Auto News 5

Tesla Motors has confirmed that it has reached a settlement with former CEO Martin Eberhard to end a legal dispute. Full story...

The German government does not need separate approval from the European Commission to grant state aid to Adam Opel because this would be part of a temporary framework agreement to support companies during the economic crisis, a government document seen by Dow Jones Newswires said. Full story...

The German government does not need separate approval from the European Commission to grant state aid to Adam Opel because this would be part of a temporary framework agreement to support companies during the economic crisis, a government document seen by Dow Jones Newswires said. Separately, a British newspaper reported that Magna will axe 1,400 Vauxhall jobs at the two plants here. Full story...

The German government does not need separate approval from the European Commission to grant state aid to Adam Opel because this would be part of a temporary framework agreement to support companies during the economic crisis, a government document seen by Dow Jones Newswires said. Separately, The Times reported earlier today that Magna would axe 1,400 Vauxhall jobs at the two plants here and the Daily Telegraph, citing "sources", said 1,830. Full story...

BorgWarner says it is to supply an important new engine cooling fan system on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Full story...

ArvinMeritor has completed the previously announced sale of its wheels business - once a division of its light vehicle systems segment - to Iochpe-Maxion, the Brazilian producer of wheels and frames for commercial vehicles, railway freight cars and castings, for around US$180m. Full story...

Dutch-based industrial firm BioMCN has commenced operations at the largest second generation biofuel manufacturing plant in the world. It sees very positive prospects ahead in transportation applications for the bio-methanol it produces from glycerine - itself a by-product of biodiesel manufacture. Automotive applications are being readied, especially in the substitution of bio-methanol for bio-ethanol in gasoline blends. And the vision for more efficient energy utilisation and lower CO2 emissions does not end there, as BioMCN CEO Rob Voncken explains to just-auto editor Dave Leggett. Full story...

A two-seat, plug-in electric car for urban use has been developed in Iran to a standard suitable for mass-production, according to local media reports. Full story...

A gull-wing Mercedes has become something of an automotive icon. Visitors to the current Frankfurt show will also have seen it as a vision of the future - an electric one at that. Full story...

Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) members at the GM-Suzuki CAMI joint venture vehicle assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario have ratified a new contract by nearly two thirds. Full story...

Snuggly set behind the wheel, you drive the car as if it was a roller-coaster wagon, gobbling corner after corner without even feeling the outside forces that so desperately try to send the machine into a tailspin. Sure, the takeoff wasn't very electrifying, but once up to speed, you can shred the perfect line almost every time out. Full story...

Monday's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council ended Flavio Briatore's 20-year career in motor racing, and now the British Football League is considering whether to also ban the disgraced former Renault team boss. Full story...

The road has been cleared for Bahrain to host a major pre-season test before the 2010 championship kicks off in the island kingdom. Full story...

In a bid to increase cross-party political support for a shift towards zero-emissions motoring in the UK, Brighton-based Elektromotive is collaborating with car giant General Motors (GM) to educate MPs about emerging electric vehicle (EV) technologies and the need for a nationwide infrastructure of recharging stations. Full story...

Some sections of the media believe Monday was the end of the crash-gate scandal, but a scorned Flavio Briatore may be now readying to hit back. Full story...

The press hit out after Renault escaped almost unscathed from Monday's so-called 'crash-gate' hearing of the World Motor Sport Council. Full story...

Ferrari has declined to comment on reports the Italian marque has withdrawn its supply of engines to the A1GP series. Full story...

MISSISSAUGA, ON, - The majority of Ontario drivers feel the new Ontario legislation banning the use of hand-held devices to talk, text or email while driving doesn't go far enough, according to a recent RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid survey. With the new law scheduled to come into effect this fall, more than half (58 per cent) of Ontario drivers agree that hands-free devices are just as dangerous as hand-held devices and should be included in the new law. Sixty nine per cent believe the Ontario government should also ban drivers from eating while they drive. Full story...

Petter Solberg could end up playing a crucial role in deciding this year's FIA World Championship titles after being signed by the Citroen Junior Team for the last round of the season, Rally GB. Full story...

The organisers of the A1GP series have published the calendar of the 2009-2010 season, while growing rumours suggest Ferrari could stop its engine supply. Full story...