An investigation of a potential fuel leak issue affecting a popular small Holden has now triggered a recall of almost 500 cars in New Zealand.

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, the world's second-largest maker of luxury cars, will almost double investment on "green" technologies to take on BMW in the race to offer electric vehicles.

Suzuki took out the top spot in car sales last month, selling 234 of its Swift cars.

General Motors is recalling Chevrolet and Pontiac models in the US and Europe.