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All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

BBC probe Top Gear 'practices'

THE BBC has held an internal investigation into Top Gear after a string of controversies involving the hit motoring show. The Guardian said that a report examining its "culture and practices" has been sent to director of television Danny Cohen and that people working on the show were asked if they thought it was racist. The show was found to have breached Ofcom's broadcasting rules last month over a ''racial'' term used by presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Mazda 2 small car to arrive in U.S. in 2010

Mazda will bring the Mazda 2 small car to the U.S. market starting late next year, the Japanese automaker said on Thursday. The Mazda 2--named Demio in Japan--also will be sold in Canada.