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WASHINGTON – New vehicles achieved an all-time-high fuel economy in 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency announced today. Model year 2013 vehicles achieved an average of 24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) — a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and an increase of nearly 5 mpg since 2004. Fuel economy has now increased in eight of the last nine years. The average carbon dioxide emissions are also at a record low of 369 grams per mile in model year 2013.

EPA’s annual “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2014” report tracks average fuel economy of new cars and SUVs sold in the United States. The report also ranks automakers’ achievements in model year 2013.

Some additional top-line findings from the report:

· The recent fuel economy improvement is a result of automakers’ rapid adoption of more efficient technologies such as gasoline direct injection engines, turbochargers, and advanced transmissions.
· Mazda vehicles averaged the highest fuel economy and lowest greenhouse gas emissions
· Nissan achieved the greatest improvement in average fuel economy and greenhouse gas reductions
· SUVs achieved the greatest improvement in all classes of new personal vehicles.

“Today’s announcement points to the greatness of American ingenuity and the strength of our auto industry. Our report shows that today’s vehicles are saving Americans money at the pump while emitting fewer greenhouse gasses. We are thrilled to see that manufacturers continue to innovate and are bringing technologies to improve fuel economy online even faster than anticipated,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Consumers now have many more choices when shopping for vehicles with higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to just five years ago. These choices reflect both a more diverse range of technology packages on conventional gasoline vehicles as well as more advanced technology and alternative-fueled vehicles.”

Under President Obama’s leadership EPA and the Department of Transportation have implemented standards projected to double fuel economy by 2025 and cut vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by half.

The EPA estimates these standards will save American families more than $8,000 in fuel costs per vehicle by 2025. Throughout the duration of the program, Americans will save $1.7 trillion in fuel costs, use 12 billion fewer barrels of oil, and in 2025, reduce oil consumption by more than 2 million barrels a day – as much as half of the oil imported from OPEC every day.

AKRON, Ohio, – Professional truck drivers traveled 421.3 billion miles of road in the United States last year – consuming more than 52 billion gallons of fuel along the way, according to data from the American Trucking Associations.

“Fuel is the average trucking fleet’s top expense,” said Brian Buckham, general manager, commercial product marketing, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. “Reducing truck fuel consumption is key to reducing a fleet’s overall operating costs.”

To help fleets slash their fuel expenses, Goodyear has introduced the most fuel-efficient long haul drive tire in North America. *

Available now, the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D saves, on average, $1,444 worth of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Michelin X Line Energy D.*

The Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D also saves, on average:

. $896 of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Continental EcoPlus HD3*
. $672 of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia*
“Goodyear has re-written the book on fuel efficiency with the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D,” said Buckham. “This tire is a must-have for fleets that are serious about reducing their cost-per-mile.”

The Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D improves highway fuel economy by, on average, 2% compared to the Michelin X Line Energy D; 1.3% compared to the Continental EcoPlus HD3; and .9% compared to the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia.*

“Goodyear’s exclusive Fuel Max Technology incorporates innovative fuel-efficient compounds, tire constructions and tread designs to lower the rolling resistance of our tires, which reduces truck fuel consumption,” noted Buckham.

In addition to superior fuel economy, the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D also features:

. A highly siped center rib and lateral grooves to help enhance all-season traction
. Goodyear’s Tredlock Technology, which contains interlocking micro-grooves and a wide tread to help stabilize the tread for long life and enhanced toughness
. A steel-belt casing package for toughness, endurance and robust retreadability
. Penetration protectors to help resist stone drilling, which also enhances casing retreadability
“Our goal is to help fleets lower their cost-per-mile,” said Buckham. “Helping them optimize their trucks’ fuel efficiency is a big part of this process. With the introduction of the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D, Goodyear is staking its claim as North America’s long haul drive tire fuel economy leader.”

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

*As compared to Michelin X Line Energy D (size 275/80R22.5 LR G), Bridgestone M710 Ecopia (size 295/75R22.5 LR G), and Continental EcoPlus HD3 (size 295/75R22.5 LR G), based on the projected fuel cost savings of a single Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck with 6.50 miles per gallon, traveling 120,000 miles in a year, and diesel fuel price at $4 per gallon. Estimated fuel consumption differences are a result of changing all of the tractor’s eight drive axle drive tires. Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck fuel consumption was estimated using the U.S. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Model and ISO 28580 rolling resistance coefficient data. Actual results may vary depending on tire size, driving and road conditions, maintenance, and operating conditions.

MILFORD, Mich. – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra and her executive leadership team outlined the company’s customer-focused strategic plan to become the most valued automotive company at a conference for investors and financial analysts today at the company’s Milford Proving Ground.

“In the nine months that this leadership team has been together, we have spent a significant amount of time setting our goals for the future of GM and developing a specific action plan,” Barra said. “Our strategic plan is a pathway to earn customers for life and create significant shareholder value in the process. Every chance to connect with a customer is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship.”

GM’s strategic plan includes several major initiatives that the company anticipates will help it achieve 9- to 10-percent margins on an EBIT-adjusted basis by early next decade.

Lead in Product and Technology: In 2015, about 27 percent of GM’s global sales volume is expected to come from products new or refreshed within 18 months. That figure is expected to rise to 38 percent in 2016 and 2017, and reach 47 percent in 2019.
During the same time frame, GM plans to execute the world’s largest automotive deployment of 4G LTE high-speed mobile broadband, introduce vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity in the 2017 Cadillac CTS and launch a highly automated driving technology currently called Super Cruise, which allows for extended periods of hands-free driving on highways.
GM has also developed an innovative Mixed Material Body Structure that uses GM-patented welding technology and a combination of steel and aluminum stampings, castings and extrusions to deliver designs that are lightweight, use 20 percent fewer parts, have class-leading torsional stiffness and exhibit superior noise and vibration characteristics.
Grow Cadillac: GM is establishing its flagship brand as a separate business unit headquartered in New York City to pursue growth opportunities in the luxury market with more focus and clarity. Cadillac expects to introduce four new vehicles in North America in 2015, including the recently announced CT6. In addition, Cadillac plans to introduce nine new models in the next five years in China, which is expected to become the world’s largest luxury car market later this decade.
Continue Growing in China: GM’s joint ventures in China are planning to invest $14 billion from 2014 through 2018 to open five new vehicle- manufacturing plants and support sales of just under 5 million vehicles annually. In the same time frame, GM expects to launch 60 new or refreshed vehicles, including nine new sport utility vehicles.
Continue Growing GM Financial: GM Financial, which has seen its earning assets grow from $8.7 billion in 2010 to $37 billion today, continues to invest to support the sale of new GM cars, trucks and crossovers around the world. GM Financial has sharply increased the number of GM customers it serves in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. Later this year, GM Financial expects to enter the growing Chinese market.
Deliver Core Operating Efficiencies: GM’s strategy to improve relationships with suppliers, derive more global volume from fewer vehicle architectures and lower enterprise costs for material and logistics is expected to deliver significantly better variable margins on upcoming high-volume product launches, including the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Astra in Europe, and the Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu in North America. By 2020, the company expects that about 99 percent of global production will be on core architectures.
Mid-decade Financial Targets

