurt on the Europeans, if not them the Japanese.

For the 8th round of the 2014 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the sport's teams return to a country last visited by F1 11 years ago - Austria.

The last incarnation of the Austrian Grand Prix was held from 1997 to 2003 at the circuit known as the A1 Ring and it is to that venue that F1 heads once again, though the rechristened Red Bull Ring has seen major trackside updates since.

The track, however, remains much as it was in 2003.

Length of lap: 4.326km
Lap record: 1:08.337 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2003)
Total number of race laps: 71
Total race distance: 307.020km
Pit lane speed limits: 80km/h in practice, qualifying and the race

DRS ZONES
There will be two DRS zones in Austria. The detection point of the first zone is 360m before Turn 2, with the activation point 85m after Turn 2. The second detection point is 10m after Turn 8 with the activation point 110m after Turn 9.

Here is the time schedule of this weekend's Grand Prix of Austria, Round 8 of the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship.

Thursday June 19
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 15:00

Friday June 20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08:45 - 09:45
Formula 1 Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
GP2 Practice Session 12:00 - 12:45
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12:50 - 13:45
Formula 1 Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
GP2 Qualifying Session 15:55 - 16:25
Formula 1 Press Conference 16:00 - 17:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session 16:45 - 17:30
GP3 Practice Session 17:50 - 18:35

Saturday June 21
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 08:30 - 09:15
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08:30 - 09:35
GP3 Qualifying Session 09:45 - 10:15
Formula 1 Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Session 12:25 - 12:55
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 13:00 - 13:45
Formula 1 Qualifying 14:00
GP2 First Race (40 Laps or 60 Minutes) 15:40 - 16:45
GP3 First Race (18 Laps or 30 Minutes) 17:20 - 17:55

Sunday June 22
GP3 Second Race (18 Laps or 30 Minutes) 09:25 - 10:00
GP2 Second Race (28 Laps or 45 Minutes) 10:35 - 11:25
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race (14 Laps or 30 Mins) 11:45 - 12:20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12:25 - 13:15
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 12:30
Track Display F1 Legends Parade (3 laps) 12:40
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 12:45 - 13:15
Air Display The Flying Bulls Air Show 13:00 - 13:15
Formula 1 National Anthem 13:46
Formula 1 Race 14:00
Note - please be advised that this timetable is subject to change.

Subaru Canada has just issued a recall on the following models:

• Subaru Forester (2009-2013)
• Subaru Impreza (2008-2011)
• Subaru Impreza WRX / WRX STI (2008-2014)
• Subaru Legacy (2005-2009)
• Subaru Outback (2005-2009)

In some cases, the centre and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system, potentially increasing stopping distances.

Upon inspection, Subaru dealers will either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

From Formula E

Formula 1 race winner Jarno Trulli Wednesday announced he is to form and manage a new team for the FIA Formula E Championship - entitled TrulliGP Formula E Team - with which he will race in the unique all-electric series.

Following approval from the FIA, TrulliGP has been granted the 10th team entry for the Formula E Championship, following the withdrawal of Drayson Racing.

Drayson Technologies will be entering into a supply and sponsorship arrangement with TrulliGP to be the squad's principal technology partner.

As part of this, TrulliGP will begin work on Drayson's wireless charging technology - which offers the potential to free electric vehicles from the constraints of cable-based charging.

Trulli becomes the eighth driver to sign for Formula E alongside Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi at Audi Sport Abt, Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari at Virgin Racing, Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok at Mahindra Racing and Franck Montagny at Andretti Autosport.

Jarno Trulli testing the Spark-Renault SRT-01E. (Photo: FIA Formula E)

From GMM

Gunther Steiner has denied rumours that a rift with team owner Gene Haas is endangering the entire F1 project.

The rumours in the Italian press hinted that arguments between team boss Steiner, and founder and owner Haas, including over the possible signing of Danica Patrick, could result in Steiner's departure.

And given that former Jaguar and Red Bull chief Steiner was at the centre of the team entry negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA, his exit at this early stage might have serious implications for the entire 2016 project.

"I want to say that there is no break with Gene," Steiner, a German-speaking Italian, is quoted by Italy's Omnicorse. "The plans of the team are in continuous development according to the timeframes that we have.

"These things (rumours) can create problems for us in the negotiations that we are having," he warned.

Gene Haas and Gunther Steiner in Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

Among the rumours was that talks with Ferrari about the supply of the power unit, transmission and other technology had stalled, but Steiner denied that.

"It (the negotiations) have never stopped. There has been no signing of contracts, but things are proceeding and they have their time," said Steiner.

The talks with Ferrari were said to be crucial, given the Italian marque's eagerness to have an American satellite team, potentially with Ferrari staff actually working in the Haas factories.

But Steiner insisted: "The Ferrari engineers are in Maranello, while we will build our team with our people.

"But it still is not the time to deal with these aspects, as we are working solidly on other priorities. We have achieved the entry for the F1 world championship and now we're going ahead," he said.

F1 business journalist Christian Sylt on Sunday wrote in the Telegraph newspaper that Team Haas will have about 200-250 staff.

Haas confirmed to the Daily Mail this week that a small management structure with a limited budget is the target.

"I don't see how you manage 500 people to run a race team. That just seems like too many," he said.

"So we're going to go with something where Gunther knows everything. He has to be able to talk to every person every day, so if you have 500 people you get nowhere."