Auto News 5

The most-read story on just-auto this week is an embarrassing one for the automaker concerned - the theft of an unspecified number of engines from Tata Motors' Land Rover plant in Solihull, an event that was kept quiet about for several days until that pesky media got on the case. JLR did not value the engines but reports here in the UK suggested they could be worth in the region of GBP3m (US$3.7m) following their removal from the Damson site in Solihull near Birmingham at some point late at night between 31 January and 1 February. An articulated truck is believed to have entered the site twice, each time hooking up to trailers carrying the engines and then leaving again through the gate. Understandably, the automaker and the constabluary are tight-lipped but you'd have to think 'inside job' for the perps to know what to nab, and where from, and, reportedly, be able to show the right paperwork - twice - to get in and out. I would not want to be in charge of Solihull security right now.

Takata, the troubled airbag supplier behind the biggest auto safety recall, said it will probably report a third consecutive annual loss as it booked a one-time charge after agreeing to settle a U.S. criminal investigation.

Renault and alliance partner Nissan are ready to forge closer capital ties but will only do so if France sells its Renault stake, CEO Carlos Ghosn said.

Renault and Nissan are ready to forge closer capital ties but will only do so if France sells its Renault stake, CEO Carlos Ghosn said.

While Uber got shellacked for its link to President Donald Trump, the electric carmaker and sometimes-rival Tesla has comfortably weathered its association with a president who has lower approval ratings than any predecessor in his first days in...

International consultancy KPMG's traditional Global Automotive Executive Survey (GAES), in its 2017 edition published late last month, revealed peculiarities related to the Brazilian market.

Troubled airbag supplier Takata Corporation said it expects to book non-operating income (foreign exchange gain) and special losses (recall costs) in the third quarter of the current fiscal year ending 31 March, 2017.

News 10 Feb, 2017

The Skoda Octavia will get the VW Group's new 1.5-litre petrol engine later in 2017, while brand is undecided about electric Citigo

Faurecia has posted a strong set of 2016 financial results, including net income up 72% to EUR638m.

PSA Groupe has said it is surprised at the decision made by the French Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of fraud department (DGCCRF) to send the conclusions of its investigation (into some kind of fraud involving emissions, though details have not been made public) to the public prosecutor (as previously done for VW, Renault and Fiat, according to Le Figaro).

News 10 Feb, 2017

Audi hyper hot hatch returns with more power, more torque, and a 174mph top speed on request

McLaren Automotive has announced the first details of its new Composites Technology Centre close to the campus of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, and built with support from Sheffield City Council.

PSA has been referred to prosecutors over suspected diesel-emissions cheating in France. PSA, which has until now largely avoided scrutiny, is the fourth automaker to be referred for possible prosecution by authorities.

BorgWarner fourth quarter results were hit by a $703.6m, or $440.6m after tax ($2.07 a share), charge related to indemnity and defence costs for pending and future asbestos-related claims but full-year results, albeit down, were written in black ink.

After a year of record sales, Renault has posted 2016 net income of EUR3,543m (+19.7%). A strong set of annual financial results came in spite of currency headwinds and a lower contribution to the bottom line from Nissan.

Renault set itself ambitious new midterm goals after operating profit surged 38 percent to 3.28 billion euros in 2016 on 51.2 billion euros in revenue. Renault's new goals include a 7 percent operating margin and 70 billion euros in revenue by 2022.

Renault's investment in Dacia continues to pay off in the showroom and on the balance sheet. The low-frills brand set new sales records worldwide, maintaining the marque as a money-maker for its parent.

Fiat Chrysler's Mopar parts and service brand, in celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, will offer a pair of 80-car limited edition, hand-painted, customized Dodge Challengers.

Features 10 Feb, 2017

We visited Retromobile 2017 in Paris to see the best cars on display at 2017’s first classic show