During the meeting, GM also reaffirmed the company’s previously announced near-term financial targets:

In North America, the company expects to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins of 10 percent in 2016.
In Europe, the company expects to return to profitability in 2016.
In China, the company expects that its joint ventures will maintain net income margins in the 9- to 10-percent range.
In South America, the company’s core operations continue to improve as a result of recent product launches and material and logistics optimization.
GM continues to address challenges in its international operations outside of China, including brand strategy, cost structure and sourcing to return to consistent profitability.
GM intends to return excess cash flow to stockholders primarily through strong and growing dividends based on sustained improvements in the company’s underlying financial performance.

About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

The new PEUGEOT 308 GT and PEUGEOT 508 are perfect examples of the brand’s upmarket shift and technological expertise.

Elsewhere, the PEUGEOT EXALT and PEUGEOT QUARTZ concepts demonstrate a distinctive, high-end combination of thrills and efficiency.

PEUGEOT’s technological prowess in enhancing the experience behind the wheel while developing environment-friendly solutions holds centre stage with the PEUGEOT 208 2L HYbrid Air demonstrator, backed by the extensive roll-out of new Euro 6 engines, including the PureTech and 1.6L THP petrol versions and the BlueHDi diesel power plants, which have a one-year lead over the requirements introduced by the standard.

The limited edition PEUGEOT 208 GTi 30th, presented alongside the 2008 DKR, illustrates the expertise of PEUGEOT SPORT and its ability to meet the specific needs of individual customers while rising to the challenges of even the most demanding races.

Overview
The new PEUGEOT 508 reveals significant changes, with new engine options and a brand-new front end that suggests a sign of things to come. The PEUGEOT EXALT concept car sports a fresh livery complete with new materials for the Paris Motor Show, offering an imposing vision of the sedan and building on the 2012 format originally unveiled by the ONYX concept car in Paris.

The PEUGEOT QUARTZ concept combines the heightened expression of a next-generation SUV with the punch of PEUGEOT’s more high-performance models. It is flanked by an expanded range of sportier models, including the new PEUGEOT 308 GT and the limited edition PEUGEOT 208 GTi 30th. Competition cars have not been overlooked, with the PEUGEOT 2008 DKR, 208 WRX and 208 T16 all in the spotlight.

PEUGEOT continues to build on its position as a leader in innovation, cleantech and connectivity. The Paris booth devotes individual areas to each of these issues, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the latest advances in Euro 6 engines and fuel efficiency, including:

– BlueHDi diesel engines combining performance and low consumption;

– three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engines;

– the PEUGEOT 208 HYbrid Air 2L demonstrator, reflecting the cutting edge of fuel efficiency.

There is also a clear focus on solutions involving the car and connectivity, reflecting a new trend for the 21st century vehicle. PEUGEOT offers a full range of technology and services designed to enhance the automotive experience through a continuous connection between the driver, the car and the world outside:

– PEUGEOT Connect SOS and PEUGEOT Connect Assistance, for emergency calls and breakdown assistance, already featured on over one million vehicles;

– PEUGEOT Connect Apps, a portal for connected apps (Coyote, Fuel, Parking, etc.), providing real-time support to make daily driving easier, shown on 19 models in the PEUGEOT 208, 2008, new 308 and new 508 ranges on display;

– Two terminals demonstrating Mirror Screen, which can duplicate smartphone content on the car’s touch screen;

– Link MyPeugeot and Scan MyPeugeot, to extend the in-car experience on a smartphone and provide an interactive driver’s manual.

Four virtual-reality 3D terminals equipped with Oculus Rift headsets provide a fun, immersive PEUGEOT Connect experience, featuring Link MyPeugeot (“Find my car” and “Last mile guidance” functions) and PEUGEOT Connect SOS & Assistance.

PEUGEOT’s Paris booth also features the Django, the latest addition to its scooter line. Beautifully designed and fresh out of the fifties, the new member of the family impressively revamps the S57, the first scooter ever made by the lion brand. With its timeless retro design, the Django is available as a three-cylinder (50, 125 and 150 cc) with four types of finish. It also offers endless scope for customisation, with the Django ID configurator allowing customers to create their own scooter from A to Z, personalising everything from the colourway to the saddle and mirrors. It represents a groundbreaking new departure for Peugeot Scooters, offering over 110,000 possible combinations.

PEUGEOT 508: a mark of character
With the new 508, PEUGEOT has cemented its position in the D segment, building on its upmarket drive by offering distinctive vehicles in each market segment while constructing a long-term offering for large sedans.

The car now has a more structured feel, with a new front grille featuring the famous Peugeot lion in the middle, plus a revamped, flatter bonnet. The same visual identity will also feature on future models in the range.

Careful attention to detail can also be seen in the front and rear lights. Bumper-integrated daytime running lights come as standard, creating unmistakable signature lighting (in the shape of a “comma” on the sedan/SW and “claws” on the RXH) and adding to the charisma of the new PEUGEOT 508. On higher-end versions, the front end is accentuated by state-of-the-art full LED technology. The rear lights on the sedan have also been revamped to reveal a more horizontal shape than their predecessors, with the three claw marks creating a clear, cutting-edge visual identity.

The new PEUGEOT 508 is also packed with a number of other technological advances. All models at level 2 and higher come with a seven-inch touch screen that incorporates the majority of the car’s functions.

The attention to detail in the decoration and upholstery, coupled with the quality of equipment and finishing, put the new PEUGEOT 508 squarely in a more sophisticated, upscale bracket without ever lapsing into ostentatiousness.

Features include Open & Go (keyless entry and start), automatic electric parking brake, electrochrome rearview mirror, smartbeam assist, under-inflation alert, front and rear park assist, four-zone air conditioning, and a JBL Hi-Fi system, along with two new additions: reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring.

The new PEUGEOT 508 has no fewer than eight engine options, including two petrol versions and six diesel power plants.

All of these engines are Euro 6-compliant:

– the new 1.6L THP 165 S&S petrol engine, delivering 165 hp, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or equipped with the new EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox;

– the 2.0L BlueHDi 150 BVM6 diesel engine with CO2 emissions of 105 g/km, the best in its segment among cars with a similar engine capacity;

– the 2.0L BlueHDi 180 EAT6 diesel engine, achieving CO2 emissions of 111 g/km, one of the best trade-offs between power and fuel efficiency in the segment.

