Peugeot, GM talk Europe alliance

General Motors Co. and France’s PSA Peugeot Citroën are in talks to combine some activities to cut their costs in Europe, where both automakers are losing money.

• GM, Peugeot alliance doesn't address Europe's big problem

Bill Ford Jr. putting students on Wheelz

A firm founded by Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. said Wednesday it is investing in a transportation startup that connects students on college campuses with cars.

GM’s Akerson defends bailout as ‘wise, far-reaching vision’

General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson reaffirmed Wednesday his support of the government bailout of his company, saying it worked and helped cities such as Detroit.

China curb on newcomers aids GM

China is clamping down on overcapacity in the world’s biggest automobile market, benefiting companies with entrenched production and sales, such as General Motors Co., while hurting newcomers to the market.

Plant in EU is a Chinese first

Bahovitsa, Bulgaria — Great Wall Motors launched operations in Bulgaria this week, becoming the first Chinese automaker to assemble cars in the European Union.

2012 Audi A5: Coupe of grace

Americans don’t like coupes. It’s a silly notion in 2012 that coupes are two doors short of a full-size family sedan. But the 2012 Audi A5 makes a compelling argument that a coupe comeback could be right around the corner.

Youths to roll out ’30s rebuilt pickup at Autorama

It won’t sport the slickest paint job or the loudest growl or the fastest 0-60 pace. In fact, it’ll barely have tires in time for the show.

Briefs: GM Ventures head to lead R&D efforts

General Motors Co. said veteran engineer Jon Lauckner will head the company’s research and development efforts.

Recall for air bags may grow

Detroit — Federal safety regulators are investigating a problem with side air bags that may fail to inflate in a crash.

Roadwire further civilizes Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wranglers are the civilian version of a rugged utility vehicle originally developed for military use. Through the decades, however, the Wrangler has become increasingly civilized, both by Jeep and by aftermarket equipment producers.

Horses run wild in today’s vehicles

Remember when 200 or more horsepower was a big deal? It’s not any more. At the recent Chicago Auto Show, there was a dramatic example of how engines have grown more muscular over the years.

GM head to donate $1M to Habitat

General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Daniel Akerson is expected today to announce a $1 million personal gift to Habitat for Humanity Detroit, according to people familiar with his plans.

Honda recalling 46,000 Odyssey minivans to fix rear doors

Washington —Honda Motor Co. is recalling more than 45,000 Odyssey minivans to repair power liftgates that could unexpectedly close and cause injuries.

Ford to add $3.8B to pension plans this year

Detroit— Ford Motor Co. will pump $3.8 billion into its global pension plans this year as it tries to get them closer to fully funding their obligations. ...

GM appoints veteran engineer to head research

Detroit— General Motors said veteran engineer Jon Lauckner will head the company's research and development efforts.

Senators to Obama: OK fuel rules

Washington — Thirty U.S. senators called on the Obama administration to finalize new rules nearly doubling fuel efficiency standards to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Ford board members’ compensation rises 25%

Ford Motor Co. boosted annual compensation for board members by 25 percent and will pay 29 percent more to Edsel Ford II, its founder’s great-grandson, for his ...

GM to Gingrich: You can put a gun rack in a Volt

Washington — General Motors Co. launched a new blog Tuesday, and responded to Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich’s suggestion the Chevrolet Volt ...

Ford opens up on Tourneo commercial van

Ford Motor Co. has released details about a new commercial van that the automaker says gives passengers a more luxurious car-like experience.

Feds investigate problems with side air bags

Detroit— Federal safety regulators are investigating a problem with side air bags that may fail to inflate in a crash.

Honda putting No. 2 global manager in U.S. in localization drive

Tetsuo Iwamura, president of Honda Motor Co.'s American Honda Motor subsidiary, has been appointed to the board of the Japanese automaker, pending shareholder ...

U.S. motorists drive fewer miles in 2011

Washington— Americans hit the brakes on travel in 2011, as travel on U.S. roads fell to its lowest level since 2003, government data shows.

Fact Check: Artful swerves on the auto bailout

Washington — Michigan has become squirm central for Republican presidential candidates who are trying to explain their opposition to the auto bailout ...

Auto bailout back to haunt Romney or help him

As Congress and the White House scrambled in the fall of 2008 to confront the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, Mitt Romney felt ...

Electric cars still a hard sell for most consumers

If there’s a full-blown revolution coming, it isn’t here yet. While the hybrid market is growing, in 2012 it comprises just 2.46% of the overall market. ...

Five tiny cars we almost forgot

Today’s small cars are so good, you may not need a larger one. After all, they offer all of the technology — such as Bluetooth and GPS navigation — and comfort ...

Profits don’t blind GM to tests ahead

For cold, hard dollars-and-cents evidence that the new General Motors Co. isn’t like the old one, look no further than the past 24 hours.

GM’s Akerson: $7.6B profit a ‘solid performance’

General Motors Co. may have posted a record profit of $7.6 billion for 2011 Thursday, but the Detroit automaker acknowledges that its turnaround is far from ...