Mercedes 107 Hardtop Interior Complete, 450/380/560sl on 2040-parts.com

Car sales rise as shutdown ends

DETROIT -- Combined U.S. sales by the Detroit 3 rose 14 percent last month, helped by strong demand for sedans and pickups and an increase in showroom traffic after the partial government shutdown ended. General Motors reported a 16 percent gain after losing market share in August and September.

Kia investigates steering issue on the Soul

Kia Motors America and its suppliers are reviewing their manufacturing processes to track down what caused one driver to lose all steering ability in a two-month-old 2010 Kia Soul. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday it had opened a preliminary investigation into the issue after it received one complaint from an owner of an almost-new Kia Soul who said the steering shaft decoupled from the steering wheel and then fell onto the driver's side floor in a way that interfered with the brake pedal. The investigation could affect more than 51,000 Kia Soul vehicles, NHTSA said.

Audi debuts A8 Exclusive Concept special edition

Perhaps feeling the pressure from other luxury automakers and the debut of a number of special edition executive sedans, Audi has announced a limited run of 50 examples of its 6.3-liter 500-hp W12-engined A8L flagship. Dubbed the A8 Audi exclusive concept, the long-wheelbase executive yacht will feature a leather interior from Italian designer furniture maker Poltrona Frau. The A8 Audi exclusive concept will feature aniline leather in the color of Agatha Cognac, which is said to be very soft, and the center sections of the seats will have diamond quilting.