Isuzu Motors said Thursday it would cut 1,400 jobs and slash domestic production by 10 percent, the latest in a slew of layoffs by Japanese automakers to cope with the financial crisis.

`With the way things are, we had no choice but to make adjustments,` said a spokeswoman for Japan`s second-biggest truckmaker.

The Los Angeles Auto Show made a low-key start here Wednesday as executives from the biggest US automakers appeared in Washington to seek a multi-billion dollar loan to keep the industry afloat.

Democrats in the US Congress proposing an additional 25-billion-dollar bailout for ailing automakers stalled Wednesday as Republican lawmakers maintained the sector should use funds from a previous bill.

Bruno Senna, the nephew of former triple world champion Ayrton, underwent his first full day of Formula One testing and hoped he had done enough to win a seat with Honda for the 2009 season.

Senna was eighth fastest at Barcelona, almost 2.5secs off the pace set by Red Bull`s Sebastien Vettel, with fellow Honda driver Jenson Button fifth fastest.

Ford officials put on a brave face at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, insisting the company had a future even as US auto industry executives sought a multi-billion dollar bailout.

The prospect of a French Grand Prix taking place in the 2010 Formula One season was dealt a major blow on Wednesday when Euro Disney and the Lagardere Sports group withdrew their joint bid to host the race.

The Canadian government said Wednesday it would `provide further support` for the country`s ailing auto sector and aerospace industry in a throne speech outlining its upcoming legislative agenda.

`The Canadian manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive and aerospace industries, has been under increasing strain,` Governor General Michaelle Jean said in the speech.

Pressure is mounting on Canada`s government to help bail out the struggling US Big Three automakers that have operations in Ontario province, as Washington considers a major rescue.

Industry Minister Tony Clement met with executives of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors in Detroit on Wednesday.

Germany`s Sebastian Vettel was fastest on the third day of Formula One testing at the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona on Wednesday.

Vettel, who also claimed the best time in his Red Bull car in Tuesday`s session, outpaced France`s Sebastien Bourdais of the Toro Rosso team.

Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn said carmakers must adapt to survive the turmoil threatening the industry as the Los Angeles Auto Show got underway here Wednesday.

In an opening address, Ghosn described the current financial crisis as `very serious` and compared the climate to the Great Depression.