The new 1.8L THP engine will power the new Peugeot 508 in China from launch at the beginning of 2015, together with the new six-speed electronic-controlled automatic gearbox (EAT6).

Designed to meet the needs of modern and responsible customers for whom 1.8-litre capacity is deemed to be high-end, the 1.8L THP combines the most efficient and modern technologies (Stop and Start, direct injection technology, twin-scroll turbocharger, continuously variable valve timing, oil pump with variable displacement, Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating …).

Developing an output of 150kW / 204hp with maximum torque of 280Nm from 1400rpm, it offers dynamic performance and driving pleasure of an equivalent turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, but with the fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km and 171g/km CO2) of a comparable turbocharged 1.8-litre engine in the Chinese market.

PEUGEOT 308 GT: two engines offering plenty of pep and performance for a car packed with personality
The PEUGEOT 308 GT is a car for car lovers. Available as a hatchback or SW, it boasts ample style, outstanding performance and an exceptional drive, not to mention impressive fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

The PEUGEOT 308 GT is available in four versions, with both the GT 205 and GT 180 available as a hatch or estate, powered by either a 1.6L THP S&S BVM6 petrol engine delivering 205 hp or a 2.0L BlueHDi developing 180 hp. These power plants are mated to an EAT6 automatic gearbox, respectively achieving 5.6 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 130 g/km, and 4.0 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of only 103 g/km.

Its assertive sports styling is a real head turner. The front end of the PEUGEOT 308 GT carries a lion that blends into the grille, flanked by three horizontal claw marks. The high-end headlamps ensure optimal visibility in all conditions with their 62-LED units. Visually enhanced by the side skirts, the PEUGEOT 308 GT sits on 18-inch Diamond alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. The same athletic allure is apparent in the cabin, with its anthracite-coloured roof headliner and trim parts. The red stitching on the upholstery, dashboard, door panels, gear lever and high-end floor mats adds a final touch of GT flair.

The running gear benefits from some specific tweaks in keeping with the spirit of the car and its sportier styling, striking the perfect balance between body support and high-end comfort.

The effect is amplified by the Driver Sport Pack on all 308 GT models, offering a multi-sensory experience that enhances engine noise, MMI systems and the overall thrill of the drive, with sharper power steering and accelerator pedal performance.

The experience is crowned by an extremely comprehensive set of equipment, including the Driver Assistance Pack (Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert & Emergency Collision Braking System), blind-spot monitoring and PEUGEOT Park Assist (including parallel and bay parking assistance).

PEUGEOT EXALT & PEUGEOT QUARTZ: two visions of a high-end vehicle
With the EXALT and the QUARTZ on show in Paris, PEUGEOT has taken the wraps off two concept cars that reflect its new vision for the high-end market.

The QUARTZ highlights PEUGEOT’s lead in the Crossover segment while offering a revitalised approach. It combines the heightened expression of a next-generation SUV with the punch of PEUGEOT’s more high-performance models.

The result is a spectacular design and innovative materials including basalt, digitally woven fabrics and chiné leather, all of which enhances the athletic feel of this unprecedented concept.

The new design also removes the central pillar, using scissor doors to ensure easier access to the premium cabin, complete with retractable running board. Basalt is a volcanic rock that offers a blend of strength and lightness, and features prominently in the centre console. PEUGEOT also marks a world first with the use of digitally woven textile elsewhere in the cabin. To create a more athletic feel, the pillars and roof are trimmed in black leather, with seat cushions and backs covered in fawn-coloured chiné leather.

Inside, each passenger has a bucket seat featuring an exposed structure and four-point retractable harness. The head-up display provides a large, configurable touch screen with a central 45-degree polycarbonate strip to show additional information and create added depth.

This outstanding concept car is naturally equipped with a high-end 500 hp full-hybrid plug-in drive train comprising a combustion engine and two electric motors.

The PEUGEOT EXALT, first unveiled in April at the Beijing Motor Show, now appears in a new guise. It embodies PEUGEOT’s increasingly responsible vision of a high-end automobile, refusing to compromise on its strengths, through carefully chosen materials that ensure perfect balance while also making the most of local sourcing and recycled materials.

In China, the EXALT’s interior featured ebony sculpted by Chinese master craftsman. The Paris version sports a new finish that uses Newspaper Wood taken (literally) from the pages of business dailies. In homage to the art of the French motor car from the twenties and thirties, its bodywork is hand-formed by a master panel beater and features in shades of grey. The rear is trimmed in an efficient textile known as “Shark Skin”, which is highlighted by a clear line that creates a sophisticated tone-on-tone transition between the bare steel and the grey of the textile. Creating a very different look from the contrasting finish seen in Beijing, the new design demonstrates the versatility of the separation line.

The tailgate and integrated hobby flap reveal a boot with a low load sill, providing easy access to the HYbrid-Kick concept, a foldaway electric scooter stowed below the boot floor that is an ideal addition when it comes to covering last-mile mobility, making getting around town so much easier. PEUGEOT and MICRO have created a scooter that is easy to ride, fold and transport, epitomising a clean design that bears the hallmark of simplicity and sophistication.

Peugeot Cycles is also showing the HYbrid bike AE21, which boasts a quiet, clean, effortless approach to urban mobility with undeniably sophisticated style. The “Clever Case” frame houses the battery, a laptop bag and an ABUS Bordo folding lock. The HYbrid-bike AE21 seamlessly expands on the EXALT and HYbrid Kick concepts with its bare aluminium, Shark Skin and chiné fabric.

PEUGEOT technological expertise: 208 HYbrid Air 2L demonstrator and new engines
Average weighted CO2 emissions for new PEUGEOT vehicles sold in Europe stood at 111.1 g/km at the end of June 2014, compared with 115.1 g/km for the same period in 2013, making the brand one of the most successful carbon-reducing automakers in Europe. This impressive performance is largely the result of the rapid roll-out of Euro 6 engines, spearheaded by the BlueHDi diesel and the three-cylinder PureTech petrol variants.

PEUGEOT aims to take things a step further, however, and has provided tangible proof of its commitment with the 208 HYbridAir 2L demonstrator, which reveals solid progress in meeting the government’s goal of a car with a fuel efficiency of just 2.0 l/100km. The project includes one imponderable criterion: it must be possible to affordably manufacture relevant technologies on an industrial scale by 2020. As a result, the demonstrator sets the bar high in halving the consumption of an already highly efficient 208!

One focal point involves a design that draws on a range of different materials including a mix of steel, aluminium and composites to significantly reduce the weight.

