Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman SPorsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Connecticut ends year of modest job growth amid layoffs (New York Newsday)
When a federal commission reversed a plan to close Submarine Base New London this summer, Connecticut rejoiced that thousands of jobs were saved. But months later, submarine builder Electric Boat announced plans in December to cut up to 2,400 jobs and warned it could eliminate half of its work force in the coming years if business didn't improve.

Cars Of The Stars (Forbes)
Think celebrities only ride around in limos? Guess again. See your favorites stars' favorite cars.

SANTA TRAIN (La Grande Observer)
Talk about getting instant Christmas spirit. I became as excited as a 3-year-old the first time on Santa's knee, the other day. Entering Ace Hardware I saw a Lionel electric train set to be drawn for today.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

BMW Series-3 a Hit, Nissan Titan a Flop in 2005: Doron Levin (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 23 (Bloomberg) -- One thing becomes clear in any appraisal of the past year's automotive offerings: any U.S., European and Asian carmaker can make great cars as well as dogs.

Honda Will Cut Excess Price of Civic Hybrids to Bolster Sales (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., the world's second- largest maker of gas-electric cars, said it will cut the excess cost of so-called hybrid system on the Civic by a third within 5 years, as it phases out the gasoline-powered version in some markets including Japan.

SANTA TRAIN (La Grande Observer) Talk about getting instant Christmas

SANTA TRAIN (La Grande Observer)
Talk about getting instant Christmas spirit. I became as excited as a 3-year-old the first time on Santa's knee, the other day. Entering Ace Hardware I saw a Lionel electric train set to be drawn for today.

Honda Will Cut Excess Price of Civic Hybrids to Bolster Sales (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., the world's second- largest maker of gas-electric cars, said it will cut the excess cost of so-called hybrid system on the Civic by a third within 5 years, as it phases out the gasoline-powered version in some markets including Japan.

Next big thing in cars might be very small (Austin American-Statesman)
New Asian subcompact cars are coming, but will trend catch on this time?

Cars Of The Stars (Forbes) Think celebrities only ride around

Cars Of The Stars (Forbes)
Think celebrities only ride around in limos? Guess again. See your favorites stars' favorite cars.

BMW Series-3 a Hit, Nissan Titan a Flop in 2005: Doron Levin (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 23 (Bloomberg) -- One thing becomes clear in any appraisal of the past year's automotive offerings: any U.S., European and Asian carmaker can make great cars as well as dogs.

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Connecticut ends year of modest job growth amid layoffs (New York Newsday)
When a federal commission reversed a plan to close Submarine Base New London this summer, Connecticut rejoiced that thousands of jobs were saved. But months later, submarine builder Electric Boat announced plans in December to cut up to 2,400 jobs and warned it could eliminate half of its work force in the coming years if business didn't improve.

Hybrid cars race ahead in 2005 (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Helped by sky-high fuel prices and celebrity endorsement, US sales of hybrid cars more than doubled in 2005, but Japanese rather than home-grown auto makers are cashing in on the boom.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?After decades of market

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The Auto Channel)
CANTON, Mass., Dec. 20 -- An alternative electric power generating system that draws energy from a seemingly unlikely yet abundant, eminently renewable and virtually free power source has been submitted for patenting by MagCap Engineering, LLC, Canton, Mass., in collaboration with Gordon W.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Winter Driving Tips From the Experts
Winter conditions can be challenging for drivers of all skill levels. The editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada offers sound advice from the Great White North.
Marc Lachapelle, with Gerry Malloy for Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The Auto Channel)
CANTON, Mass., Dec. 20 -- An alternative electric power generating system that draws energy from a seemingly unlikely yet abundant, eminently renewable and virtually free power source has been submitted for patenting by MagCap Engineering, LLC, Canton, Mass., in collaboration with Gordon W.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?After decades of market

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

AEP boosts 2005 earnings forecast (The Cincinnati Enquirer)
COLUMBUS - American Electric Power Co., the nation's largest power generator, on Tuesday boosted its earnings forecast for 2005, citing higher wholesale sales of power and chilly December temperatures.

