(November 1, 2011) Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 114,512, a 27 percent increase compared with sales in October 2010 (90,137 units), and the best October sales since 2007.

Chrysler Group’s 27 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 40 percent in October. Chrysler has beaten the average industry sales increase in nine of 10 months this year.

(November 1, 2011) NEW YORK — Toyota today announced plans to begin exporting U.S.-built Sienna minivan to distributors in South Korea. 

The Sienna is produced at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Princeton, Ind.  A top seller in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, this is the first time the vehicle will be exported outside of North America. Shipments are scheduled to begin in early November.

(November 1, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology — similar to that found in video games — to open the rear liftgate.

(November 1, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America today reported 28,028 units sold in October 2011, a 39.6 percent increase over prior year sales. Year-to-date sales are up 23.8 percent.

"As the all-new Passat and Beetle start to enter the market place, demand for Volkswagen vehicles has already exceeded last year's annual volume in the first 10 months of the year," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 

(November 1, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The newest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models have been named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2012. In addition to receiving top scores in rollover tests, both minivans achieved Good ratings in the areas of frontal, side and rear crash protection.

(October 31, 2011) Honda said today that as the flooding in Thailand continues, a number of Honda suppliers in Asia currently are unable to maintain parts production, which is disrupting the flow of parts to production operations in North America.

To better manage the available parts supply in North America and globally, effective Nov. 2, Honda said it will cut auto production in the U.S. and Canada by 50 percent through at least Nov. 10. Subsequent adjustments will be announced as they are determined based on the parts supply situation, the company said.

(October 31, 2011) ROMULUS, Mich. — General Motors will invest approximately $385 million to prepare Romulus Engine for production of an all-new, fuel efficient engine program, creating or retaining about 320 jobs.

“Customers care about fuel efficiency and performance,” said Gerald Johnson, GM manufacturing manager. “We continue to innovate to meet both these expectations and the Romulus team will be an important part of our efforts."

(October 31, 2011) NEW YORK — A host of New York City officials, including Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Yassky, today were among the first to preview the interior design planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York City’s exclusive ‘Taxi of Tomorrow,’ at the Nissan ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ Design Expo.

The exhibit will be open to the public Nov. 1-5 and features an interactive display that allows New Yorkers to fully experience new and unique taxi features developed for — and with — New Yorkers.

(October 31, 2011) SAN ANTONIO — Ford trucks and crossovers have earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo, including the 2012 Ford F-150 being named Truck of Texas — the most prestigious award. The Jeep Grand Cherokee for the second straight year was named the Sport Untility Vehicle of Texas.

(October 31, 2011) LAS VEGAS — Chevrolet Performance is offering customers the opportunity to help build their own LS7 or LS9 crate engine — a first-of-its-kind program that blends the convenience and assurance of purchasing a factory-engineered crate engine with the personal satisfaction of building one’s own engine for a project vehicle.