Close attention has also been paid to aerodynamics, with a wealth of details brought into play to improve air flow, including a lower stance, intelligent air intake, moulding between the struts and windscreen and a rearview camera to achieve an improved SCX of 20%. Tyres that combine a sleek width and large diameter with low rolling resistance help to further enhance this comprehensive approach.

HYbrid Air technology is a cornerstone of these performance improvements.

It combines an internal combustion engine, the improved 1.2L PureTech 82 BVM5 (which provides a 4% increase in efficiency by reducing loss caused by friction), with a series of hydropneumatic features—including a compressed-air tank, low-pressure tank acting as an expansion chamber, and combined engine-pump system mated to the transmission—that can generate, store and release compressed air to assist and even replace the petrol engine, enabling maximum efficiency during transition phases, such as acceleration and getting off the mark.

The PEUGEOT 208 HYbrid Air is a joint project in partnership with other Plateforme Automobile members including Faurecia, Michelin, Plastic Omnium and Valeo.

New engine versions are also being rolled out to provide a winning blend of driving pleasure and environmental performance.

The 1.2L PureTech 130 S&S engine—the first to feature PEUGEOT’s Stop & Start in conjunction with automatic transmission for a petrol engine—is now available with the new six-speed EAT6 (AT6 III) automatic gearbox on models in the 308 range. A paddle-shift option is also available with the Driver Sport Pack.

The new 1.6L THP 165 S&S Euro 6 engine features on the new PEUGEOT 508, mated to either six-speed manual transmission or the new six-speed EAT6 automatic. Developed to meet the new Euro 6 emissions standards, its specifications also include a reduction in fuel consumption and improvement in performance.

The new petrol engine replaces the 1.6 THP 155 Euro 5 power plant, gaining 10 hp in the process and lowering CO2 emissions to 129 g/km, improving on a best of 144 g/km for the previous generation.

COLOGNE, Germany, – Ford Motor Company’s total European vehicle sales rose 14.4 per cent in August versus a year ago, outpacing the overall industry sales increase of 2 per cent. Ford’s year-to-date sales in Europe have increased 7.1 per cent largely on the strength of new and significantly refreshed vehicles.

Ford’s total vehicle market share rose by 0.8 percentage points to 7.8 percent in August and now totals 7.9 percent for the first eight months of the year.

Ford’s retail sales in its five largest European markets rose 35 percent, boosting Ford’s retail share by 2 percentage points to 8.5 percent in August and to 8.3 percent in the first eight months of the year, the highest levels for both periods since 2009.

Ford’s combined retail and fleet sales were at 81 percent of its total sales in August, up 3 percent from August last year and 7 percent above industry average.

“Our fresh, expanded vehicle line-up is helping us grow our sales, including in key sales channels such as retail sales to private customers and commercial vehicles,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “With the new Focus coming out soon and the new Mondeo coming later this year, our product portfolio is only gaining strength.”

Ford of Europe has sold 763,000 vehicles* in total so far this year, more than half of which are new or significantly refreshed since the beginning of last year.

Ford’s European commercial vehicle sales rose 15.7 percent in August and 12.7 per cent year-to-date. Ford’s commercial vehicle market share rose 1.2 percentage points to 12.3 percent in August and 0.6 percentage points to 10.8 percent year-to-date – the highest for both periods in 17 years. Transit remained the top-selling nameplate in the combined one- and two-tonne commercial vehicle segment in Europe.*

The Ford Kuga sports utility vehicle saw record sales for both the month of August and year-to-date since launch of the first generation model in 2008. Ford Fiesta and Focus sales were the highest since 2011. Sales of the Transit Custom were up 143 percent year-to-date.

NEW DELHI – General Motors CEO Mary Barra concluded a three-day fact-finding visit to India on Thursday, where she met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key stakeholders throughout the country.

“India represents a great opportunity for Chevrolet,” Barra said. “With a relatively small vehicle population and rapidly growing, young middle class, India is expected to become one of the world’s three largest markets by 2020.

“GM is working to better understand the Indian market so we can give Indian customers what they deserve – safe, high-quality Chevrolet vehicles with exceptional designs that exceed expectations.”

GM has invested about $1 billion in India to date. Its Talegaon and Halol facilities can produce more than 280,000 vehicles per year. The GM Technical Center-India is carrying out local and global engineering projects, and GM India’s growing lineup of Chevrolet models is sold through the company’s nationwide dealer network.

Barra, accompanied by Tim Solso, non-executive chairman of the GM Board of Directors; Stefan Jacoby, executive vice president and president, GM International; Chuck Stevens, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer; and, Arvind Saxena, GM India president and managing director, visited GM facilities and met with employees, suppliers and government leaders during her three-day visit that concluded Thursday.

During a Wednesday visit to the Talegaon manufacturing facility in Pune, Barra participated in the celebration of the production of the first Chevrolet vehicle for export. Vehicles initially will be exported to Chile starting later this year.

Meeting with several of GM India’s top suppliers in Pune, Barra discussed opportunities for global sourcing and improved partnerships as GM continues to localize its supply base and make greater use of products manufactured in India.

The GM leadership team also visited Chevrolet dealerships to further understand the market momentum, customer preferences and network performance.

On Thursday, Barra met with Prime Minister Modi, congratulating him on his recent victory and thanking Modi for supporting the growth of GM India.

On Friday, Jacoby addresses the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers in New Delhi, where he will discuss the positive economic impact of the automotive industry and its importance for markets such as India.

“GM remains open to the long-term prospects for India and its automotive industry,” said Jacoby. “However, we are going in with our eyes wide open to ensure that our investment is good for India and good for General Motors.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

RICHMOND, Virginia – CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for ten consecutive years, is recruiting for more than 1,000 positions in locations across the country. The company is growing and offers a variety of careers. The majority of open positions are in service operations (detailers, experienced technicians) and sales, with additional positions in purchasing and the business office. These are full and part-time permanent positions, with day and evening shifts available.

“From day one, new associates are an integral part of our culture and business,” said Tom Folliard, president and CEO of CarMax. “They are our most valuable asset, and trusted advisors to our customers and to each other.”

CarMax offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time off, insurance and disability, and retirement options for full-time associates. The company also offers competitive pay and promotes a diverse work environment. Stores are equipped with climate controlled, state of the art service bays with quality equipment. Employees receive discounts on car purchases and other services.

Some of the areas with a large number of service job openings include Sacramento and Bakersfield, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Huntsville, Alabama.

“Strong customer service skills, a high level of integrity and the desire to work in a team environment are some of the qualities we look for,” said Donna Schaar, assistant vice president of talent acquisition for CarMax. “Candidates who are ready to be part of the hassle-free and fun CarMax car-buying experience should apply now.”

