Auto News 5

Hino Motor is building a new diesel engine production line at its Chonburi plant in Thailand, according to Takeo Saito - president of local distributor Hino Motor Sales Company. Engine assembly at the new facility is scheduled to begin in mid-2010 and will replace imports from Japan. Full story...

Mazda and Ford moved quickly on Monday to deny weekend media reports that they plan to dismantle their three-way joint venture with Changan Automobile by 2012. Full story...

Toyota Motor plans to double its worldwide output of petrol-electric hybrid cars to 1m units in 2011, according to Japanese media reports on Monday. Full story...

Toyota Motor plans to double its worldwide output of petrol-electric hybrid cars to 1m units in 2011, according to Japanese media reports on Monday. Full story...

A highly unusual year for new car sales ended on a high for most manufacturers but there are now growing signs of uncertain times ahead, analysts Jato Dynamics said on Monday. Full story...

Hot hatch special issue: Every hot hatch from the MKI VW Golf GTI to Renaultsport Clio 200 covered. Plus Audi R4 Coupé, baby Prius, Detroit report, 11,000bhp MPH megatest. Full story...

Renault has said that it will maintain some production of the next generation Clio (dubbed 'Clio 4') in France and not transfer all production to its Turkish facility at Bursa. Full story...

The steady drip of information on General Motors Europe's upcoming redesigned 2010 Meriva B-segment minivan/MPV continued on Monday with the release of the first 'official' interior photos which show greatly improved styling and materials qualilty plus new colours. Full story...

Green is everywhere this year at the Motor City's NAIAS. A sea of hybrids and electric vehicles has flooded the entire show floor -- and every single manufacturer is responsible. This overflow of fuel-efficient automobiles promises big things for the future of mobility. Full story...

The Mazda 5 is successfully proving that a little minivan can provide great big fun. With a dynamic body, snappy four-cylinder engine and available five-speed manual transmission, it's zoned in on enthusiast drivers after economical family transport. Full story...

Premium vehicle manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is reinforcing its commitment to deliver an outstanding customer experience with the appointment of David Betteley as Director, Financial Services. Full story...

NEW YORK, - According to findings by a third-party research group, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) continues to be one of the most effective marketing opportunities for automakers looking to move metal. In fact, nearly three quarters of attendees polled at the 2009 NYIAS said they are somewhat to extremely serious about purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the near future and that attending the Show significantly increased their purchase consideration. Full story...

DETROIT, - The 2010 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview black tie gala, one of the top single-night fundraising events in the nation, opened its doors to nearly 8,500 guests, raising more then $2 million for 12 local children's charities. This year, ticket sales represent a more than 25 percent increase over tickets sold in 2009. Full story...

Entries for the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship closed on Friday December 15th, at midnight. Six makes will be represented, with 12 teams of two cars each, making a total of 24 cars on the grid. Full story...

After showing great potential in the first-ever 450 Supercross race at Anaheim, Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) won the second round of the 2010 AMA Supercross Series; grabbing the hole-shot and cruising away to a wire-to-wire win in front of a packed house. Full story...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan introduced the HSV-010 GT, the model which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series in home Japan. Full story...

New American carmaker Fisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars. Full story...

With winter testing fast approaching, Renault F1 Team driver, Poland's Robert Kubica, made a beeline for Enstone, Great Britain last week to begin his preparation for the 2010 Formula 1 season. Full story...

British company Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car. Full story...

IZOD IndyCar Series' champion Dario Franchitti has been named the recipient of the Jerry Titus Award during the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America Team dinner. Full story...