Contradicting recent reports, German parts supplier Capricorn Group has allegedly submitted the winning bid for the famed Nurburgring facility.

The purchase is said to value the property at more than 100 million euros (~$139 million USD), with a commitment for an additional 25 million euros (~$35 million USD) to be spent on future development, according to Bloomberg.

“The creditor committee had two very good offers and in the end decided on the offer with the highest price and good prospects for the region,” Jens Lieser, one of the attorneys managing the Nurburgring’s insolvency, said in a statement.

The acquisition deal is said to include all tracks, including the iconic Nordschleife loop and the shorter circuit used in modern Formula 1 races, along with several hotels, an amusement park and other assets.

Earlier reports claimed that US investment firm HIG Capital had sealed the deal for between 60-70 million euros (~$83-97 million USD). Other bids are said to have been submitted from Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and German auto club ADAC.

“The buyer will take over and continue to run the business operations of the Nurburgring, with its numerous motor races, music events, tourist and test drives as well as the hotels and holiday facilities,” the insolvency attorneys said.

Kia is reportedly set to begin producing its all-electric Soul EV next month at a Korean factory.

The hatchback will be the first plug-in electric from the Hyundai/Kia partnership to be exported from Korea. Drivers will have an opportunity to buy the EV in the US, Europe and other markets.

The Soul EV promises to drive up to 92 miles on a single charge, slightly longer than the Nissan Leaf’s 84-mile range. Its 27kWh lithium-ion polymer battery can be recharged in as little as 24 minutes using a fast charger, or four hours on a standard 240-volt circuit.

The electric system is said to produce approximately 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, with a single-speed reduction gear rather than a traditional transmission. Drivers can expect a 0-60 mph time below 12 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 90 mph.

Although the overall design is shared with the gasoline-burning Soul, the EV edition brings unique paint colors, 16-inch wheels, and LED lighting, among other tweaks.

The company has yet to announce pricing details for all markets, though a Reuters report suggests it will cost 42 million won (~$39,400 USD) in Korea.

Chrysler is reportedly planning to hire as many as 1,000 part-time workers at its Jeep assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

The additional help will be brought in to provide relief for current full-time employees, which are said to be averaging 60-hour weeks to help the factory meet strong demand for the Wrangler and new Cherokee.

“Our people have been working a tremendous amount of hours,” plant manager Chuck Padden said, as quoted by the Toledo Blade. “To get them more time off is important to us, to make sure they’re refreshed, and can work safely.”

The company has already hired 380 temporary part-time workers this year, 50 of which have been promoted to full-time permanent positions.

The new hires can expect between 10 and 30 hours per week, with pay starting at the same rate as new full-time employees: $15.75 per hour. Temporary part-timers also receive a limited benefits package with health insurance.

“As the volume is picking up we’ll be one of the largest manufacturing sites in North America,” Padden added.

The plant aims to build 2,000 vehicles per day, with current production numbers averaging 840 units for the Wrangler and 990 for the Cherokee. The latter model is said to pose particular challenges, with unique specifications for most of the 150 destination countries.

Tesla Motors has criticized the administration of New Jersey Governor Christ Christie over its role in proposed dealer-franchise laws that would effectively bar the company’s direct-sales model.

The startup had been working with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and members of the Christie administration to defend against the restrictive laws being pushed by the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. The issue was expected to be formally discussed before the New Jersey Legislature, however Tesla claims the administration is preparing to quietly skirt the open debate and quietly approve the proposed laws at a meeting later today.

“The Administration has decided to go outside the legislative process by expediting a rule proposal that would completely change the law in New Jersey,” Tesla said in a statement. “This new rule, if adopted, would curtail Tesla’s sales operations and jeopardize our existing retail licenses in the state.”

The NJMVC already approved several retail licenses for the company, however the agency allegedly delayed issuing renewals and new licenses for the past nine months and has refused to respond to requests, calls and letters.

“The delays have handicapped Tesla in New Jersey, where, without clear licensing procedures and fair enforcement of existing law, we have been forced to delay our growth plans,” the statement adds. “At the same time, neither Tesla nor the taxpayers of New Jersey have been able to participate in any of the analysis or been granted a hearing as requested last year when this was first proposed.”

The Christie administration has responded by noting that New Jersey already has dealer franchise laws, putting the burden on Tesla to “engage the Legislature” on a bill to legalize their direct-sales operations.

“This administration does not find it appropriate to unilaterally change the way cars are sold in New Jersey without legislation, and Tesla has been aware of this position since the beginning,” the statement added, as quoted by Philly.com.

Tesla is currently fighting similar battles in many states, achieving success in a handful. In other states that prohibit direct sales, the company typically establishes a promotional presence and handles the sales via California.

Audi CEO Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg has confirmed plans to launch an R8 e-tron edition with a much longer range than the original concept.

Engineers have worked to more than double the estimated range from just 134 miles to approximately 280 miles, similar to the maximum range of a Tesla Model S with a 85 kWh battery.

“This significant step is the result of progress with battery technology and a revised package with a considerably higher power density,” Hackenberg said.

The e-tron team is also said to have achieved significant efficiency gains with mechanical and electrical components. Both the drivetrain and onboard electronics consume less power than the earlier prototypes.

The company plans to use the R8 e-tron as a technology test platform and working instrument for continued exploration of next-generation systems, such as by-wire controls and active suspension concepts.

A launch date and pricing have yet to be announced, though the R8 e-tron will only be available initially upon customer request.