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Build the C-class in Alabama? Mercedes will decide by January

Daimler AG will decide by January whether to shift some C-class passenger-car production to its U.S. factory in Vance, Ala. “It's no secret that a decision for the new C-class has to be made in the near future,” and that includes expansion of production, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said Thursday during a briefing with journalists.

Keep Cruisin', Marv Spector

For the last 30 years or so, you could belly up to the service counter at Specter Off Road in scorching Chatsworth, Calif., deep in the Valley, underneath the red-and-white arrow that stretches the length of the squat stucco building. You'd first have to stroll past the long and dark row of dizzying Toyota Land Cruisers -- Japanese fire trucks, FJ60s with roof-mounted machine guns and a propane-powered 1973 Baja 1000 champion. Past the glass cases of old photos and model kits and RC cars from Japan.

GM technology chief Tom Stephens to retire

Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman, chief technology officer and former head of global product operations, will retire on April 1 after a 43-year career with the automaker. His successor will be named later, GM said Sunday. Stephens, 63, has served as GM's chief technology officer--a new position--since Feb.