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Ford posts record first-quarter profits

Ford Motor Co. said first-quarter net income increased 15 percent from a year earlier to $1.61 billion, as rising U.S. auto sales pushed North American profits to a record, offsetting deeper losses in Europe.

V6 dropped for redesigned Mazda 6 sedan

Mazda will drop the V6 engine from the Mazda 6 lineup, the company told Automotive News. Instead, the redesigned Mazda 6 will use powertrains from Mazda's Skyactiv technology bin, including direct-injection four-cylinder engines and ultra-efficient transmissions. “We believe that the balance of fuel economy and power that Skyactiv offers is what customers want,” a Mazda spokesman said.

Ford names Courtney Force to represent teen-driving program

Drag racer Courtney Force has been hired to represent Ford's teen-focused Driving Skills for Life program. The program helps young drivers improve their driving skills, focusing on hazard recognition, vehicle handling, and space and speed management. Force says her mom taught her to drive in a Ford Excursion.