Roadside Reading: August 17th edition

The automotive world spins at break-neck speed and it sometimes proves difficult to stay up to date on all the latest news and stories amid our ultra-busy schedules. That's why everyday at lunch hour, Roadside Reading serves up five bite-size news to fuel you up in record time.

No Lancia Flavia/Chrysler 200 in Europe
Chrysler's plan to sell the 200 as a Lancia Flavia in Europe has been put on hold. Studies conducted by the automaker reportedly showed that the Sebring's successor would not be profitable enough. So, instead of launching straight into a wall, executives prefer to wait until they can offer a model that better meets the needs and tastes of European drivers, meaning around 2013. (more info on Caradisiac)

Saab struggles to pay debts, bill collectors close in
Unfortunately, it's the same old, same old for Saab which, as of yesterday, had to pay $620,000 within 24 hours in order to keep Sweden’s Debt Enforcement Agency at bay. If not, assets will be frozen, a move that would essentially end the existence of Saab as it currently exists. Trying to avoid the unavoidable, Saab executives are working on the ultimate deal that will make a fresh new start possible. (more info on The Truth About Cars)

Ferrari doesn't believe in electric cars
While most automakers sell or develop electric vehicles, perceived by many as the future of the automobile, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo confessed that he doesn't believe in the technology. However, a hybrid appears to be in the cards, with a market release planned in a couple of years. (more info on Engadget)

Porsche recruits Audi exec
Porsche just hired Joerg Kerner, a veteran Audi executive in charge of engineering and electronics, to head up powertrain development, effective October. He succeeds Heinz-Jakob Neusser, who will play a similar role at the Volkswagen brand. (more info on Automotive News)

Ford takes drastic measures to promote F-150 Ecoboost's economy
Ford is enjoying tremendous success with its EcoBoost engines. In an effort to tout its F-150 Ecoboost’s ability to get 22 miles per gallon, the company is launching a Facebook-based contest. Using the new trucks, eight drivers representing eight different cities will compete to get the best mileage. The winning driver will get a year’s supply of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline. Also, two Shell gas stations in the winner’s city will offer free regular-grade gasoline for two hours, 22 minutes on September 2, a reminder of the aforementioned 22 MPG that the F-150 Ecoboost achieves. That will be crazy! (more info on Mashable)


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