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Chrysler's high-stakes 'no' to NHTSA

DETROIT -- For 17 years, automakers have complied with every request for a recall, no matter how costly, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And then last week, in a startling decision, Chrysler Group said no. It refused a request from NHTSA to recall 2.7 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Libertys for an alleged fire risk caused by fuel tanks mounted behind the rear axle.

LENNON'S FIRST CAR UNDER THE HAMMER

THE FIRST car bought by John Lennon after he passed his driving test is being offered for sale at auction next month. The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe was bought by the Beatle in 1965 and is expected to sell for between 120,000 euros (£99,987) and 170,000 euros (£141,000). Lennon's biographer, Philip Norman, described how car dealers descended on the singer's home when the news emerged that he had passed his test and offered him a "gleaming smorgasbord" of luxury cars.

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept car (2012) first pics

Volvo will showcase its latest plug-in hybrid technology in the new 2012 XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept car at next week's Detroit auto show. The Swedes have been developing a range of plug-in hybrid cars, using both petrol and diesel. The hybridised V60 which goes on sale in Europe later in 2012 uses diesel, whereas the new SUV drinks from the green pump.