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Clunkers claims hit $1.15 billion Monday, government says

Dealer claims for cash-for-clunkers rebates continued to climb late last week after it became clear that the program would get $2 billion in new funding. Dealers had submitted 273,077 applications totaling $1.15 billion as of Monday morning, the Department of Transportation said today. That's about $120 million above the figure of last Friday morning.

U.S. unveils blueprint to tackle driver distraction

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the agency isn't looking at new regulations to address distracted driving, but rather is calling on automakers to step up voluntary efforts to combat risks with new technologies and education. LaHood, who's made distracted driving a top automotive safety priority of the Obama administration, said he's met with the CEOs of numerous automakers and feels confident "they're committed to safety." He even praised Subaru of America for a TV ad that highlighted the dangers of driver distraction. The commercial featured a father talking to his teenage daughter about the risks of using a cell phone while on the road.

Kia to unveil Cub concept at Seoul motor show

Kia will unveil its new Cub compact four-door coupé crossover concept at this week's Seoul motor show. Designed by Kia's Namyang Design Center in Hwaseong, South Korea, the concept measures in at less than four meters long and is the latest in a series of explorations into Kia's B- and C-segment future models, following last year's Trackster concept and the Provo concept shown at the Geneva show earlier this month. From the single released image, the Cub features another possible direction for Kia's now-familar tiger-nose DRG with a slim, horizontal air intake running underneath two-point LED headlamps.