Auto News 5

As we stand a few days prior to the opening round of the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion in the streets of Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, we'd like to share with you a piece of high technology used in F1 - the steering wheel. Full story...

In 1986, Ford Motor Company created a shockwave in the auto industry with the introduction of the first-generation Taurus midsize sedan. Through the years, however, competitors got increasingly and collectively fiercer and, despite numerous attempts to catch up, the Taurus soon was relegated to vehicle fleets. The latest unsuccessful try involved a rebadged Ford Five Hundred, a car that executives desperately want to forget. Full story...

Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of North American retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. Full story...

Porsche is expanding its successful range of SUVs with an exclusive, limited-edition model. The company will build just 1,000 numbered units of the new Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. Full story...

The Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team is ready to protest the legality of the rear diffusers of three rival 2009 cars this weekend at the Grand Prix of Australia. Full story...

It has emerged that the cut to two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso's 2009 retainer represents more than a third of his originally contracted pay. Full story...

Porsche is expanding its successful range of SUVs with an exclusive, limited-edition model. The company will build just 1,000 numbered units of the new Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. Full story...

Ferrari driver and former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen needs to put in more effort if he wants to return to contention for world championships, a former teammate of the Finn claims. Full story...

Mazda Motor Corporation today commenced commercial leasing of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, a hydrogen hybrid vehicle that offers substantially improved performance thanks to the addition of a hybrid system. Mazda is the world's first automobile manufacturer to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen hybrid vehicle; the first units will be delivered to local government authorities and energy-related companies during 2009. Full story...

Porsche is expanding its successful range of SUVs with an exclusive, limited-edition model. The company will build just 1,000 numbered units of the new Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. Full story...

Despite the recent management buyout-out and the 2009 car's sterling test pace, the future of Brawn GP reportedly remains under a very dark cloud. Full story...

On January 1, 2009, the Government of Canada launched a nationwide vehicle recycling program. Known as "Retire your Ride", it encourages Canadians to trade in their old, high-polluting cars and make more environmentally friendly transportation choices. The program is carried out by the Clean Air Foundation, a non-profit organization. Full story...

Richard Petty Motorsports announced that the team has extended their commitment and will enter American driver AJ Allmendinger for five additional NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Full story...

James Hylton, the man who captured NASCAR's rookie of the year award in 1966, eyes one final start in NASCAR Sprint Cup. Full story...

On January 1, 2009, the Government of Canada launched a nationwide vehicle recycling program. Known as "Retire your Ride", it encourages Canadians to trade in their old, high-polluting cars and make more environmentally friendly transportation choices. The program is carried out by the Clean Air Foundation, a non-profit organization. Full story...

Mazda Motor Corporation today commenced commercial leasing of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, a hydrogen hybrid vehicle that offers substantially improved performance thanks to the addition of a hybrid system. Mazda is the world's first automobile manufacturer to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen hybrid vehicle; the first units will be delivered to local government authorities and energy-related companies during 2009. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. will continue to require that its top two executives use private aircraft for business and personal travel. The company will pay for charter flights for Executive Chairman Bill Ford and CEO Alan Mulally. Full story...

General Motors began notifying U.S. salaried workers that they will lose their jobs as it carries out previously announced plans to reduce its global white-collar work force by 10,000. The automaker intends to cut 160 U.S. Full story...

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and--sushi? Sauerkraut? Full story...

Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally earned $13.57 million in total compensation in 2008, a 37 percent decline, as the automaker avoided seeking a federal bailout while posting a record loss. Full story...