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Audi plans expansion of hybrids, electrics

Audi plans a rapid expansion of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years as a key component in Volkswagen Group's strategy to dominate the alternative-powertrain market by decade's end. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technical development, told Automotive News that the next-generation A6 sedan will have the potential to be a full hybrid by the end of 2012. The A6 would join the recently introduced hybrid A8 sedan at the Geneva auto show and the soon-to-be-launched Q5 hybrid crossover.

Cash for clunkers: Is it ready for prime time in America?

One proposed solution to prop up new-car sales in the United States involves paying bonuses to owners of older vehicles who send their cars to the scrapyard and buy new ones. Proponents say that not only does the auto industry benefit, but so does the environment, as emissions decrease and fuel economy typically improves in newer models. Critics, however, say that scrapping older vehicles hurts collectors by reducing the number of older models available and also hurts those least able to afford to buy newer vehicles by driving up the price of used cars.

Hyundai Equus customers: Prepare for pampering by dealers--and you get an iPad

Hyundai's upcoming flagship Equus sedan is packed with features to pamper owners and passengers: a rear-seat footrest, rain-repellent window glass, power sun shades, and massage systems built into the driver's seat and rear seat. But Hyundai's dealers will have to do a little pampering of their own if they want to sell the car, which Hyundai showed today at the New York auto show. Equus owners will enjoy free at-home pickup of the car for servicing and a free loaner Equus for their inconvenience.