February 2011

Geneva Motor Show opens Thursday

(February 28, 2011) The 81st Geneva Motor Show opens to the public Thursday (March 3) offering a huge assortment of new and concept sheet metal. It has been estimated that more than 170 world and European premieres will be on the show floor. That's twice the number than a year ago.

Ford explains new Focus technologies using advertising

(February 28, 2011) NEW YORK — The new Focus is the highest-tech and most globally integrated car Ford has ever produced. The way the company is introducing the new product to worldwide consumers is a first of its kind, too.

Daimler to recruit 10,000 people worldwide this year including 1,300 in U.S.

(February 28, 2011) STUTTGART, Germany (PRNewswire) — Daimler plans to recruit more than 10,000 people worldwide in 2011, 4,000 in Germany alone. 6,700 skilled workers and approximately 700 graduates will be recruited directly all over the world.

Kia to have expanded presence at Homestead-Miami Speedway

(February 28, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Just five weeks after capturing its first podium finish at Daytona, Kia Motors will have an expanded presence both on and off the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway as the title sponsor of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race on March 5. 

Mercedes-Benz increases coverage of its Certified Pre-Owned extended warranty

(February 27, 2011) MONTVALE, N.J. (PRNewswire) — As a pioneer in pre-owned vehicle programs, Mercedes-Benz USA has introduced an enhanced extended limited warranty for its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. 

Crate engine auction pumps $67,000 into Heart Association

(February 27, 2011) DETROIT — GM Performance Parts (GMPP) presented the American Heart Association with the proceeds from the auction of the first production LSX454R crate engine last week at the Go Red for Women Luncheon at the MGM Grand Detroit.

Ford Focus suppliers adding jobs in 22 countries

(February 26, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — As the all-new Ford Focus gets set to hit dealer showrooms across Europe and North America, Ford’s global supply network is expanding to meet the needs of the vehicle’s international launch.

Of the 310 suppliers in 22 countries making parts for the new Focus, many are adding jobs, facilities and equipment in local communities to produce the vehicle.

Toyota to add transmission capacity to West Virginia plant

(February 25, 2011) BUFFALO, W.Va. (PRNewswire) —Toyota announced today it will add 6-speed automatic transmission capacity at its plant in Buffalo. The $64 million investment will create approximately 40 new jobs in West Virginia. 

Daimler fuel cell world tour begins journey across U.S.

(February 25, 2011) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive embarked on the second leg — the North American segment — of its tour of the world today with three B-Class F-CELL hydrogen vehicles leaving Fort Lauderdale for New Orleans.

In total, the vehicles will be covering around 4,660 miles in the U.S. and Canada, after which they will leave via Seattle to continue their journey to Australia.

Robonaut 2 begins first mission on board Discovery

(February 25, 2011) About 264 miles above the Earth, Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid robot developed by General Motors and the NASA Johnson Space Center, has finally begun its first mission.

R2 has been packed aboard the space shuttle orbiter Discovery since fall 2010 and was originally scheduled to go into space in early November. The final launch of Discovery on Thursday was delayed by a combination of weather and technical issues with the orbiter.