The FINANCIAL -- Mercedes-Benz has handed over more than a million A-Class models of the current generation to customers worldwide since the market launch in autumn 2004, according to Daimler.

The FINANCIAL -- BP, one the UK’s leading graduate recruiters, announced that it is increasing its annual UK graduate recruitment by 50 per cent, to nearly 250 graduates, in 2012.

The FINANCIAL -- The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc announced an interim dividend in respect of the fourth quarter of 2011 of US$0.42 per A ordinary share and B ordinary share, equal to the US dollar dividend for the same quarter last year, from Shell.

The FINANCIAL -- IBM has been selected for a global research project to develop the world’s first integrated environmental monitoring system aimed at helping oil and gas companies minimize the environmental impact of their operations, according to IBM.

The FINANCIAL -- Natural gas prices have continued their downward trend this winter as a result of warmer-than-normal temperatures, ample natural gas in storage, and growing production.

The FINANCIAL -- Following the teaser ad released in mid-January, and no longer able to keep the full spot contained, Lexus has unleashed “The Beast,” the company’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial, prior to Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5 on NBC, according to Toyota Motor.

The FINANCIAL -- The 2013 model year Toyota Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle will make its North American debut on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the Toyota display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, according to Toyota.

The FINANCIAL -- Tata Consultancy Services,one of a leading IT services, consulting and business solutions firm announced the official opening of its Silicon Valley Customer Collaboration Center in Santa Clara, California.

The FINANCIAL -- For more than four decades, the Porsche 911 has been deemed an automotive icon and the very epitome of the sports car. That means that the launch of the new Type 991 is an important event for the Porsche Museum Stuttgart as well.