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.

GM, Chrysler get cold shoulder from consumers, report says

General Motors and Chrysler clearly have an image problem. In a classic case of: "It's not me--it's you," fewer consumers are considering the two Detroit automakers in the wake of their pleas for government assistance and bankruptcy rumors. The share of buyers who would make a GM car their primary choice fell 12 percent, and the share of Chrysler intenders dropped by one third, according to a study released Thursday by CNW Research of Bandon, Ore.

Porsche considers North America, China production to grow sales

Porsche may launch production in North America and China as part of a plan to double annual global sales to 200,000 units, CEO Matthias Mueller said. Mueller said the sports car maker's current German assembly plants in Zuffenhausen, near Stuttgart, and Leipzig, were too small for the brand to reach its ambitious goals. "We will consider this year whether to start production in Asia or North America," Mueller told the German magazine Focus in an interview published Monday.