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Auto News Jan 2009

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Mining industry falters as recession spreads
After turning in a robust performance through June, most mining companies stumbled as automobile, housing and other manufacturers who use their metals cut back amid a global recession. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:11:57 GMT)

Why should we bail out US automobile industry
JEDDAH: According to reports published in Al-Seyassah, a Kuwaiti newspaper, and some other Gulf newspapers, the United States has asked four Gulf states for financial aid close to $300 billion to face the fallout of the financial crisis and help prevent its economy from sliding into a painful recession. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:35:49 GMT)

Global mining industry falters in 2008 as recession spreads; turnaround hinges on economy
After turning in a robust performance through June, most mining companies stumbled as automobile, housing and other manufacturers who use their (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:47:08 GMT)

City giving boost to auto industry
The nation’s major automobile makers may be seeking free handouts from the government, but the city of Pasadena is making those auto makers produce something for its money. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:36:57 GMT)

Meltdown, raw materials scarcity cripple plastic industry
By Aparajita Gupta, Kolkata, Jan 1 : Low demand for plastic products due to global economic meltdown, coupled with scarcity of raw materials, has hit the plastic industry hard. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:09:38 GMT)

Auto sales on rough track
COMMENT ON THIS ! Your Views! The automobile industry signed off 2008 on a dismal note as domestic sales in December continued to slide despite a 4 per cent cut in excise duties earlier in the month. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:10:19 GMT)

Meltdown, raw materials scarcity cripple plastic industry
KOLKATA- Low demand for plastic products due to global economic meltdown, coupled with scarcity of raw materials, has hit the plastic industry hard. (Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:04:42 GMT)

India's Dec. Car, Two-Wheeler Sales Tumble
(RTTNews) - The automobile industry ended on a sluggish note, as car and two-wheeler domestic sales in December fell even after the Indian Government announcing a 4% cut in excise duty earlier in the month. (Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:38:19 GMT)

Car sales plunge in Spain
Car sales in Spain plummeted by 28 percent last year, the worst slump on record, manufacturers said Monday. Automobile trade association ANFAC said 1.16 million vehicles were sold in 2008, down from 1.61 million the previous year. (Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:52:50 GMT)

U.S. Treasury releases guidelines on auto financing program
(This article was originally published Wednesday.) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. Treasury Department released guidelines Wednesday on a financing program for the ailing automobile industry. The program was rolled out to prevent a significant disruption of the auto industry that could hurt the overall economy. President George W. Bush this month granted $17.4 billion in emergency loans to ... (Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:14:10 GMT)

Industry sulks at growth recipe Package focus on auto firms, core sector
New Delhi, Jan. 2: The government today announced its second stimulus package to rekindle growth in a stuttering economy but the measures failed to evoke a ripple of enthusiasm in industry. (Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:27:17 GMT)

Desperate Retailers Try Frantic Discounts and Giveaways
Stores and automobile dealerships are adopting virtually any tactic that might grab the attention of frightened consumers. (Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:27:32 GMT)

Auto dealers struggle to stay in business
By the end of 2009, the National Automobile Dealers Association projects, one in 10 dealerships around the country will close. (Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:59:18 GMT)

National crisis hits business at home
OWENSBORO, Ky. — One area automobile dealer who has been watching the news about a bailout for the automotive industry with great interest is Don Moore III of Owensboro. He's president of the Don Moore Automotive Group, which has 200 employees in Owensboro and Hartford and an annual payroll of $8.5 million. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:28:16 GMT)

The Clanton Advertiser
Are things looking up in the car lot? Those who make their living selling automobiles had a difficult year in 2008. The automobile industry is one of the focal points of our economic slump. At the heart of it are the Big Three – General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:44:03 GMT)

Calls for Executive Firings Miss the Greater Economic Context
CORNWALL, N.Y. Football is a business. But it's time to stop treating business as football. Specifically, I'm referring to the "Fire the Coach" approach to management. We've seen a lot of that lately, especially in the global automobile industry where business has been miserable. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:34:29 GMT)

A City Ride That's Rogue in Name Only
NEW YORK -- It is the automobile industry's most inappropriately named vehicle -- the Nissan Rogue. It is a moniker bespeaking wayward nature -- excess horsepower, egregious fuel consumption, reckless speed. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:36:10 GMT)

