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Mazda opens new plant in Salamanca, Mexico

Mazda Motor Corp. chairman Takashi Yamanouchi opened the company's new small-car assembly plant in Mexico today, calling it the company's "most important global strategic base." The factory, which will produce up to 230,000 vehicles each year, is a cornerstone of the structural reform plan "upon which the very future of company hinges," Yamanouchi said in remarks prepared for the opening ceremony. "Mazda's Structural Reform Plan, upon which the very future of the company hinges, positions this plant as our most important global strategic base," Yamanouchi said of the factory, which is about three hours northwest of Mexico City in Guanajuato State.

Mitsubishi to make Outlander Sport at Illinois plant

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Friday it will invest $100 million to build the Outlander Sport crossover at its Normal, Ill., plant starting in summer 2012. Mitsubishi expects annual output of 50,000 units, with half dedicated to North America and the rest for export to Russia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Texas mulls upping speed limit to 85 mph

Texas and Utah are the two states that have 80-mph posted speed limits. But Texas wants to up the ante to 85. State officials are considering changing the limit on Highway 130, which runs between San Antonio and Austin.