Auto News 5

The people organizing the first Qatar auto show have big plans. They want their show to be the "Geneva of the Middle East." For a country that is about four times smaller than Switzerland, that would be quite an accomplishment. Full story...

Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson says it will take longer than anticipated to gain the hearts, minds and eventually the wallets of U.S. car buyers. The automaker has reduced its U.S. Full story...

This is the sensual CLS' first facelift since its inception in 2006. The 2012 CLS somewhat looses some of the original's sleek lines, especially up front, but sacrifices nothing where prestige and stance are concerned. Read Matt St-Pierre's first impressions review in the next few days. Full story...

Only months after being purchased by Spyker Cars, Swedish automaker Saab has just presented its first electric vehicle, the 9-3 ePower. Full story...

On display from Kia will be several vehicles showcasing the company's latest design language. But the big news for the Korean company is the world debut of its outrageously eye-catching POP concept. Full story...

Paris will give Hyundai a chance to show off its eco-focussed Blue Drive programme, with goals of global leadership in environmental technology and emissions reduction. Full story...

Suzuki will unveil the successor to its best-selling model in Paris. Full story...

Three of Mazda's top models will strut their zoom-zoom on the Paris catwalk with total makeovers - their overall theme one of reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions. Full story...

The marriage between Fiat and Chrysler is starting to show some results, and are presenting a product onslaught at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. Full story...

To showcase their sporty, youth-oriented new R-Design package, Volvo will unveil an all new S60 sedan and Euro-only V60 wagon at the Paris Auto Show. Full story...

Almost 10 years to the day after the reborn MINI was unveiled in Paris, the English/German brand has now presented a pair of Scooter E Concept variants. Full story...

The two oldest models in BMW's product line-up are about to get a reboot. The aging 6 Series will soon be replaced, and the Concept 6 Series Coupé will be the inspiration for the new model. Full story...

Renault is seriously in the swing of things. Figures as we are literally in this maker's backyard. Between it and Nissan's unveils, no less than 10 vehicles will have their covers yanked off. The French are well known for their models (if you catch my drift...) and so it is normal that we find numerous prototypes and concepts, representing design, technology and curvacious lines. Full story...

Citroën, for us North Americans, is somewhat in Renault's shadow. Renault was briefly setup here to sell cars unlike Citroën where very few ever made it our way. Full story...

Celebrating its 200th anniversary, Peugeot is showcasing its signature HYbrid4 all-wheel drive hybrid system featuring an electric motor driving the rear wheels, and a conventional gasoline engine powering the front. The SR1 concept sports car, a luxurious 2+1 coupe has a single, centre rear seat. Its HYbrid4 powertrain consists of a front-driving 1.6 litre gasoline engine and a 70 kw electric rear motor, with a fuel consumption rating of 4.9L/100km. Full story...

If we said that Ford was bigger in Europe than in North America, would you believe us? This is in fact the case. Nowhere will you find more enthusiasts of Ford cars than in some European countries such as England. The Fiesta is huge and the Focus is gargantuan! Full story...

They don't call it the Volkswagen Group for nothing! This morning's presentation is an hour long and 10 cars will take the stage for all to see. Being the largest car maker in Europe means that they get lots of attention and considering the girth of Volkswagen's range of products, they pretty can get everyone's attention. Full story...

The new MINI WRC, which will contest the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011, will receive its world premiere at this international motor show. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with this brand new rally car. Full story...

Vitaly Petrov has moved into pole position to keep his Renault seat in 2011, with German sources reporting that three potential alternate candidates are now out of the running. Full story...

Citroën Racing has unveiled its new DS3 WRC, due to take part in the 2011 season of the World Rally Championship. Full story...