(May 18, 2011) While Saab has been struggling to stay afloat as a viable car company, it is gaining sales in the UK — and the U.S.

Saab sales continued to build strong momentum, with the number of cars sold in April more than double the volume sold for the same month last year in the UK. This reinforces Saab’s position as the fast-growing premium car brand in the UK market.

(May 18, 2011) TOKYO  — Nissan plans to invest 3 billion yen ($37 million) to reinforce the foundation of its engine factory in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture, after Japan's record earthquake in March disrupted output.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said on Tuesday that the company has already started work on the foundation. The company plans to do the same at other factories including in Tochigi and Yokohama, north and west of Tokyo respectively, he said.

(May 17, 2011) WHITE MARSH, Md. — The General Motors electric motor plant near Baltimore will be the first by a major U.S. automaker dedicated to making the critical components for vehicle electrification when the plant opens in 2013.

With Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on hand, GM broke ground Tuesday for the previously announced addition to the complex housing its two-mode hybrid and Heavy Duty transmission operations.

(May 17, 2011) TOKYO — Honda Motor Co. expressed optimism today that it will recover from the March 11 earthquake earlier than expected and return to normal production before the end of the year.

But a Honda official said the company has been forced to reduce production of its best-selling Civic compact car in the United States for the next few months just as the all-new 2012 models begin to reach dealer showrooms.