Auto News 5

The 2009 Mini Cooper, Scion XB and Honda Fit are especially likely to hold their value three years from now, according to the company that sets residual values for the auto industry. Full story...

Lawmakers and administration officials dug in their heels today over how to provide $25 billion in emergency loans to the Detroit 3 and possibly to suppliers to keep them from collapsing. Full story...

Saloon version of blue oval's award-winning supermini debuts in China. Full story...

The president of Lower Saxony, Christian Wulff, has attacked the European Commission for undermining European automotive companies and their competitiveness. Full story...

The 500 motorists selected to be part of BMW's electric Mini test program in the U.S. will pay a monthly leasing rate of $850 (about 1070 euros). Full story...

The minivan craze has abated, replaced largely by SUVs and CUVs; but the shine is fading on these family workhorses as well. Recognizing the creep of boredom, Ford performed a "re-think" of the segment and came up with the Flex; a fairly radical, somewhat nostalgic looking, six-seater featuring front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Full story...

The minivan craze has abated, replaced largely by SUVs and CUVs; but the shine is fading on these family workhorses as well. Recognizing the creep of boredom, Ford performed a "re-think" of the segment and came up with the Flex; a fairly radical, somewhat nostalgic looking, six-seater featuring front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Full story...

Imagine yourself moving slowly through rush-hour traffic. As you drive, you drip some coffee on your lap and look away for just a short moment. At the same time, the car suddenly stops in front of you. Bang!A moment's inattention is all it takes to cause an accident. In fact Volvo research has demonstrated that 75% of all collisions occur below 30 km/h. And in half of the cases, drivers are simply distracted and fail to brake in time. Full story...

Imagine yourself moving slowly through rush-hour traffic. As you drive, you drip some coffee on your lap and look away for just a short moment. At the same time, the car suddenly stops in front of you. Bang!A moment's inattention is all it takes to cause an accident. In fact Volvo research has demonstrated that 75% of all collisions occur below 30 km/h. And in half of the cases, drivers are simply distracted and fail to brake in time. Full story...

Imagine yourself moving slowly through rush-hour traffic. As you drive, you drip some coffee on your lap and look away for just a short moment. At the same time, the car suddenly stops in front of you. Bang!A moment's inattention is all it takes to cause an accident. In fact Volvo research has demonstrated that 75% of all collisions occur below 30 km/h. And in half of the cases, drivers are simply distracted and fail to brake in time. Full story...

The Nissan 370Z is much anticipated by enthusiasts. More refined, closer to the older versions' styling, namely the 240Z, it has been officially introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The elongated hood and backwards-flung cabin are symbolic of major changes for this sports car. The receding roof line completes its contemporary look. The front light clusters are reminiscent of those of the powerful GT-R launched last year. Full story...

It's obvious that BMW wants to demonstrate its mastery of green technology and is taking full advantage of the Los Angeles Auto Show to do so. Not only has the German manufacturer officially released pricing on its diesel vehicles destined for North America (the Canadian prices will be revealed in a few days), but it has also taken the opportunity to lift the veil on several new technologies, some of which, like the Mini E, are already almost reality. Full story...

Saloon version of blue ovals award-winning supermini debuts in China. Full story...

The German government is ready to talk with troubled carmaker Opel, but will not offer blanket aid to entire industries suffering due to the financial crisis, Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck said. Full story...

One of the first models to come from increased cooperation between Toyota, its minicar specialist arm Daihatsu and Subaru maker Fuji Heavy Industries has been launched in Japan. Full story...

Volkswagen has abandoned plans to build its Up minicar in the Czech Republic. Spain or Portugal are now being considered as potential production locations for the key model, company insiders told Automotive News Europe. Full story...

The Chief Minister of Lower Saxony expects Europe's highest court to rule by 2010 in favor of the state and against both Porsche and Brussels regarding the controversial Volkswagen Law. Full story...

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said today that any federal aid to automakers must help ensure their "viability." The Bush administration is resisting emergency loans to the auto industry. Full story...

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said today that any federal aid to automakers must help ensure their "viability." The Bush administration is resisting emergency loans to the auto industry. Full story...

Give a big welcome to a new breed of family Ford. This is the best look yet at the B-MAX – a supermini-MPV that’s set to be one of the most popular models on UK roads. Full story...