(October 17, 2011) DETROIT — Vehicles that partially drive themselves will be available by the middle of the decade with more sophisticated self-driving systems by the end of the decade, General Motors Vice President of Global Research and Development Alan Taub says.

These advances in autonomous vehicle technology are built on leading-edge advanced active safety systems, Taub told the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Orlando on Sunday.

(October 15, 2011) WOLFSBURG, Germany — In the first nine months of the year, the Volkswagen Group boosted deliveries by 13.9 percent to 6.11 million vehicles in world automotive markets. Deliveries in September also developed well for Europe's largest automaker with 751,900 vehicles handed over to customers.

Positive developments in growth markets continued including North America where Volkswagen reported January through September sales rose 21.4 percent over the same period in 2010 with 485,400 vehicles sold.

(October 14, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — When Ford’s all-new Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi hit the streets, customers will have plenty of options on where to recharge their vehicle. Whether it’s stopping at the zoo, a museum or shopping in a downtown area, vehicle charging stations are popping up in a variety of locations across the country.

(October 14, 2011) LAKE FOREST, Calif. — A new free tow notification service — Call Before Tow — allows vehicle owners to be notified when their vehicle is about to be towed on private property.

The service offered by CBT Solutions Inc. notifies vehicle owners by a text message and a phone call, warning them to move their vehicles before a tow. The warning is designed to prevent the tow and allow vehicle owners enough time to promptly move their vehicle.