Auto News 5

The UK car market recorded a strong December to leave the sales tally for 2009 just shy of 2m units. However, analysts forecast that UK car market faces a tough year ahead with the market likely to fall when the scrappage scheme finishes in February. Full story...

GM's new chief financial officer Chris Liddell, who joined from Microsoft, could be a candidate for permanent chief executive, chairman and acting CEO Ed Whitacre said during a media briefing at the company's headquarters. Full story...

The UK car market recorded a strong December to leave the sales tally for 2009 just shy of 2m units. However, analysts forecast that UK car market faces a tough year ahead with the market likely to fall when the scrappage scheme finishes in February. Full story...

UK sales of Kia Motors brands have broken through the 50,000 barrier for the first time as scrappage incentives contineu to benefit the industry. Full story...

For some time, we've seen cockpit designers working on ways in which to display more information yet make the dash appear less complex. The general approach is to ensure that only the most essential information is displayed while remaining features are available in the background or brought up at will. Matthew Beecham reports on how the increasing fitment of sophisticated mobile multimedia systems, as well as safety and security items suggests that this part of the interior is still in its infancy in terms of development. Full story...

Volkswagen sales in China hit a record 1.4m vehicles in 2009 - up almost 37% over the previous year - in what has now become its most important market. Full story...

Ford's F-series truck line was again the best-selling single vehicle model line in the US last year, with sales of 413,625 units. Next best was Toyota's Camry with 356,824 sales. Full story...

Continental AG is to raise just over EUR1 bn (USD1.44 bn) in fresh equity from a rights issue in a bid to boost its balance sheet. Full story...

Saab's future remains up in the air so far on Thursday with GM talking of starting factory closures while there are reports of new or renewed bids. Full story...

Ford Motor China has released further details of its 2009 performance which saw record sales up 44% to 441,000. Full story...

All-new small crossover, inspired by the Qazana concept, is named and revealed in teaser image

Full story...

Nissan has named its new small UK-built crossover Juke ahead of its Geneva show debut in March and October arrival in showrooms. Full story...

The Dodge Avenger debuted in the 2008 model year, based on the same underpinnings as the Chrysler Sebring. Styling is evocative of big-brother Charger, and exudes typical Dodge aggressiveness. Also, like all Chrysler products, you get a lot of size for your buck. Full story...

Pedal to the metal, you anticipate the next corner and, like a true F1 driver, you cross the finish line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in first place - fastest lap of the day! Full story...

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle today to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources. Full story...

Auto123.com called Canadian race car driver Jacques Villeneuve to get an update on his quest to return in Formula 1 racing in 2010. Full story...

American rally star Ken Block will compete in the World Rally Championship in 2010 and 2011 as part of the newly formed 'Monster World Rally Team', backed by the American energy drink company and Ford. Full story...

Front Row Motorsports announced a switch to Ford Fusions and named Travis Kvapil and rookie Kevin Conway to its expanded two-car team. Full story...

Got a hankering for good news? Want to look forward to a positive 2010? Well, we've got some good news indeed. As we all know, the auto market is very indicative of the state of our economy. If an industry average of +17,8% in growth is not a reason to put a smile on our faces then we don't know what to tell y'all! Full story...

DETROIT - With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Full story...