Buick

General Motors has called back thousands of Impala and LaCrosse sedans for potential fire hazards and stability-control systems. Meanwhile, Philips calls back a compact fluorescent light that can cut. And Miss Bonnie's Gourmet warns that its cheese spread could be contaminated with salmonella.

Actor Joe Mantegna has made a living at make-believe for more than 40 years. But though he could probably afford to splurge, he swears by a get-real financial credo. "Always live within your means," said Mantegna, the voice of Grem the mobster in Cars 2, which opens Friday.

The Chinese auto market is growing at a blistering pace despite concerns about the withdrawal of government incentive programs and the supply chain disruption from the tragic Japanese tsunami. Trefis thinks GM will be one of the main beneficiaries of this growth.

A software glitch in certain Buick Lacrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossovers could decrease a driver's visibility in fog or ice, prompting GM to recall 10,000 of the vehicles.

It was a good month for auto sales despite inclement weather across much of the country and surging oil prices. Cars sold near an annual pace of 13 million vehicles. That would make February the best on record since the "cash for clunkers" rebate program in 2009.

GM models sold smartly despite the steadily rising price of gas. GM says it sold 207,028 vehicles during the month. The increase was driven largely by a 70% jump in retail, or individual consumer, sales.

Major automakers are set to release February sales figures on Tuesday, and analysts expect the reports will show sales improved 20% compared to a year ago. Consumers continued to warm to the slowly improving economy -- so far, despite surging oil prices.

General Motors sales rose 21.8% in January compared to a year ago on strong sales across its lines of passenger cars, "crossover" vehicles and trucks, the automaker said Tuesday. Each of the automaker's four divisions recorded higher sales for the month.

A slowly brightening economy combined with low financing rates and generally stable fuel prices have put consumers in a buying mood. New models, particularly from Ford and GM, are also helping to keep U.S. auto sales on a positive trajectory as 2011 starts.

With U.S. automotive dominance waning, a new moniker has emerged: the "Detroit Three." Still, don't count out Ford, GM or Chrysler. Their post-recession future looks strong, thanks to some agonizing restructuring. Now, they can be profitable selling fewer cars.