Air Canada launches new regional brand to replace Jazz.

Amazon vs. Apple "app store" spat continues, while Apple moves to trademark "startup."

Apple iPad 2 finally goes on sale in Japan this week, plus 11 other countries.

Barclay's posts disappointing results.

BP's Russian saga continues as net profit rises, Gulf clean-up costs continue.

Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ace crash tests.Continue reading...

New campaigns crossing our transom include Starbucks' Earth Day 2011 promotion. On April 22nd, bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee.

To illustrate how "One person can save trees, together we can save forests. For the good of the planet, Starbucks is encouraging everyone to switch from paper cups to reusable travel mugs," the above clip shows how last month "thousands of New Yorkers made the switch" from (old logo) disposable coffee cups.

Below, new spots for Nike, Budget, Pepsi Max and more.Continue reading...

AT&T introduces first prepaid smartphone with LG.

BP readies to argue about financial assessment of Gulf spill damage, and scrambles to save deal with Rosneft.

Cisco cheered on Wall Street for killing the Flip video camera.

JPMorgan quarterly profit surges.

Kroger fuels up gas-reward program.

Levi Strauss plans to bring Denizen jeans brand to U.S. after Asian success.

Method launches new green campaign.Continue reading...

Airbus says Mideast unrest could wipe out up to 40% of orders.

Alfa Romeo delays planned return to US.

BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion plots a rebound.

BP flounders in Russia.

CBS prepares to part ways with Katie Couric, as Couric and Matt Lauer explore reteaming for a daytime syndicated talk show.

Charlie Sheen gets two standing ovations in NYC Sunday after bombing Friday.

Christian Louboutin sues Yves Saint Laurent for allegedly violating trademark red sole.Continue reading...

As recently as three years ago, the continuing fight for the No. 1 spot in the global automotive market was presumed to come down to a battle between General Motors and Toyota.

But now, it appears that the pinnacle of the industry actually might be open for the taking by any number of companies. And Volkswagen has made clear that it intends to plant its flag on the peak within a few years.

How will Volkswagen drive from essentially an also-ran in this competition to the winner? The German automotive giant has begun to lay out its multi-pronged strategy.

Although VW executives won’t say so, their opportunity begins with the fall-off of the other main contenders.Continue reading...

As Japan crisis continues and Tokyo Electric Power raises concerns, GE's $1 billion nuclear business is at risk as US ponders future of nuclear energy. The estimated hit to Japan's economy (so far): $200 billion.

AOL is repositioning to attract more women.

Chicago tests 911 cellphone pictures and video.

Daimler weighs paying higher dividends.

Facebook patents curated search.

Guinness to roll out soccer-themed game show in Africa.Continue reading...

Global brands respond with relief efforts for Japan.

Adidas kicks off biggest-ever campaign on March 16th.

Amazon tops survey of brand value perception.

BMW relies on X-3 and 6 Series for profit growth.

BYD may prove a terrible bet for Warren Buffett.

Disney tries to learn from failure of Mars Needs Moms. 

Facebook takes aim at Groupon, which also faces competition from Gowalla.Continue reading...

Amazon sued over instant search patent.

American Express powers Foursquare specials at SXSW, where Apple opens pop-up store for iPad 2 sales.

Angry Birds raises $42 million. 

AOL readies post-Huffington Post deal layoffs of 20% workforce reduction.

Bluefly tries social gaming.

Caesars plans Asia hotels, without gambling for now. 

Chrysler’s Twitter account accidentally drops the F-bomb, fires social media agency tweeter.Continue reading...