Business Intelligence Group's Automotive NewsWire

A small Chinese auto manufacturer is reported to have made an offer to buy financially strapped EV maker Fisker Automotive.  That's not a surprise as the Chinese have been lusting over defunct electric car companies and their state-of-the-art technology, much of it financed by American taxpayers.

But what is a surprise, according to sources familiar with the deal, is one of the people behind the Chinese bid.  We should know that you can't allow Bob Lutz, former G.M. vice chairman, Chrysler and BMW exec, to have time alone to his own devices. 

VL Automotive, described as a Chinese boutique auto manufacturer that is partly owned by "car guy" Bob Lutz, alo…

In further attempts to cut costs, PSA Peugeot Citroen has announced plans to shutter an R&D center and administrative office at Meudon, near Paris next year.  Some 660 employees work at the facilities but in bargaining with union representatives, PSA told them all employees will be offered jobs at other PSA Peugeot Citroen facilities.

PSA union officials said most of the employees will be transferred to the company's main R&D facility at Velizy-Vi…

Federal-Mogul Corp.'s Powertrain Unit has announced the development of a new piston ring coating it calls DuroGlide and claims it sets a new standard for durability and friction reduction that can result in greater fuel efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions.

Gian Maria Olivetti, v-p and chief technology officer for the Powertrain unit, is excited about what he emphasizes is a breakthrough technology.  "DuroGlide," he professes, is not an evolution; it's a breakthrough.  It's performance exceeds even our premium existing products, providing the ultimate combination of low friction with exceptional durability, even in the most critical engine environments."

The…

Word that leaked from the executive offices of Fiat S.p.A. in Turin earlier this week that the company could move its global headquarters has raised the hackles of Italian politicians and union leaders.  Fiat - Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne responded to Italian press reports that appeared on May 16 claiming the company was considering moving its global headquarters to the U.S. where Fiat and Chrysler activities could be merged by emphasizing that no such move was being discussed.  The move was forecast to come after Fiat completed its acquisition of Chrysler.

Mr. Marchionne's denials did little to calm Italian tempers, especially among politicians who often&nb…