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News watch December 2011: today's auto industry news

Welcome to CAR Magazine's news aggregator as we round up the daily stories in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hourFriday 30 December 2011• Fisker has recalled all 239 Karma plug-in hybrids manufactured between 1 July and 3 November this year to fix a glitch in its battery. Supplier A123 Systems says the problem affects the battery's cooling system, but Fisker is adamant no customers have complained and this is a precautionary step (Automotive News)• Supplier Continental says business looks brisk in the first quarter of 2012, thanks to strong demand in the US and Asia (Automotive News Europe)• Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda is gradually changing the culture at Japan's biggest car maker, according to the Detroit News.

Volkswagen Scirocco R goes out of production ahead of facelift

Volkswagen Scirocco R goes out of production ahead of facelift We have a bit of a soft sport for the VW Scirocco R, even if we wish it had the same 4WD setup as the Golf R. But it’s never really sold in the sort of numbers it should have. And now, ahead of a facelift for the Scirocco duie to arrive at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, Volkswagen has dropped the Scirocco R from its lineup.

Tesla offers finance deal on Model S

Tesla Motors has joined forces with USBank and Wells Fargo Bank to create vehicle financing and leasing products that allow consumers to lease a Model S electric sedan for a net payment of about $500 a month after a 10 percent down payment and calculated savings. The 10 percent down payment often will be covered by federal and state tax credits available on electric vehicles. However, the $500 a month payment is an "effective" monthly payment.