The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) has reached tentative settlements with both General Motors and Chrysler that meet the pattern it first established with Ford. The CAW represents close to 13,000 workers at General Motors and 8,000 with Chrysler in Canada.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada is urging Canadians to take precautions this holiday weekend, and not drive when impaired by alcohol or drugs, or get into any vehicle, including boats or ATVs, with a driver who is impaired.

Toyota Canada has announced that a CarProof vehicle history is now a requirement for certification under its Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) Program.

Volvo Cars’ new City Safety system, which will debut on the new XC60, has won the Technology category at the Fleet World Honours Awards 2008 in London, its first U.K. award. Volvo Car UK is currently involved in a discussion with insurance companies on the possibility of lower insurance premiums for cars equipped with the feature.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that its all-new C63 AMG will be arriving at dealerships across Canada in May, with a starting price of $63,500. Based on the all-new 2008 C-Class, the C63 AMG uses an AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, mated to an AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed automatic transmission.

Several automakers have announced further contributions to aid programs, in the wake of the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced that worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius hybrid have topped the one million mark, with approximately 1,028,000 units sold as of the end of April 2008.

General Motors has announced it will introduce two new engines with significant fuel efficiency gains for vehicles marketed in Europe and other regions, starting in 2009. The announcement was made at a GM Powertrain Europe event showcasing its line-up of technologies currently under development.

Transport Canada has issued its latest recalls, which may affect some General Motors, Lamborghini, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan and Honda vehicles, and some Pirelli Tires.

The Mitsubishi Galant sedan has scored the highest possible rating of “Good” for both frontal offset and side impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The results were for the 2008 models; the company said that passive safety systems on the 2009 Galant are identical.