Swanton man creates miniature municipality (Cumberland Times-News)
OAKLAND - Within the heart of Oakland lies a separate tiny town filled with busy trains, towering mountains, motionless cars and cheerful villagers.

Japan's itty-bitty cars hope to make big waves in U.S. (Seattle Times)
After piling into minivans, sport-utility vehicles and even pickups, Japanese automakers are crowding into yet another corner of the U.S. market itty-bitty economy...

'Slow and steady' drives Toyota's growth (USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News)
Toyota Motor made a routine announcement in Tokyo on Tuesday that has monumental significance. Toyota said it will boost worldwide production of cars and trucks 10% next year, to a company record 9.06 million.

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The Auto Channel)
CANTON, Mass., Dec. 20 -- An alternative electric power generating system that draws energy from a seemingly unlikely yet abundant, eminently renewable and virtually free power source has been submitted for patenting by MagCap Engineering, LLC, Canton, Mass., in collaboration with Gordon W.

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The Auto Channel)
CANTON, Mass., Dec. 20 -- An alternative electric power generating system that draws energy from a seemingly unlikely yet abundant, eminently renewable and virtually free power source has been submitted for patenting by MagCap Engineering, LLC, Canton, Mass., in collaboration with Gordon W.

WP: This isn't your daddy's compact car (MSNBC)
The next new thing on American roads? Itty-bitty economy cars. After piling into minivans, sport-utility vehicles and even pickup trucks, Japanese automakers are crowding into this corner of the U.S. market.

Electric Line riders finally get relief (Chicago Tribune)
SOUTH SUBURBS -- After years of complaining, Metra's Electric Line passengers will be able to ride on restroom-equipped commuter cars starting Monday.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Motor lodge declared a landmark (Quay County Sun)
Cactus Motor Lodge may look like one of Tucumcari s average RV parks parking spaces, electric and cable hook-ups, an office with a sign that asks patrons not to steal the TV guide.

'Slow and steady' drives Toyota's growth (USA Today)
Toyota Motor made a routine announcement in Tokyo on Tuesday that has monumental significance. Toyota said it will boost worldwide production of cars and trucks 10% next year, to a company record 9.06 million.

ACTION BRIEFING (Desert Dispatch Online) * On Avenue L, at

ACTION BRIEFING (Desert Dispatch Online)
* On Avenue L, at 6:50 p.m., a caller told police he was a victim of an incident of road rage. Someone flashed a light on his car and then both cars pulled to the side of the road. Then, a man brandished a knife and punched the caller.

Electric Power Source Breakthrough? Unlimited Energy from the Environment (The Auto Channel)
CANTON, Mass., Dec. 20 -- An alternative electric power generating system that draws energy from a seemingly unlikely yet abundant, eminently renewable and virtually free power source has been submitted for patenting by MagCap Engineering, LLC, Canton, Mass., in collaboration with Gordon W.

Indonesia To Buy 160 Used Train Wagons From Japan (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Australia & NZ News)
The government will buy 160 units of second hand electric train wagons from Japan at a price of Rp115.2 billion (US$11.7 million) in June, 2006.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Jonathan Fahey On The Automotive Industry (Forbes)
Hyundai, Kia and GM dominate the small-and-cheap segment. Here comes competition.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

New weapon in road toll blitz (The Age) Police hope

New weapon in road toll blitz (The Age)
Police hope a new fleet of "devil yellow" highway patrol cars will help them reduce the traditionally hefty Christmas holiday road toll.

INDONESIA TO BUY 160 USED TRAIN WAGONS FROM JAPAN (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Australia & NZ Finance)
Trade / foreign investment The government will buy 160 units of second hand electric train wagons from Japan at a price of Rp115.2 billion (US$11.7 million) in June, 2006.

