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Investment is considering offers to sell up to 20% of Aston Martin and wants to borrow up to 300m dinars (US$1bn) to refinance debt. Full story...

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concepts Destined for 2009 Detroit Auto Show

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concepts, which will make their world debut at the Detroit show, give a sneak peak at an upcoming production vehicle.

Fewer automakers will display their wares at the 2009 North American Auto Show in Detroit, but Mercedes-Benz still plans on attending - and it's bringing three concepts, to boot. The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concepts, which will make their world debut at the Detroit show, give a sneak peak at an upcoming production vehicle.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concepts Destined for 2009 Detroit Auto Show - Fuel Efficient News, Car Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

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Hyundai Motor is to offer up to 20% discounts on servicing costs for those who have bought more than three new Hyundai vehicles since 1990. Full story...

Ball bearings specialist Schaeffler plans to appoint four of its own managers to supplier Continental's supervisory board as soon as possible. Full story...

Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn has predicted world car sales would fall by up to 20% next year while the industry would have to confront "painful" changes. Full story...

The Canadian federal government and provincial government of Ontario, where automaking is based, will provide an estimated C$3.4bn to the Canadian divisions of the Detroit-based Big Three. Full story...

Volkswagen's union chief Bernd Osterloh has taken the top role in Porsche Automobil Holding's works council. The move resolves one issue in a dispute between Porsche and VW over Porsche's plan to control VW, Europe's biggest carmaker. Full story...

BMW will unveil its first roadster with a retractable hardtop, the all-new 2009 Z4, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Full story...

The newest members of the European Automotive Hall of Fame share a common trait: guts. Full story...

Suzuki has followed Honda by pulling out of motorsport activities. Full story...

In a ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club UK-based writer and just-auto columnist Karl Ludvigsen has picked up three awards from the UK's Guild of Motoring Writers. Full story...

Bulgaria is the latest nation to express a desire to host Formula One. Full story...

Toyota is expected to drastically prune its sales forecast for next year by at least 1m units and detail cost cuts next week. Full story...

Aston Martin's relatively new owner is considering selling a 10-20 percent stake in the British sports car maker, according to European press reports. Full story...

Ford of Europe's November sales fell nearly a quarter despite a successful launch of its latest Fiesta small car. Strong sales performances in Germany and the UK helped Ford to improve its monthly market share by 0.5 percentage points to 8. Full story...

ECM (Electric Corner Modules) or In-Wheel Motors technology is more of a revolution rather than an evolution technology. ECM can be a combination of wheel, tyres, motors, brake, steering, suspension, and cooling system. Implementation of ECM eliminates the need of components such as engine, transmission, differentials, cardan shaft. The other advantages include weight reduction by 10%-25% depending on ECM type and fuel savings of 20%-30% Full story...

Volkswagen group's global sales fell 16.5 percent to 447,000 vehicles in November. Full story...

Toyota plans to produce 30% fewer vehicles in December because of declining sales, but won't cut its INR32 billion investment plan for the country. Full story...

The UK government is mulling making financial aid available to the UK auto industry. Full story...

Volkswagen has announced that it will sell its Brazilian heavy truck business to MAN. Full story...