World Auto News & Reviews

General Motors has vowed to better utilize its global operations in the coming years, with the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show proving GM might actually stick to that plan. GM’s Australian Holden brand has announced that two familiar Chevys will be making the trek Down Under.
(more…)

France President Nicolas Sarkozy wants U.S. aid to the auto industry to be checked to see if it fits the World Trade Organization rules. Sarkozy was under fire earlier this month from his EU allies after offering $6 billion euro ($7.64 billion) state loan to Renault and PSA Peugeot-Citroen. In return he asked for the two companies to make an unwritten pledge to not close their facilities in France.

“We need to see if the U.S. aid is compatible with the WTO,” Sarkozy said.
(more…)

At next week’s Geneva Motor Show Ferrari will reveal two new variants of its 599 GTB Fiorano sportscar. More specifically, the Italian firm will launch a more hardcore version of the two-seater coupe fitted with a new sport kit dubbed Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package and a technical study called “599XX”. Ferrari has not disclosed any details on the 599 HGTE (pictured above) that will be finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, but aside from the new alloy wheels and high-performance tires, expect to see a sportier suspension set up and changes to the steering an and braking system.
(more…)

Despite going more than 30 years without a major update, Mercedes-Benz’s evergreen, military-esque G-Class, also known as the Geländewagen, will continue to be on the market for at least another six model years, the automaker’s constructor, Magna Steyr, says.
(more…)

After hearing about all sorts of closures in the auto biz, Ford brings us some good news today with the announcement of the reopening of its Cleveland Engine Plant No.1. The plant, which had been idled since 2007, is now open up for business as it has began production of the firm’s new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines that will be optional on the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and come standard on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.
(more…)