Auto News 5

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. takes public safety very seriously. It believes its vehicles to be among the safest on the road today. Full story...

Montreal -- Exactly how good are consumers at grasping and accepting the new technologies used by hybrids and electric vehicles? The organizers of PHEV'09, an international conference and trade show held this week in Montreal, raised that question along with representatives from the auto industry and environmental groups. Full story...

When Jeff Gordon was celebrating his fourth NASCAR Championship, in seven years, pundits predicted he would reach the exalted record number of seven of Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt. Today he's still looking for number five. Full story...

Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept PX*2-MiEV*3 returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/liter. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is a new-generation concept car that balances high environmental performance with road performance by utilizing differential motors and Mitsubishi's all-new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), that utilizes E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels. Full story...

The worst kept secret of the 2009 season has turned into an official announcement. Spaniard Fernando Alonso will drive for the prestigious Scuderia Ferrari in next year's FIA Formula 1 Championship. Full story...

Organisers confirmed Wednesday that Hockenheim's place on the formula one calendar has been secured until 2018. Full story...

MISSISSAUGA, ON,- The popular Nissan Altima, ranked number one in segment in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), enters the new model year with fresh exterior styling, a refined interior and a host of technology enhancements to its navigation and entertainment systems. Full story...

Where to begin? Porsche, a storied, revered and respected maker of fine German performance cars. Racing and rallying heritage, dedicated to producing to most cars for international motorsports events, Porsche is synonymous with high performance and stands head and shoulders above most other car brands when it comes to hardcore driving machines right out of the box. Full story...

Ferrari driver Felipe Felipe got back behind the wheel of a racing vehicle Tuesday morning in Granja Viana, Brazil where he drove a kart. Full story...

Over 1,600 Mazda Roadsters converged on Miyoshi Proving Ground in Hiroshima prefecture in western Japan Full story...

Tokyo, September 30, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major highlights that will be displayed at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. On the theme of 'Take a Moment to Free Your Mind", FHI will showcase Subaru's efforts to integrate enjoyable and dependable driving with the global environment. Full story...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights for its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, from October 24 to November 4. Full story...

Toyota's team boss has indicated the Japanese manufacturer might decide to pull out of formula one. Full story...

Yet another opportunity for the future of Hockenheim's formula one race to be clarified has passed. Full story...

McLaren on Tuesday confirmed F1 teams' concerns about the scheduling of next year's Monaco and Turkish grands prix. Full story...

Kamaz and Federal Mogul plan to launch joint production of auto components in Tatarstan on October 6, Kamaz has said in a statement. Full story...

A General Motors venture to sell cars online through eBay has proven short-lived and will end this week, a person familiar with the situation told Dow Jones Newswires on Tuesday. Full story...

Dacia will replace its best-selling Logan vehicle with a new range of models 'in a few years', according to a local news agency. Full story...

Fiat will sign a preliminary agreement to buy Carrozzeria Bertone on Thursday, trade union sources said on Tuesday. Full story...

The Gulf state of Qatar wants to increase its stake in Volkswagen AG after the German carmaker completes its takeover of Porsche SE, according to an investment authority board member. Full story...