Competition to buy Volvo heats up and Dodge Journey is named a top safety pick

Ford

Volvo has another possible buyer
The race to buy Volvo from Ford is heating up. Swedish and American investors are discussing a joint bid for the line, according Swedish financial daily Dagens Industri. Citing unnamed sources, the paper said the U.S. Crown consortium was in talks with Sweden's Jakob group about a possible takeover. Dagens Industri says Crown's leaders have good relations with Ford, while Jakob is led by former Volvo executives. Chinese car maker Geely Automobile has already expressed interest in Volvo, and said last month that it would raise about $334 million for a possible takeover.

--Associated Press

Three models named top safety picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has bestowed its highest award on three new models: the Dodge Journey, Lincoln MKT and Mazda3. All three vehicles received the institute's highest rating in the front, side and rear tests, and all three featured standard stability control. Of the three, only the Dodge (right) received the IIHS's top marks in every category. The Lincoln and Mazda received a handful of "Acceptable" ratings, although their overall evaluations were strong enough to receive the "Top Safety Pick" award.

--Wheelbase Communications