Author: Automotive News n Feed

Continental’s previous hybrid solutions failed to win over automakers because they were too “exotic,” the supplier’s powertrain boss, Jose Avila, said.

Forecasters see flat Feb. sales, fat spiffs; Peek at VW Arteon; Tesla’s cash-burning ways; Pensions hang over Opel talks; Cadillac takes on ‘nation divided’ in Oscars ad.

VW Group’s provisions for its diesel scandal increased by 6.4 billion euros ($6.8 billion) last year. The costs overshadowed improving business as VW’s operating profit rose to 14.6 billion euros, helped by record sales of Audi and Porsche cars.

VW said it is shaking up its executive pay with a cap on earnings as it looks to quell widespread anger over bonuses paid even as the carmaker suffered record losses in the aftermath of its emissions scandal.

Key Safety Systems is expected to sign a definitive agreement to acquire troubled Japanese auto supplier Takata by the end of March, according to a person close to the negotiations.

Acura will be the official jersey sponsor and automotive partner for Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew. The deal calls for the Acura logo to appear on the front of Crew jerseys for the next three seasons.

The EU’s consumer affairs chief said VW Group’s failure to compensate European customers hit by the automaker’s emissions-rigging scandal has made her feel “desperate.”

Aston Martin reported a sharp rise in losses, failing to turn a profit for the sixth year running, but said the launch of the DB11 caused sales to surge at the end of 2016.

Add Cadillac to the list of advertisers using an ad in an attempt to bridge political divides. In a TV spot that will run during Sunday’s Oscars, the GM unit seeks to dispel the notion that America is a nation divided.