Masland looks back over area industry and history
Frank E. “Mike” Masland III remembers the heyday of industry in the Carlisle area. From his days in the carpet industry at C.H. Masland through his retirement, the 87-year-old South Middleton Township man has had a few surprises but has no regrets. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:51:36 GMT)

Road Map To Ruin Was Clearly Drawn
It isn't as if the collapse of the auto industry comes as a surprise. Twenty years ago, the journalist David Halberstam wrote “The Reckoning,” (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:38:47 GMT)

Premier: Plans Worked Out To Boost Auto Industry
Shanghai, January 4, 2009: (Gasgoo.com) The Chinese government has finished drawing up policies to stimulate the steel and automobile industries, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday. (Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:11:30 GMT)

Freeman Moore Mazda closes Memphis dealership
A slow economy continues to impact the local automobile sales industry as Freeman Moore Mazda closed its Memphis location at 2711 S. Mendenhall this month. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:25:55 GMT)

Dairy industry the latest to slump
FOWLER, Calif. -- The long economic boom, fueled by easy credit that allowed people to spend money they did not have, led to a huge oversupply of cars, houses and shopping malls, as recent months have made clear. Now, add one more item to the list: an oversupply of cows. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:19:20 GMT)

Japan auto sales fall to 34-year low in 2008: industry group
New vehicle sales in Japan slumped to the lowest level in three decades in 2008 as recession hit Asia's biggest economy, piling pressure on its auto giants, an industry group said Monday. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:23:00 GMT)

Japan auto sales fall to 34-year low in 2008: industry group
People visit a Toyota showroom in Tokyo in December. New vehicle sales in Japan slumped to the lowest level in three decades in 2008 as recession hit Asia's biggest economy, piling pressure on its auto giants, an industry group said Monday. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:08:56 GMT)

Argentine Car Sales Probably Fell in December: Week Ahead
Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Argentina’s automobile sales probably continued to decline in December as a global financial crisis undermined exports and discouraged domestic sales. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:35:05 GMT)

China auto industry to be supported by new policies as Japan sales slide 5th January 2009
Chinese economic planners will implement a range of policies to help maintain the approximately ten per cent growth in the country's auto industry this year, according to reports today (5th January). (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:28:57 GMT)

Time for that long road trip
COMMENT ON THIS ! Your Views! The travails of the automobile industry are emblematic of the deepening global economic crisis. While the focus of attention is on the bailout of the American Big Three (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler), similar requests are being made across the world. (Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:12:52 GMT)

The Clanton Advertiser
The news Monday wasn’t very good about sales in the automobile industry. Every manufacturer reported major sales decreases from 2007 to 2008 in December. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:13:27 GMT)

TOM WALSH: Car czar should be named now
This may sound pushy, or even panicky, but President-elect Barack Obama needs to name a car czar immediately to clear the air about the terms and conditions of federal aid to our quasi-nationalized automobile industry. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:27:45 GMT)

Getrag to cut 141 jobs at Maiden facility
Getrag, a supplier of power take-off units, all-wheel drive systems, and drivetrain components to the automobile industry, has announced that it will be permanently laying off approximately 141 employees at its facility in Maiden, North Carolina, due to the continuing worldwide economic crisis. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:41:08 GMT)

Mitsubishi sales lowest in a decade
NORMAL -- Mitsubishi fell short of breaking the 100,000 sales mark in what was a challenging year throughout the automobile industry. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:47:50 GMT)

No more sops for auto industry: govt
The government today said the automobile sector has been given a "very strong" package indicating the industry should not expect more. "Auto stimulus has been very strong which has been announced few days back...," Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Secretary Ajay Shankar said here. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:54:54 GMT)

TOM WALSH: Name a car czar now
This may sound pushy, or even panicky, but President-elect Barack Obama needs to name a car czar immediately to clear the air about the terms and conditions of federal aid to our quasi-nationalized automobile industry. (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:08:01 GMT)

International Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales
Overall Industry Sales Fall Thirty-Six Percent (Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:45:00 GMT)

2009 automobile market through the eyes of big manufacturers
VietNamNet Bridge – Big automobile manufacturers all believe that 2009 will be another difficult year for them. Some have even predicted a 50% decrease in car sales in 2009 from this year. (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:18:35 GMT)

