(June 7, 2011) The extreme Audi R8 GT quite literally got its second wind last week as a new open-air Spyder version.

Distilling the celebrated R8 V-10 formula into an even more concentrated form, the more intensively weight optimized GT soft-top will deliver its breathtaking pace and handling poise to just 333 customers worldwide.

(June 7, 2011) HERNDON, Va. (PRNewswire) — While much of the auto industry struggled during May, Audi sailed through the difficult sales month with its fifth-consecutive record and its best U.S. sales month in company history.

Demand for Audi luxury vehicles increased 13.6 percent  to 10,457 vehicles sold, from 9,205 vehicles sold in May 2010, marking the third-best month in Audi of America history.

(June 7, 2011) Ford is investing $100 million globally to install robotic plant laser inspection technology to improve quality through reduced wind noise and more refined fit and finish.

(June 7, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has reported May 2011 sales of 7,568 units, an increase of 59.8 percent compared to May 2010.

It was Mitsubishi's highest May sales total in three years (May 2008) and the ninth consecutive month that the company has achieved a year-over-year sales increase. Year-to date sales are up 60.7 percent.

(June 6, 2011) WEST POINT, Ga. (PRNewswire) -- Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia has begun a series of the plant's four main shops – stamping, welding, paint and general assembly – to raise annual capacity to 360,000 vehicles starting in 2012. The growth follows Kia Motors' announcement  that the Optima midsize sedan will be added to the plant's production line.

(June 5, 2011) DETROIT – The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle to earn a five-star overall vehicle score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“Safety is a key consideration for all buyers no matter how a car is powered – gas, or in the case of the Volt, electricity,” said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive.

DETROIT – For the first time in five years, an American car is the best selling compact car in the United States -- at least for one month. The Chevrolet Cruze recorded 22,711 segment-topping sales in May, and achieved its second consecutive appearance on the Top 10 across all U.S. auto segments. It edged out another America car, the Ford Focus, by 408 units.

(June 5, 2011) The president of Toyota Motor Corp. said on Saturday he expects the automaker to resume full production globally in November and its Japanese output is expected this month to recover to 90 percent of levels seen before a March earthquake, Reuters news service reported.

(June 4, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) -- Subaru of America Inc. announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement of the Isle of Man TT Races, which begin today, and will run a U.S. specification Subaru WRX STI on several timed laps of the famous TT motorcycle course. The previous timed lap for a car was run 21 years ago by legendary motorsport racer Tony Pond who completed the course at an average speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h).

(June 4, 2011) HERNDON, Va. (PRNewswire) — Volkswagen of America has reported  30,100 units sold in May 2011, a 27.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the company's best sales month since August 2003.  Year-to-date sales are up 19.7 percent.