Car Companies Start Making Money While the Royal Wedding Gets a Used Car

Almost two years to the day after Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection, the auto maker, now partially owned by Italy's Fiat, announced plans to pay back the $7.5 billion in loans from the U.S. government. The deal will give Fiat a larger stake -- 46% -- in Chrysler and be funded by new bank loans.

Auto industry earnings

Chrysler isn't the only auto maker on better financial footing these days. It's earning season and Volkswagen, Ford, Kia and Hyundai have all posted strong profits. But the earthquake in Japan pounded Honda profits as it continues to run factories at reduced capacity because of parts shortages.

As we wait for auto sales, there are further signs of rebound in the U.S. motorcycle market. Both new motorcycle sales and motorcycle tire sales (a sign of increased ridership) have risen in recent months, riding demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

While motorcycles might be more dangerous than cars, steering wheels in vehicles are typically dirtier than public toilet seats according to a recent study.

Touchscreens are becoming more prevalent in cars; 3D televisions are showing up in homes, and now one company is developing 3D screens for vehicles that won't require special glasses.

Amid all the buzz around the Royal Wedding there is a little nugget for car people. Wills and Katie will be riding from the nuptials in an old Rolls-Royce given to Queen Elizabeth (his grandmum) in 1977 on her Silver Jubilee.

Finally, the Fast and the Furious series has been one of the more successful auto-themed movie franchises and the lastest edition -- Fast Five -- is getting surprisingly good reviews. Will you go see it?

• Check in Monday for a new GTSOTR podcast.