GE division plans Loop residential building (Chicago Sun-Times)
A division of General Electric has filed plans to build a 44-story residential tower on an empty lot at 215 W. Washington, where one of the city's oldest parking garages was torn down in recent months.

Presidential Pipeline: Bush's Top Fund-Raisers See Spoils of Victory (Common

Presidential Pipeline: Bush's Top Fund-Raisers See Spoils of Victory (Common Dreams News Center)
Presidential Pipeline: Bush's Top Fund-Raisers See Spoils of Victory

Guards coming home for Christmas (St. Albans Messenger)
SOUTH BURLINGTON The air was electric as hundreds of family members waited in a hangar at the Army National Guard airfield here Friday. Sharon Beaudry, of Bakersfield, looked around the hangar.

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Normal Service is Resumed (AllAfrica.com)
Have you noticed the massive influx of new and beautiful Suzuki Grand Vitaras in Kigali? I love Suzuki cars. I think they were purposely designed for Africa, apart from the very first, and very dangerous, little tin boxes that were seen on Kenyan roads.

GE division plans Loop residential building (Chicago Sun-Times)
A division of General Electric has filed plans to build a 44-story residential tower on an empty lot at 215 W. Washington, where one of the city's oldest parking garages was torn down in recent months.

Toyota to develop lithium ion battery (The Auto Channel)
NAGOYA December 18, 2005; Japan Today reported that Toyota Motor Corp will accelerate efforts to develop a practical lithium ion battery to power hybrid motor vehicles in a bid to reinforce its presence in the market for the environment-friendly cars, officials said Friday.

Super-duper Subaru (Mail and Guardian)
When you think Subaru, you automatically think of phenomenal cars such as the amazingly powerful Impreza WRX. You think speed, you think performance and you think of the sort of power that has made Subaru a force to be reckoned with.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Man's love of trains began at youth (East Liverpool Review)

Man's love of trains began at youth (East Liverpool Review)
"I love trains. I really love trains," exclaims Joe McNicol as he talks about the train layout he started constructing in his basement in 1999. Many train enthusiasts make special efforts at Christmas and pass along train items for gifts. McNicol is, indeed, an enthusiast.

Last-minute gift ideas for N.J.'s commuters (NorthJersey.com) Three weeks ago,

Last-minute gift ideas for N.J.'s commuters (NorthJersey.com)
Three weeks ago, after publishing my transportation wish list for Santa, I got a huffy e-mail from a reader called Puddles who insisted that "there is no Santa Claus." Since I'm a na ve sort who always believed what my mother told me, this pre-Christmas message came as devastating news.

Grand Prize (Billings Gazette)
The Bolts try to make it so that their house is the first thing motorists see from the top of Senators Boulevard. They have accomplished that goal by nearly covering the front of their house in lights, including a Santa and reindeer set at the top of the front wall.

ARTS + BOOKS (Portland Oregonian)
A monster called the H5N1 virus A lbert Camus' existential novel "The Plague" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" are two books referenced in the opening paragraph of "The Monster at Our Door: The Global Threat of Avian Flu," Mike Davis' slender and fast-paced book about a likely avian flu pandemic.

Beaverton's double-car miracle (Portland Oregonian)
The first woman appears early in the afternoon at the edge of the neighborhood, winding along the sidewalk and studying each house as three small children trail behind. Like thousands who've passed this way, she's desperate.

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3Editors at MSN Autos take

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Toyota Starts Prius Hybrid Assembly in China (Logistics Management)
Toyota has started production of the Prius hybrid car in China with local joint venture partner FAW Group, with a goal of selling 3,000 vehicles in 2006. The Japanese automaker has taken the important first step to promote the gasoline-electric cars in China, one of the fastest-growing and world s largest car markets, as it aims to make hybrids a global standard for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Electric Line riders finally get relief (Chicago Tribune)
SOUTH SUBURBS -- After years of complaining, Metra's Electric Line passengers will be able to ride on restroom-equipped commuter cars starting Monday.