MOSCOW-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is reportedly telling foreign carmakers like Ford and Renault that they will be eligible for financial air from his government. MORE
DETROIT-After suspending talks a few weeks ago in the face of cash problems, Chrysler and GM are said to be talking about a possible merger again. MORE
BEIJING-The Chinese government is cutting fuel prices for the first time in almost two years in an effort to help manufacturers reduce costs and remain competitive. MORE
TOULOUSE, France-The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. is planning to fold its Military Transport Aircraft Division in with its Airbus airliner business as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations. MORE
TOKYO-Honda has sharply downgraded its sales projections for the coming months and says it anticipates losing more than $2.1 billion through March 2009. MORE
MEXICO CITY-General Motors Mexico is temporarily shutting down assembly lines at three of its Mexican car factories in response to falling demand. MORE
TOKYO-Despite already having invested some $300 million in the facility, Toyota Motor Corp. is putting its Blue Spring, MS, Prius plant on hold due to the current recession. MORE
DETROIT-General Motors will cut North American production to 425,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2009, fewer than half the total it built in the first quarter of 2008. MORE