GM to Hire Up to 500 to Staff New Texas Computer Center
General Motors says it will hire up to 500 people -- software developers, project managers, database experts and business analysts -- to staff a new computer center in Austin, Texas.
trucks
U.S. Proposes Reopening Roads to Mexican Trucking Companies
In an effort to get Mexico to cut tariffs on some U.S. goods, the U.S. federal government may start allowing Mexican trucking companies to transport goods onto U.S. roads.
California Postpones Its Diesel-Emission Standards
California has postponed enforcing its strict new diesel-emission standards for four years. The rules, intended to slash emissions from trucks, buses and construction equipment, had been scheduled to take effect in March 2010.
First Ever U.S. Fuel-Efficiency Plans for Trucks
Future longhaul trucks, school buses and large pickup trucks will be required to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 10 to 20 percent under first-ever fuel efficiency plans for trucks released Monday by the Obama administration.
GM's New CEO Daniel Akerson to Get $9 Million Pay Package
Akerson, who assumed the post Sept. 1, will also receive a portion of his salary in the form of stock, totaling $5.3 million, which will be paid out over three years beginning September 2011.
Hyundai Shifts Santa Fe SUV to Kia Plant in Georgia
In late September, Korean automaker Hyundai will begin building its popular Santa Fe SUV at a Kia plant in West Point, Ga., where its sister company makes the Kia Sorrento SUV. The move is expected to boost the number of workers associated with the plant from 1,900 to 7,000.
August Auto Sales May Be the Worst in 28 Years
Auto sales braked sharply in August, starting out strong, then slowing to a level that may be the lowest in 28 years. The weak economy made nervous consumers hesitant to buy, despite the bevy of end-of-model-year deals.
Toyota May Recall Prius to Fix Brakes
Toyota is reportedly preparing to recall at least 311,000 2010 Priuses to fix a problem with their brakes. Unlike the mechanical issues which led to the two recent recalls of 8 million Toyotas for unintended acceleration, the problem with the Prius is apparently a software issue.
Bumper-to-Bumper Green Cars at Detroit Auto Show
What are car makers tooting their horns about? All the earth-friendlier engines at the Detroit auto show. Hyundai's plug-in Blue Will concept car and Nissan's all-electric Leaf are just a couple of the new models. Companies are keen to show they are serious about raising gas mileage and reducing emissions.
Ford Sweeps Auto Awards in Detroit
Ford Motor added more feathers to its cap Monday by sweeping two industry awards. It's Fusion Hybrid mid-sized sedan was named 2010 North American Car of the Year, while its Transit Connect fleet vehicle took truck of the year.
Ford Sales Surge in December
Ford Motor reported Tuesday that sales of its vehicles rose 33 percent in December compared to a year ago. Sales for the full year, however, were down 15 percent compared to 2008. In the last month of the year, each Ford brand saw improved sales, and the company increased its domestic market share by a full percentage point.
Car Sales Surge at End of 2009
December may go down as one of 2009's better months for car sales thanks to a late rush by bargain-hunters. A major factor is a big sale by Pontiac and Saturn, which comes as General Motors prepares to shut down the struggling brands.
GM and Chrysler: A Hard Road in 2010
Once icons of American industrial might, GM and Chrysler have cut jobs, closed plants, eliminated models and shed storied brands. Racing to turn their businesses around, both companies still have a long way to go to convince consumers their products are worthy of consideration.
GM to Spyker: No Deal for Saab
Unswayed by the latest offer from Dutch sports car maker Spyker Cars, Detroit-based GM is preparing to mothball Saab for good, The Economic Times has reported, citing a news report published Wednesday in Sweden.
