Tesla Roadster eligible for $38,000 clean energy rebate in Japan Not a bad discount, right? GM says Chevy Cruze Eco with an automatic will hit 36 mpg highway This slushbox won’t hurt too bad at the pump. Coda will sell electric sedan in Hawaii in late 2011 The line ..readmore

First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima It’s hard to imagine comparing an Optima to the cream-of-the-crop, but with sharp new styling and some compelling powertrains, Kia has a mid-size winner of its hands. Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls Judging by this newest trailer, Top Gear USA might ..readmore

Filed under: Crossover , Dodge , Ford The SUV is dead. Long live the SUV! The 2011 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are big departures from the models that they replace. Aside from the usual styling and refinement differences, the biggest changes for these vehicle are that they both ..readmore

Washington — Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik Thursday praised a plan by federal regulators to begin assigning letter grades to new vehicles, based on their fuel efficiency and emissions.

Excerpts from the upcoming book, “Overhaul: An Insider’s Account of the Obama Administration’s Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry” by Steven Rattner, the Obama administration’s former top auto adviser:

Detroit — About 4,600 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed throughout the country — including 280 in Michigan — under a federally funded program, ChargePoint America, designed to build a fueling network for electric cars, industry and state officials said Thursday.

Washington — General Motors Co. won’t send its executives on a worldwide tour, aimed at convincing potential investors to buy its stock, until after the Nov. 2 midterm elections.

Detroit — Daniel Akerson, General Motors Co.’s new chief executive, issued his first statement to all GM employees Thursday — a Labor Day message noting that he has already met with union leaders.

Filed under: Truck , Ford , Off-Road 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew – Click above for high-res image gallery Ford’s off-road beast, the F-150 SVT Raptor , has only been on sale for a year, but it’s already getting a few upgrades for the 2011 model year. Many ..readmore

Ford Motor Co. wants to ensure it has the “baddest” pickup out there with the introduction of a SuperCrew option and more standard power for the already-extreme F-150 SVT Raptor for the 2011 model year.

The Obama administration vetoed attempts by General Motors to abandon its Detroit headquarters, a new book by a former top auto adviser reveals.

Philadelphia — Sunoco Inc. has tapped former General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson to lead the energy spinoff it is forming early next year.

Filed under: Aftermarket , Motorsports , Videos Spectre Perfromance Speedliner hits 366 mph – Click above to watch video after the jump Spectre Performance has been busy. The team made impressive progress toward its goal of toppling the 400 mph barrier in a four-wheel, gasoline-powered vehicle during this year’s ..readmore

Filed under: Budget , Japan , Recalls , Hatchback , Toyota , Daihatsu Daihatsu has announced plans to recalling over 500,000 vehicles in Japan due to taillight lenses that can fade over time. The lenses, originally orange, will bleach white with exposure to the sun, leading to a potential ..readmore

Filed under: Sedan , Safety , Dodge A 2008 Dodge Charger played the role of lifesaver on Tuesday when a man fell 400 feet and amazingly lived to see another day. The New York Post reports that 22-year-old Thomas Magill allegedly tried to commit suicide by jumping out of ..readmore

Note from Dan Akerson, chief executive officer, to all GM employees:

In a letter posted to the company’s internal websites and sent to GM plants, GM’s new CEO Daniel Akerson told employees he recently met with UAW president Bob King and UAW GM Vice President Joe Ashton.

Filed under: Videos , Crossover , Hatchback , Mini The Mini Countryman is multiplying – Click above to watch video after the jump Mini is continuing its advertising onslaught for the new Countryman , and in its latest spot, the company visualizes every potential path for the Countryman to ..readmore

General Motors Co. doesn’t plan to begin a “roadshow” and launch its public offering before the Nov. 2 midterm congressional elections.

Filed under: Coupe , Performance , Videos , Lamborghini Top Gear USA runs with the bulls – Click above to see the video after the jump While everyone and their mother seems to have made Top Gear USA bashing the new national pastime, you might want to take a ..readmore