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Americans plan to keep their cars longer, AutoPacific study finds

In another chilling sign that auto sales are likely to remain stalled, a new study finds that Americans intend to keep their cars longer, indicating a general concern about the industry and the overall economy. The number of new-car buyers planning to keep their rides more than four years has risen to 59 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by California marketing research firm AutoPacific. That's an increase from last year, when about 45 percent of new buyers intended to wait more than four years for their next purchase, and it's up from 2005's tally of 46 percent.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid (2012): first details

Volvo will unveil its new V60 Plug-in Hybrid at the 2011 Geneva motor show in March. The new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is described as 'virtually production-ready' and will be built and sold by the Swedish car company from 2012. Driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic is an upgraded version of Volvo's 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 engine: power and torque goes up from 202bhp and 309lb ft to 213bhp and 325lb ft.

The big prize awaits on the Autoweek America Adventure

It is the last morning of the Autoweek America Adventure, as I write this. Our traveling circus heads toward the big top in an hour or so, and we should be in Las Vegas before noon. There is anticipation in the air, unlike other rallies I've attended, as this one has a significant main prize: a 2011 Mopar Charger will be given to one lucky contestant on the stage at the Specialty Equipment Market Association convention.