May 2011

One million miles and counting in 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty

(May 6, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — People told Gary Mueller that he should probably think about getting a new truck when his 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty was nearing 300,000 miles.

That was more than 700,000 miles ago.

Today, Mueller says he has no plans — or reason — to retire the truck, even though it now has more than 1,020,000 miles on the clock.

Jaguar to launch million-dollar C-X75 hybrid supercar in 2013

(May 6, 2011) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar today confirmed that the C-X75 hybrid supercar that stole the spotlight at the Paris motor show last year will become reality in late 2013.

The C-X75 will become the British marque's most advanced model.

Commemorating 50 years of Corvettes and astronauts

(May 5, 2011) DETROIT — On May 5, 1961, Alan B. Shepard became the first American to travel into outer space. When he returned to terra firma, Shepard got behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette — and the legends of America’s favorite sports car and spacemen have been intertwined ever since.

On May 7, 2011, approximately 30 of America’s surviving astronauts are expected to gather at Cocoa Beach, Fla., where they will participate in a parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of Shepard’s historic sub-orbital flight. Fittingly, they will be driven in Corvettes representing all six design generations built since the famed sports car’s 1953 debut.

Golf cars to be allowed on Georgia streets — golf clubs are optional

(May 5, 2011) AUGUSTA, Ga. (PRNewswire) — Golf cars will be allowed on many local Georgia streets effective Jan. 1, 2012, thanks to a bill signed this morning by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. Known as Georgia Senate Bill 240, it creates a new class of motor vehicle called personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), which are built on "golf car-like" chassis.

GM posts fifth straight quarterly profit since emerging from bankruptcy

(May 5, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors today announced first quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $3.2 billion, or $1.77 per fully-diluted share, marking the company’s fifth consecutive profitable quarter. 

Revenue increased $4.7 billion to $36.2 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2010.

GM recalls Chevrolet Cruze over steering shaft issue

(May 5, 2011) General Motors is recalling more than 154,000 of its top-selling Chevrolet Cruze compact sedans to check that the steering shaft was properly installed. Of those vehicles, more than 120,000 cars with an automatic transmission will also be inspected to ensure the transmission shift linkage was properly installed, GM said late Wednesday.

Ford Focus, including wagon, are reaching showrooms in Europe

(May 5, 2011) COLOOGNE, Germany — Dealers across Europe will soon start selling two new versions of Ford’s all-new Focus, with production now underway of the stylish wagon and four-door versions.

The new models produced at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, assembly plant are being shipped to dealers for sale beginning in late May. Customers will now have a choice of three body styles — five-door, wagon and four-door.

Kia donates $1.5 million to Red Cross for tornado recovery assistance

(May 5, 2011) WEST POINT, Ga. — Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) announced today the donation of $1.5 million to the American Red Cross to assist with tornado relief efforts in Georgia.

"KMMG is committed to supporting our neighbors, friends and families in the State of Georgia, and our thoughts are with those who were impacted by the recent events," said Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO of Kia Motors America and KMMG.

Elantra, Sonata lead record April for Hyundai

(May 4, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America on Tuesday announced all-time record April sales of 61,754 units, up 40 percent compared with the same record-breaking period last year. For the year, total sales are up 31 percent, with retail volume rising 40 percent. 

GM to invest $131 million in Bowling Green Corvette plant

(May 4, 2011) BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — General Motors said today it will invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly plant to support production of the next generation Chevrolet Corvette, adding about 250 jobs.

“This is a significant day for anyone who believes that America should build world-class, high-performance products,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president.