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Ford Motor Co. broke ground Thursday on a $500 million engine factory in southwest China as the automaker seeks to expand in the world's largest market and boost global sales by 50 percent in four years.

Toyota, moving to rebuild stockpiles depleted by the March earthquake in Japan, said Thursday that output of all vehicles produced in North America will return to normal levels in September. Based on U.S.

Steelmakers should use derivatives to manage their input costs so that they can offer customers such as carmakers the long-term price stability they need, a Renault-Nissan executive said.

Volvo plans to discontinue selling the S40 sedan and the V50 wagon in the United States during the 2012 model year.

Late yesterday, Toyota announced that North American vehicle production levels are expected to return to 100 percent in September, roughly six months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Robert Wickens was recently confirmed as Marussia Virgin Racing's Formula One reserve driver, and he will no doubt have made a good impression on his new employers with his performance at the Nürburgring today.

Engine supplier Renault has confirmed its serious concerns about the dithering over formula one's engine regulations for 2013.

A lot of time has passed since we first clapped eyes on the FT-86, that product of a Toyota/Subaru partnership. Two concept versions and several months later, we've finally got something with a little meat on it, a video that shows what the rear-wheel-drive machine is capable of on the famous Nürburgring track.

The FIA is pressing ahead with its clampdown on blown exhaust technology following a meeting in London.

Forget about gas prices for a moment. Think back to a few years ago (many for some) where you were hanging out with friends on a Thursday night, looking for something to do on the upcoming long weekend. What to do? How about a round of golf? Bowling? Kayaking? Bake sale? Gardening? No! None of these will do. We's too cool! Then, out of nowhere, the words "road trip" are uttered. YES! High-fives and fist-pumps all around!

When Aston Martin unveiled the luxury sedan Rapide in 2008, the automaker was planning on building about 38 per week (2,000 per year). Apparently, sales of the car aren't living up to the British firm's expectations, as Aston Martin has slowed production down to 25 per week (1,300 per year) to adjust to the demand.

Sauber F1 team boss Peter Sauber wants to ease Esteban Gutierrez into formula one rather than throw him in the deep end with a last-minute race seat.

As expected, Mazda announced early this morning the construction of an assembly plant in the Mexican city of Guanajuato as a joint venture with Brazilian firm SumiTomo Corporation, boosting business for both companies in Central and South America.

Tom Kristensen, who replaces Mike Rockenfeller in the Audi quad for the Lausitzring DTM race, set a great performance by taking first position at the end of the first free practice session.

Petter Solberg (private Citroen DS3) was dominant in the first day of the Acropolis Rally, and leads the event by more than 50 seconds over Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3).

Despite a long and rich tradition based on the acclaimed quattro all-wheel drive technology, Audi is just scratching the surface when it comes to SUVs and crossovers. After introducing the Q7 in 2005 and the Q5 for 2009, the brand has recently started building the smaller Q3 and, according to Automobile Magazine, the onslaught is merely beginning.

When I first drove a Toyota Tundra a few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure what I expected, but when I got behind the wheel of the Tundra, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. That first Tundra went on an epic camping trip and was, perhaps, one of the better camping vehicles I've ever had. Perhaps that swayed my opinion of the truck just a bit, but it proved what a practical pickup it was.

A lot of time has passed since we first clapped eyes on the FT-86, that product of a Toyota/Subaru partnership. Two concept versions and several months later, we've finally got something with a little meat on it, a video that shows what the rear-wheel-drive machine is capable of on the famous Nürburgring track.

Summer is here and we're there! Everywhere, in fact. As you read these lines and over the coming weeks, our crews are and will be jumping through continents bringing you some pretty hot material.

Audi recorded its tenth victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with ultra-lightweight technology, an innovative V6 TDI engine and the first ever use of full LED headlights. Here are a few fascinating facts about this victory.