German carmaker Volkswagen AG said Friday it will buy some assets of German contract carbuilder Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to create a new manufacturing subsidiary that will eventually build a new car model.

The three 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.

Soros Fund Management, the hedge fund run by billionaire investor George Soros, increased its holdings in U.S. stocks to $6.2 billion from $4.2 billion and bought a stake in Ford Motor.

Ford's Fusion mid-size sedan was named Motor Trend magazine's 2010 "car of the year" Tuesday, adding to the perception that changes to the No. 2 U.S. automaker's vehicle lineup are gaining traction.

As Congress crafts legislation to impose new oversight on complex instruments blamed for hastening the financial crisis, a major sticking point has emerged over companies that use the derivatives to hedge risk.

Economic reports signal modest growth ahead

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Air bags have long been mounted in the steering wheel, dashboard and sides of vehicles. Now, they're in the seat belts.

The old Chrysler was famous for its aggressive marketing and auto-show stunts, like running a cattle drive down the streets of Detroit to publicize a new pickup. But for its coming-out party on Wednesday, the new Chrysler stuck to a far more serious and subdued script, says the New York Times.

General Motors posted its first monthly sales increase in nearly two years as a rebound in industrywide U.S. auto sales in October pointed toward a gradual recovery for the battered sector. 

Stocks finished mixed Tuesday as techs struggled after a downgrade on Intel. Transports rose following news that that Warren Buffett is buying Burlington Northern railroad. Industrials also gained after this week's encouraging manufacturing reports.

Ford said Tuesday its sales were virtually flat last month, as improving sales of fuel-efficient and crossover models balanced steep declines in trucks and sports utility vehicles.

U.S. auto sales struggled to gain ground in November and big improvements aren't expected until people stop worrying about losing their jobs.

General Motors reported an increase in auto sales last month while rival Ford Motor saw sales decline, as market watchers look for an industry-wide increase from September's levels, which were hurt by a Cash for Clunkers hangover.

Stocks tumbled Tuesday, led by techs after an analyst downgrade on Intel. Transports rose following news that Warren Buffett is buying Burlington Northern railroad.