Inside the Industry

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.

Detroit firefighters get electrical vehicle crash training

(January 27, 2011) DETROIT — Firefighters in Detroit, where the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle is built, are learning how to deal with emergency situations involving electric vehicles. It is the final stop on a nationwide tour where more than 1,600 fire and emergency service leaders have been trained.

Man walks away from demolished Malibu, gets new one from Chevy

(January 22, 2010) DETROIT — Marc Keinath miraculously survived an icy encounter with a tractor-trailer this week. His 2004 Malibu didn’t, but Chevrolet wrote the next chapter in the amazing story on Friday, presenting Keinath with the keys to a new 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Canton plant expanded for Nissan NV van production

(January 22, 2011) Nissan on Friday officially launched production of its all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van with Job One ceremonies at its expanded Canton, Miss., assembly facility.

The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, underwent a two-year, $118 million expansion to accommodate production of the new Nissan NV, including:

Chrysler to test hydraulic hybrid minivan

(January 21, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Chrysler and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this week announced a partnership to determine the possibility of adapting a hydraulic hybrid system for large passenger cars and light-duty vehicles.

Chevy Camaro convertible to pace Indy 500

(January 21, 2011) DETROIT — A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.

Dodge, Mopar introduce vehicle information smartphone applications

(January 20, 2011) AUBURN HILLS —The Dodge brand and Mopar are making it easier than ever for owners to connect with their vehicles, giving electronic information at their fingertips with a free, new smartphone application.

Whole Foods dedicates parking spaces at Austin store for car2go users

(January 20, 2011) AUSTIN, Texas —  Car2go and Whole Foods Market announced today that four car2go dedicated parking spots are now available at the natural and organic food retailer’s flagship store at 525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin.

Whole Foods Market shoppers and who are car2go members will now have the convenience of parking and sharing car2go vehicles.

Mitsubishi to revitalize lineup in U.S. by 2014

(January 20, 2011) Mitsubishi is going to get a completely new look in the United States.

According to press reports today, the Japanese automaker is going to kill off its current lineup of U.S.-made vehicles, including the Eclipse sports car, Endeavor crossover and mid-sized Galant sedan, over the next three years and switch to producing global vehicles at its U.S. plant in Illinois.