Automotive

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 »

$8,605,100 in funds to Virginia's AutoGas Corridor Development Program

August 26, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has appropriated significant funding for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy's Paving the Way with Propane: The AutoGas Corridor Development Program. The AutoGas Corridor Development Program is a unique, progressive project aimed at building the infrastructure for public and private vehicle operators to convert existing vehicles from conventional gasoline to clean propane AutoGas.    » read more »

Governor awards $100,000 to Ashland electric motorcycle company

August 31, 2009 -- (Ashland) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today toured two start-up electric vehicle companies in southern Oregon as part of his initiative to transition the state toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.

While visiting Brammo, Inc., an electric motorcycle company headquartered in Ashland, the Governor announced a $100,000 grant from his Strategic Reserve Fund for workforce training to assist the company in growing their workforce by more than 300 employees over the next two years.    » read more »

Gov. Nixon reminds young Missourians that state law banning texting while driving takes effect today

August 28, 2009 -- LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Beginning today, it is illegal for drivers age 21 and under to send, read or write text messages while driving on Missouri roads. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Missouri State Highway Patrol Assistant Superintendent Lt. Col. Richard Coffey were in Lee's Summit today to remind young drivers and their parents that enforcement of the new Missouri law banning texting while driving is now in effect.    » read more »

DOE grants to Michigan companies could help create up to 40,000 new jobs by 2020

August 27, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited Eaton Corporation in Galesburg to highlight the company's key role in a $45.4 million advanced-battery award by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Michigan led the nation earlier this month with the announcement of 12 awards totaling more than $1.35 billion in federal grants for advanced-battery and electric-vehicle manufacturing and development.

Funding for the competitive grants comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects are estimated to create 6,800 jobs in the next 18 months and up to 40,000 jobs by 2020.    » 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 »

Growing Support for National Fuel Use and CO2 Reduction Program

Williamsburg, VA –The EcoDriving movement continues to grow. And to mark its one-year anniversary ten new governors have announced support for this national initiative to promote green driving. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Governor Bill Ritter (D-CO), the Environmental Defense Fund and the Auto Alliance launched the EcoDrivingUSA program at a news conference a year ago, in August 2008.    » 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 »

August 5, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today congratulated Frederick-based UQM Technologies for securing a $45.1 million Recovery Act grant to advance the research and production of the company's electric and hybrid-electric vehicle propulsion systems.

UQM (NYSE Amex: UQM) was the only Colorado company to land any of the $2.4 billion in competitive grants awarded today by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the Recovery Act's Advanced Battery Manufacturing Initiative. The awards are going to 48 companies and research institutions working on the manufacturing and deployment of electric vehicles, batteries and components.

"Congratulations to UQM Technologies," Gov. Ritter said. "All of Colorado is proud of the company's tremendous accomplishment.    » read more »

08/06/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the statement below following his signing of AB 96 by Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) which will provide independent gas stations owners additional financing options to install enhanced vapor recovery systems:    » read more »

Chicago (August 7, 2009) – “Solar Flowers” reaching up to 18 feet high are blossoming on Chicago’s Navy Pier and not only are they good for reviving spirits, they’re good for reviving computers and cell phones too.

The oversized flower sculptures are partially powered by solar panels on the back of their petals and the base of their stems. Each of the five Solar Flowers provides seating for up to 10 people, access to free Wi-Fi service and power to charge cell phones and laptops. Daily hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.    » 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 »