Bumpy road ahead for automakers
VietNamNet Bridge – Automakers, car importers and experts have forecasted a bumpy road ahead in 2009 for the automobile industry, whose sales have fallen sharply in the ending months of 2008, and urged the Government to come to their rescue. (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:18:34 GMT)

CCID Consulting: Review of China's Environmental Protection Industry in 2008 and Outlook for 2009
CCID Consulting, China's leading research, consulting and IT outsourcing service provider, and the first Chinese consulting firm listed in Hong Kong , recently released its article on China's environmental protection industry. (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT)

Another plan to save the automotive industry
Dear Editor, The crises in the automotive industry puts five percent of the North American economy at immediate risk. At stake are not just the [...] (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:10:01 GMT)

International Automobile Dealers Announce December 2008 Monthly Sales
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 6, 2009; The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released December 2008 sales figures for the international automobile industry. (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:27:35 GMT)

Dunn keeps brave face during auto crisis
Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the North American automobile industry these days, Craig Dunn hasn't lost his sense of humour. (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:17:01 GMT)

Bush Postpones Mileage Standards on Industry Woes (Update2)
Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- The Bush administration won’t put in place rules requiring cars and light trucks to be more fuel- efficient, citing “recent financial difficulties of the automobile industry.” (Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:05:34 GMT)

Bush Postpones Mileage Standards on Industry Woes (Update3)
Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- The Bush administration is delaying rules requiring cars and light trucks to be more fuel-efficient, saying the industry needs more time because of its financial struggles. (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:15:50 GMT)

Business booming at car repair shops
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- It's a rare bright spot in a troubled economy. Car repair shops throughout the Twin Cities say they're seeing their business go up, while the automobile industry struggles. Dan (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:48:30 GMT)

Business booming at car repair shops
Car repair shops throughout the Twin Cities say they're seeing their business go up, while the automobile industry struggles. (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:13:33 GMT)

Piezoelectric Ceramic Drives Automobile Innovation
Piezoelectric ceramic components composed of Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT) have enabled many recent technological innovations in the automobile industry. PZT components from Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) can be found throughout many state-of-the-art vehicles, enhancing safety, performance, energy-efficiency and comfort. For example, you will find PZT sensors under the hood detecting engine ... (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:32:04 GMT)

Middleware is designed for automotive industry.
QNX® Aviage® Multimedia Suite, v1.1.0 helps build head units, rear-seat entertainment systems, multimedia radios, and infotainment products for automobile. It includes iPod 1-wire support, which enables delivery of audio and video through single USB cable, thereby eliminating need of multi-cable or special split-cable solution. Multimedia suite also includes intelligent multimedia engine, along ... (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:35:55 GMT)

N.O. show helping keep boat makers afloat
Concerns over the economy and the nation's automobile industry are big news these days. So is the New Orleans Boat Show that runs Thurs-Sun. The city's economy is faring better than most areas of the country, and boat makers are hoping to sell boats here since they aren't in other markets. Organizers of the show expect as many as 20,000 people to attend. Local boat dealers know the show is ... (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:46:29 GMT)

Business booming at car repair shops
Car repair shops throughout the Twin Cities say they're seeing their business go up, while the rest of the automobile industry struggles. (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:54:05 GMT)

Germany, France to work together for car industry
France and Germany will work together to help their ailing automobile industries, focusing on new technologies to make sure Europe maintains a major role in the sector, the two countries said on Thursday. (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:03:00 GMT)

Auto industry gloom hangs over Detroit car show
It's not surprising the pall that hangs over the auto industry is translating into less demand for dry ice and confetti at this year's North American International Auto Show. (Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:45:53 GMT)

Ford president skirts industry’s woes to discuss future
The failing auto industry was hardly the topic of Ford chief executive officer Alan Mulally’s keynote address Thursday night. Instead, the Ford president and chief executive officer used the Consumer Electronics Show stage to show his company is continuing to reinvent the driving experience. (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:14:28 GMT)

Auto industry expects worse conditions
Thai auto-makers will today attend an urgent meeting to brainstorm on the direction of the industry, amid signals that domestic and international sales may be worse than expected. Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) vice chairman Adisak Rohitasune said discussion was necessary as the industry must adjust itself to the changing environment, which included oil prices and demand. "We ... (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:11:20 GMT)

TEMECULA: Model T Fords on display at museum
TEMECULA ---- America's automobile companies may be deteriorating, but Temecula Valley Museum officials are inviting the community to recall the industry's better days. (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:25:04 GMT)

