Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp said Monday production of around 55,000 vehicles has been affected as a result of a temporary shutdown in its operations in the wake of last week’s powerful earthquake. Damage from the quake caused some parts suppliers, including Riken Corp to halt output of key engine components. …

With smoke from nearby forest and brush fires clouding the International Speedway here, I retreated to my hotel room to breathe filtered air and write this confession. It is a simple matter: Ford is right, and I am wrong. It apparently makes perfect sense for Ford to hold on to its Mercury Division, the elimination of which I have advocated for several years. It makes even more sense for Mercury to target women in its product development and marketing strategies. …