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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.

Australia's Holden to cease production after 2017, GM says

General Motors, in the latest blow to Australia's auto industry, will end vehicle and engine manufacturing and scale back engineering operations in the country by the end of 2017. The company's Holden unit, a mainstay in Australia for decades, cited the high cost of manufacturing in one of the world's smallest but most competitive markets and one that has also been upended by a steady rise in imports, mostly from southeast Asia. There has been widespread speculation of the move in recent days and earlier Tuesday, in Australia, GM officials said no decision had been made.

Infiniti hybrid carries $54,575 sticker price

Infiniti has set a base price of $54,575, including shipping charges, on the 2012 M hybrid sedan. The luxury division of Nissan said the car will go on sale on March 16. The Infiniti M hybrid's powertrain mates a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6 with a 67-hp electric motor.