Automobiles

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 »

2009-08-06 -- Statement attributed to GM Sales Vice President Mark LaNeve regarding Senate approval of an additional $2 billion dollars for the CARS (aka Cash for Clunkers) program:

Consumers have already cast their vote and the CARS program is a clear winner. Our Customers and Dealers appreciate Congress' help in keeping the program's momentum going and providing the stimulus to put more clean, fuel efficient vehicles on the road. CARS is one program that has given consumers, the economy and a vital industry a much needed boost.    » read more »

Allstate rewards "America's most improved driving city" with free gas

NORTHBROOK, Ill., (July 8, 2009) -- The Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today released its fifth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™." The report ranks America's 200 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers according to Allstate data. This year's report highlights America's most improved motorists.    » 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 »

July 01, 2009 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today more than $2.3 million in additional assistance for dislocated workers at General Motors and three other manufacturers in south central Wisconsin affected by GM’s decision to end production at the Janesville assembly plant. The funds will be used to help dislocated workers with training related expenses and with expenses for job search activities.    » read more »

New waiver clears the way for Oregon and other states to implement tailpipe emission standards

June 30, 2009 -- (Salem) – “Today, the Environmental Protection Agency issued California a waiver to implement its clean tailpipe standard – a victory for California, Oregon and the other states that have also adopted stronger tailpipe emissions standards.

“I applaud President Obama and Secretary Jackson for their leadership in realigning the federal government’s priorities around combating global warming and doing so in a spirit of cooperation with the states rather than conflict. I also applaud California for paving the way for states to adopt the clean tailpipe standards.    » read more »

Gets green light to move forward with greenhouse gas vehicle program

June 30, 2009 -- TRENTON - New Jersey, along with 13 other states, received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles as part of a federal effort to stop climate change, Governor Jon S. Corzine announced today.

“We applaud the EPA for taking this action and recognizing the critical role that the states play in addressing the threat of global warming,” said Governor Corzine. “Now, New Jersey can move forward with implementation of these auto emissions standards which ultimately will help us reach our goal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and provide more efficient cars on our roadways.”    » read more »

Long-sought decision on waiver allows California, other states to slash oil dependence, tackle warming

June 30, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.--The Environmental Protection Agency today reversed one of the most controversial decisions of the previous administration and granted California the Clean Air Act "waiver" that it and more than a dozen other states need to move forward with their landmark global warming emissions standards for vehicles. Today's announcement will be followed by a rulemaking process for the Obama administration's comprehensive national plan for clean cars.    » read more »

WASHINGTON (June 30, 2009) — Today's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement granting California and 13 other states a waiver under the Clean Air Act to implement strong clean car standards demonstrates that "with regard to the waiver, science is back in the driver's seat", said Brendan Bell, Washington representative for the Union of Concerned Scientists' (UCS) Clean Vehicles Program.

"Along with last Friday's climate victory in the House, this is another sign that the federal government is finally taking action on global warming."    » read more »

June 30, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Automakers responded to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) granting of California's request to set their own greenhouse gas/fuel economy standards by reaffirming their support for the single, national program announced last month by President Obama.

"President Obama’s decision last month to create a single national program for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards moves us toward a policy that ensures that consumers in all 50 states have access to highly fuel-efficient vehicles at an affordable price," said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "We are hopeful the granting of this waiver will not undermine the enormous efforts put forth to create the national program."    » read more »