Volkswagen expanded its U.S. auto-loan unit’s central customer-service office to increase the workforce 28 percent as part of a push to reach the top spot in global vehicle deliveries.

BMW stepped down on Wednesday from its role in an automotive industry research program investigating the safety of a potential new air conditioning refrigerant, disagreeing with the test methods employed.

Chrysler Group agreed to make a U.S. unit of Banco Santander SA its preferred provider for auto loans, replacing Ally Financial.