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Volkswagen faces protests in China after car owners were unsatisfied with its handling of a recall to fix a possible suspension defect. China is VW's No.

Federal-Mogul Powertrain has opened a new systems protection manufacturing facility in Changshu, China, to support domestic customers in the automotive, high-speed rail and aviation sectors.

Lear has posted third quarter sales of US$4.2bn, up 8%, with core operating earnings of US$251m, up 22%.

Honda will introduce a new generation driver assist system with its redesigned Legend before the end of the year, adding a number of new functions including a claimed world-first 'pedestrian collision mitigation steering'.

The last time a Detroit automaker resurrected a dead guy for an ad campaign, the result was widely panned.

Companies as old as Ford and as new as Local Motors have embraced 3-D printing, a technology that promises faster development, lower costs and a reduction in mechanical failures.

Toyota Motor Corp., on a mission to rejuvenate its youth-oriented Scion brand, may replace its boxy xB subcompact with a version of Europe's Toyota Auris, new images suggest.

One dealer's charitable impulse turned into a community fundraising powerhouse under the banner Kindle Community Challenge.

Honda's new $800 million plant in Celaya, about 160 miles northwest of Mexico City, has been struggling to meet demand amid problems caused by a green labor force, language barriers and a rail system prone to delays and occasional thefts, according...

Companies as old as Ford and as new as Local Motors have embraced 3-D printing, a technology that promises faster development, lower costs and a reduction in mechanical failures.

It's looking more and more like the next-generation Jeep Wrangler will have an aluminum body, keep its body-on-frame construction and remain built in Toledo, Ohio. That means Chrysler will likely produce more Wranglers for U.S.

A rising supply of used vehicles, particularly late-model cars and trucks coming off lease, already is hitting some companies in their pocket books. That supply -- and the number of companies affected - will continue to grow.

Edmunds.com's YouTube ad campaign that spoofed price haggling at dealerships lasted just two days.

Chrysler Group is about to encourage dealership salespeople to play video games during downtime. The automaker has created four video games to help salespeople learn the fine points of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.

Toyota Motor Corp. is rethinking its longtime resistance to three-shift factories as it seeks to build more vehicles amid a self-imposed freeze on building more plants.

Automotive News TV's afternoon newscast marks its sixth anniversary this week with a fresh look. A new set and graphics will be part of the redesign of "AutoNews Now." Other changes will allow the show to include more late-breaking news.

Not long ago, the styling of China's domestic brands was a laughingstock. Not anymore. Chinese automakers are hiring experienced foreign designers to mentor their fledgling programs.

From GMM

A major sponsor of the Lotus team has stirred up the already confusing speculation about Fernando Alonso's next move.

Most insiders believe the Spaniard and Ferrari have already dissolved their contract, paving the way for Sebastian Vettel to join Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian team in 2015.

Alonso's future, however, remains unclear, amid claims he will either switch to McLaren-Honda for a year before bidding for a Mercedes seat in 2016, or simply take a sabbatical. But it may not be as simple as that.

Spain's Marca claims the delay in an official announcement by Ferrari is because the only way Maranello can clear Alonso's seat for Vettel is by paying the Spaniard $50 million to compensate for the remainder of his deal.

The latest rumours are that, with Stefano Domenicali already headed to Ingolstadt, Audi could be set to quit Le Mans and start up a F1 team centred around Alonso in 2015.

France's Auto Hebdo quoted a spokesman for the VW-owned marque as playing down the reports.

"These rumours have been around for several years," the spokesman said. "It is still only pure speculation without any foundation.

"We are engaged in the WEC, DTM and GT, and we will add the Audi Sport TT Cup to our programme in 2015," he added.

Meanwhile, although Lotus says it on the verge of re-signing Romain Grosjean for 2015, the Enstone team's Coca Cola-owned energy drink sponsor Burn is now getting mischievously involved in the Alonso speculation.

"We think Alonso could look great in black and gold, don't you?" Burn said on Twitter, having photoshopped an image of Fernando Alonso wearing Lotus F1 overalls.

Fernando Alonso, Lotus overalls by Burn. (Photo: Twitter Burn)

American Formula 1 fans will fail to see two teams, Caterham and Marussia, and four drivers in action at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas this weekend.

Both Marussia and Caterham are facing serious and deep financial problems, and are now run by administrators. The two teams confirmed they will miss the United States and Brazilian Grands Prix.

"Unfortunately, due to team's situation, I will not able to race in United States GP and Brazilian GP," wrote Caterham driver, Japanese Kobayashi on his official Facebook page. "I am very sorry for the fans looking forward those races.

"While I am carefully observing the situation, I will evaluate possibilities and make best choice for my future."

Kobayashi's teammate, Marcus Ericsson, also feels sorry.

"Turbulent times. A lot of things going on at the moment," the Swede wrote on Twitter.

"But I'm pushing on as usual and keeping my spirit high. Thanks to all my amazing fans for all your support."

Photo: Caterham F1 Team