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European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

GM to cut 14% of global salaried workforce this year

General Motors, facing a Feb. 17 deadline to show the government it's a viable company, said on Tuesday it will cut 14 percent of its salaried jobs globally by the end of the year and slash the salaries of many who remain. Salaried employment will drop to 63,000, from 73,000, the company said in a statement.

Chrysler recalls minivans for airbag fix

The Chrysler Group is recalling about 300,000 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans to fix airbags that might deploy without warning. The recall covers vans built for the 2008 model year. Chrysler says water could leak into the airbag controller from a faulty drain grommet in the ventilation system.