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New models to spur sales, J. D. Power says

A flood of new-model introductions this year will help pump sales volume for the industry, according to forecasts from J.D. Power and Associates. Automakers have scheduled 60 new or substantially redesigned model introductions this year, compared with just 36 in 2010, by Power's count.

Threat to rural road maintenance

TOTAL ROAD CLOSURES may be necessary as the extreme winter weather has left councils struggling to maintain routes, according to a local government chief. One council - Cornwall - said it was being "starved of resources" and was considering stopping maintenance of rural roads. But the Department for Transport said billions of pounds were being provided for local highways maintenance and it was the responsibility of authorities to cope with severe weather.

Dodge expands Blacktop lineup for 2013

In November, Dodge added the Avenger, Challenger and Charger vehicles to the list of Blacktop special editions. Dodge says they were received well, and the company is adding the Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan to the list of cars that can get the Blacktop treatment. The Grand Caravan Blacktop comes equipped with 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with black accents, black grille, black headlight bezels and fog lights.