Auto News 5

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Carlos Ghosn, predicting a 7.7 percent increase in U.S. sales this fiscal year despite Japan's devastating earthquake, says his top priority for the United States is achieving 10 percent market share 'as soon as possible.

Kia has ambitious growth plans for Europe. This year, Kia wants to increase its sales by 15 percent to 300,000 units.

Porsche has canceled contracts at all of its European car dealers ahead of the launch of new EU rules on auto retailing.

It has been a dark 24 hours for two of Scandinavia's resilient but troubled automakers. Sweden's Saab said today it doesn't have enough cash to pay its employees. Norwegian EV maker Think Global said last night it has filed for bankruptcy.

PSA wants to sell more cars in China than in France, its No. 2 executive said. 'In the medium term, China will certainly be the largest sales market for our company, even ahead of France, where we sold about 870,000 vehicles in 2010.

Unions representing workers at Chrysler Group and its Italian partner Fiat are forming a "global network" to share information and best practices, UAW President Bob King said Wednesday. The UAW, which represents U.S.

The UAW is trying to hold its first successful organizing drive at a foreign-car factory in the U.S. To succeed, the union has to convince people like Rocky Long. "I don't see any problems here.

TRW on Tuesday announced new contracts for its electronic steering systems software. The suburban Detroit safety systems supplier secured contracts for the software with European and North American carmakers, including Ford Motor Co.

Martin Whitmarsh has played down the likelihood that McLaren might build its own engine for the new V6 rules in 2014.

The head of major Ferrari sponsor Santander is being investigated for suspected tax-related crimes, financial news sources are reporting.

Last week I got the chance to take part in the Ford Focus Challenge 2012 organized by, you guessed it, Ford, behind the wheel of its new compact model and alongside eminent bloggers specializing in everything high tech, among other things.

DEARBORN, Michigan-Innovations in automotive technology are taking place at an ever-increasing pace, and simply trying to keep abreast is a job in itself. So recently, together with other selected media and several Ford employees from throughout North America, I was invited to Ford's Dearborn facility to discover the company's progress, and what the future holds in store for Ford customers.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Sometimes past experiences can be quite scarring and leave an impression we're not likely to forget anytime soon. Be it a traumatizing accident, the loss of something important or a crappy car. Trust me, it can be quite life-altering to own a car that's a piece of junk the moment you drive it home. And unfortunately, the make of that scarring vehicle will forever hold a tarnished place in your heart.

Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon and Team Bryan Herta Autosport (co-owned by Steve Newey) have been selected by IndyCar to test the 2012 prototypes of the popular american series.

Jaime Alguersuari on Thursday admitted he is not sure about his future in formula one.

Ford is thinking of coming back in the World Touring Car Championship with its new-shaped Focus.

Jarno Trulli has admitted 2011 could be his last season in formula one. The Italian veteran, with approaching 250 races and 15 seasons under his belt, switched to the start-up Team Lotus last year after Toyota withdrew from formula one but has struggled.

Bad news keep coming at Saab, which seems to be unable to get financially back on track despite commendable efforts by its parent company Swedish Automobile (formerly known as Spyker Cars). Now, we've learned that Saab employees were told via email this Thursday morning that no money will hit their accounts by June's end.

F1 engine maker Renault has argued the sport should not enter another development 'freeze' once the regulations change in the future.

The FIA is "very happy" with the news formula one will delay the introduction of new engine regulations until 2014.