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VW engineer sentenced to 40 months in prison

A veteran Volkswagen AG engineer was sentenced to 40 months in prison for his role in helping the German carmaker cheat the United States emissions tests, the first person prosecuted in one of the biggest scandals in the automotive industry's history. James Liang, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy last year, got less than the statutory maximum time in prison recommended because he cooperated with the investigation into the automaker, and prosecutors called his "insider's perspective" key to understanding how VW deceived regulators and consumers for years.

Fiat declines to discuss on spinoff rumors

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said Friday that it evaluates any potential industrial deals that come its way, but that it had nothing to add to a previous statement that it had not been approached by the Chinese SUV maker Great Wall with an offer for its Jeep brand. In response to a request from Italy's stock market regulator following a sharp rise in the company's share price, Fiat Chrysler said it won't be providing a running commentary on market speculation.

Aston Martin boosts IPO prospects

Aston Martin Holdings Ltd surged to its third consecutive quarterly profit on robust demand for the new DB11 sports car, putting the United Kingdom automaker in a better position for a potential share sale. The company has been eliminating jobs and expanding its model range to reverse six years of losses. The England-based carmaker could consider an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange as early as next year.

Motoring - Agencies

(China Daily 08/28/2017 page18)