Auto News 5

A British specialist in electric vehicle drivetrains will provide advanced technology for a US government-backed electric commercial vehicle programme. Full story...

Volkswagen AG has said it would seek a potential further EUR10bn from shareholders to secure its merger with Porsche and safeguard its financial stability. Full story...

It's nice to see at least one American automaker staying true to their family-hauling roots. In a market where crossover SUVs have largely made the minivan irrelevant, Chrysler and Dodge are the only remaining American brands that continue to offer one. Full story...

British driver Jenson Button captured his first Formula 1 World Championship in Sao Paolo, Brazil following a solid drive that saw him slice through the field from 14th to 15th place. Full story...

Jenson Button was able to celebrate his world championship in Brazil on Sunday night, following an astonishing gesture of generosity by his defeated rival and friend Rubens Barrichello. Full story...

Jenson Button has been crowned Formula 1 world champion in Brazil, everybody congratulate the Brawn driver. Full story...

Lotus Cars unveils its latest special edition - the Exige Scura, so called due to its dramatic matt black and carbon fibre theme, at the Tokyo International Motorshow on 21st of October 2009. Translated as 'dark' from Italian, the name 'Scura' reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matt black paint finish. Full story...

In recognition of Audi's 100th birthday, the company with the four rings will once again invest considerably in its future. Earthwork operations for a key construction project in the northern sector of Audi's Ingolstadt site will begin in late October. Full story...

Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year to be out driving. There are more pedestrians, and most of them are children. Full story...

A1Grand Prix series, the "World Cup of Motorsport" has called off its planned opening rounds in Surfers Paradise but series boss Tony Teixeira insists the championship is not dead. Full story...

If Dale Earnhardt Jr. felt he could go no lower than when he spoke to the media on Friday in Charlotte; a broken transmission in Saturday night's Bankers 500 which resulted in a 38th place finish didn't help. Full story...

Casey Stoner (Ducati) dominated his home Grand Prix with a thrilling win at Phillip Island, after fighting off a persistent Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) throughout the race. Full story...

The long straightaway ends with a tight, fast-paced combination of left and right turns. The engine roars, I fail to apply enough braking force and the car runs over the rumble strip, bouncing and slowing down as other drivers close in from the outside. A good jab at the throttle and I'm on my way to the finish line. With a bit of sweat, I manage to steal third place. Full story...

The driver of a BMW or MINI who wishes to always remain in touch also while travelling now has the choice of new Bluetooth headsets matched specifically to his car. These universal hands-free mobile phone communication systems are made up of a combined earplug/microphone unit and ensure smooth and reliable communication to the user's mobile phone through a Bluetooth connection, without requiring any kind of cable or wiring. Full story...

Sant'Agata Bolognese, October 19th 2009 - To celebrate Christmas Lamborghini-style, the Italian super sports car manufacturer has produced a range of limited edition giftboxed candles and ceramic baubles, inspired by its Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. Full story...

Here are the main short motorsport news of this day, Monday October 19, 2009. Full story...

The Brawn GP team, née Honda and BAR, made the headline news on Sunday in Brazil by claiming the Constructors World Championship in its first season in Formula 1. Full story...

BMW is no stranger to roadsters. Perhaps one of the famous cars the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG company has ever produced was a roadster: the revered and highly collectable 1936-1940 328. Produced in only 464 examples, this two-door two-seater twin kidney-grille-sporting elegant automobile has graced many a poster on enthusiasts' walls. Full story...

Concerns raised by EU competition regulators have apparently delayed the signing of the proposed deal for GM to sell a majority stake in Opel/Vauxhall to Magna/Sberbank. Full story...

There is no need to question the decision to provide EUR4.5bn in aid for General Motors' Adam Opel unit and there is no need to repeat the bidding process, German government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said on Monday. Full story...