How Can Job Seekers Apply?

Applications are only accepted online. Job seekers should apply at http://www.carmax.com/careers.
To see a video with first-hand accounts from CarMax associates, visit the YouTube page on youtube.com/carmax.
Technicians require previous automotive experience, however most positions do not.

About CarMax
CarMax, a member of the FORTUNE 500 and the S&P 500, and one of the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 10 consecutive years, is the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, CarMax currently operates 139 superstores in 70 markets. The CarMax consumer offer features low, no-haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles, and superior customer service. During the 12 months ending February 28, 2014, the company retailed 526,929 used cars and sold 342,576 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Chevrolet and the National Corvette Museum will restore three of the Corvettes damaged earlier this year when they tumbled into a sinkhole that developed beneath the floor of the Museum.

Chevrolet will restore the 2009 Corvette ZR1 prototype, known as the Blue Devil, and the 1-millionth Corvette produced – a white 1992 convertible. In addition, Chevrolet will fund the restoration of the 1962 Corvette, which the National Corvette Museum will oversee. A restoration shop has not yet been determined.

In total, General Motors will provide nearly $250,000 in support to help the Museum recover from the sinkhole. The National Corvette Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.

The five other Corvettes swallowed by the sinkhole will remain in their as-recovered state to preserve the historical significance of the cars. They will become part of a future display at the museum.

“Our goal was to help the National Corvette Museum recover from a terrible natural disaster by restoring all eight cars,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development. “However, as the cars were recovered, it became clear that restoration would be impractical because so little was left to repair. And, frankly, there is some historical value in leaving those cars to be viewed as they are.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe.

“There has been an outpouring of messages from enthusiasts the world over, asking us not to restore all of the cars,” said Wendell Strode, executive director for the National Corvette Museum. “For Corvette enthusiasts, the damage to the cars is part of their history, and part narrative of the National Corvette Museum. Restoring them all would negate the significance of what happened.”

Timelines for the start and projected completion dates for the three Corvettes’ restorations have not been established. They will be announced later.

Sinkhole summary

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at 5:44 a.m., National Corvette Museum (NCM) personnel received a notification from their security company about motion detectors going off in the Skydome area of the museum. When those personnel arrived on site, a sinkhole was discovered, measuring about 45 feet wide, 60 feet long and up to 30 feet deep.

Security camera footage showing the Skydome floor’s collapse has been viewed nearly 8.3 million times on YouTube.

The sinkhole swallowed eight historic Corvettes – two on loan from GM and six owned by the museum:

1993 ZR-1 Spyder (on loan)
2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil” prototype (on loan)
1962 Corvette
1984 PPG Pace Car
1992 1-millionth Corvette
1993 40th Anniversary Corvette
2001 “Mallett Hammer” Z06
2009 1.5-millionth Corvette.
On March 3, the 2009 Blue Devil was the first car recovered and despite significant damage was started and driven out of the Skydome. The 1.5-millionth Corvette and Mallet Corvette were the last cars pulled from the sinkhole, on April 3 and April 9, respectively – after workers were initially unable to find them amid the collapsed earth.

All eight cars were placed in a special display, fueling a nearly 60-percent jump in museum visitor traffic in the first four months after the sinkhole appeared.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/blog_images/gigafactory_aerial.jpg
CARSON CITY, NV – Governor Brian Sandoval and Elon Musk, Chairman and CEO of Tesla Motors, announced today that Nevada has been selected as the official site for the Tesla Gigafactory.

“This is great news for Nevada. Tesla will build the world’s largest and most advanced battery factory in Nevada which means nearly one hundred billion dollars in economic impact to the Silver State over the next twenty years. I am grateful that Elon Musk and Tesla saw the promise in Nevada. These 21st century pioneers, fueled with innovation and desire, are emboldened by the promise of Nevada to change the world. Nevada is ready to lead,” stated Governor Brian Sandoval.

“I would like to recognize the leadership of Governor Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for partnering with Tesla to bring the Gigafactory to the state. The Gigafactory is an important step in advancing the cause of sustainable transportation and will enable the mass production of compelling electric vehicles for decades to come. Together with Panasonic and other partners, we look forward to realizing the full potential of this project,” said Elon Musk, Chairman and CEO of Tesla Motors.

“On behalf of the State of Nevada, I would like to acknowledge this monumental day and provide my initial support. This is a significant opportunity to make a major stride to improve our statewide economy. I look forward to receiving the necessary information so the Legislature can meet and take necessary action to support this major industry coming to Nevada,“ stated Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick.

SPRING HILL, Tenn. – General Motors will invest $185 million to make small gas engines at its Spring Hill manufacturing complex, retaining 390 jobs. GM also identified the next-generation Cadillac SRX as a future mid-size vehicle to be produced at Spring Hill.

An additional $48.4 million investment is planned for the Bedford, Ind. powertrain castings plant, creating or retaining 45 jobs.

Both investments support GM’s new small displacement engine, which is part of an all-new Ecotec engine family that will be used by five GM brands in 27 models by the 2017 model year, powering many of the company’s high-volume small car and compact-crossover vehicles.

Spring Hill is among six manufacturing locations around the globe that will produce the new engine.

The new Ecotec portfolio includes 11 engines with three- and four-cylinder variants ranging from 1.0L to 1.5L – including turbocharged versions – and power ratings ranging from 75 horsepower (56 kW) to 165 horsepower (123 kW), and torque ranging from 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) to 184 lb-ft (250 Nm).

“The new Ecotec engine family represents the most advanced and efficient small displacement gasoline engines in GM’s history,” said Arvin Jones, GM North America manufacturing manager. “It was a good business decision to produce this powertrain in Bedford and Spring Hill. Both teams have strong performance records, especially in quality.”

GM Spring Hill currently manufactures the award-winning Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder engine, the Ecotec 2.4L direct injection 4-cylinder engine and Ecotec 2.5L direct injection engine, which powers the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Impala. Bedford currently produces transmission casings, converter housings and small gas engine blocks.

“This is an all-around good news story for our members in Spring Hill and Bedford,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada who leads the union’s GM Department. “We worked with GM to create this success story through the collective bargaining process. We are pleased with the opportunity to continue to work with the Spring Hill and Bedford leadership to build world-class quality products, which will include the new Ecotec engine program, and are looking forward to the next-generation Cadillac SRX being returned to the USA.”

The naming of the Cadillac SRX program follows GM’s previously announced $350 million investment in Spring Hill for two future mid-size vehicles expected to create or retain approximately 1,800 jobs.

