Subaru Outback

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.

(Reuters) - Automakers, including Hyundai Motor Co and Subaru recalled more than 800,000 cars and trucks last week for defects including faulty airbags, according to federal regulators.

Two researchers demonstrated Wednesday how they were able to send commands, via a laptop, to unlock the doors of a Subaru Outback and actually start the car.. Two researchers demonstrated Wednesday how they were able to send commands, via a laptop, to unlock the doors of a Subaru Outback, and then, awing the audience, actually start the car.

Cable subscribers could miss Penn State-Florida game on TV as contract nears expiration. Montey Chapel and his sons have a new flat-screen television and football-watching plan for New Year's weekend ? watch every bowl game.

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.

A look at what defines a car vs. a truck. Trucks outsold passenger cars in the U.S. this October by the widest margin since 2005. Here's a look at the differences between passenger cars and trucks:

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.

Government crash test ratings for new 2011 vehicles.

US auto sales remain sluggish despite new models, but automakers hopeful for autumn gains. New models and Labor Day promotions didn't do much to fire Americans' appetites for new cars in September.

Subaru US sales rise 9 percent in August, led by Outback. Subaru said Wednesday that its U.S. sales rose by more than 9 percent in August, helped by its popular Outback crossover vehicle.

Australians packed polling stations from Bondi Beach to the desert Outback and the steamy, tropical north Saturday as millions took part in compulsory national elections.

Cautious car buyers returned to showrooms in July, drawn by promotions and credit thaw. Summer promotions and easier credit lured shoppers back to car buying last month, a relief to an industry worried about June's sales slowdown.

Subaru is recalling some of its 2010-2011 Legacy and Outback models to fix a problem with the six-speed manual transmission.

Subaru says 2011 model year Impreza to start at about $17,500. Subaru of America said Friday that the 2011 model year Impreza compact car will have a starting price of $17,495.

An epic nine-week Australian taxi journey to promote tourism Down Under ended on Sunday after taking in pristine beaches, desert wilderness and the rugged Outback.

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.

Subaru is recalling nearly 30,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles from the 2010 model year. The CVT cooler hose can split, resulting in a fluid leak, which could cause the car to come to an unexpected stop.

April car sales ease from March as shoppers take wait-and-see approach, hope for summer deals. U.S. car shoppers took a wait-and-see approach in April. They eased up on purchases as the lure of big incentives faded and hoped summer would bring a new flurry of deals.

Australian tourism authorities are seeking five foreign couples to take part in what is touted as the world's longest, and most extraordinary, taxi ride.