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Automakers rack up solid gains to finish 2010

Fueled by holiday and year-end discounts, as well as the introduction of new models, automakers finished 2010 on a high note by posting the year's best monthly sales in December. U.S. light vehicle demand climbed 11 percent last month to 1.1 million units--the best month of the year on a unit basis.

U.S. is seeking a record $16.4 million fine against Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking a historic $16.4 million civil penalty against Toyota for failing to notify the agency in a timely fashion of a throttle problem that could cause unintended acceleration, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said on Monday. The amount is the maximum penalty and would be the most NHTSA has levied against an automaker. The agency said Toyota waited at least four months to alert it of the potential pedal problem.

Audi ARE buying Ducati

Audi to buy Ducati Audi has entered in to an exclusive deal to buy supercar bike maker Ducati in a deal said to be worth €250 million. The ‘For Sale’ sign has been discretely above the door at superbike maker Ducati for some time, and the money has been on Mercedes snapping up some two-wheeled prestige to add to its four-wheel stable. But it now looks like Audi has beaten them to the prize and look set to buy Ducatti.