Auto News 5

Fiat SpA plans to create an automotive empire spanning Europe, America and Africa in a redrawing of the global industry as the market downturn hurts major players around the world. Full story...

Fiat SpA plans to create an automotive empire spanning Europe, America and Africa in a redrawing of the global industry as the market downturn hurts major players around the world. Full story...

Premium five-door cars are popular in Europe, much less in America. But a hatchback's practicality is undeniable, and logically, we should see a lot more of this type of vehicle on our roads. Right now, there very few direct competitors to the Audi A3 in North America. BMW's 5-door 1-Series is Europe-only, Mercedes only has the less-dynamic B200 to rival it, and there are only three Japanese products that come close. Full story...

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Six researchers from Mazda will be honored for their research achievements at the 59th annual Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) awards presentation. The researchers will receive the Outstanding Technical Paper and the Technological Development awards. The Outstanding Technical Paper Award recognizes individuals and their co-authors for outstanding research in the field of automotive technology. Full story...

Walkers pounding 26 miles sporting their bras next weekend to raise money for charity will be helped by a support crew in Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy MPVs provided by Ford of Britain. "Walk the Walk", the grant-making health charity which raises funds for vital breast cancer research and cancer care, will be holding the famous 'moon' and 'sun' walking events around the country this Summer starting in London next Saturday (16 May). Full story...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Batteries from EnerDel, the only U.S. lithium-ion car battery manufacturer with commercial-scale production capability, may power the Fisker Karma, scheduled to be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to market in June 2010. Full story...

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has welcomed today's report from the National Audit Office as it underlines a focus on children and cyclists as the top priority needed to lift Great Britain up the road safety league table. "The government are already talking about creating the safest roads in the world and the biggest challenge will be to do this for our most vulnerable road users," says Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM. Full story...

Young German Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has hastily negotiated a new clause for his 2009 Red Bull contract. Full story...

The Faenza-based Scuderia Toro Rosso is ramping up its efforts to become a full constructor in 2010, team boss Franz Tost has confirmed. Full story...

BMW, a German manufacturer of fine automobiles, found a US Manufacturer of Electrical wire and cable, Philatron, to power the new Electric MINI E. This discovery came by finding that Philatron has the most extensive UL listing for EV cable than any other wire and cable company in the world. Full story...

Santa Fe Springs, CA -- In the mid 1960's, engineers at Chevrolet designed a new coil spring and trailing arm suspension system for the C10 that provided work truck capability by day and a comfortable ride for nights and weekends. Four decades later the 1967-72 C10 is an incredibly popular platform for sport truck enthusiasts, thanks to cool lines and muscle car style suspension. Full story...

Team Williams revived its tendency to impress the practice timesheets this year by dominating the second Friday session in Spain. Full story...

Mario Theissen has counted BMW-Sauber out of any early driver speculation in regards to the 2010 Formula 1 season. Full story...

For the last year Chevy dealers have been taking deposits on the new Camaro. More than 14,000 people, most of whom haven't even seen the car in person, not to mention taken it for a test drive, will soon be receiving their cars. Full story...

CAW President Ken Lewenza and CUPW President Denis Lemelin, along with CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte and CUPW Windsor Local President John Vigneaux, made a joint call to Canada Post Corporation to ensure the expected 4500-5500 new light vehicles purchased in the coming years as part of the crown corporation's motorized fleet renewal and expansion program are made in Canada, by union workers. Full story...

BURNABY, BC - Electronic Stability Control - or ESC - can help prevent a collision, and maybe even save your life. Now, for the first time in Canada, ESC can help save money on your auto insurance, too. BCAA Insurance is introducing a five per cent discount on collision premiums for vehicles equipped with ESC - an innovative way of rewarding customers for choosing the added safety and peace of mind provided by ESC. Full story...

The controversial 'winner takes all' scoring system has now been erased from the 2010 FIA Formula 1 sporting regulations. Full story...

Every year, thousands of motocross fans and enthusiasts make their way to Las Vegas for the finals of the Supercross Race series. At the 2009 event, 5,000 excited fans gathered at the Orleans Arena for the much anticipated Mini AMA/Maxxis Supercross race. Many of those in attendance were unaware that history was about to be made. To promote greener sport riding, event coordinators were holding the first ever electric motocross event. Full story...

The Chevrolet Volt remains on track to hit the market in late 2010--and General Motors is still going to invest in developing key products--despite its financial troubles, a top executive said Thursday. Full story...

Porsche's plan to merge with Volkswagen has intensified a power struggle that could see the spectacular fall of the sports car maker's CEO Wendelin Wiedeking. Full story...