PROVIDENCE, RI-Creating catalysts that can operate efficiently and last a long time is a big barrier to taking fuel-cell technology from the lab bench to the assembly line. Platinum has been the catalyst of choice for many researchers, but it has two downsides: It is expensive, and it breaks down over time. Chemists at Brown University have created a unique nanoparticle that uses far less platinum yet performs more efficiently and lasts longer than commercially available platinum catalysts for fuel cells. MORE

CLEARWATER BEACH, FL-What’s the best way to implement a successful Lean Six Sigma program in your company? Ruben Coronado, director of operational excellence for Vought Aircraft Industries Inc., will teach you how at the Assembly Summit Oct. 18-20 in Clearwater Beach, FL. MORE

DEARBORN, MI-Building on its success in measuring and reducing its own carbon footprint, Ford plans to survey 35 top global suppliers on their energy use and estimated greenhouse gas emissions. MORE

DETROIT-Chrysler is planning to add 1,100 jobs in July at its Jefferson North Assembly plant here to build the Jeep Grand Cherokee. MORE

ST. THOMAS, ON-A host of carmakers are competing to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, the last of which will roll off the assembly line here next year. MORE

FREMONT, CA-Tesla Motors has bought the recently closed NUMMI assembly plant here, where it intends to make its Model S luxury electric sedan and other future models. Also, Toyota has agreed to buy $50 million of Tesla common stock upon the completion of its planned initial public offering. MORE

MORRISTOWN, NJ-Honeywell International and DuPont have formed a joint venture to make a new refrigerant for use in automobile air conditioning. The refrigerant will have 99.7 percent lower global warming potential than current chemicals. MORE

CHARLOTTE, NC-U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Ro Khanna honored Prodigy Diabetes Care with its Export Achievement Certificate. Prodigy saw exports jump 16 percent and 22 percent during the past two years. MORE

TOKYO-Honda Motor suspended operations at two Thailand factories making cars and motorcycles due to the violent political turmoil that has engulfed Bangkok. MORE

EBENSBURG, PA-The Gamesa assembly plant here is now the plant is at full staff. With two signed wind farm contracts, the plant will be adding jobs to ship out parts. MORE