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Lotus announces partnership with Mansory

Group Lotus has announced its new collaboration with Mansory, which will become its official customization studio. The German tuner will be contributing bodywork, trim and special finishes for the Elise, Exige and Evora in yet another controversial strategic decision for the UK company. Lotus confirmed the first fruits of this new partnership will be the unveiling a new model variant at September's Paris motor show, two years after the highly ambitious announcement of five new models of which the first is yet to become reality.

Chrysler reportedly set to expand Toledo assembly plant

The Chrysler Group is planning to expand its Toledo, Ohio, assembly complex, adding a second shift and more than 1,100 jobs to the operation that currently builds the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro SUVs, the Toledo Blade newspaper reported Thursday. The $365 million investment could be the first of several major expansions to Chrysler's Toledo operations, which also include production of the Jeep Wrangler at the nearby Toledo North Plant, the newspaper reported. The automaker disclosed the plans in documents filed in a city tax application that will be discussed by local officials at a meeting Thursday night, the report said.

Ford to introduce inflatable seatbelts

When the 2011 Ford Explorer hits showrooms, its move to a unibody platform won't be the only major change. Ford will use the next-generation Explorer to introduce inflatable seatbelts for rear passengers. According to Ford, the inflatable seatbelt will help distribute crash forces across five times more body area, compared with traditional seatbelts.