Auto News 5

Kia's workers began a week of stoppages on Monday, the 20th year in a row that the South Korean carmaker has suffered industrial unrest. Full story...

Communication between the European Commission (EC) and French authorities is centring on "apparent contradictions" between two high-ranking industry politicians concerning subsidised auto loans. Full story...

Renault was at midday Monday not ruling out transferring more production of its Clio range to Turkey as speculation continued to grow over the weekend and earlier today over the future of its French and Turkish plants. Full story...

Toyota Motor Europe's sales in 2009 fell 20% year on year to 855,294 for the Toyota brand; Lexus sales were down 40% to 27,057, the company said in a statement. TME noted that sales were affected not just by shrinking markets in Europe but also by a number of model changes. Full story...

New vehicle registrations in Taiwan rose by 162.8% year-on-year in December to 44,977 units, according to data released by the Ministry of Transport, as buyers rushed into the market in anticipation of the year-end withdrawal of government subsidies. Full story...

Hino Motor is building a new diesel engine production line at its Chonburi plant in Thailand, according to Takeo Saito - president of local distributor Hino Motor Sales Company. Engine assembly at the new facility is scheduled to begin in mid-2010 and will replace imports from Japan. Full story...

Mazda and Ford moved quickly on Monday to deny weekend media reports that they plan to dismantle their three-way joint venture with Changan Automobile by 2012. Full story...

Toyota Motor plans to double its worldwide output of petrol-electric hybrid cars to 1m units in 2011, according to Japanese media reports on Monday. Full story...

Toyota Motor plans to double its worldwide output of petrol-electric hybrid cars to 1m units in 2011, according to Japanese media reports on Monday. Full story...

A highly unusual year for new car sales ended on a high for most manufacturers but there are now growing signs of uncertain times ahead, analysts Jato Dynamics said on Monday. Full story...

Hot hatch special issue: Every hot hatch from the MKI VW Golf GTI to Renaultsport Clio 200 covered. Plus Audi R4 Coupé, baby Prius, Detroit report, 11,000bhp MPH megatest. Full story...

Renault has said that it will maintain some production of the next generation Clio (dubbed 'Clio 4') in France and not transfer all production to its Turkish facility at Bursa. Full story...

The steady drip of information on General Motors Europe's upcoming redesigned 2010 Meriva B-segment minivan/MPV continued on Monday with the release of the first 'official' interior photos which show greatly improved styling and materials qualilty plus new colours. Full story...

Green is everywhere this year at the Motor City's NAIAS. A sea of hybrids and electric vehicles has flooded the entire show floor -- and every single manufacturer is responsible. This overflow of fuel-efficient automobiles promises big things for the future of mobility. Full story...

The Mazda 5 is successfully proving that a little minivan can provide great big fun. With a dynamic body, snappy four-cylinder engine and available five-speed manual transmission, it's zoned in on enthusiast drivers after economical family transport. Full story...

Premium vehicle manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is reinforcing its commitment to deliver an outstanding customer experience with the appointment of David Betteley as Director, Financial Services. Full story...

NEW YORK, - According to findings by a third-party research group, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) continues to be one of the most effective marketing opportunities for automakers looking to move metal. In fact, nearly three quarters of attendees polled at the 2009 NYIAS said they are somewhat to extremely serious about purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the near future and that attending the Show significantly increased their purchase consideration. Full story...

DETROIT, - The 2010 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview black tie gala, one of the top single-night fundraising events in the nation, opened its doors to nearly 8,500 guests, raising more then $2 million for 12 local children's charities. This year, ticket sales represent a more than 25 percent increase over tickets sold in 2009. Full story...

Entries for the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship closed on Friday December 15th, at midnight. Six makes will be represented, with 12 teams of two cars each, making a total of 24 cars on the grid. Full story...

After showing great potential in the first-ever 450 Supercross race at Anaheim, Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) won the second round of the 2010 AMA Supercross Series; grabbing the hole-shot and cruising away to a wire-to-wire win in front of a packed house. Full story...