GM expands advanced-vehicle-technology center in California

General Motors unveiled a new technical center dedicated to the development, maintenance and testing of alternative-energy vehicles last week in Torrance, Calif. The company has had local digs for years but recently leased the building next to its existing Advanced Technology Center for an alternative-energy research facility. It now employs a dozen scientists, technicians and engineers to advance the electrification of GM vehicles.

New Dacia SUV gets old name--Duster

A new Duster is ready to take to the roads, but you won't find it at a Plymouth dealership--and not because there aren't any Plymouth dealerships left. This new Duster comes from Romanian carmaker Dacia, which is owned by Renault, and the Duster is a small SUV. It uses the low-cost Logan platform that has spawned several car and small-van models.

Ford and Geely agree on Volvo sale, could finalize deal in early 2010

Ford expects to sign a deal to sell its Volvo car unit to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by the first quarter of 2010 and close the deal in the second quarter, the U.S. automaker announced today. Ford said that all of the deal's key commercial terms have been settled.