Detroit mock city: U.S. automakers General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have pledged $26 million to help Detroit, struggling with bankruptcy, keep its pension system afloat and the Motor City’s art treasures off the auction block.
Unfortunately, GM had to recall its $10 million share because of faulty currency straps around the bundles of 100-dollar bills.
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Keep the seat belt on; it burns more calories: The average vehicle in the last 12 years has gained more than 800 pounds of weight. So automakers are looking at lighter materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum foam and plastic to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.
Do-it-yourselfers can attempt to trim a little weight in the car, too, by turning up the heater and doing hot yoga. Just not while driving.
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Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1907, 11 men in five cars set out on a race from Beijing to Paris. Prince Scipione Borghese of Italy, driving an Itala, was the first to arrive at the finish line two months later.
Borghese, however, was sent back to Beijing because he forgot the egg rolls.
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