Carter M73065 Mechanical Fuel Pump on 2040-parts.com

Ebay-GM partnership generates interest but limited sales

General Motors Co.'s effort to sell new cars on eBay in California is generating interest but recording few sales on the Internet auction site. In the first nine days of the program, GM dealers listed 16,228 vehicles on eBay and completed 45 sales, according to data available on the Web site. But GM said the eBay exposure is prompting customers to visit dealerships to complete sales that aren't recorded on eBay.

Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.

Toyota Prius wagon is roomier, heavier than its hatchback sibling

The new wagon-style Toyota Prius has entered production ahead of its global sales debut next month in Japan. And despite outward similarities with its hatchback predecessor, the newest member of the Prius family also gets noteworthy changes. At a preview and test drive for journalists in Japan, Toyota Motor Corp.