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Experts predict nine-, 10-speed transmissions to dominate in North America

In March, luxury maker Land Rover proudly told an audience at the Geneva auto show that it would soon bring to market the industry's first nine-speed transmission. One month later, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors announced that they would jointly develop 10-speeds.

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Nissan hires Magna Steyr to build new entry-level Infiniti car

Nissan said Thursday that Austrian contract manufacturer Magna Steyr will build a new premium compact car for the Infiniti brand, starting in 2014. Infiniti boss Andy Palmer said in a statement that the car will help the brand to reach new consumers and grow in key markets such as western Europe. Nissan did not give any more details about the car or say whether it will be sold in markets outside Europe such as the United States.