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Volkswagen joins Global Rallycross with Foust and Speed

The biggest splash at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show might have been made by Volkswagen on Thursday. The giant German automaker, along with Andretti Autosport, unveiled its 560-hp, all-wheel-drive Global Rallycross Beetle. GRC champion Tanner Foust will pilot the first car while ex-Formula One driver Scott Speed will helm the second.

Toyota previews FT-Bh concept [w/video]

Toyota has released the first images along with a video for its new FT-Bh concept car, set to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show. The FT-Bh – Future Toyota B-segment hybrid – previews a production-destined car designed to maximize fuel efficiency and built using economically-viable construction methods and technologies. The five principal factors that the Toyota's designers have focused on are reducing the car's weight (just 800kg), increasing its aerodynamic performance as well as its powertrain efficiency via thermal energy management and electricity saving qualities.

Jaguar Land Rover factory closure

Jaguar Land Rover are to close one of their production facilities in the Midlands JLR unions have already brokered a deal to ensure no job losses in the short term, but JLR are committed to rationalising their manufacturing across just two plants in the UK, instead of the existing three. The decision will be made about which plant to close in the next eighteen months. The most likely scenario is that JLR will close Solihull – which currently produces Land Rovers and employs 5000 people – and concentrate Land Rover production at Halewood.