(December 20, 2011) If the Range Rover Evoque captures North American Truck of the Year on Jan. 9 it will be just another in a string of more than 50 awards racked up by the stylish new sport utility this year.

The Evoque is one of three finalists for the North American title. Evoque awards now stand at 53 since its launch in September.

(December 20, 2011) Nissan is conducting a voluntary safety recall campaign on approximately 51,700 model year 2010-2011Sentra vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan to replace the positive battery terminal.

It's also recalling some 2011 Juke small crossovers because a bracket could break and cause the engine to stall.

(December 19, 2011) DETROIT — A hotter Chevrolet Sonic is about to sound off — the 2013 Sonic RS. It goes on sale in late 2012, after making its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 14-22.

The new RS amplifies the Sonic’s youthful style and driving experience with unique exterior and interior features matched with a 138-horsepower Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. Sonic is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain.

(December 19, 2011) Saab Automobile filed for bankruptcy today and is on the brink of shutting for good after former owner General Motors rejected a rescue plan.

Saab CEO Victor Muller personally handed in the bankruptcy application to a court in southwestern Sweden, ending his two-year struggle to revive the more than six-decades-old car maker, known for its rounded sedans and quirky design features.

(December 19, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen announced today it will advertise during the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year. Following the success of last year's two 30- second spots, Volkswagen will premiere one 60-second spot at the beginning of the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

(December 18, 2011) Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a new SL roadster this spring as a 2013 model. The two-seat SL, a longtime flagship for the German luxury car maker, grew out of the company’s sports-car racing program of the early 1950s.

The all-new SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort — infused with groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor.

(December 18, 2011)  VALENCIA, Calif. — MTV-reality and action sports-star Rob Dyrdek successfully performed a kick flip in the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic on Saturday.

A kick flip — a 360-degree rotation in mid-air — is a common stunt on a skateboard. Not so much in a vehicle. But Dyrdek, host of MTV’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, and the Chevy Sonic are up for trying firsts.

(December 17, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V crossover, which was recently named a finalist for 2012 North American Truck of the Year, is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (ranging from $22,295 for the CR-V LX 2WD to $28,295 for the luxurious CR-V EX-L AWD.

(December 17, 2011) The worldwide debut of two concept vehicles will highlight Nissan’s presence at the upcoming 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. An all electric van concept, which underscores Nissan’s leadership in zero emissions vehicles and the Nissan Pathfinder preview concept, which provides a sneak peek at the next generation of one of Nissan’s longest running nameplates in the U.S., will be unveiled during the NAIAS press preview days, beginning Monday, Jan. 9.

(December 16, 2011) DETROIT — Fifty automotive journalists have selected the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat as the three finalists for the 2012 North American Car of the Year.

The finalists for the 2012 North American Truck of the Year are the BMW X3, the Honda CR-V and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.