Thai auto production projected to fall 23-24% in 2009
Due to the rising global economic crisis, Thailand's automotive industry will contract this year as the country's automobile production is projected to fall around 23.0-24.0 percent, Thailand's Automotive Industry Club announced on Friday. The projected 23-24 percent contraction represents a fall to around 1,100,000 units in 2009 from an estimated total production units of 2008 at 1,400,000 ... (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:37:09 GMT)

Thai auto production projected to fall 23-24% in 2009
Global Financial Crisis Bangkok, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Due to the rising global economic crisis, Thailand's automotive industry will contract this year as the country's automobile production is projecte... (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:39:10 GMT)

NADA Convention to Host 21 Automaker-Dealer Franchise Meetings at Critical Time for Industry
MCLEAN, Va.----Now that U.S. automakers are receiving emergency bridge loans to weather the economic crisis, attention has shifted to the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Exposition in New Orleans Jan. 24-27 when dealers will meet face-to-face with their automakers’ top leadership. (Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:28:00 GMT)

Eastday-Thai auto production projected to fall 23-24% in 2009
Due to the rising global economic crisis, Thailand's automotive industry will contract this year as the country's automobile production is projected to fall around 23.0-24.0 percent, Thailand's Automotive Industry Club announced on Friday. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:58:11 GMT)

Beyond the Big Three, Many in Auto Industry Suffer
The worst auto sales market in decades is having a ripple effect on the thousands of companies who supply carmakers with everything from aluminum to airbags, putting some firms at risk and forcing plant closures, layoffs and furloughs at others. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:42:38 GMT)

In search of new car industry answers
In today's column, I address questions from readers on a wide range of topics – many of which, not surprisingly, are focused on the state of the economy and the automobile industry. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:43:31 GMT)

Dear Economist: What should I charge China for Michigan?
Here in Michigan we have a problem: the automobile industry. Thanks to foreign competition and the doubtful management of the Big Three, the state’s economy is in serious trouble. Should we just sell the state to the Chinese? (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:54:43 GMT)

Local union leaders react to deal
LORDSTOWN -- Local union leaders are questioning why the $17.4 billion loan package for the automobile industries bars its unions from striking while no such restriction was placed on the $700 billion bailout of the banking industry. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:02:16 GMT)

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Now you see it, now you dont:
Get used to seeing, hearing and reading about the redesigned 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but dont look for it at the North American International Auto Show. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST)

Ford redesigns Taurus to be an 'aspirational' car:
Designer Moray Callum's latest project at Ford wasn't designing just another car. He was charged with making over one of the company's most-famous nameplates: Taurus. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:35:00 EST)

Rescuing Bob Corker
Late last week, Tennessee senator Bob Corker made a much-ballyhooed and well-noticed speech on the floor of the Senate proposing what purported to be a compromise resolution to the congressional debate over extending a federal bailout to the automobile industry. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:05:09 GMT)

Chrysler charges into Detroit show with EV lineup:
Chrysler put its electric vehicle efforts center stage for the Detroit auto show with a display of the latest versions of several production-intent EVs. (Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:42:00 EST)

Chrysler reveals 200C electric vehicle concept:
Chrysler LLC jolted automotive journalists ready to see the world premiere of four production-vehicle-based electric cars and trucks at the Detroit auto show, adding a surprise electric show car dubbed the 200C EV. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST)

Volkwagen drops a diesel into its Concept BlueSport:
Volkswagen's long-rumored mid-engine roadster finally made its debut at the Detroit auto show. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST)

Audi debuts Sportback concept:
Building on the success of its A3, Audi is upsizing the sportback bodystyle with a twist with the debut of the Sportback concept at the Detroit auto show. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:23:00 EST)

Subaru Legacy concept hints to whats in store for 2010:
Don't let the concept tag fool you because the Legacy concept that Subaru introduced at the Detroit auto show is basically what the 2010 Legacy will look like when it goes on sale this summer with the exception of minor tweaks. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:36:00 EST)

R Jags leap to 500-plus hp:
Until today, Jaguars elegant XF didnt have an R-badged derivative at the top of its range. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:53:00 EST)

