German auto giant Volkswagen has announced the completion of a new R&D centre at its hub in Hebei, eastern China, saying that for the first time in the company's history, new cars can be developed from start to finish outside Germany. Volkswagen is hoping to win back its share in the world's largest auto market. Also in the segment: the UK government has backed a plan for a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport, moving the long-running project forward.