VW and Chinese ‘in talks to buy Vauxhall/Opel’ from GM

GM is considering selling its loss-making European operations, it emerged tonight. If it goes ahead and severs ties with GM Europe, the General would cede control of Vauxhall and Opel, the second biggest car brand in the UK.And in another extraordinary twist, CAR has confirmed that top-level talks have been taking place between Volkswagen and the German government, which is keen to avoid Opel falling into foreign hands. Chinese car makers are circling but Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has close connections to Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn, would prefer VW to step up to the plate as a potential buyer than a Chinese brand.

Audi dropping Multitronic CVT gearbox

The Audi Multitronic CVT gearbox is being retired Audi make some great cars, but a number of them are spoiled by the woeful CVT gearbox. The theory is that as the CVT ‘box, which varies transmission ratios infinitely and keeps the engine working in the right rev range, is more economical and more efficient. But CVT boxes are horrible.

BMW delays X3's U.S. launch to push custom orders

BMW is delaying the U.S. introduction of the redesigned X3 to launch a system designed to encourage buyers to custom-order the crossover to their specifications, says Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America. The delay could put the X3 in U.S.