FORD ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLAN OFFERS REAL CHOICE WITH NEW FOCUS

ELECTRIC, C-MAX ENERGI AND C-MAX HYBRID

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 – Differentiating itself with an electrification strategy that emphasizes customer choice, Ford is introducing a family of electrified vehicles – including its first all-electric passenger sedan, the all-new Focus Electric.

The debut of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, on the heels of the newly unveiled Focus Electric, builds on Ford’s electrified vehicle portfolio, bringing expanded choice to customers and further strengthening the company’s sustainability strategy.

The fuel-free, all-electric rechargeable Focus Electric passenger car will launch in North America in late 2011 and Europe in 2012. The C-MAX Energi is the company’s first-ever plug-in hybrid production electric vehicle that comes to market beginning in 2012, targeting AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status. The C-MAX Hybrid is a next-generation full hybrid version of the five-passenger multi-activity vehicle.

The new-generation Ford electrified vehicles introduce new features and technologies – led by a unique version of the MyFord Touch™ driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and, for North America, a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

“By providing a variety of electrified vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “This strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of developing great products, building a strong business and contributing to a better world.”

2011 NAIAS Marks Success on Local, National and Global Levels

TROY, MI - Organizers of the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today the overwhelming success of this year's world-premier event citing increases in international media turn out, vehicles revealed, manufacturer returns for 2011 and already for 2012, as well as public attendance figures. A sampling of unprecedented milestones since the challenged global economy's effects of 2009 include: 

NASCAR's Godfather, Rick Hendrick buys first Chevy Volt Offered for Public Sale for 225K


$225,000 Bid in Auction Benefits Detroit Public Schools Foundation

DETROIT – Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, has purchased the first Chevrolet Volt offered for sale. Proceeds will benefit science, math, engineering, and technology education initiatives through the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

The vehicle, bearing the vehicle identification number BU10002, was sold for $225,000 through an online auction that closed Tuesday, Dec. 14.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe: New Sports Coupe Is Cadillac's Most Dramatic Design

LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today unveiled the 2011 CTS Coupe, the latest and most dramatic of the brand’s series of new designs to reach production. Slated to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010, the CTS Coupe is a new luxury sports coupe designed to become the centerpiece of the brand’s revised lineup.    More

The 2011 Regal: A Buick Bred On The Autobahn

The 2011 Buick Regal in Germany earlier this month. Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, the vehicle comes to the U.S. in the second quarter of 2010.

Sport Sedan Blends Sleek Design with European Road Manners for Great Driving

LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.  More

Conner Ave Assembly Plant reopens to build 2013 Dodge Viper, nearly 150 jobs return to Detroit


AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC announced this week that it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit for the production of the next generation SRT Viper. With the plant’s reopening, nearly 150 jobs, both hourly and salaried, will return to the City of Detroit.

The Conner facility was idled when production of the Dodge Viper ended in July 2010.

“The next generation Viper will make its return to the product lineup in late 2012 as a 2013 model,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re extremely excited that our ultimate American sports car will continue to live on and be produced exclusively here in the Motor City.”   

DRIVEN: The history of African Americans in the Auto Industry


DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - The stories and triumphs of African Americans who have risen from the plant floor to the corporate boardroom are chronicled in DRIVEN: A Tribute to African American Achievement in the Automotive Industry.

The publication was unveiled Wednesday evening at Cobo Hall’s Riverview Ballroom before hundreds of the very auto industry executives,    

New Compact Electric Cars Dominant at Auto Show Press Preview


DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - A new era of compact electric cars and environmentally smart vehicles greeted the international automotive press gathering in Detroit for media preview days at the 23rd North American International Auto Show.

The debut of concepts cars is a major event and this year the competition is in small, gas/electric hybrid powered vehicles. 

Chevrolet Creates Waves With The All-New 2012 Sonic

Cadillac Returns To Racing With CTS-V Coupe


DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will return to racing in 2011 with a race-prepared version of its CTS-V Coupe competing in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, North America’s top production-based racecar series.

The move returns Cadillac to a series where it competed from 2004 to 2007. Competing in the GT Class with the CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the Manufacturer’s Championship in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver’s Championship in 2005.

Chrysler to build  new 200 at Sterling Heights plant, adds over 900 jobs


STERLING HEIGHTS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the extension of production, the addition of a second shift and an $850 million investment at an event today at its Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant. The celebration also marked the start of production of the all-new 2011 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. 

Living "Smarter" Just Got Easier at the 2011 Auto Show

* "Smarter Living In Michigan" Presented by MEDC Makes Debut at 2011 NAIAS.

Troy, MI - The incredible popularity of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) EcoXperience ride and drive showcased at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2010 has led to an announcement of another innovative exhibit to be featured at the 2011 show.

Microhybrid diesel for new Citroën

Citroen's new C4 can be specified with 1.6-L microhybrid diesel engine.

Citroën is a company that has historically been known for its technology and general design talents.