Land Rover OKs LRX-based small SUV for Range Rover

Land Rover will put its striking LRX concept car, first displayed at the 2008 Detroit auto show, into production with the help of a $37.1 million grant from the British government. But in a move suggesting it will be pitched further upmarket than originally intended--against four-wheel-drive rivals such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK--the LRX will reach showrooms wearing Range Rover badges. "Internal studies have shown that if we deliver the LRX to market, it would be best suited to the Range Rover brand," Land Rover boss Phil Popham said.

Kia K2 (2011) - it's the Rio saloon for China

Kia is developing a four-door saloon version of the new Rio supermini, dubbed K2 and revealed today at the 2011 Shanghai motor show. The Kia K2 has been developed specifically for the Chinese market and there are no plans - even in the long run - to bring it to the UK, according to a UK spokesman. Kia K2: looks like an Optima!

General Motors is looking at ways to double or triple Volt production

General Motors Co. CEO Dan Akerson says the carmaker is studying how it could double or triple production of the new Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid should sales demand accelerate. About 240,000 potential buyers have expressed an interest in the vehicle, but production in 2011 will be just 10,000 units.