May 2010

Sources say Ford plans to kill Mercury by starving it of product

(May 31, 2010) DETROIT — Ford plans to kill the 71-year-old Mercury brand slowly by starving it of product, two sources tell industry publication Automotive News.

Ford leaders plan to propose eliminating Mercury to the board of directors in July. They believe Ford no longer can justify the cost of supporting Mercury in light of the brand's declining volume, the sources say, according to Automotive News.

Dodge gets new logo for advertising and merchandising

(May 30, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — As the Dodge brand redefines itself with new lifestyle packages, new ads, events and sponsorships, and a slew of upcoming new products, it's using its brand name to send a clear message that its "forever young" attitude and performance-driven history will drive the brand into the future.

Fisker raises $189 million for luxury plug-in hybrid

(May 29 2010) Fisker Automotive said on Friday that it has raised $189 million, enabling the California startup to launch its plug-in hybrid sports car this year.

GM exits development agreement with Reva

(May 29, 2010) MUMBAI, India — General Motors has ended a partnership with Indian firm Reva Electric Car Co. to produce electric cars and will now develop the vehicle in its hometown of Detroit, the head of its Indian operations said according to a Reuters story appearing in industry journal Automotive News.



Retro Saab — Spyker looks to Saab 92 for new small car

(May 29, 2010) STOCKHOLM — Bloomberg news reports that  Spyker Cars, Saab's owner, is in talks with automakers to share technology and a platform for a new car based on a 1950s Saab model, CEO Victor Muller said.



“Discussions are already ongoing,” Muller said in a telephone interview on his way from Gothenburg, Sweden, to Saab's plant in Trollhaettan. “That will be on my plate for the next 100 days.

Buick says Regal GS sports sedan is a go

(May 28, 2010) In January Buick debuted the Regal GS showcar at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.  After a lot of positive consumer feedback, Buick announced that it will build the Regal GS.  No further details are available at this time.

The base Regal CXL began arriving in dealerships earlier this month.

Report says Ford to wind down Mercury

(May 27, 2010) Bloomberg News reported today that Ford is preparing to wind down the Mercury line, created in 1939 by Edsel Ford, after sales plunged 74 percent since 2000. Two people familiar with the plan were cited as sources.

The automaker's top executives are preparing a proposal to kill Mercury to be presented to directors in July, said the people, who asked not to be identified revealing internal discussions.

Horoscope, stock quotes, movie lisitings and more added to SYNC

(May 27, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. – Horoscopes, stock quotes, movie listings and access to airlines, rental cars and hotels are now just a voice command away for customers driving Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with the SYNC® app Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI).

And customers did not have to inquire, purchase or upgrade anything to get this whole new set of services. All that is needed is an active owner account on www.syncmyride.com.

Ford recalling 2010 Rangers for defective parking brake

(May 26, 2010) Ford is recalling model year 2010 Ranger vehicles for defective parking brake.

On Rangers made from June 8, 2009, through Feb. 2, 2010, equipped with manual transmissions, it is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather.

Docherty gets internationl sales position with GM

(May 25, 2010) General Motors today announced that Susan E. Docherty has been appointed GM vice president, International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, effective June 1.  Docherty, 47, will report to Tim Lee, president, GM International Operations (GMIO).

 "Growth in China and other emerging markets is important to the company’s future,” said GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre.  “We are counting on Susan to make a significant contribution and I am glad to have her running this critical part of our business."