Automakers should disable technologies that distract drivers, U.S. says

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday released its long-awaited guidelines on distracted driving, calling on automakers to disable applications that allow drivers to manually access social media, surf the Web or send text messages while on the road. The recommendations also seek to prevent any in-car technologies that require drivers to use both hands or take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds.

Troubled Nurburgring race track finds buyer

Rex The legendary Nurburgring race track in Germany is set to be bought out by a consortium led by private investment group HIG capital, it emerged on Friday. The circuit has been burdened with enormous debts, went into administration in 2012, and has been looking for a new owner since last spring. HIG’s move will hopefully allay fears of car enthusiasts around the world, who visit the historic 13-mile track in droves to test the limits of both their car’s handling and their own skill.

GM's historic Willow Run plant closes

After 68 years of arming the nation and putting America on wheels, the Willow Run manufacturing plant in southeast Michigan closed on Thursday. The 5-million-square-foot powertrain plant, owned by Motors Liquidation Corp., the remnants of the former General Motors Corp., has fallen victim to GM's 2009 bankruptcy and subsequent restructuring. About 300 workers left at the plant will either “retire, transfer to another campus or go on layoff,” said Chris Lee, a spokesman for the reorganized General Motors Co.