Mercedes plots McLaren buyout

By Georg Kacher Motor Industry 04 October 2006 09:00 DaimlerChrysler is planning a bid for the McLaren Group, to gain full control of its F1 operation and production of the SLR supercar. CAR Online asked DC boss Dieter Zetsche if he was considering extending Mercedes' stake in McLaren, to give the Germans control. 'It's one of the options we might exercise,' he said.

Ford to unveil 'solar powered' hybrid car

FORD IS to unveil a solar-powered concept car capable of 100 miles per gallon that offers the same performance as a plug-in hybrid - but without the need for a plug. The C-MAX Solar Energi Concept car, which will be revealed at this month's International CES gadget show in Las Vegas, uses a petrol engine combined with a gizmo that acts like a magnifying glass to concentrate the sun's rays on the vehicle's roof-mounted solar panels. Ford says the vehicle's estimated combined mileage is 100 miles per gallon.

Kia to show Venga compact at Frankfurt motor show

Kia will show a small car called the Venga at the Frankfurt motor show in September, ahead of its launch in Europe later this year. The car is based on the No. 3 Concept shown in Geneva in March.