PEORIA, IL-Caterpillar Inc. Chairman Jim Owens says his company has earmarked $1 billion for capital expenditures in emerging markets over the next 3 years, with the bulk of that money going to China. MORE
DETROIT-General Motors supplier American Axle & Manufacturing is threatening to hire temporary workers to replace union employees currently on strike. MORE
DETROIT-General Motors Corp. is closing the Detroit-area plant where it assembles Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne sedans, as a result of the monthlong strike at parts supplier American Axle. MORE
TOKYO-Japanese industrial production fell for the second month in a row in February, underscoring the bleak economic outlook and reinforcing market views that the Bank of Japan may be forced to cut interest rates this year. MORE
CHICAGO-Exports spurred new orders and production, with the result that U.S. business activity shrank less than forecast in March, according to a new report by the National Association of Purchasing Management. MORE
DETROIT-With no end in sight, the month long strike at auto parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is starting to hit General Motors where it hurts. MORE
AGUATSCALIENTES, Mexico-Nissan Motor Co. is temporarily suspending production at one of its Mexican factories in response to falling U.S. demand for its products. MORE
DETOIT-Auto production in the so-called “BRIC” nations-Brazil, Russia, India and China-will reach a combined total of 20 million vehicles in 2008, compared with a current total production capacity of 17.4 million vehicles in North American. MORE
HAYWARD, CA-OptiSolar Inc. is taking advantage of a $20 million incentive package from Sacramento County to locate a new 600,000-square-foot solar plant in the area. MORE
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