Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Porsche Cayenne facelift (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 04 December 2006 09:00 Facelifted Porsche Cayenne: the lowdown Porsche has overhauled the Cayenne, with a neater face, punchier yet more frugal engines and chassis tweaks. This is the nose of the Cayenne Turbo, whose peak power jumps 50bhp. The 996-style runny egg lamps are gone, for more piercing bird's eye units.

Mercedes to build C-class in Alabama

Mercedes-Benz will add production of C-class sedans to its plant near Tuscaloosa, Ala., starting in 2014. Daimler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche, who participated in the creation of the Alabama plant project as a fast-rising executive in 1993, said in a statement released Wednesday from Stuttgart that the U.S. operation will take over about one-fifth of the model’s global production.