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Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Dacia parades machine gun-equipped Duster

THE ROMANIAN military has apparently displayed an armoured and machine gun-equipped version of the humble Dacia Duster 4x4. The army-grade Duster has been given a degree of bulletproof plating, as well as under-body armour for the most vulnerable areas like the engine and fuel tank. However, it’s the remote-controlled machine gun mounted on the roof that’s sure to raise the most eyebrows.

2014 Dodge Durango starts at $30,790

The seven-passenger 2014 Dodge Durango will start at $30,790 when it arrives on dealership lots next month. That’s the same price as last year, but buyers will get a little bit more. Standard features now include an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Uconnect Bluetooth, a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen, 7-inch customizable gauge cluster and signature Dodge brand LED racetrack taillights.