Jaguar XFR hits 225 mph at Bonneville:
Jaguar's hot 503-hp XFR is officially the fastest-ever Jag after a record run last November at the Bonneville Salt Flats, piloted by racer Paul Gentilozzi. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:34:00 EST)

Indian plastic industry sees scope for growth
KOCHI: Use of plastics in India is 6 kg against the world average of 27 kg. It provides an opportunity for the Indian plastics industry to grow, according to M.T. Thomas, president of Kerala Plastic Manufacturers Association. Foreign ... (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:51:47 GMT)

Lincoln aims at luxury crossovers with MKT:
In an effort to grow the brand to customers who normally buy imports, Lincoln will offer up a full-size crossover, the MKT, that is due in dealerships in late summer. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:45:00 EST)

Ford halts plans for rwd cars:
With demand uncertain for big cars in the years ahead, Ford Motor Co. has dropped plans for new rear-wheel-drive sedans. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:17:00 EST)

Audi to bring hybrid Q5 to U.S. in 2010:
Audi will offer a hybrid version of its Q5 crossover in the United States starting in late 2010, says Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen group. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:18:00 EST)

Concept puts new face on Volvo S60:
Showing a new direction inspired by Scandinavian design, Volvo displayed a concept vehicle here at the auto show that previews the new S60 sedan, due in 18 months. (Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:19:00 EST)

Lincoln gets a C:
Hoping to attract younger buyers, Ford's Lincoln division is breaking new ground with the Lincoln C concept, a car Lincoln calls a big idea for a small luxury car. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST)

India's Dec car sales fall 7 pct - industry
NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Car sales in India fell 7 percent in December to 82,105 units from a year earlier, an industry body said on Monday, the fifth drop in six months as high borrowing costs, tight credit and a slowing economy weighed on demand. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:43:18 GMT)

(AFX UK Focus) 2009-01-12 04:58 India's Dec car sales fall 7 pct - industry
NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Car sales in India fell 7 percent in December to 82,105 units from a year earlier, an industry body said on Monday, the fifth drop in six months as high borrowing costs, tight credit and a slowing economy weighed on demand. Sales of trucks and buses fell sharply to 17,920 units in December, down 58 percent from a year earlier, the Society of Indian Automobile ... (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:31:04 GMT)

ZF Steering Announces Shut Down
(RTTNews) - ZF Steering Gear India announced that due to continuous recession in automobile industry, particularly in commercial vehicles resulting in poor inflow of orders, poor capacity utilization of the plant and piling up of finished goods inventory, the company decided to shut down its factory as well as office from January 21 to January 27, 2009 both days inclusive. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:52:32 GMT)

Auto sales crash to all-time low in Dec
The struggling Indian automobile industry today reported yet another worst ever performance with overall domestic sales declining by 18.2 per cent in December 2008, as commercial vehicles and two-wheelers sales crashed heavily. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:26:41 GMT)

Auto sales crash to all-time low
The struggling Indian automobile industry on Monday reported yet another worst ever performance with overall domestic sales declining by 18.2 per cent in December 2008, as commercial vehicles and two-wheelers sales crashed heavily. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:25:46 GMT)

(AFX UK Focus) 2009-01-12 08:32 UPDATE 1-India's Dec car sales fall 7 pct - industry
NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Car sales in India fell 7 percent in December, an industry body said on Monday, the fifth drop in six months as scarce finance and a slowing economy dented demand in the traditionally weak month. Carmakers sold 82,105 units in the month, below the 88,272 sold a year ago, data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed. "(The decline in) two ... (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:38 GMT)

Jump in steel exports helps industry clear stockpiles
Price stability in the global market has helped Indian steel manufacturers clear stockpiles through exports, which bounced back in quantity by an impressive 36% in December 2008, though sales realisations remained a big worry for the industry. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:10:46 GMT)

China Auto Sales to Grow Least in 11 Years, Industry Group Says
Jan. 12 (Bloomberg) -- China vehicles sales may rise about 5 percent this year, the slowest pace since 1998, as a slowing economy and rising job insecurity damps demand, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:52:13 GMT)

Maserati Quattroporte GT S to go on sale in the spring:
Maserati's latest speed demon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S will go on sale this spring, the company said at the car's debut on Monday at the Detroit auto show. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST)

New Toyota Prius: Bigger, with more power and less weight:
Toyota introduced its third-generation Prius at the Detroit auto show with an extensively re-engineered hybrid drivetrain. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST)

