A roundup of this week’s news involving automotive suppliers.

“There was a bit of a hangover from the investigation last year, but for the most part our research tells us that’s behind us,” Chevrolet marketing chief Chris Perry tells WardsAuto.

The Explorer Sport, powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine, also is targeting domestic competitors. Peterson says the new Explorer should take a bite out of Dodge Durango R/T and Grand Cherokee sales.

Auto industry R&D is heavily represented in France, and the country encourages research with tax benefits. Last year’s 20 biggest filers published 38% more patents than in 2010.