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Policy, green cars take center stage at Washington auto show

Public policy and the ultimate impact it has on consumers' cars was the hot topic on Thursday at the Washington auto show, as companies vied to show off and explain their latest fuel-efficient technologies under the watchful eyes of regulators and government officials. Notably, Chevrolet announced plans to roll out an "Ecologic" environmental label on the 2012 Sonic, with other vehicles to follow. Sort of like nutrition labels for food, Chevy's version will explain the environmental impact of cars throughout their life cycles.

Smoking in cars containing children to be banned

SMOKING IN CARS in the presence of children is to be outlawed in England by the end of the year, Downing Street has signalled, after MPs voted overwhelmingly to make it a criminal offence. A No 10 source said Parliament had made its view clear and ministers are now looking at the practicalities of implementing the ban, with a view to getting it place before 2015. The Commons voted by 376 to 107 last night - a majority of 269 - to give the Health Secretary the power to impose a ban in England.

Audi TT Offroad shows off at Beijing auto show

Audi introduced the TT Offroad concept at the Beijing motor show last week. The company says it comes with a plug-in hybrid drive system delivering 408 hp total, while getting 123.8 miles per gallon -- impressive, but we're guessing not exactly real world. To get that power, the TT Offroad concept uses the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.