F1 boss denies 'corrupt bargain'

MOTORSPORT TYCOON Bernie Ecclestone has appeared at a High Court trial to defend himself against allegations that he made a "corrupt bargain" in a bid to stay at the top of Formula 1 racing. Mr Ecclestone has been accused of entering into a "corrupt agreement" with a banker to facilitate the sale of the Formula 1 group to a buyer "chosen" by him, A German media company says it lost out as a result of the deal and has taken legal action against Mr Ecclestone - chief executive of the Formula 1 group. Mr Ecclestone says Constantin Medien's claim "lacks any merit" and denies any "conspiracy".

Land Rover considers smaller SUV

Land Rover could add a luxury SUV below the compact-sized Range Rover Evoque, the brand's design director said. "Certainly, I think we can go smaller," Gerry McGovern told Automotive News Europe when asked about future plans for the premium Range Rover line. "In a world focusing on sustainability you could argue that smaller and lighter is the way to go." Range Rover is not the only brand considering a subcompact premium SUV.

General Motors halts Hummer production until sale is completed

General Motors will stop production of Hummers at the end of this week as the automaker waits for Chinese regulators to approve the brand's sale to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Output of Hummer H3 and H3T models at GM's Shreveport, La., plant will resume once the pending acquisition is completed, Hummer spokesman Nick Richards said. Richards declined to specify what issues remain to be approved by the Chinese government.