Inside the Industry

Fiat gains contolling stake in Chrysler

(June 3, 2011) Fiat will pay $500 million for the U.S. government's 6 percent stake in Chrysler Group, it was announced Thursday, boosing its Chrysler stake to a controlling 52 percent from 46 percent. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said the agreement marked the complete exit of the U.S. Treasury as a Chrysler Group shareholder.

NFL star Tom Brady to kick off Audi Best Buddies Challenge

(June 3, 2011) HERNDON, Va. (PRNewswire) -- Audi returns for the fourth year as the official vehicle of Best Buddies International and the title sponsor of the 2011 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.  Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies is a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Chevrolet to mark centennial with Woodard Dream Cruise

(June 3, 2011) DETROIT -- Chevrolet will be the presenting sponsor for the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise, a grassroots event that each August draws some 1.5 million car enthusiasts to Michigan’s legendary Woodward Avenue.  This year’s Dream Cruise on Aug. 20, the first in the three-year sponsorship agreement, will help mark Chevrolet’s Centennial.

Audi told to 'cease and desist' on A6 commerical

(June 3, 2011) AdWeek reports that singer/songwriter Eminem's publisher and Chrysler Group are up in arms over a new Audi commerical that appears to borrow liberally from the now famous "Imported from Detroit" commerical first seen on Super Bowl Sunday.

Ford adding 1-liter EcoBoost engine, eight-speed transmission to its inventory

(June 2, 2011)  DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford is expanding its range of fuel-efficient powertrains in North America with the addition of a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost  three-cylinder – the smallest engine Ford has ever built – and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, Ford's next generation of hybrid vehicles, including a new plug-in hybrid that will launch next year, will have a Ford-engineered transmission that will be built in Michigan.

Volvo to expand U.S. plant for transmission production

(June 2, 2011) As a result of the strong demand for I-Shift – Volvo’s mechanical transmission with automated gearchanging function – Volvo Trucks today announced that the company will start assembly of I-Shift gearboxes in its production plant in the USA starting in the third quarter of 2012.

Toyota offers 5,000 miles of free gas with purchase in UK

(June 2, 2011) Toyota is offering an estimated six months of free fill-ups (5,000 miles maximum) for the purchase of a new Aygo, Yaris, Auris and Verso in the UK. That's a deal that might move a view vehicles off the lots in the United States as well.

Each new car will be sold with a pre-loaded Visa card covering the cost of 5,000 miles of motoring – about the distance covered on average in six months of driving.

Chrysler outshines GM, Ford in May with 10 percent gain

(June 2, 2011) The Chrysler Group showed surprising strength in what turned out to be a lackluster May for its U.S. rivals, General Motors and Ford. Chrysler reported sales of 115,363, a 10 percent increase over May 2010 and moved into third place in market share ahead of Toyota.

Chrysler's success can be attributed to a large number of all-new or significantly-refreshed 2011 models and the resurgence of the Jeep brand, which showed a 55 percent gain over May 2010.

Japanese brands struggle in May; sales at GM, Ford sluggish

(June 1, 2011) May light vehicle sales in the U.S. were mixed with more losers than winners. As expected Honda and Toyota saw their sales falter because of low inventory created by parts shortages following the March earthquake in Japan.

Toyota sold 108,387 units, a decrease of 33 percent compared to the same period last year. Honda was down 23 percent compared to May 2010 with sales of 90,773. Year-to-date, Toyota is down 1 percent and Honda is up 7 percent.

Kia posts record sales for third straight month

(June 1, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America's unprecedented growth trend continued in May with the brand posting its best-ever monthly sales of 48,212 units — a 53.4-percent increase from May 2010, and a 2.4-percent increase over the previous record set last month.