At upcoming Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, Kia will roll out new vehicles, and is now studying the option of expanding its North American production base - a move that might include the addition of a second U.S. assembly plant. Kia is now the fastest-growing brand in the U.S. market, noted Kia Motors America sales chief Tom Loveless, with a 78% sales surge since 2008 surpassing even Korean sibling Hyundai, as well as fast-track brands like Volkswagen and Subaru.

McDonald's Corp. will sell potato sandwiches at two vegetarian restaurants in India next year, the first such outlets for the world's biggest restaurant chain. The fast-food giant will open two locations in northern Indian cities that are pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Sikhs, according to Rajesh Kumar Maini, a spokesman for the company's North and East Indian operations. McDonald's already keeps beef and pork products off the menu in India, where a majority of the population are Hindus and Muslims.

Hoping to reverse the company's huge losses in Europe, Ford CEO Alan Mulally will pull the wraps off an assortment of new products later this week at the maker's "Go Further" product preview. Among the new and updated vehicles slated for unveiling at the Amsterdam event is the revised Ford Fiesta, the 3- and 5-door versions shown here. The subcompact will now share key styling cues seen on other recent Ford models, notably the distinctive trapezoidal grille from the all-new Ford Fusion debuting in the U.S. for 2013 - and which will be sold in Europe as the next-generation Mondeo.

Pfizer Inc. has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for its kidney cancer drug, Inlyta, meant to treat adults with an advanced type of kidney cancer.

After Excedrin products were pulled from shelves last January due to manufacturing problems, parent Novartis says the date for re-release has been pushed to the fourth quarter of 2012. In the meantime, several of Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol products are still in short supply after three years of voluntary recalls.

The mind does, indeed, see what it wants. In a new ad for the Russian market, Toyota touts the 2013 Toyota Auris hatchback with a beautiful model walking to ward the car. The model disrobes and turns around. Um, it's a guy. The model is teen Stav Strashko is 19 years old and is actually a male Ukrainian model. Says the ad, "Not trendy, not casual, not for everyone." See ad at the link.

After agreeing to pay $50M to settle a dispute with the FTC over advertising claims, Skechers is planning a marketing campaign that will go worldwide with Joe Montana, Mark Cuban, Tommy LaSorda and Super Bowl 'star' Mr. Quiggly, including a spot during Super Bowl XLVII.

CITGO Petroleum Corp. has launched the fall installment of its Fueling Good program. The campaign, in its fourth year, recognizes and rewards local heroes who make a difference in their communities. Starting today, non-profit organizations can enter to win a share of $60,000 in CITGO gift cards by submitting their stories at www.FuelingGood.com. Up to 12 organizations will receive $5,000 in gift cards when the contest ends, said the company. From Oct. 17 to Nov. 28, people can vote online for the entry that is doing the most good.

A coalition of 75 fishing-related organizations and states are supporting new legislation to enhance seafood marketing throughout the nation and abroad. Proposed legislation, to be introduced in September, would spend $50 million per year to market American seafood. Bruce Schactler of Kodiak, director of the coalition, said he thought a national marketing effort could revitalize the seafood industry. "There's great opportunity for us to expand and to bring more volume," Schactler said.

A lot of promotions are hitting before the Sept. 11 DVD and Blu-Ray release of Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman. Some 165 bars and restaurants in seven cities will have window clings of the characters. Twenty participating nail salons around the country will offer free "Queen Ravenna Red" polish changes and a keepsake mirrored key chain. Thirteen participating Kelly's Coffee & Fudge shops in the SoCal area will feature specially-created Snow White & the Huntsman candied apples along with complimentary promotional items from Sept. 7 through Oct 7.