Redesigned 2011 Chrysler 200 convertible revealed early

Photos of the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 200 convertible have hit the Internet, weeks before its planned official debut. Images of the 200 convertible, which replaces the Chrysler Sebring convertible, apparently leaked onto the Web in Europe. The car likely will make its formal debut at the Chicago auto show in February or at the New York auto show in April.

2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot to be recalled for fuel-tank problem

Chrysler is recalling nearly 1,700 all-wheel-drive-equipped 2012 Jeep Patriot and 2012 Jeep Compass SUVs for a possible defect in the fuel system. In certain affected vehicles, a valve designed to prevent fuel leakage in the event of a rollover can leak. This is due to damage sustained in testing at the facility where they were manufactured.

Subaru launches production of BRZ, Scion FR-S coupes in Japan

Subaru on Friday officially launched production of the rear-drive BRZ sports coupe in its Gunma Main Plant factory in Japan. The plant also builds the Toyota version--which will be sold as the Scion FR-S in the United States--as the Toyota 86 in Japan and as the Toyota GT-86 in Europe. We expect the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S to be in U.S.