(March 18, 2011) WAYNE, Mich. — Ford is celebrating production of its all-new global Ford Focus, built for North American customers in its completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP). Following a $550 million transformation, the plant features an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability.

(March 18, 2011) STUTTGART, Germany (PRNewswire) — Daimler AG is providing two million euros ($2.8 million) as immediate aid for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The donation is intended to support the disaster relief and aid actions in the northeast of the country.

(March 18, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will voluntarily recall 18,056 model-year 2011 Civic vehicles in the U.S. to inspect and possibly replace the fuel pump module inside the gasoline tank.

(March 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES (PRNewswire) — A group of U.S. senators and representatives have introduced legislation to the new Congress that would establish federal driver's licensing standards for a high risk auto insurance group: beginning drivers.

Statistics show that teenagers are four times more likely to get into a crash than older drivers, and car insurance companies routinely charge younger drivers more for coverage in order to compensate for the increased risk. 

(March 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — With gasoline already more than $4 per gallon in some American cities, the new fuel-saving dual dry-clutch Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic is the right transmission at the right time.

(March 17, 2011) Porsche’s board has selected its Leipzig plant to build its new junior crossover, the Cajun. The new vehicle will be based on the Audi Q5, and will become the cheapest new Porsche on sale when it arrives in 2013.

The decision was made by the supervisory board. The monitoring body authorized the board of management to finalize plans for the plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the Cajun, including body assembly line and paint shop.

(March 17, 2011) DETROIT — Winners in college sports are well documented, but the victories earned by campus champions away from the game are often more impactful, yet rarely get the same attention. That’s why, as part of a new corporate partnership, Buick, NCAA, Turner Sports and CBS Sports will shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of former student-athletes making a difference in their communities.

(March 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has received two patents related to SmartGauge with EcoGuide, an innovative instrument cluster for hybrid owners. The technology provides real-time information to help change driving behaviors and help maximize fuel efficiency.

(March 16, 2011) DETROIT — Consumer demand for fuel efficiency and advancements in engine technology have moved four-cylinder models to the top of consumers’ shopping lists. 

In 2007, four-cylinder models represented 23 percent of Chevrolet retail sales in the United States, less than either V-6 or V-8 equipped models. So far this year that number has increased to 46 percent, making fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines the top choice in the Chevrolet lineup. 

(March 16, 2011) DETROIT — With gas prices rising, GMC Terrain owners can take solace in the compact crossover’s segment-leading EPA-rated 32 highway mpg, achieved in part by the use of lightweight eco-friendly parts.