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Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. While the Q7 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUVs available anywhere, it's only the beginning for Audi. Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to hot oil, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D's disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback.
2010 Audi A3 is the entry-level model for the four-ringed brand here in the U.S. Until now, it has only been sold with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engines running on gasoline. At the Detroit Auto Show, Audi announced that the A3 TDI would go on sale late this year. While the A3 TDI isn't yet available, one was made available to us for five days during a recent trip to Southern California.
© Source: autoblog

It seems like Chrysler’s Chap. 11 bankruptcy is affecting Lee Iacocca more than just emotionally. Iacocca, who is famous for saving Chrysler from bankruptcy in 1980s, has apparently been asked to return his company vehicles.

According to FOX Business, which obtained a letter sent to former Chrysler executives and directors, the now-bankrupt automaker is asking its former executives to either buy the vehicles they are currently driving at a market value or return it to the company.

Chrysler says that the bankruptcy law doesn’t allow companies to provide former executives with vehicles.

Iacocca, whose office confirmed receiving the letter, current owns a minivan and a Chrysler 300 given to him by the company.

Source: Fox Business

GM and the U.S. Treasury Department have reached a deal with the United Auto Workers, one of the key hurdles that GM needs to clear before its June 1 deadline to avoid bankruptcy. The UAW has not disclosed any information on the agreement, which still needs to be ratified before it can take effect.

It is said that the deal will be similar to one that the UAW accepted with Ford and Chrysler. GM also declined to share details about the agreement. Nonetheless, what we know so far is that GM has proposed a restructuring plan that would give the UAW a 38 percent stock in the company while the U.S. Treasury holds a majority stake.

Analysts say that even if the new agreement is ratified, it may not be enough to keep GM out of bankruptcy court. GM is still trying to get creditors, that hold $27 billion of its bonds, to accept a debt-for-stock swap.

CEO Fritz Henderson has previously said that it may be difficult to reach an agreement with bondholders, making bankruptcy “probable.”

Source: CNNMoney

As 2009 U.S. light-vehicle sales fall to 9.5 million units, Toyota will come really close to stealing GM’s no.1 U.S. market share position, forecasting firm IHS Global Insight predicted today.

IHS Global Insight said that Toyota’s 2010 U.S. market share will edge out GM’s, which will hold the title this year with a 17.9 percent share. According to Automotive News, the firm projected Toyota’s 2010 market share at 17.6 percent and GM’s at 17.3 percent.

Separately, IHS Global Insight said that FoMoCo will beat General Motors to become North America’s top auto producer. Chrysler, which has cancelled production during its bankruptcy stay, will fall to no.5 - behind Honda and Toyota.

The forecasting firm said that Ford will build 1.9 million units, a 17.7 percent decrease from last year. As GM shuts

In attempt to prove to us that fuel-efficient cars can be fun, the folks over at Edmunds decided to take the new 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost to a drag strip in Milan, Michigan. After a couple of runs, the MKS EcoBoost kept returning a quarter-mile run in 14 seconds at 104 mph.

To put those figures in perspective, the 2006 Shelby GT-H Mustang ran a 13.9 at 101.1 mph while the 2010 Mustang GT ran it in the mid-13s.

The 2010 Lincoln MKS is powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injected engine making 355-hp with a peak torque of 350 lb-ft. Fuel-economy is estimated at 17/24 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost:

With almost 100 photos included in the official press release, I figured I would take the time and select some of the best exterior shots. Of course, this is all done based on my own preference and you guys  might like other ones. But regardless, I’m running the show today, so you have no choice but to sit back and enjoy 

A couple of observations: as we have said plenty of times before, a diesel version will be offered as soon as the official launch this fall and that will be the 530d. The top model powered by the V8 twin-turbo will be sold under the 550i badge.

Replacing the back seat with a bed is one way to add utility.

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