Mini unveils next-generation hardtop

The wraps are off the all-new, third-generation Mini hardtop. Updates include renewed exterior styling, lots of gee-whiz electronics inside, and a new fuel-efficient, three-cylinder turbo engine under the hood as the base engine. “On the inside is where you see the revolutionary aspect,” said Jim McDowell, vice president, Mini of the Americas.

Toyota and GM recall nearly 1.3 million vehicles over airbag issues

Toyota is recalling certain RAV4, Yaris, Highlander, Tacoma, Corolla, and Matrix models in the U.S. market, part of a larger global recall campaign, for an issue that could prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of an accident. General Motors is recalling Pontiac Vibe vehicles for the same problem; the Vibe is mechanically similar to the Matrix because the two shared a platform and were built at the same plant.

Opel leaving China, but planning a car for the US

General Motors' Opel is withdrawing from China after several years of declining sales, with the last vehicles slated to be exported from Germany in January 2015. Opel managed to sell only 4,365 cars in China in all of 2013, compared to a staggering 810,000 Buicks, GM's most popular division in China. The lackluster sales and the planned withdrawal from China highlighted the unique demands of the Chinese domestic market, where Buick now offers almost twice the number of models as in the U.S.