Inside the Industry

GM performance parts announces LSX Challenge

(January 26, 2011) GRAND BLANC, Mich. — GM Performance Parts (GMPP) announces the LSX Challenge Series. It is a four-race points drag racing series for the 2011 racing season, culminating with the 5th annual LSX Shootout, to be held in conjunction with the NMCA World Street Finals, Oct. 6-9, in Indianapolis.

Mazda to lease electric vehicles in Japan

(January 25, 2011) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation is independently developing an electric vehicle (EV) with plans to begin leasing in Japan in spring 2012. The new EV, based on its Demio subcompact (globaly known as the Mazda2), is expected to have a driving range of 120 miles and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

30 years of success — Audi is further expanding quattro technology

(January 25, 2011) The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system has been a successful technology for over 30 years and an Audi cornerstone. Now Audi is making it even better — with new models and new approaches to the technology.

Ford Transit Connect taxis hit Chicago streets in March

(January 25, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Transit Connect taxis will begin winding through the streets of the Windy City in March when a fleet of the alternative-fuel vehicles joins Yellow Cab Chicago.

Taxi Medallion Management purchased the 12 clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) Transit Connect Taxis for its fleet. The cabs will be affiliated with Yellow Cab Chicago and bear the company’s logo and color.

Chrysler kicks off ‘Blogger Game on Road Trip’

(January 25, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich.  — The Chrysler Brand has kicked off its “Blogger Game On Road Trip” when it handed over the keys to two new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedans to bloggers who drove the vehicles from Detroit to Pittsburgh, and over the next two weeks will drive across country to Dallas.

GM to add third shift, 750 jobs at Flint Assembly

(January 25, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors on Monday announced plans to add a third shift at Flint Assembly, generating 750 jobs for the plant that makes the award-winning Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups.

The shift is expected to start in the third quarter with employees starting to arrive at Flint Assembly in the second quarter.

Kia 'most improved' brand in residual value

(January 24, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia has been recognized as the "Most Improved Mainstream Brand" in the ALG Residual Value Awards brand rankings outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report , moving four spots from 14th place in 2010 to 10th in 2011.

The top brand in mainstream residual value was Subaru. Honda was second and Mazda third.

Toyota retains title as world's largest automaker

(January 24, 2011) TOKYO — Toyota was the world's largest automaker for a third year in 2010 edging out General Motors by about 300,000 units, as a recovery in global vehicle demand outweighed a decline in U.S. sales.

Toyota's sales, including its luxury Lexus marque as well as deliveries from affiliates Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., rose 8 percent to 8.42 million units in 2010, the automaker said in a statement Monday.

GM delivers 8.39 million vehicles globally in 2010

(January 24, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors reported today that it delivered 8,389,769 vehicles globally in calendar year 2010, a 12.2 percent increase from 2009 deliveries of 7,477,178.1

GM achieved double-digit increases in five of its top 10 markets, including a 28.8 percent increase in China, where GM and its partners were the first to top the 2 million sales mark in a single year, and an increase of 41.3 percent in Uzbekistan, which is now GM’s tenth-largest market by volume.

Mercedes ranked 15th on Fortune's 'Best Companies' list

(January 23, 2011) MONTVALE, N.J. — For the second straight year Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has been ranked one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine in its14th annual survey, which appears in the Feb. 7th issue.

In its second year as an entrant, MBUSA's 2011 ranking of No. 15 — up from No. 49 last year — is the sole automaker on the list and No. 8 among small organizations with less than 2,500 associates.