Auto

Two big auto companies are nearly ready to launch electric vehicles for the American market: GM's Chevy Volt debuts in November, Nissan's Leaf rolls out a month later; but is American ready to make the transition from gasoline-fueled cars to ones powered by electric batteries? Sarah Gardner reports.

GM said it earned more than $800 million in the first three months of the year. Compare that to a $6 billion loss a year ago and billions in bailout money from Uncle Sam. What's next on the automaker's agenda? Alisa Roth reports.

Ford has managed to have four straight profitable quarters and a rising stock price without any government help. The secret: Americans' love for trendy, European-style cars. Jill Barshay reports.

Avis has joined Hertz in the race to buy Dollar Thrifty. The rental car industry is anticipating a better travel market this summer, and Thrifty would provide an in to the tourist sector. Alisa Roth reports.

April auto sales were up 24% over last year. Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl talks with Tess Vigeland about where the gains are coming from, and whether we can celebrate an auto industry turnaround.

Auto analysts anticipate an increase in U.S. car sales as the economy picks up again. Many of the new vehicles will also be manufactured domestically. Jill Barshay reports.

Rental car company Hertz is aiming to grab a bigger share of the vacation rental market with the purchase of the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group. Bob Moon reports.

Russia's version of a "Cash for Clunkers" program has the intended benefit of boosting the country's slumping car sales. But it also has the potential long-term effect of producing an organized junk yard culture. Peter van Dyk reports.

Today Chrysler issue its first financial results since Italian car maker Fiat took it over. But analysts don't expect a large improvement yet; the new Fiat-designed cars won't come out until next year. John Dimsdale reports.

Nissan starts taking orders today for the Leaf, it's new all-electric vehicle. While it's family-friendly and cost-competitive with the Honda Civic, Alisa Roth reports the car faces two big challenges.