Subaru Forester

Japanese automaker Subaru could recall up to 630,000 cars and SUVs in the United States because of a faulty puddle light that could short-circuit, possibly sparking a fire, the firm said Thursday.

BEIJING (Reuters) - In 2005, Mercedes-Benz took a gamble and shipped its first batch of 200 sport utility vehicles from Germany to China, where cheap hatchbacks and black sedans ruled the roads.

On Jan. 4, 1951, during the Korean War, North Korean and Chinese forces recaptured Seoul. Today is Tuesday, Jan. 4, the fourth day of 2011. There are 361 days left in the year.

On Jan. 4, 1951, during the Korean War, North Korean and Chinese forces recaptured Seoul. Today is Tuesday, Jan. 4, the fourth day of 2011. There are 361 days left in the year.

The insurance industry's top safety pick winners for the 2011 model year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized 66 vehicles as winners of their top safety pick award for the 2011 model year. The award honors vehicles for their ability to protect motorists in front, side, rear and rollover crashes. The vehicles must have anti-rollover technology called Electronic Stability Control, or ESC, and strong scores in roof strength tests.

Collision kills 2, injures 12 as drifting car runs into truck carrying inmate fire crew. Four inmate firefighters remained hospitalized in critical condition Wednesday after a head-on crash north of Los Angeles that killed a colleague and an elderly driver.

Automakers report stronger October US sales, helped by new models and more confident shoppers. U.S. auto sales put in their strongest performance of the year in October as buyers grew more confident in the economy and new models lured them into dealerships.

GM Oct. sales rise 3.5 pct as it nears IPO; truck sales are strong; buyers more confident. General Motors Co. said Wednesday that strong demand for its pickups and wagons lifted October sales 3.5 percent and helped the automaker overcome weak car sales, good news as it prepared for an initial public offering expected later this month.

Consumers shrug off fewer discounts, drive up US car and trucks sales in May. Americans shrugged off fewer discounts and a scary stock market plunge last month, snapping up new automobiles and delivering another month of higher sales for carmakers.

Workers struggle to save for retirement, more report they have nothing set aside. Tom Taormina is 65 and has no retirement savings.

Toyota aims to refute critic who blames electronics, not gas pedals, for sudden acceleration. Toyota, dogged by millions of recalls and claims that it still has not fixed its safety problems, took its strongest step yet Monday to silence critics who blame faulty electronics for runaway cars and trucks.

Subaru sales rise 28 percent in January, led by surging sales for Legacy and Outback models. Subaru said Tuesday its sales rose 28 percent last month, as improvements in Legacy and Outback models more than offset declines in Forester and Impreza models.

Baby boomer tack helped Subaru reach record sales in '09; new Forester versions. Even as the broader auto market plummeted, Subaru of America sold more cars than ever in 2009 as its all-wheel drive vehicles, popular among outdoor-minded buyers, attracted more baby boomers.

Today in History - Jan. 4. Today is Monday, Jan. 4, the fourth day of 2010. There are 361 days left in the year.

Ford, Subaru, VW collect 'top safety pick' awards from insurance industry group. Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen lead the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, according to a closely watched assessment used by car companies to lure safety-conscious consumers to showrooms.

Ford, Subaru, VW collect 'top safety pick' awards from insurance industry group. Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen sit atop the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, according to a closely watched assessment used by car companies to lure safety-conscious consumers to showrooms.

Carmakers try to add value, safety, improved mileage to 2010 models; a list of the changes. MITSUBISHI

2010 Acura RDX offered in two-wheel drive now with improved mileage, lower starting price. In the search for fuel efficiency, Americans today are scrutinizing even smaller sport utility vehicles that have four-cylinder engines.

A look at the 2010 Subaru Forester. 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

2010 Subaru Forester is a practical vehicle for uncertain times. The Honda CR-V hasn't done it. The Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson also have been unable to boost sales this year over last year's levels.