(March 3, 2011) DETROIT — Brad and Cathy French of Chicago have always driven cars with manual transmissions, including imports from Audi and BMW. Now the clothing industry sales and marketing reps drive a six-speed manual 2011 Buick Regal Turbo.

For the Frenchs, driving a “stick” is all about fun, fuel-efficiency and being alert in traffic.

(March 3, 2011) GENEVA — Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new concept, the Bulli, at the Geneva Motor Show. It is a development of the Microbus concept which made its debut 10 years ago in 2001 and a new generation of Volkswagen people carrier — the first of which was seen back in 1950 with the production of the first Transporter.

(March 3, 2011) GENEVA —  Designers around the world have chosen cars from Pininfarina and Land Rover to receive awards as the best of 2010 as judged by their peers. A presentation in Geneva earlier this week revealed the cars as:

    • Pininfarina Duettottanta     Car Design of the Year 2010 – Concept
    • Range Rover Evoque        Car Design of the Year 2010 – Production

(March 2, 2011) DETROIT — Ford has recalled more than 34,000 vehicles worldwide spanning eight vehicle models due to the risk of a fuel leak or electrical issues.

The automaker is recalling 25,000 Ford Ranger trucks, including 23,688 in the United States, because the protective layer of an engine fuel line near the throttle body shield may not be properly installed.