BYD aims to bring electric vehicle to North America by 2011 or 2012:
Chinese firm BYD Auto is aiming to bring at least one electric vehicle to North America by 2011 or 2012, and is considering building an assembly plant in the United States, it said Monday at the Detroit auto show. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:41:00 EST)

NADA Convention to Host 21 Automaker-Dealer Franchise Meetings at Critical Time for Industry
MCLEAN, Va. (Jan. 12, 2009) – Now that U.S. automakers are receiving emergency bridge loans to weather the economic crisis, attention has shifted to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Exposition in New Orleans Jan. 24-27 when dealers will meet face-to-face with their automakers’ top leadership. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:27:58 GMT)

Fisker reveals hardtop convertible Karma S concept:
Alongside the production version of the Karma sedan at the Detroit auto show, Fisker debuted the second model to join the Karma range. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:03:00 EST)

Supercar Revenge: GTM-R is revealed in Detroit:
File this under the eye-candy department at the Detroit auto show. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST)

Dacia unionists to march today for keeping of vehicle tax
The Automobile Dacia Union (SAD) announced that it would organize a meeting today on the lot located in front of the Unions Culture House of Mioveni, according to Realitatea.Net. The unionists will demand that the jobs in the vehicle manufacturing industry be secured, the pollution tax be maintained and the Dacia national brand be protected. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:41:24 GMT)

Vehicle sales hit 11-year low in December
The automobile industry reported its worst numbers in recent history for December. Poor sales of commercial vehicles and two-wheelers dragged down vehicle sales by 18.2% to 5,97,622 units, from 7,30,603 a year ago. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:30:20 GMT)

Tokyo Motor Show may be canceled this year:
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association is debating whether to cancel the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a JAMA executive said today. (Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:40:00 EST)

China's auto sales growth hits new low in last 10 years
Given the impact of the international financial crisis, industry insiders had long given up the hope that China would realize a vehicle sales volume of 10 million in 2008. However, an annual sales growth rate of merely 6.70% was still surprising to many. According to the latest statistics released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers on January 12, in 2008 the number of vehicles ... (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:51:22 GMT)

December auto sales at all-time low of 18 per cent
The struggling Indian automobile industry today reported yet another worst ever performance with overall domestic sales declining by 18.2 per cent in December 2008, as commercial vehicles and two-wheelers sales crashed heavily. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:58:17 GMT)

Best Western Rewards(SM) Members Can Now Redeem Points for American Automobile Association Membership
Best Western International, the World's Largest Hotel Chain®, and the American Automobile Association , today announced that Best Western Rewards members can now redeem points for membership with AAA. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:30:00 GMT)

Tesla to supply drive system for Electric Smart:
Tesla founder and chairman Elon Musk took the occasion of his companys first Detroit show appearance to announce that Tesla will provide components for the Smart Electric. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:48:00 EST)

Dodge Challenger R/T Classic harkens back to '70s muscle:
Dodge is evoking the spirit of the original 1970 Challenger with a special edition car it will introduce later this month. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST)

Merkel warns Obama against state aid to US car industry
Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel fired a shot across the bows of incoming US president Barack Obama on Tuesday, warning that Germany would oppose vast subsidies from Washington to the US car industry. She said Berlin would keep any Obama admi... (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:35:32 GMT)

Lamborghini set sales record despite decline in U.S.:
Lamborghini sales in the United States fell in 2008, but the brand still had a record year worldwide, said president Stephan Winkelmann. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:18:00 EST)

Jaguar: Sales rose 8% in 2008:
Jaguar Cars Ltd., which stopped reporting sales figures after being purchased by India's Tata Motors in June, said global sales rose 8 percent last year while U.S. volume fell. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:25:00 EST)

Audi Sportback is AutoWeeks best of Detroit auto show:
It was a bit tamer this year at the Detroit auto show, but there was still plenty of alluring sheetmetal for enthusiasts to get fired up about. And in the minds of AutoWeek editors, an Audi, two Fords and a Cadillac rose to the top. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:38:00 EST)

Beijing Auto In Talks To Buy Chery Technologies
Shanghai, January 13, 2009: (Gasgoo.com) Beijing Automotive Industry Corp (BAIC) is in negotiations with Chery Automobile to buy two units of Chery's self-developed B-segment car models and related technologies, the Economic Observer reported on Monday, citing informed sources. (Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:27:09 GMT)

