Auto News 5

Italy is prepared to invest EUR450m (US$614m) to convert Fiat's Termini Imerese car plant in Sicily, industry minister Claudio Scajola has said. Full story...

The first ever supermini with a supercar badge has been spotted out on the town...

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Toyota's president indicated on Wednesday he would not attend a hearing by US lawmakers next week over the automaker's mass vehicle recalls as the federal administration steps up its investigation into the crisis. Full story...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is using statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner, it said. Full story...

Spanish financial backing for General Motors' plans for its European unit Opel will depend on their acceptance by Spanish workers, industry minister Miguel Sebastian said. Full story...

Italy is prepared to invest 450 million euros ($614.3 million) to convert Fiat SpA's Termini Imerese auto plant in Sicily, Industry Minister Claudio Scajola said on Wednesday. Full story...

The Museum run by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany, is sending its legendary Type 64 Berlin-Rome Car on a long journey. Befitting the 60th anniversary of Porsche in America, the aluminium body of Type 64 will be presented from 21 March to 20 June 2010 at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), taking the first and most prominent exhibit at the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen to a new location outside of Germany for the first time. Full story...

San Sebastián/Spain - Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the prototype of a battery-powered van based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito at the informal EU Competitiveness Council meeting in San Sebastián from 7 to 9 February. During this event, European ministers of economic affairs meet to discuss issues relating to the economic viability of future technologies. Full story...

The advanced aluminum space frame underpinning the Fisker Karma incorporates new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics. It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show March 2-14, 2010. Full story...

Mini E cars equipped with a new generation of electric cabin heaters from BorgWarner Beru Systems are currently being tested in rental vehicles in the US, the UK and Germany, among other countries. Full story...

PSA Peugeot-Citroen is expected to start testing vehicle assembly at its new Russian joint venture plant in Kaluga next month according to Ruslan Zalivatsky, the region's economic development minister. Full story...

Mexico's Metalsa and China's Fuyao Group are considering setting up vehicle components production in Russia's Kaluga region, Ruslan Zalivatsky, the region's economic development minister, told reporters. Full story...

MINI E cars equipped with a new generation of electric cabin heaters from BorgWarner BERU Systems are currently being tested in rental vehicles in the United States, Great Britain, Germany and other countries. Unlike diesel- or gasoline-powered vehicles, electric vehicles generate virtually no waste heat, and the battery does not radiate enough heat to warm the interior or defrost the windshield. Full story...

The Mini Countryman, which makes its public debut at next month's Geneva motor show as the fourth model in the Mini line, will cost from EUR20,200 including 19% VAT (GBP17,529; $US27,525) when it goes on sale in Germany in September, BMW said on Monday. Its UK unit said its five-version range would cost GBP16,000-GBP20,810 when sales start on 18 September. Full story...

The Mini Countryman, which makes its public debut at next month's Geneva motor show as the fourth model in the Mini line, will cost from EUR20,200 including 19% VAT (GBP17,529; $US27,525) when it goes on sale in Germany in September, BMW said on Monday. Full story...

The re-born Mini was re-born again for 2007. This second-generation model heads into 2010 with minimal changes to specifications, and a few positive (read downward) price adjustments. Full story...

New version of superministar celebrates 20 years on sale Full story...

Over 1,100 car dealers are expected to take part in the government's "cash-for-clunkers" programme, the industry and trade ministry said in a report cited by Prime-Tass. Full story...

First Look: 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept

Ambivalent about minivans? If so, Honda is gunning for your business.

Ambivalent about minivans? If so, Honda is gunning for your business. In addition to those who love and hate the family-friendly haulers, the automaker says there's a third, distinct segment of consumers who appreciate the utility of a van, but loathe their stodgy image.inline_mediumwraptextright32269329/features/news/1002_2011_honda_odyssey_concept1002_02_z+2011_honda_odyssey_concept+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept - 2010 Chicago Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

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The loss of up to 900 Opel jobs at the Figuerelas plant near Zaragoza seems to be a high cost for the country to bear, industry minister Miguel Sebastian told reporters after the company had announced its EUR11bn five-year turnaround plan. Full story...