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Buick plans to add a crossover in 2010, a plug-in hybrid in 2011

Buick's lineup is growing--it's getting a new five-passenger crossover in 2010, with a plug-in hybrid following in 2011. The yet-to-be-named vehicle will be smaller than the Enclave and uses a different version of the platform that underpins the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox. The move signals General Motors' renewed commitment to its venerable Buick brand, fortifying it with cutting-edge technology and fresh sheetmetal as the company tries to be competitive with four core brands.

MSN Cars' Ian Dickson and Steve Walker to leave

Microsoft MSN Cars' journalists Ian Dickson (above left) and Steve Walker (right) are to leave the team at the end of 2013. The pair, who produce much of the content you read here day-to-day, have notched up an impressive 10 and a half years' combined service between them. Senior editor Ian Dickson joined MSN Cars in September 2006, while content editor Steve Walker arrived in September 2010.

Daimler and BYD name new brand Denza

Mercedes-Benz sources in Germany have confirmed Chinese media reports suggesting that parent company Daimler and Chinese carmaker BYD's new joint venture brand will be called Denza. Created as a Chinese-market-only brand, Denza is planned to support a range of "affordable" electric-powered vehicles, the first of which is set to be unveiled at the Beijing motor show next month. Based on the underpinnings of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz B-class--a car originally designed to accept batteries within its flat floor structure--the first Denza model was developed in China by a team of engineers from both Daimler and BYD Auto.