The last week was mixed for the auto sector as General Motors Company GM settled its third ignition switch lawsuit, while it was revealed that defective Takata airbags took yet another life in the U.S. Meanwhile, Tata Motors Limited TTM reported strong global wholesales for March and fiscal 2016. Even Ford Motor Co.’s F China sales data for March and the first quarter came in strong. Further, Penske Automotive Group, Inc.’s PAG subsidiary completed the acquisition of a truck dealership. (Read the previous roundup here: Auto Stock Roundup for Apr 7, 2016) Recap of the Week’s Most Important Stories 1. General Motors announced the settlement of the third ignition switch case against it. The case was filed in Nov 2013 by the widow of a victim who died in the crash of 2006 Saturn Ion in Manhattan. The accident was caused by a defective ignition switch that resulted in the shutting down of the engine, thus preventing the deployment of the airbags in the victim’s vehicle. However, the terms of the settlement were not disclosed (read more: General Motors Settles 3rd Ignition Switch Case Out of Court). 2. Defective Takata airbags claimed yet another life, taking the toll to 10 in the U.S. The victim was driving a 2002 Honda Civic, which crashed into another vehicle, resulting in the deployment of the airbag. The defective airbag exploded, shooting metal fragments into the victim’s neck, killing her. 3. Tata Motors reported that its global wholesales, inclusive of the Jaguar Land Rover, increased 11% year over year to 118,750 vehicles in Mar 2016. Cumulative global wholesales for Apr 2015 through Mar 2016 were 1,066,254 vehicles, up 8% from the year-ago figure (read more: Tata Motors' Global Wholesales Climb 8% in FY16). 4. Ford’s China sales improved 5% year over year to 114,788 vehicles in Mar 2016. Also, the automaker witnessed a 14% year-over-year increase in sales in the world’s largest automobile market to 314,454 vehicles in the first quarter of 2016 (read more: Ford's China Sales Recover in March, Q1 Volume Up 14% Y/Y). 5. Penske Automotive’s subsidiary, Premier Truck Group acquired Harper Truck Centres, a Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Bus and Fuso commercial truck dealership. This group operates in Ontario, Canada. Penske Automotive expects that this acquisition to add annual revenues of $130 million. Additionally, the company thinks that the buyout complements its partnership with the Freightliner and Western Star brands (read more: Penske Automotive Closes Harper Truck Centres Buyout). Performance Most auto stocks recorded gains over the last week, led by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC. Tesla Motors, Inc. TSLA was the biggest loser among the ones listed below over the week, although it was the biggest gainer over the last six months. Meanwhile, Advance Auto Parts, Inc. AAP lost the maximum over the longer term. Company Last 1-Week Period Last 6 Months GM+2.8%-7.7% F+1.9%-13.0% TSLA-4.1%+17.4% TM+4.8%-13.2% HMC+7.0%-12.2% HOG+1.1%-13.9% AAP+0.4%-14.2% AZO-1.4%+6.6% What’s Next in the Auto Space? On Apr 15, 2016, Thor Industries will pay a quarterly cash dividend of 30 cents per share to shareholders of record as of Apr 1. On Apr 19, 2016, Harley-Davidson will report its financial results for the first quarter of 2016. A few automakers may report their Europe sales data for March in the coming week. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PENSKE AUTO GRP (PAG): Free Stock Analysis Report FORD MOTOR CO (F): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA MOTORS (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report HONDA MOTOR (HMC): Free Stock Analysis Report TATA MOTORS-ADR (TTM): Free Stock Analysis Report ADVANCE AUTO PT (AAP): Free Stock Analysis Report GENERAL MOTORS (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research