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New Opel/Vauxhall Astra saloon revealed – but not for the UK

The new Astra with a boot has been revealed but it’s not heading for the UK. It will, however, be offered in Germany and Spain. The hatchback has taken over the car world in recent years when it comes to family cars (although we could see the crossover / compact SUV supplant it before long), which has meant the demise of the traditional saloon, certainly in the UK market.

LA Motor Show: Honda brings mass-volume hydrogen power closer

HONDA has showcased its next generation hydrogen fuel cell technology, which is the first to fit entirely within a traditional engine bay. A 60% increase in energy density and a 33% reduction in size have jointly allowed the creation of the new Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) concept, which has a range of roughly 300 miles and can be refuelled in about three minutes. With all its components in a single location, the FCEV benefits from huge freedom in design for the rest of the car.

GM awards small-car production to Michigan plant

General Motors will make its new subcompact car in Orion Township, Mich., the automaker said Friday, dashing hopes in Spring Hill, Tenn., and Janesville, Wis., that the small car would keep one of their factories alive. Stamping for the new car will take place in Pontiac, Mich., GM said in a statement. The small car, which GM said it plans to start producing in 2011, will save about 1,200 jobs in Orion and 200 in Pontiac.