DEARBORN, MI-Union leaders from Ford Motor Co. plants across the country have unanimously approved a new four-year contract. Now it’s up to the rank and file. MORE

DEARBORN, MI-Ford has agreed to keep a number of plants running for at least four years in return for salary and healthcare concessions from the United Auto Workers. MORE

DETROIT-Even assuming Ford quickly reaches a deal with workers, the UAW and Big Three still have their work cut out for them if they are going to truly turn things around. MORE

LONDON-In his new book Love and Sex with Robots, British artificial intelligence researcher David Levy claims that by the mid-21st century, robots may serve for some as the perfect partner. MORE

TOKYO-A number of high-profile executive defections underline a new danger looming for the Japanese automaker-the lure of U.S. companies wooing the best in its ranks. MORE

MARYSVILLE, OH-The first Japanese auto plant in America recently turned 25 and will soon be building its 9 millionth vehicle. MORE

AUBURN HILLS, MI-Chrysler has announced that in the coming months it will lay off between 8,500-10,000 hourly workers and 1,000 salaried and temporary employees. MORE

LIMAVADY, Northern Ireland-Despite receiving tens of millions of dollars in government support, computer components supplier Seagate Technologies has decided to layoff more than 900 Irish employees as its shifts production to Asia. MORE

SEATTLE-Former 787 chief Mike Bair says the Dreamliner’s current production problems are largely the result of a supply chain that is either unable or “unwilling” to deliver on its promises. MORE

HEFEI, China-Automotive-supplier Continental AG plans to invest $216 million to build a new tire factory in China. The plant will be Continental AG’s first in the country. MORE