Latest Saab production halt raises concern

News today that Saab has halted production again, owing to problems paying suppliers, has raised further questions over the long-term financial viability of the independent car maker. Saab says it continues to negotiate with its local suppliers to ensure a supply of parts, but has declined to mention when production may resume. Didn't Saab have supplier issues last week?

How Mercedes sees into the future

Mercedes' crystal ball is named Alexander Mankowsky. At 56, he's dressed for CES in khaki trousers and a leather vest, with thin glasses perched on a round face; his frizzy white hair resembles what Einstein's would if he were caught in a wind tunnel. He might be a long-distant uncle, or he might be Doc Brown, fresh from the DeLorean.

Toyota recalls Lexus cars for fuel-system fixes

Toyota Motor Corp., struggling to restore its reputation for top quality, on Wednesday recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States. The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.