Toyota's quake-hit Yaris plant offline for at least another month

Toyota's quake-hammered Miyagi assembly plant, which makes the Yaris small car for export to the United States, is expected to be offline for at least another month. Workers have completed repairs at the factory and restored electricity, but the facility cannot get supplies of natural gas, a person familiar with the situation said. The assessment underscores the long road facing Toyota and other Japanese automakers in bringing plants back into full operation following the deadly quake, which killed more than 11,000 people, ruptured gas lines, shutdown electric grids and snarled logistics across half the country.

Fiat at the Geneva Motor Show – Abarth Punto EVO

The Abarth Punto EVO - Geneva bound Fiat’s hot Herberts – Abarth – don’t just have the Abarth 500C Convertible to stick on their stand at Geneva, they also have a tweaked and sorted Punto EVO – the Abarth Punto EVO – to get the attention of show-goers. The performance division of Fiat have stuck a bigger turbo on the Punto EVO which ups the output to 165bhp and drops the 0-60mph time to 7.7 seconds. But economy and emissions don’t seem to suffer with the EVO managing 47mpg and emissions of 142g/km.

Spyker warns that Saab's future is 'uncertain' without fresh funds

Spyker Cars NV, the Dutch parent of Saab, said the Swedish automaker's financial situation is worsening and warned that Saab's future is at risk without additional financing. In its annual report released today, Spyker said the company's "continuity" could become uncertain unless it secures extra funds to finance ongoing operations and the execution of its business plan. Earlier this week, Saab was forced to shut down production for short intervals after key suppliers halted parts deliveries for non-payment.