The investigation involves an undetermined number of employees at the dealership suspected of defrauding Chrysler, according to the company and a sheriff's department statement reported by local media.

Dollar Thrifty has become the target of a takeover battle as bigger rivals expand into the highly lucrative leisure car rental market - which has remained healthy despite the recession because of stable demand from budget-minded consumers.

Ford is selling Volvo to Geely for $1.8 billion, less than one-third of what it paid for the Swedish automaker in 1999.

The new investigation by NHTSA is focusing on front subframe corrosion on the right side that has led to 87 complaints and three crashes. The agency had initially studied rear axles on Windstars from the 1999-2003 model years.

Ford purchasing chief Tony Brown is using two key promotions to revamp purchasing and provide 'a single point of contact' for suppliers.