Inside the Industry

Ford, MIT study ways to reduce driver stress

(November 5, 2010) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Ford Motor Company and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) New England University Transportation Center (NEUTC) has revealed results from a nine-month advanced research project that shows drivers are less stressed when using selected new technological advancements in the car.

Toyota expects larger full-year profit

(November 5, 2010) Toyota raised its full-year profit forecast as sales in Asia grew more than estimated, outweighing the impact of a stronger yen.

Net income may total 350 billion yen ($4.3 billion) for the 12 months ending March 31, compared with an earlier estimate of 340 billion yen, the company said in a statement.

Sorento leads record Kia sales with nearly 90,000 sold

(November 5, 2010) IRVINE, Calif. — The Kia Sorento mid-sized crossover vehicle, built at a new plant in Georgia, has become a star for the brand as it just completed its best sales quarter in company history.

Buick Regal GS to be unveiled in Miami

(November 4, 2010) Buick today reveals the production version of the 2012 Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family.

Nissan raises profit forecast

(November 4, 2010) Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third-largest automaker, raised its profit and global unit-sales forecasts after boosting net income by almost four times in the last quarter, Bloomberg News reports.

General Motors reaches 2 million sales in China

(November 4, 2010) SHANGHAI — General Motors today became the first global automaker to sell 2 million vehicles in China in a single year.

“This is another important milestone for General Motors in China,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “It was only three years ago that GM became the first global automaker to reach the 1 million annual sales mark in China.”

Ford makes Fiesta R2 rally package available in U.S.

(November 4, 2010) LAS VEGAS — For rally fans looking to imitate what successful Ford rally drivers Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latlava and Ken Block have accomplished, a new Fiesta R2 rally package is the place to start.

Currently available throughout Europe, Ford Racing is bringing the competition-ready package stateside to let enthusiasts turn their five-door Fiesta into a Fiesta R2 that’s ready to compete on the roads of RallyCar’s Rally America National Championship.

Automakers post solid sales gains in October

(November 3, 2010) Strong showings from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and Honda, combined with some big gains by smaller automakers, made October a surprisingly strong sales month.

The single disappointment was at Toyota where sales dipped 4 percent compared to October 2009.

Ford, Progress Energy prepare for electric vehicles in N.C.

(November 3. 2010) RALEIGH, N.C. — Ford and Progress Energy today announced a joint effort to help prepare the Research Triangle area of North Carolina for the operation of electric vehicles.

Ford and Progress Energy will work together to develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support the demand.

Magazine names Lotus Evora 'Most Fun to Drive' car

(November 3, 2010) Popular Mechanics has named the all-new 2011 Lotus Evora "The Most Fun to Drive" car during its annual automotive testing, identifying 10 categories of winners in desgin, execution and technology.