The resurgent automaker reported Monday that its worldwide sales last year came within 30,000 of beating Japanese rival Toyota, which took a big hit because of safety recalls.

The Chrysler 300, once a hot-selling sedan distinguished by a tall grille and big wheels, will attempt a comeback at the Detroit auto show.

Speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in a single vehicle crash that killed two people near Lacrosse. The driver, 38-year-old Christopher A. Glowen of Spokane Valley, was ejected from the vehicle. Glowen and his passenger, 28-year-old Yvonne M. Weed of Spokane, died at the scene.

General Motors Co. has repaid the $8.1 billion in loans it got from the U.S. and Canadian governments, a move its CEO says is a sign automaker is on the road to recovery.

General Motors Co. will fully repay the $6.7 billion loan portion of its U.S. government aid earlier than its previously promised payback date of June, a person briefed on the plans said Monday.

A person briefed on the matter says General Motors Co. CEO Ed Whitacre will announce on Wednesday that the company will repay its remaining $4.7 billion in U.S. government loans earlier than expected.

Ford Motor Co.'s market momentum got a lift Monday by winning both the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.

The Blue Devils (17-2) found a way to keep their emotional season going, shaking off a blown seven-goal lead in the second half to beat Cornell 12-11 with a last-second goal.