MILWAUKEE-Motorcycle builder Harley-Davidson is cutting production to help it cope with weakening demand. MORE

DETROIT-Hopes remained high among union local leaders late Sunday that the UAW and General Motors Corp. would reach a tentative agreement - including a deal to transfer the full responsibility for the automaker’s retiree health care to the union in exchange for U.S. job security. MORE

OXFORD, England-After investing some $405 million in the facility over the past 2 years, BMW has decided to produce the new Mini Clubman at an assembly plant in Southern England. MORE

VERACRUZ, Mexico-At least five auto plants in Mexico shut down Wednesday after explosions Tuesday cut off natural gas supplies. A leftist group claimed responsibility for the blasts. MORE

BURNASTON, Derbyshire-Toyota is close to completing an $81 million refurbishment of its assembly plant in Burnaston, which is now in its 15th year of operation. MORE

PITTSBURGH-Boeing Co.’s 787 Dreamliner and the new super-jumbo A380 aircraft from Airbus have caused a 20 percent spike in demand for specialized fasteners. MORE

DETROIT-Chrysler has been forced to cut production at four assembly plants in the United States because of defective parts made in China. MORE

DETROIT-The UAW, already under pressure to accept massive health care cuts and other concessions, will have a hard time winning promises of new work from Detroit automakers, which analysts say still have too many plants in North America. MORE

DALIAN, China-Chipmaker Intel Corp. has begun construction of a $2.5 billion 300mm wafer fabrication facility, set for completion in 2010. MORE

WASHINGTON-The National Association of Manufacturers says recent unemployment statistics reflect the federal government’s inability to craft sensible, pro-growth policies for the nation. MORE