Auto News 5

The former General Motors/Toyota joint venture factory in Fremont, California, once known as NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Inc) and closed in April, is to build cars again. Tesla Motors has purchased the factory to build the Model S sedan and future vehicles. The EV maker also announced cooperation with Toyota on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Full story...

Two new M cars set to debut at Pebble Beach in August ahead of November on sale date.

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Rising van sales in Europe underline a recovery in small businesses and provide hope for auto groups worried about the end of scrappage schemes that rescued passenger car sales when the sector was in a slump. Full story...

AvtoVAZ has recommended paying no dividends for 2009. The decision followed a similar move in 2008 by Russia's largest automaker. Full story...

At a recent 'EV Battery Tech 2010' conference held in London, the proceedings looked beyond prospects for electric vehicles themselves to consider issues associated specifically with batteries. These included their technology, cost, ease of manufacturing, raw material supply and recycling. Ian Henry was there to report for just-auto. This is the first of a two-part article (part two to be published on Monday, May 24). Full story...

At a recent 'EV Battery Tech 2010' conference held in London, the proceedings looked beyond prospects for electric vehicles themselves to consider issues associated specifically with batteries. These included their technology, cost, ease of manufacturing, raw material supply and recycling. Ian Henry was there to report for just-auto. This is the first of a two-part article (part two to be published on Monday, May 24). Full story...

Hyundai has added a body parts stamping line to its factory in St Petersburg. Full story...

WITH VIDEO -- What is it? Full story...

Our spies capture the first three-door Astra Sport Coupe on test ahead of its 2011 debut.

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Opel/Vauxhall has reached an agreement with employee representatives on annual wage savings of 265 million euros ($329 million). The deal removes an important obstacle to Opel winning loan guarantees toward a 3. Full story...

Brilliance China Automotive, BMW's joint-venture partner in China, has hired an executive from its former European distributor to run a new company that it wants to oversee its comeback in the market. Full story...

Toyota has found no evidence that its electronic throttle-control technology caused unintended acceleration of vehicles, the company's U.S. chief said. Full story...

Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said the carmaker may undertake an initial public offering next year and he prefers that General Motors Co. goes first. "Probably 2011," Marchionne said when asked about the timing of a listing. Full story...

Volvo could see sales revive more than the current plan for 390,000 units this year, CEO Stephen Odell said. Volvo's European sales have outpaced the market this year while U.S. sales have stabilized. Full story...

Dealer groups suffered a temporary setback Thursday when the Senate approved a sweeping financial regulation bill that excluded an exemption for auto retailers from government oversight. Full story...

Team Williams and the FIA suspect that a loose drain cover caused Rubens Barrichello's high speed crash during the Monaco grand prix last Sunday. Full story...

DeltaWing of Indianapolis announced the initial results of its first full size model test in the wind tunnel in Concord, North Carolina. Full story...

Louisville, Kentucky -- Kentucky is every horseman's paradise. Hundreds of owners and jockeys make the annual trip to Louisville's Churchill Downs to take part in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. During the event, the backyards of the legendary horse track become a luxury SUV heaven, with most vehicles pulling trailers and other equipment. You wouldn't believe the number of Escalades, Expeditions, Navigators, Q7s, Tahoes and Cayennes on site. Full story...

The Mercedes AMG Driving Academy kicking off this month is featuring the highly anticipated Gran Turismo® 5 game exclusively for the PlayStation® 3 (PS3(tm)) system, enhancing the trackside experience for race enthusiasts driving several real 2011 SLS AMG supercars that are part of this year's vehicle line-up during AMG Driving Academy sessions. Full story...

Italian police have seized former Renault F1 Team director Flavio Briatore's exotic yacht. Full story...