“We want to congratulate GM on this important investment in its future in Spring Hill and Middle Tennessee,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “Today’s announcement speaks volumes around the country and world about our state’s business-friendly climate and strengths in automotive manufacturing, bringing us another step closer to our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

DETROIT – The all-new, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission makes the 2015 Corvette Stingray faster and more fuel efficient, with 0-60 acceleration of only 3.7 seconds and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway.

“The Corvette Stingray is a great example of how we are leveraging engineering and technology to improve both efficiency and performance,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain. “No other car can match 460 horsepower, 0-60 mph in better than 3.7 seconds, and 29 mpg on the highway.”

The Stingray’s 0-60 performance is 0.1-second quicker than the previous six-speed automatic, contributing to a quicker quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.9 seconds – a 0.1-second improvement over the six-speed auto.

Its 29-mpg highway rating represents a 3.5-percent increase over the six-speed. New eight-speed models are EPA-rated at 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg combined.

In fact, the Stingray’s stingy fuel consumption on the highway is not only better than sports car competitors such as Porsche 911 Carrera (28 mpg), Audi R8 V-8 (20 mpg), Jaguar F-Type R (23 mpg) or Nissan GT-R (23 mpg), it tops conventional cars with smaller engines, like the Subaru Outback six-cylinder (27 mpg), Volkswagen Passat six-cylinder (28 mpg) and Mercedes-Benz C350 coupe (28 mpg).

The greater performance and efficiency enabled by the available, GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic is due primarily to its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread, which enhances off-the-line performance with a more aggressive first gear ratio – 4.56 vs. 4.03 on the six-speed – helping achieve the quicker 0-60 time. It also delivers world-class shift times that rival the best dual-clutch design.

Combined with a new, numerically lower 2.41 rear axle ratio vs. the 2.56 gear used with previous six-speed automatic models, engine rpm is reduced by 8 percent (123 rpm) on the highway at 70 mph. The lower engine speed reduces fuel consumption. Z51-equipped models retain a 2.73 rear axle ratio.

The new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic complements the performance generated by the Corvette Stingray’s LT1 engine – rated at 455 horsepower or 460 horses with the available performance exhaust system – which uses advanced technologies including direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) to make more power with less fuel.

Advanced composite materials in the body structure and a lightweight aluminum frame, as well as aluminum and magnesium suspension components, support the Corvette’s efficiency with a low curb weight of only 3,298 pounds /1,499 kg (Stingray coupe). They also enhance performance by giving the Stingray an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 7.25 – or one horsepower for every 7.25 pounds of mass. That’s better than Porsche 911 Carrera’s 8.7 ratio and Audi R8 V-8’s 8.3 ratio.

For those who prefer a traditional manual-shifting driving experience, the 2015 Corvette Stingray is available with a seven-speed manual that delivers 0-60 times of 3.8 seconds and EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

The Tesla Model S drive unit warranty has been increased to match that of the battery pack. That means the 85 kWh Model S, our most popular model by far, now has an 8 year, infinite mile warranty on both the battery pack and drive unit. There is also no limit on the number of owners during the warranty period.

Moreover, the warranty extension will apply retroactively to all Model S vehicles ever produced. In hindsight, this should have been our policy from the beginning of the Model S program. If we truly believe that electric motors are fundamentally more reliable than gasoline engines, with far fewer moving parts and no oily residue or combustion byproducts to gum up the works, then our warranty policy should reflect that.

To investors in Tesla, I must acknowledge that this will have a moderately negative effect on Tesla earnings in the short term, as our warranty reserves will necessarily have to increase above current levels. This is amplified by the fact that we are doing so retroactively, not just for new customers. However, by doing the right thing for Tesla vehicle owners at this early stage of our company, I am confident that it will work out well in the long term.

www.teslamotors.com

ACME, Mich. – The next generation Chevrolet Volt will debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Global Chevrolet Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney said today.

The 2016 Volt will build on the award-winning original’s strong foundation of technology innovation. Volt sales were up 13 percent in July and more than 65,000 have been sold since it was introduced – making it the best-selling plug-in passenger car in the U.S. market.

“Volt is the perfect example of the ingenuity that drives everything we do at Chevrolet,” Mahoney said at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefings. “Volt fully delivers on the promises of Find New Roads and will continue to provide consumers with the transportation solutions they need and deserve in the future.”

Volt owners are driving more than 63 percent of their overall miles in electric vehicle mode, collectively logging more than 500 million gas-free miles since the Volt’s retail debut in 2010. That has saved more than 25 million gallons of gasoline.

While the driving range in EV mode can be affected by temperature, driving technique and terrain, the ease with which Volt drivers are avoiding gasoline use demonstrates the Volt’s suitability for almost any lifestyle.

Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 970 miles between fill-ups and visit the gas station less than once a month.

The Volt has received multiple customer satisfaction awards from leading third-parties. According to a recent leading independent satisfaction survey, the Volt is the highest-rated compact car under $55,000. Owners are showing their satisfaction as well. For the past three years, a leading customer publication has reported survey results showing more than 90 percent of Volt owners said they would definitely buy a Volt again.

The Volt continues to draw buyers from non-General Motors’ products. In the 2013 calendar year, nearly seven of 10 new Volt buyers traded in a non-GM vehicle, the majority of which were Toyota Priuses.

Among its accolades, the 2014 Volt has been recognized for its safety, most recently receiving the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2014 Top Safety Pick+ designation for vehicles equipped with an available Forward Collision Alert system.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Before I start, I’d like to congratulate Governor Snyder on receiving the State Leadership Award presented by the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association.

At Toyota, we appreciate the Governor’s “relentless positive action” to “Reinvent Michigan.“

And, Toyota is pleased to be able to contribute to those efforts by growing our operations here and adding 250 more jobs. Additionally, I told the Governor that this morning Toyota is committing $1 million to support the “Grand Bargain” to help the city of Detroit and keep the Detroit Institute of Arts alive and well.

Last year, my wife and I moved to Michigan, and we’ve been enjoying our lives here very much.
Soon after we moved here, we visited Traverse City for the “National Cherry Festival” and we enjoyed it.

There were cherries everywhere! We went to the special luncheon where everything was made of cherry –cherry dressing, cherry sauce on the meat, cherry cake, cherry Coke.

We were there for the 4th of July, and it was very hot. So, I went into the air-conditioned grocery store… Meijer… and looked at the T-Shirts. I found one I really liked…it was made in Mexico and it was only $8.00! But, that’s not why I bought it. I bought it because I liked the message….take a look.
Blood…. Sweat…. And GEARS! That’s good!

I think the hidden message shows the mindset of Michigan…. The Michigan automotive spirit… The “Gearhead” mentality.

It is an attitude of commitment and passion for the auto industry that is in the genes of the people in this state.

I’ve been in the industry for more than 34 years.

And even though my company is based in Japan, we share the same passion, too.

