Ford has another reason to toot its own horn after a recent study found that six of its vehicles notched top safety honors, while rival Toyota failed to make the grade.

Toyota and Ford recently reported encouraging earnings news, along with better outlooks. Are these improvements sustainable?

Asian bourses give up some of their recent gains, with shipping companies leading Japanese shares down.

Americans love Prada Gucci and stylish Italian suits but will they trust Italian engineering and buy a Chrysler with a Fiat engine?The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday that Chrysler is betting Fiat’s small-engine technology will rev sales but the plan looks like hope trumping reality.Worse Chrysler doesn’t plan to introduce a mass-market hybrid car for at least five years. This all but concedes the market to Toyota (TM) maker of the sector leading Prius. Honda (HMC) and Ford (F) are moving more aggressively into the field.The Chrysler-Fiat deal will help Fiat re-introduce the stylish Alfa Romero to the US ...

Toyota is reportedly set to withdraw from its involvement in Formula One racing at the end of the 2010 season, in an effort to slash costs as it grapples with the global auto slump.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by the IO News Wire.