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VW may add small car or SUV to U.S. plant

Volkswagen may build a small car or an SUV at its new U.S. plant in Tennessee, in addition to the mid-sized sedan that goes into production there next year. VW is considering options for the plant's second product even before it has begun building its first, Tom Loafman, the company's purchasing director, said here last week at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars.

General Motors combines smartphone functions with the Chevrolet Volt

General Motors is bringing together two of the hottest areas of technology--smartphones and plug-in electric cars. GM's OnStar telematics unit has developed a downloadable application that will let Chevrolet Volt drivers use a Blackberry Storm, Apple iPhone or Motorola Droid to remotely control and monitor some vehicle functions, such as charging. The Volt is slated to go into production late this year and arrive in California utility company fleets by early 2011.

Who's Where: BMW Group reorganizes Design operations

BMW Group has announced changes to its design organization, in keeping with the company's stronger focus on its brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. Under the overall direction of Chris Bangle, Director of BMW Group Design, brand specific design studios have been set up for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, as well as for the areas BMW Motorrad and BMW M. These new brand studios will accompany the entire development process for new models from the first sketches to the start of production.