Auto News 5

Thousands of supplier jobs could be cut in central Europe as the global slowdown in auto production hits the region. )x("”",It could be 10,000 jobs as a worst case scenario,” said Jiri Kyncl, a spokesman for the Czech auto association, SAP. Full story...

This is a tough time to be leading an automaker. Sluggish sales, high materials costs and a worsening global economy are forcing top auto executives to make some of the toughest decisions of their professional lives. Full story...

Fiat Group Automobiles is getting ready to launch three low-cost models under a separate brand name in western Europe. The cars are due in 2010. The decision is a bet that, as the global financial crisis intensifies, consumers will want cheaper cars. Full story...

General Motors Europe is reaching out beyond Germany in search of government help to avoid a liquidity crisis if its US parent goes bankrupt. Full story...

Another official of China's annual formula one race has played down suggestions the grand prix in Shanghai might be in doubt beyond 2010. Full story...

Nine months after announcing the end of his 22-year marriage, McLaren boss Ron Dennis is reportedly dating again. Full story...

David Coulthard will turn to television punditry for his first year of formula one race retirement in 2009. Full story...

Installing an Indian driver at the wheel of one of Force India's formula one cars is in the team's five year plan. Full story...

A proposal for a new qualifying format for formula one in 2009 could be tabled at the forthcoming meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. Full story...

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve set the pace on the first day of the Speedcar Series test session at the Dubai Autodrome. This 2-day test is the final one before the start of Season 2 on 5-6 December, 2008. Full story...

Volvo's next-generation S60 concept is set to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show early next year as a fairly clear indication of what the 2010 production model will look like. A photo has been released, showcasing a daring, sleek and exciting silhouette. A tapered 'double-wave' beltline runs the length of the car from the headlight to taillight, rising slightly to accommodate the large turbine-shaped wheels and fenders surrounding them. Full story...

David Coulthard will turn to television punditry for his first year of formula one race retirement in 2009. Full story...

Porsche has just released photos of their new four-seat Panamera grand touring car, which will join the Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman and 911 models next year. The German performance automaker says that the model combines sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Full story...

Nine months after announcing the end of his 22-year marriage, McLaren boss Ron Dennis is reportedly dating again. Full story...

A proposal for a new qualifying format for formula one in 2009 could be tabled at the forthcoming meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. Full story...

Neel Jani (Switzerland) and Adam Carroll (Ireland) are the winners at Sepang, Malaisia. Ireland takes the lead in provisional classification. Full story...

Romain Grosjean, the first GP2 Asia Series champion and fourth in this year's main GP2 series, looks likely to return to the support category in 2009. Full story...

Another official of China's annual formula one race has played down suggestions the grand prix in Shanghai might be in doubt beyond 2010. Full story...

Installing an Indian driver at the wheel of one of Force India's formula one cars is in the team's five year plan. Full story...

Since Honda decided a few years back that their mid-size Accord in North America should be different (read: bigger) than the one sold in the rest of the world, its rivals don't have much choice but to follow the same path. Full story...