We brought that passion here 57 years ago when we established our sales organization, and continued 30 years ago when we established our first plant.

We doubled down on that commitment 37 years ago in 1977 when we established our Toyota Technical Center In Ann Arbor, to be closer to our American customers and suppliers. Today, TTC is our biggest R&D facility outside of Japan. And, I am pleased we will continue to grow this important operation.

You may have heard in the news that we are consolidating much of Toyota’s North American headquarters operations in Plano, TX. Bringing our sales, manufacturing and corporate operations into one location will make us more efficient.

But, equally as important, we aremoving key operations that directly impact our supplier base to Michigan.

We spend more than $32 billion in North American purchasing a year. And, we realized that moving our Direct Procurement & Supplier Engineering Development here will bring us closer to our suppliers and industry partners.

We believe that having direct procurement, together with design, all at the same location — on our campus in Saline, Michigan — will improve our communication and collaboration with suppliers and with each other.

As we go from concept to mass production of our vehicles, having these critical functions in close proximity should result in greater efficiencies.

It will increase our ability to engage our supply base and to support them in their efforts to help us meet our customers’ demand for our vehicles.

And that is an important part of our strategy to create pathways to prosperity for everyone…not just Toyota.

To me, prosperity means that everyone can make money; everyone can grow.

But, that requires all of us – OEMs and suppliers – to work together to make that happen.

Over the next few years we need to develop new technologies and better ideas to improve safety and fuel economy.

There are so many areas ready for innovation, and I believe within the next 10 years we will see many revolutionary things happening in the automobile.

I know that working together on these challenges requires good business relationships, built on trust. OEMs must use fair business practices, paying attention to their working relationships with suppliers, to get the best ideas and new products from their suppliers.

If an OEM is open-minded to innovations and has the trust of the suppliers, they will benefit by getting the best new ideas from their business partners.

Every year, I pay very close attention to the Planning Perspectives Working Relations Index. I really think Dr. John Henke and his team do a very good job of discovering what is working – and what’s not working – in OEM-supplier relationships.

So, how has Toyota been doing on the Working Relations Index?

This year, I was very happy to see that Toyota is doing better.

The report was very complimentary to us, saying, “Toyota has finally rediscovered the ‘Toyota Way’ and is showing its first improvements in the WRI ratings in seven years.”

It said, “Toyota improved in all key areas, including, supplier trust, communication, and involving suppliers throughout its product development process.”

We were also ranked highest in confidential treatment of supplier proprietary information and intellectual property.

That made me very happy.

BUT –It also said, “They still have a ways to go.”

For example, although our score is coming back this year, we continue to issue late and excessive design changes, directly impacting our suppliers’ ability to meet their internal cost, quality and delivery targets.

Also, according to this year’s survey, our suppliers’ willingness to share new technologies with us is not where we want it to be or where it once was.

I think we need to demonstrate a more open-minded attitude to our suppliers’ ideas early in development, and I’m committed to doing that. These are all areas I hope we can improve as we combine our purchasing and design resources in Michigan with our suppliers.

But, these are not the only areas we are working to improve.

My purchasing team told me Toyota’s Supplier Engineering Development group and suppliers are working together to ensure good part design, good process planning and good part development.
From an operational perspective, we have established cross-functional teams to more effectively and efficiently allocate resources to support suppliers in quality system enhancements and to ensure one voice from Toyota.

And, in the last year we have been able to further pull ahead our support activities to confirm that our designers’ intentions line up with our manufacturing ability.

To our suppliers: We want you to be patient with us as we improve, so we can earn the trust it takes to receive your best ideas and work on them with you.

So, here is my prescription for a Pathway to Prosperity:

First, together – OEMs and suppliers – we must keep our focus on the customer. That’s why Toyota has added another Chief Engineer in North America, bringing our total to five chief engineers who oversee the development of seven very successful products that are critical to pleasing our North American customers.

Second, as I just mentioned, collaboration between OEMs and suppliers must improve even more. Innovation — which is essential for prosperity — is made possible through trust and collaboration
with suppliers.

Third, focusing on the human side within our own company – developing human resources – is urgent. We must encourage young students to study hard to be engineers. And we must encourage engineering graduates to enter the auto industry. For example, I’m very proud of the work Toyota and many of you have been doing with the Society of Automotive Engineers to support programs like A World In Motion. We will all see the benefits for years to come.

I’m proud to say that Toyota’s engineers continue to be leaders in automotive R&D, receiving more than thirteen hundred (1300) patents in 2013.

Since the early 1990’s, Toyota challenged itself with a big question that defines our corporate-culture: “What will our vision of mobility look like in the 21st century?”

We found the answer in the work of our company’s founder. Sakichi Toyoda was an inventor who was awarded many patents. He created the automatic loom and other devices. The loom made weaving cloth easier. He taught us that innovating new products to make peoples’ lives better was the best way to connect with our customers.

In fact, the weaving process he created looks amazingly similar to the process we developed to weave carbon fiber for body panels on the Lexus LFA. Take a look…

A process very similar to the one shown in this video will produce the carbon fiber hydrogen tanks for our new Fuel Cell Vehicle, which will debut in 2015. The FCV is Toyota’s innovative power train for the future.

And, in Monday’s lightweighting discussion here at Traverse City, you may have heard from Takefumi Shiga that carbon fiber will add strength and improve the driving dynamics of the 2015 Lexus RC sport coupe.

That’s the power of the passion for always making better cars. It is the power of the human side of our business to take us far into the 21st and beyond.

We believe that the future of mobility will be safer, greener and more convenient for everyone.
Together with our suppliers, we will build pathways to prosperity for everyone.

And, maybe someday, I will find a new $8 T-Shirt that looks like this.
[Blood, Sweat and Carbon Fiber….Toyota and FCV]

DETROIT – The SS Sedan is Chevrolet’s first and only vehicle to offer standard Automatic Parking Assist.

The technology uses sensors on the front and rear bumpers to detect the width and depth of parallel and reverse right-angle parking spaces to provide hands-free parking help.

“Even some of the most experienced drivers in the world loathe parallel parking,” said Scott Hollopeter, vehicle dynamics engineer for the SS. “Automatic Parking Assist is designed to help alleviate that anxiety in situations where more experience is required to park a vehicle.”

The system can detect obstacles, gauge the size of a parking space, assess distance to the curb and calculate optimum steering angles for each parking space. The driver, following instructions on the Driver Information Center, controls the accelerator and brake while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering. Signals sent from the sensors in the bumpers to the electric power steering rack allow the vehicle to steer itself into the space.

“Technologies that provide help in parking and even vehicles that can park themselves started, as most technologies do, on luxury cars but they have proliferated to more mainstream vehicles,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com. “They have broad appeal from newly licensed young drivers to older drivers and are also are attractive to people who live in increasingly congested urban areas.”

