Steve James

Zhongsheng acquires 70% stake in Carlsson Autotechnik

Chinese dealer group Zhongsheng has purchased a majority share in German Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson, with plans to expand bespoke luxury offerings for China’s high-end market.

Ecclestone Floats Artificial Boost for F1 V6 Engine Sound

Bernie Ecclestone said Formula 1 could amplify the quieter V6 turbo hybrid engines to address concerns from race promoters and fans after the 2014 season opener.

Peugeot Teases RC Hybrid Concept Ahead of Paris Motor Show

Peugeot has released shadowy images of its upcoming 'RC...' hybrid concept, promising a four-seat GT with 313bhp and low emissions for the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Red Bull weighs emergency engine options to stay on 2016 F1 grid

Red Bull is designing four versions of its 2016 car as it races to secure a power unit deal, with time running out for a solution before pre-season testing.

Diesel Emissions Scandal: Why Carmakers Share the Blame

A major study has found that failures in diesel emissions testing contribute to at least 38,000 early deaths a year worldwide, with all major manufacturers implicated.

Vettel Doubts Raikkonen Red Bull Pairing for 2014

Sebastian Vettel has cast doubt on the likelihood of Kimi Raikkonen joining him at Red Bull for the 2014 Formula One season, despite ongoing speculation.

Audi A4 e-tron delayed to 2029 as next-gen A4 range expands

Audi’s next-generation A4 will return as both a saloon and Avant, but the all-electric A4 e-tron has been pushed back to 2029 due to SSP platform delays.

Hamilton says Dennis gave blessing to Mercedes move

Lewis Hamilton revealed in November 2012 that Ron Dennis, his long-time mentor at McLaren, supported his decision to join Mercedes for the 2013 Formula One season.

Alonso’s F1 Motivation Backed by Perez Amid 400th Grand Prix

Sergio Perez insists Fernando Alonso’s passion for Formula 1 remains undimmed as the Spaniard prepares to start his 400th Grand Prix, despite ongoing debate about his future.

Fiat 500 Set for Chinese Market Launch as Fiat Expands Global Reach

Fiat confirms plans to introduce the 500 city car to China, targeting urban buyers as part of its wider strategy to grow in the world’s largest car market.

Robin Frijns Twice Rejected Red Bull Junior Programme

Dutch driver Robin Frijns revealed in November 2012 that he twice declined offers to join Red Bull’s young driver scheme, citing a desire for career independence.

Shengrui unveils China’s first longitudinal 8-speed automatic

Shengrui Transmission has launched the country’s first homegrown longitudinal 8-speed automatic for commercial vehicles, aiming to break foreign dominance in the sector.

Aston Martin Prepares All-Electric Version of Cygnet City Car

Aston Martin is developing an all-electric Cygnet as part of its exploration into zero-emission urban mobility, broadening its portfolio beyond luxury sports cars.

Alonso: McLaren Chassis Second Only to Red Bull in 2015

Fernando Alonso claims McLaren’s MP4-30 has the second-best chassis in Formula One, but says Honda’s lack of power is holding the team back.

Hakkinen urges Alonso to stay patient for F1 success at McLaren-Honda

Mika Hakkinen believes Fernando Alonso must show patience to see McLaren-Honda return to winning ways, drawing on his own long wait for Formula One victory.

Arrivabene backs Raikkonen as Ferrari's driver pairing shows strength

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene publicly endorsed Kimi Raikkonen after the Finn’s strong recovery drive in Malaysia, reaffirming his value alongside Sebastian Vettel early in 2015.

US millennials put phones ahead of cars, studies find

Multiple studies show most American millennials would rather lose their car than their smartphone, reflecting changing priorities and the rise of on-demand mobility.

Red Bull faces millions in costs from Renault woes and crash damage, says Marko

Helmut Marko highlights how engine struggles and on-track incidents have left Red Bull with financial headaches, with single crashes and lost prize money both hitting the team hard.

Vandoorne Says He Is Ready for Alonso Challenge at McLaren

Stoffel Vandoorne insists he is not intimidated by joining Fernando Alonso at McLaren, seeing the double world champion as an opportunity to accelerate his own development.

BMW Group US sales edge up in September as X3 drives growth

BMW Group’s US sales rose 0.2 percent in September 2018, with strong demand for the X3 offsetting declines in several passenger car lines.

Renault Captur achieves five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

The new Renault Captur has secured the top five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, highlighting advances in occupant protection and active safety systems.

Saab Parts UK and Orio Boost Parts Access for UK Saab Owners

Saab owners in the UK now benefit from a nationwide parts locator, next-day delivery, and price cuts on key components as Orio and Saab Parts UK strengthen support for the 175,000 Saabs still on British roads.

Maruti Suzuki Invests Rs 2,500 Crore to Expand Diesel Engine Capacity at Manesar

Maruti Suzuki’s 2008 investment in Manesar aimed to triple output and boost diesel engine production, responding to surging demand for diesel-powered models like the Swift, SX4 and Dzire.

Leclerc admits first-lap Hamilton clash 'went too far' at Monza

Charles Leclerc conceded his opening-lap battle with Lewis Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix crossed the line, as Ferrari's teamwork came under scrutiny after a dramatic start.