Business Autos - latimes.com

His big design ideas fit in a child's hand

By Jerry Hirsch, Los Angeles Times — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:13:00 PDT

"We get to engage in automotive fantasy in little 3-inch works of art," said Felix Holst, the chief designer behind the Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy car brands.

The gig: Felix Holst is vice president of design for the Mattel Wheels Division and the chief designer behind the Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy car brands. He supervises more than 50 designers who work on toy cars and related products.

Fiat weighs shifting its HQ to the U.S.

By Ronald D. White and Jerry Hirsch — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Planned merger with Chrysler prompts the automaker to consider the move from Italy.

Fiat, the century-old Italian automaker, appears poised to move its headquarters to the U.S. after its planned merger with Chrysler Group.

Husqvarna and Husaberg, together again - for Husaberg's funeral?

By Charles Fleming — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:05:00 PDT

Boldly proclaiming, "The year 2013 will be remembered in motorcycling history as the year that Husqvarna was reborn," KTM on Thursday announced that the venerable Swedish motorcycle manufacturer will join its sibling rival Husaberg under the KTM umbrella.

Fiat moving to the U.S.? Chief has hinted at why it might make sense

By Ronald D. White — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:45:00 PDT

Reports out of Europe suggest that Fiat SpA, the 114-year-old Turin, Italy-based automaker, has a headquarters move to the U.S. under consideration.

Tesla to raise $830 million from investors, repay U.S. debt

By E. Scott Reckard — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:55:00 PDT

Better than used: Certified pre-owned cars more popular, report says

By Ronald D. White — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 PDT

Used car sales were down overall in the first quarter of 2013, but certified pre-owned cars are more popular than ever, Edmunds.com says.

Mercedes-Benz unveils all-new 2014 S-Class

By David Undercoffler — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:46:00 PDT

This is the Mercedes-Benz you’re familiar with.

Most compact SUVs score poorly on new front-end collision test

By Jerry Hirsch — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:13:00 PDT

Most compact sport-utility vehicles scored poorly on an insurance industry test that measures damage from front-end collisions with fixed objects such as a tree or pole.

Subaru recalls almost 5,400 cars for potential loss of steering

By David Undercoffler — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:05:00 PDT

Subaru is recalling almost 5,400 cars to correct a problem that can cause a loss of steering in the vehicles.

Young people driving less, transportation planners clueless, report says

By Ronald D. White — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:58:00 PDT

Millennials are possibly the first generation who could sing the Beatles classic "(Baby You Can) Drive My Car" and really mean it.