Automakers

In August, Ford is on track to post its highest monthly F-Series and Escape sales of 2009 following strong sales for both vehicles in July

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 27, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today announced it is adding third production shifts at its Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant’s sport utility line to help meet strong demand for Ford F-150 pickups and Escape utility vehicles.

In August, Ford expects to post its first monthly year-over-year sales increase for F-Series trucks since October 2006, as well as another record-setting sales month for Escape.    » read more »

Expansion brings 240 new jobs to North Alabama

August 21, 2009 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley today commented on news that Toyota plans to expand its Huntsville engine production facility, investing an additional $147 million and adding at least 240 new jobs. The expansion will bring total investment at Toyota’s Alabama plant to $637 million and the total number of jobs to more than 1000.

Governor Riley made the following statement:    » read more »

ERLANGER, Ky. (August 21, 2009) -- Toyota will add capacity at its engine plant in Huntsville, Ala., to increase North American production of four-cylinder engines. The expansion will allow Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL) to produce 216,000 four-cylinder engines annually. Production will begin by summer 2011.

The plant currently builds both V8 and V6 engines. The expansion will bring its annual engine capacity to 577,000.

At least 240 new employees will be hired, raising total employment at TMMAL to more than 1,000. New investment will be $147 million, bringing the total to $637 million.    » read more »

Company adds 60,000 cars and trucks to production schedule

2009-08-18 -- Detroit – General Motors is increasing production at several North America assembly plants in response to increased sales. The company will add shifts, overtime and reinstate forecasted down weeks at select facilities. As a result, GM will add about 60,000 vehicles in the third and mainly the fourth quarter production forecast, ensuring a wide selection of high-quality, fuel efficient cars, crossovers and trucks for customers.    » read more »

2009-08-20 -- In order to meet high customer demand for new fuel-efficient GM cars, crossovers and trucks under the Federal CARS (Cash for Clunkers) Program, the company will today begin providing cash advances to dealers which are equivalent to the amount of federal rebates which are being processed for that dealership's qualifying new vehicle sales. As a result, dealers will have the liquidity to run their businesses effectively in the midst of this extremely successful program, and to continue immediately delivering new vehicles to GM customers.    » read more »

FCHV-adv achieves 431 mile estimated range

TORRANCE, Calif., August 6, 2009 - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., (TMS) announced today the results of a recent collaborative fuel cell hybrid vehicle range and fuel economy field evaluation. The Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv) achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single full tank of compressed hydrogen gas, and an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles/kg (approximate mpg equivalent) during a day-long trip down the southern California coast.    » read more »

Global Product Acceleration: By 2012, Ford plans to replace or refresh 70 to 90 percent of its vehicle lineups by volume in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific and Africa.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 6, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today said it plans to further accelerate new product introductions across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific enabled by its efficient global product development system, significant structural cost reductions and disciplined cash management.    » read more »

Ford executive Sue Cischke cites need for continued cooperation between the automotive industry and the federal government in pursuit of greener transportation vision, noting the significant role of government in shaping the transportation fleet of the future

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 6, 2009 – Ford Motor Company’s top environmental officer today pointed to the need for continued cooperation with the federal government as a significant factor to advance the company and the country’s vision for greener transportation.    » read more »

Plug-in hybrid model debuts in 2011

2009-08-06 -- TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - General Motors' plug-in hybrid technology will be introduced in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011, Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development, announced here today during the Management Briefing Seminars.

The yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will launch in late 2010 offering a family of fuel-efficient direct-injected gasoline engines, followed in 2011 by the plug-in hybrid model.

"Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover," said Stephens. "This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game."

A new Buick for a new customer    » read more »

Approval marks another step toward the launch of an independent new GM

2009-07-06 -- NEW YORK - General Motors achieved another milestone in its reinvention last night when Judge Robert E. Gerber of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the sale of substantially all of General Motors Corporation's assets to NGMCO, Inc., an entity funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In connection with the closing of the sale transaction, NGMCO, Inc. will change its name to General Motors Company and continue to operate under GM's historic corporate and sub brands. The approval marks another step toward the launch of an independent new GM.    » read more »

FAIRFAX, Va.-- Penske Racing driver Sam Hornish Jr. will drive a special No. 77 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11 to help make consumers aware of the best ways to conserve fuel during the busy summer driving season.

The No. 77 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Dodge is designed in part to show ExxonMobil’s continued support for the Alliance to Save Energy and its Drive $marter Challenge, which has the goal of increasing fuel efficiency nationwide.

Before this unique version of the No. 77 car takes to the track, the weekend will kick off with The Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy NASCAR Challenge, a special event to entertain Chicago sports fans and provide them with tips on saving fuel.    » read more »

TORRANCE, Calif. (July 1, 2009) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported half-year sales of 770,449 vehicles. TMS saw improvements in the second quarter, posting sales of 410,777 units, an increase 11.2 percent over the first quarter, on a daily selling rate basis. For the month of June, TMS recorded sales of 131,654 units, a decrease of 34.6 percent from last June.

The Toyota Division posted June sales of 114,780 units, down 36.3 percent from the year-ago month. The Lexus Division reported sales of 16,874 for the month, a decrease of 20 percent from last June.

Toyota Division    » read more »

176,571 total deliveries down 33.6% compared with a year ago; Compared with May, 20 percent jump in cars, 13 percent boost in crossover deliveries

2009-07-01 -- DETROIT – General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 176,571total vehicles in June, down 33.6 percent compared with a year ago. However, when comparing GM’s June retail sales with May, volume was up 10 percent, or more than 13,000 cars, crossovers and trucks resulting in the fourth consecutive month-over-month retail sales increase.    » read more »

07.01.09 -- Honda is continuing its efforts to address the environmental challenges of global climate change, emissions reduction, and energy sustainability through a comprehensive approach that involves further improvements to gasoline engine fuel efficiency; the development of real-world alternatives to gasoline, including natural gas and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car; and technology for refueling alternative fuel vehicles.

Additionally, Honda is pursuing advances in technology related to energy systems such as solar cells, electrical co-generation, and the efficient creation of renewable bio-fuels as part of its effort to develop real world solutions to environmental challenges.

Improving Fuel Efficiency    » read more »

Odyssey and Pilot sales increase 11.8 percent and 7.7 percent respectively

07.01.09 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted June vehicle sales of 100,420, a decline of 32.4 percent compared to June 2008 results*. American Honda year-to-date sales of 530,778 represent a 33.1 percent decrease.

Sales of Honda's Odyssey and Pilot light truck models showed gains of 11.8 percent and 7.7 percent respectively. Honda total car sales decreased 43.8 percent to 52,662 and Honda light truck sales decreased 5.6 percent to 39,478. Honda Division posted June sales of 92,140, a decline of 32.0 percent versus June 2008.    » read more »