GM, Chrysler to skip Tokyo Motor Show: reports
Struggling US automakers General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are set to skip this year's Tokyo Motor Show as the global slowdown takes a heavy toll on the industry, reports said Wednesday. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:12:40 GMT)

Official: Saab can survive
Saab Automobile, the 61-year-old Swedish carmaker owned by General Motors Corp., will survive an industry slump if it sells attractive models, Sweden's government said, defying GM's view that Saab is artificially kept alive. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:18:40 GMT)

Spied: Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe:
Today were breaking up the winter blahs with some fairly unobstructed shots of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe due for 2010. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:22:00 EST)

Detroit 3 pull out of Tokyo motor show:
The Detroit 3 automakers have pulled out of this years Tokyo auto show to cut costs. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:25:00 EST)

Secrets of bidders: Is this your year to steal a car at the Arizona auctions?:
Each January, enthusiasts flock to Arizona for the most exciting events on the auction calendar. Seven companies--Barrett-Jackson, RM Auctions, Gooding and Co. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:06:00 EST)

China unveils plans to boost auto industry
Hopes measures, including tax cuts, subsidies, will counteract slowing economic growth (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:44:20 GMT)

Porsche prices updated Boxster, Cayman:
Porsche has announced pricing for its freshened 2009 Boxster and Cayman models. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST)

China unveils plans to boost auto industry
BEIJING - China unveiled a wide-ranging plan including tax cuts and subsidies on Wednesday to boost its auto industry, one of the pillars of the world’s third-largest economy. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:06:19 GMT)

China tries to boost auto industry
World's third-largest economy to cut taxes, offer subsidies and promote steel industry consolidation to counter slowing economic growth. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:33:48 GMT)

Troubled forest industry looking for help in upcoming federal budget
VANCOUVER, B.C. - Canada's troubled forest industry is getting a sympathetic hearing from Ottawa's decision-makers on the eve of the federal budget. (Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:48:56 GMT)

No rebound seen for auto sales
China's vehicle sales are unlikely to bounce back to double-digit levels this year despite the slew of government incentives, analysts and industry players said. Automobile sales in the country rose a meager 6.7 percent from a year earlier in 2008, the lowest in 10 years, according to figures from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). Vehicle sales last year failed to meet ... (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:23:53 GMT)

R&D investment to help parts suppliers tide over the crisis
China's auto parts industry is facing tough challenges as the economic downturn puts the brakes to the country's automobile sales growth. This will add to the list of problems the sector already has to deal with, such as industry fragmentation, limited export channels and poor R&D capacities. Purchase orders received by Chinese auto parts suppliers are decreasing sharply due to plunging demand ... (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:38:42 GMT)

Eastday-China's auto industry gets a shot in the arm
A visitor takes a close look into a Brilliance FRV car at the Detroit auto show. Sales tax on vehicles with engines of less than 1.6 liters will be halved and exchange of old vehicles for new ones with smaller engines subsidized to boost the auto industry. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:13:01 GMT)

China bails out steelmakers and car industry
The Chinese government has announced a rescue package for its car makers and its steel industry. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:23 GMT)

China's auto industry gets a shot in the arm
Sales tax on vehicles with engines of less than 1.6 liters will be halved and exchange of old vehicles for new ones with smaller engines subsidized to boost the auto industry. A total of 5 billion yuan ($731.45 million) will be set aside for the subsidy to be given to farmers. And sales tax will be cut from 10 percent to 5 percent from Jan 20. The stimulus package for the country's auto ... (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:36:41 GMT)

GT supercar designer leaving Ford:
Designer Camilo Pardo, credited with drawing the Ford GT supercar, is leaving the automaker after a 24-year career with the company. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST)

Troubled forest industry looking for help in upcoming federal budget
By editorial Thursday, 15 January 2009 - 8:27am. VANCOUVER — Canada’s troubled forest industry is getting a sympathetic hearing from Ottawa’s decision-makers on the eve of the federal budget. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:35:39 GMT)

Coal Industry Digs Itself Out of a Hole in the Capitol
Despite a well-funded ad campaign by environmentalists attacking the industry, and a huge coal-ash spill in Tennessee that has led to calls for more regulation, the industry has received positive assurances this week from President-elect Barack Obama's nominees that the new administration is committed to keeping coal a big part of the nation's energy source. On Wednesday, Mr. Obama's choice to ... (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:52:02 GMT)

