BMW announced pricing for its 335d and X5 xDrive35d turbo diesel models for the United States: the BMW 335d will list at $44,725 and the X5 diesel will retail at $52,025. Both vehicles qualify for the IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit, not yet determined. According to BMW, the torque generated on the two models precludes the fitting of a 6-speed manual to the engine; therefore both vehicles will initially be sold only with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic. The 335d and X5 xDrive35d receive a 3.0-liter turbo diesel rated for 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft. of torque. BMW has not sold diesel vehicles in the United States since 1986. At the Detroit…  

GM’s Red Tag Sale gains momentum as the auto major offers some great deals on Cadillac, Saab and Hummer models for 2008 and 2009. GM customers will find strong incentives and bargains at the annual Red Tag sale which started three weeks earlier than usual, on November 6, and runs through January 5. GM’s Sale features some aggressive ad campaigning, and unlike previous years, the sale will encompass all GM brands, including Saab and Hummer. Not included in the sale are the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, Cadillac CTS-V and medium duty trucks. Some vehicles come with discounts and cash-back offers as high as $7,250. The largest discounts will…  

Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid will be leading the field for the Ford 400 NASCAR season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR fans will get a chance to watch two new models take center stage, from the stables of Ford: the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Sport. With rising concerns about global warming and fuel prices, Ford is working towards creating fuel efficient vehicles with less environmental impact. The 2010 Ford Fusion Sport rated for an output of 263 hp, will ride out the rest of the NASCAR race at the Speedway. Ford claims that the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will top the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s city mileage by 5 mpg, putting the Fusion…  

General Motors are keeping pace with developments in these days of uncertain gas prices and changing consumer demand. One important decision General Motors has made on the Pontiac G6 engine, will help tide over the crisis.

Thus far, GT and GXP Coupe models have always had V6 powertrains. The GT had the 3.5L OHV VVT V6; while the GXP was equipped with the 3.6L High-Feature V6 and a six-speed automatic. According to reliable sources, the GT and GXP Coupe models will be joined by an "SE" model for 2009. Henceforth, G6 Coupe models will have an ECOTEC 2.4L VVT four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic…  

Automobile dealers probably experienced their worst slump in sales, for more than 16 years, in October 2008. Making up for lost ground, most car manufacturers are offering buyers some attractive deals this month. Dealers are in a race to sell off 2008 models, even as more 2009 models roll into dealer lots, at year end. General Motors has its Red Tag Event; Toyota, had its first-ever zero percent financing offer; Nissan has zero percent financing on popular models and the latest to join the list of manufacturers offering discounts currently,…  

Korean automakers Hyundai, announced plans to introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission, as a way to enhance fuel savings. Hyundai has not yet decided which 2010 model will receive the new transmission. Currently, Lexus is the only manufacturer offering an 8-speed transmission; while BMW is quite likely to follow suit in the next couple of years.

Hyundai is making an all-out effort…  

According to undisclosed but reliable sources, General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC and Cerberus Capital Management LP are on the verge of considering a merger, or an acquisition of Chrysler by GM. Cerberus Capital Management LP which has an 80.1 per cent stake in Chrysler, and is already engaged in a joint venture with GM, has evidently been holding talks about a full merger or acquisition with GM.

Detroit’s automakers have often explored tie-ups, and in this case, a consolidation of the auto-majors would augur well for the American automotive industry, as well as establish GM as global sales leader, a position that…  

According to Cars.com, the Honda Civic has overtaken the Toyota Camry as the best-selling car, and the Ford F-Series as the best-selling vehicle of any kind in America (according to sales figures for May). A lot has happened in 2008 with a resulting change in consumer sentiments and buying trends. High gasoline prices, the credit squeeze, and the slowdown in the American economy have been contributing factors, to the change.

� According to Cars.com, the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the U.S. in May 2008, include…  

High gas prices continue to dominate the American buyers’ choice of vehicle. As a result, fuel economy is one of the priorities while buying a vehicle. More consumers are now looking for more information about the most fuel-efficient cars currently sold in the U.S. According to a survey conducted by Strategic Vision, researchers of consumer buying trends, 44,320 buyers of new cars between September 2007 and March 2008, expressed their views on factors such as quality, price, performance, innovation and styling, value, emissions control and fuel efficiency. Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision’s automotive division…  

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is where it all things connected with the auto industry happens- showcasing great design and unveiling of new concepts. It is one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world and largest media event in North America. At the NAIAS 2008, 58 vehicles were unveiled, 44 were worldwide debuts and 14 were North American debuts. Environmentally friendly cars from Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge, were among the production and concept vehicles unveiled. More than 700,000 people attended the show, which was covered by 6,000 international media from nearly 60 countries, and 37,000 industry participants from…