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Future products: Geely must retool Volvo plans

Ford Motor Co.'s sale of Volvo to Geely in August leaves doubt about the Swedish company's product plans. For example, all of Volvo's current range except the 9-year-old XC90 crossover makes use of Ford vehicles and components. The XC90 is based on Volvo's P2 platform and was developed before Ford ownership.

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

Video provides a closer look at Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 race car

Mercedes-Benz used the recent Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida as the opportunity to take a closer look at the SLS AMG GT3 race car. Assistant product manager William Vetter leads the walkaround of the car. Features include the extensive use of the carbon fiber, ducting for braking cooling and aerodynamics, and the explosive charges that blow off the door for an emergency escape.