UPDATE 2-France will put 'a lot of money' into car industry
VESOUL, France, Jan 15 - France will put "a lot of money" into aid for the struggling car industry, President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Thursday. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:11:02 GMT)

Brabus tunes the M-class:
German go-fast tuner Brabus has revealed an updated Mercedes-Benz M-class tuning kit, including a wide body, custom wheels and suspension and engine modifications across the line. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:20:00 EST)

China steers funds to auto industry
BEIJING, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- China said it would lower taxes on car purchases and subsidize vehicle purchases for farmers to prop up the steel and automobile industries. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:34:20 GMT)

General Motors' Two-Mode Hybrid Powertrain Voted "2009 Best New Green Technology" by the Automobile Journalists ...
Montreal Auto Show - Today, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada recognized GM's Two-Mode Hybrid technology as the 2009 Best New Green Technology. The inaugural award results from AJAC's desire to recognize innovative new green technology developments in the auto industry that will be of benefit to the Canadian consumer. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:06:00 GMT)

Venezuela's Car Sales Dropped 45% In 2008 -Industry Association
CARACAS (Dow Jones)--Sales of new cars in Venezuela dropped 44.8% in 2008 against the previous year as the country's auto industry wrestled with import quotas and periodic production halts. (Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:48:17 GMT)

Vintage autos: Winton demonstrated potential of automobile
Alexander Winton helped light the spark for the automotive industry in America, developing an early car, designing engines for early car racing and demonstrating the future potential for the automobile. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:44:56 GMT)

Is the Bailout Helping the Auto Industry?
It's been just about a month now since the government threw the auto industry a lifeline keeping them a float, but is the money enough fuel to keep the industry from running on empty, and what are the effects on the local economy. NewsChannel 11's Katie Bauer has the story. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:28:36 GMT)

Long winter ahead for European auto sector as sales slump
European carmakers are struggling to survive a long and tough winter in the face of slumping vehicle sales as the economic downturn continues to batter the beleaguered industry. New car sales in Europe slumped by 7.8 percent in 2008, marking the biggest annual drop in 15 years, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) reported Thursday. In Western Europe, new car sales ... (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:51:39 GMT)

Urban mission comes to the aid of auto industry
NEW DELHI: To prop up the automobile industry which has been hit by lack of retail finance, the government has announced an incentive scheme under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Mission (JNNURM) for generating about Rs 4,000-crore business in the se ctor in the next few months. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:19:03 GMT)

Urban mission comes to the aid of auto industry
To prop up the automobile industry which has been hit by lack of retail finance, the government has announced an incentive scheme under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Mission (JNNURM) for generating about Rs 4,000-crore business in the sector in the next few months. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:25:14 GMT)

Audi A8 is spied:
Apparently its too cold in much for the country for even hearty spy shooters, who have traded their cameras for pens. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:42:00 EST)

MOIT asks for delay of luxury tax collection on cars
VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has sent a dispatch to the government, asking it to temporarily halt the increase of the ownership registration tax, luxury tax and value added tax on vehicles of all kinds in order to help ease difficulties on the automobile industry. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:19:14 GMT)

VW plans to sell Polo in U.S.:
Volkswagen plans to sell its Polo small car in the U.S. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:47:00 EST)

Senate releases $350 billion more in bailout money:
Harry Stoffer, Automotive News (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:53:00 EST)

Mitsubishi ad restricted to late-night TV in Britain:
We know that the humor can get a little crude on late-night TV--just ask any fan of "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:12:00 EST)

Audi plans range of eco-friendly vehicles, report says:
The British magazine Car reports that Audi's top executives have approved plans for an entire range of environmentally friendly vehicles to be launched over the next six years. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:26:00 EST)

EU states push for coordinated aid for car industry
(BRUSSELS ) - Several EU countries called on Friday for coordinated European action to support the car industry as it struggles to cope with collapsing sales and tight credit conditions. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:38:26 GMT)

Do you have a car with 300,000 miles on it? Tell us!:
New is always enticing, but we also know that a lot of you have formed long-term relationships with cars, keeping them in fine fettle for 300,000 miles or more. (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST)

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