English News

Compact minivan sales remain valuable to French and German automakers even though more brands are quitting the segment because of the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers

Former VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn was notified as early as May of 2014 that U.S. authorities would probably inspect the company’s cars for an emissions-test defeat device, according to German newspaper.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, the U.S.-Chinese joint venture that is now the world’s largest supplier of automotive interiors, is part of a growing trend for megasuppliers directed by automaker’s changing production needs.

Germany wants to carry out unannounced emissions tests on all automakers to help restore confidence in the industry that was shattered by the Volkswagen cheating scandal.

Ford CTO Raj Nair says sedan sales are suffering most from rising demand for crossovers and SUVs.

Nissan Europe’s head of advanced product planning, Richard Candler, has a vision of the connected car being electric and autonomous and he expects this vision to be on the road by 2020, as he explained to Automotive News Europe.

VW Group sales returned to growth in January, climbing nearly 4 percent, although VW brand deliveries fell in Europe and the U.S., where the company’s diesel-emissions scandal has hit hardest.

Aston Martin will unveil its new DB11 at the Geneva auto show as the company renews its aging lineup in a push to return to sustainable profitability after five years of losses. The coupe will replace the DB9, which was introduced 13 years ago.

Renault has promoted its Europe head, Stefan Mueller, to the role of chief performance officer, making the German-Swiss executive one of CEO Carlos Ghosn’s top two lieutenants.

Renault pledged to support AvtoVAZ, which warned it may not survive without help from shareholders after the collapse of the domestic car market pushed it into a record $930 million loss.