Stocks in the news: Ford, Palm, Del Monte Foods

The following post rounds up the companies making headlines today:

Ford Motor Co. (F) -- Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. is reportedly considering buying Ford's Volvo unit. The Chinese automaker would be one of three or four companies that have expressed interested in Volvo. Ford said last year that it wants to sell the unit so that it can focus its efforts on three core brands: Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. Ford acquired Volvo in 1999 for $6.45 billion from Volvo AB.

Palm (PALM) announced that Jon Rubinstein, a former executive behind Apple's iPod, will become chairman and CEO, replacing Ed Colligan, who is leaving after 16 years. Shares gained over 3 percent after the move was announced.