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Japan hopes to make EV recharging technology the global standard

Japan's automakers aim to cement their lead in electric vehicles by making Japanese recharging technology the global standard and bringing it to the United States. A coalition of manufacturers, including Nissan and Toyota, is teaming with Japan's biggest electric company and the government to make it happen. They aim to corner the market on one of the technologies that will be key to the eventual acceptance of electric-powered cars: the high-speed charging points that will act like gasoline stations of the future and enable drivers to recharge and keep driving after their batteries run low.

Former GM exec Joel Ewanick joins Fisker

Fisker Automotive has hired ousted General Motors' global marketing boss Joel Ewanick to be interim chief of global sales and marketing for the maker of luxury plug-in hybrids. Ewanick, 52, will replace industry veteran Richard Beattie, 58, who announced his retirement Monday, Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher said. Ewanick has been working with Fisker as a marketing consultant for at least six weeks and will fill Beattie's role until a full-time replacement is named, Ormisher said.

Ferrari 458 Speciale stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

This is the Ferrari 458 Speciale, debuting here at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show – and it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 model the iconic Italian supercar builder has ever produced. It’s not just the 458’s engine that’s received some attention though, a new trick traction control system and interior details to die for carve this out as potentially one of the greatest Ferraris of all time.