Auto News 5

There will be a lot of action coming this weekend at the Lowe Motor Speedway as twenty one of NASCAR's top drivers will battle it up in the classic Sprint All-Star race. Full story...

The Governor of the State of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen, and Professor Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for 'Group Production', will be joined today, Thursday (2.00 p.m. local time), by invited guests to celebrate the erection of the first wall at the new US factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The plant represents a major milestone for the Volkswagen Group in attaining its ambitious growth targets for the North American market. Full story...

British car manufacturer Bentley has taken another step in delivering its class-leading environmental strategy. Bentley now guarantees 85 % recyclability (or 95 % recoverability) of materials for all its current Continental models, becoming one of the first carmakers in the luxury vehicle bracket to take such a step as well as providing environmental friendly recycling or recovery at the end of the car's life. Full story...

FIA president Max Mosley's meeting with the Formula 1 teams alliance FOTA has been set for Friday, May 15. Full story...

Officials of Formula 1's governing body - the FIA - insist they have not been swayed by the threats of leading formula one teams. Full story...

On the face of it, Ferrari's race drivers fully support the Scuderia's threat to quit formula one at the end of the season. Full story...

A principal of the prospective American F1 team entry has revealed that the first test car could be up and running as early as November. Full story...

Audi blazes trails in the discipline of mechatronics. This year the Association of German Engineers (VDI) has presented the inaugural Award for Mechatronic Innovation for Audi's dynamic steering, which handsomely demonstrates the innovation potential offered by the intelligent combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer science. Full story...

With environmentalists recently expressing their strong disappointment regarding the "Cash for Clunkers" compromise legislation, it is not good news to learn that Congress is set to establish a loophole that allows widespread public access for individuals to bid on "clunker" vehicles that are supposed to be retired under the program. The proposal being circulated by House lawmakers would allow salvage auctions to process these vehicles, a dangerous move that opens the door for criminal activity from the resale of the retired cars to the public. Full story...

When you think of Porsche, the first few things that cross your mind are speed, style and refinement. Moreover, if I told you that I just bought a Porsche, you would immediately assume that it's the mighty 911, the distinctive Cayman or the sophisticated Boxster. Yet, over half of all Porsches sold in Canada are... SUVs. Full story...

When you think of Porsche, the first few things that cross your mind are speed, style and refinement. Moreover, if I told you that I just bought a Porsche, you would immediately assume that it's the mighty 911, the distinctive Cayman or the sophisticated Boxster. Yet, over half of all Porsches sold in Canada are... SUVs. Full story...

The automobile industry would receive free pollution credits to make electric and advanced-technology vehicles under a compromise reached by House Democrats on a bill to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. Full story...

Small auto parts suppliers said today that aid from federal programs hasn't filtered through to them and warned that their ranks will shrink further if they don't get help. Full story...

General Motors, which is preparing for a 40 percent cut in its dealer network by the end of 2010, this week will send warning letters to nearly 1,000 dealers, sources told Automotive News today. Full story...

In an auction featuring some of the rarest, fastest and most head-turning Ferraris ever, a brand-new F430 may be the show-stealer. Full story...

Seating and electronics supplier Lear Corp. has reached an agreement with lenders that give it until June 30 to restructure its debt-heavy balance sheet, the company said today. Full story...

German government ministers will on Thursday discuss possible bridge financing for carmaker Opel until a partner for the General Motors' unit is found, government sources said. Full story...

A cost-cutting deal between the Canadian Auto Workers and General Motors that was reached in March is no longer sufficient to ensure the viability of GM's Canadian operations and more cuts are needed, Industry Minister Tony Clement told Reuters... Full story...

German government ministers will on Thursday discuss possible bridge financing for carmaker Opel until a partner for the General Motors' unit is found, government sources said. Full story...

About 150 auto dealers from around the country fanned out across Capitol Hill today in a last-ditch effort to get lawmakers to try to slow planned cuts by General Motors and Chrysler LLC. Full story...