For parallel parking, the driver pulls alongside a parking space until the vehicle’s rear bumper passes the rear wheel of the car parked in front of the open space. The driver then shifts into reverse and the car steers itself into the space. The backup camera provides a visual indication of how close the SS is to surrounding cars.

The reverse perpendicular parking process works in a similar way. The driver presses the Automatic Park Assist button twice and follows instructions in the Driver Information Center to safely park the vehicle.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – In another example of the company’s holistic approach to electromobility, the BMW Group announced that it will begin testing an electric vehicle integration platform developed by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The platform is designed to help utilities manage when plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are charged, a process known as demand charging. This would make it possible for utilities to schedule electric vehicle charging for those times during the day when demand for electricity is relatively low, which could save BMW i drivers money while charging. EPRI will work with eight automakers and 15 utility providers across the U.S. to develop an interface that, in addition to scheduling of charging would also, synchronize EV charging with renewable energy when available, and take advantage of real-time changes in the price of electricity in order to lower the cost of charging.

This collaboration led by EPRI will enable utilities, automobile manufacturers and other service providers to test the viability of communication standards already set by organizations including the Society of Automotive Engineers, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Open Automated Demand Response Alliance for use by electric vehicles.

“This collaboration will make it easier for electric vehicle drivers to save money by enabling the utility to schedule charging for times during the day when demand for electricity is relatively low,” said Cliff Fietzek, Manager BMW Connected eMobility Group. “In addition to this collaboration, BMW is developing technology that will allow our customers to easily control when and how their cars charge, and also to seamlessly integrate with home solar power generation and energy management systems,” Fietzek added.

Electric utilities and regional transmission organizations participating in the platform development and demonstration project include DTE Energy Company, Duke Energy, PJM Interconnection LLC, CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Southern Company, Northeast Utilities, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, Commonwealth Edison, TVA, Manitoba Hydro, Austin Energy, ConEd and CPS Energy.

Also working with BMW is IPKeys Technologies, a strategic partner in the Federal Government, Commercial and Energy sectors with expertise in the development, integration, and deployment of Demand-Response technology and a board member of the OpenADR Alliance.

By joining in the EPRI Open-Grid platform pilot program, BMW builds on a series of recent innovations designed to drive wide-spread market adoption of electric vehicles. The BMW Smart Charging App for mobile devices was announced in June 2014 following the recent launch of the BMW i3 electric vehicle. The BMW Smart Charging App makes it possible for BMW i customers to automatically identify the best rates and times for charging their electric vehicles at home. The BMW Smart Charging App has the potential to save customers as much as $400 annually on their electric bills. BMW is the first automotive manufacturer to offer this automated and fully integrated functionality. The Smart Charging App will be available to all BMW i3 and BMW i8 customers in the U.S. in 2015.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 120 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

SAN DIEGO – General Motors is bringing its OnStar-enabled Smart Grid solutions, to one of the largest electric vehicle collaborations to take place within the industry. Eight global automakers, including GM, and 15 electric utilities are working with the Electric Power Research Institute to develop and implement a standardized Smart Grid integration platform.

“One thing that’s missing from most Smart Grid programs is a sense of collaboration,” said Tim Nixon, chief technology officer, Global Connected Consumer, GM. “Companies will showcase a meaningful solution, but without widespread acceptance in the industry, its usability is limited. That’s what makes this partnership unique.”

GM currently offers extended range electric vehicles – the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR – as well as the all-electric Chevrolet Spark EV. The plug-in electric vehicle market in the U.S. has grown to more than 225,000 vehicles – including more than 63,000 Chevrolet Volts, the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the U.S. since launch in 2010.

“As electric vehicles become more prevalent in the marketplace, it will present some unique challenges and opportunities for utilities who manage the flow of the electric grid,” said Dan Bowermaster, EPRI manager of Electric Transportation. “The focus of this collaboration is to create a standard program that will allow utilities to work with different types of plug-in vehicles to more efficiently manage their demand on the grid.”

For the first phase of the program, EPRI and the participating companies will work to develop a standardized Demand Response solution. Demand Response is the signal a utility sends to an energy management company communicating the supply and demand needs to the electric grid. That company then communicates with designated plug-in vehicles in the area to manage their energy consumption in accordance with the grid’s needs.

“If such a service were ever to be implemented for consumers that opt-in to it, they could receive a financial benefit or other incentive for allowing their vehicle charging to be managed,” said Nixon. “This would also allow utilities to help reduce stress on the grid and costs to all utility customers.”

The goal of this program is to develop a cloud-based, central server that would receive grid requests from a utility – like Demand Response – and then translate and standardize that request so it could be relayed to all appropriate plug-in vehicles in the designated area. Automakers would be expected to develop and deploy technologies compatible with these smart grid communications.

GM has been working with companies like TimberRock Energy Solutions, Inc. to research, test and develop potential real-world solutions like Demand Response.

The global automakers participating in this program are: American Honda Motor Co., Honda R&D Americas, Inc., BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co., GM, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. The utilities involved are DTE Energy, Duke Energy, PJM Interconnection LLC, CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Southern Company, Northeast Utilities, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, Commonwealth Edison, TVA, Manitoba Hydro, Austin Energy, ConEd and CPS Energy.

About OnStar LLC
OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than seven million subscribers in North America and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. OnStar’s key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – General Motors, the U.S. Army and Raytheon Company today announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.

The Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will begin in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

Shifting Gears will be part of the Army’s Soldier for Life support program, which helps soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the Army. Upon successful course completion and program graduation, veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM’s authorized dealer network.

“Shifting Gears illustrates GM’s commitment to serving those who serve America,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. “GM has supported the U.S. military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in conflict situations to today’s support for veterans and returning military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies.”

About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

About GM Military Support
With thousands of military veteran employees, General Motors’ support for the United States armed forces spans generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, a variety of employment and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy game. The GM Military Discount program offers discounts on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for active duty, reserves, retirees, veterans (within one year of separation) and spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. GM proudly participates in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative aimed at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

DETROIT – In the blink of an eye, the 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is leading the way in bringing fuel-saving standard start/stop technology to the mainstream sedan market.

Ninety-seven percent of customers who purchased a 2014 or 2015 Malibu – accounting for about 83,000 vehicles – opted for the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder base engine equipped with standard stop/start technology. It is the most aggressive rollout of stop/start technology in the U.S. by an American automaker.

Stop/start reduces fuel consumption and wasteful idling by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop – such as at a traffic light. The engine automatically restarts within 337 milliseconds – about the speed of the blink of an eye – after the driver takes his foot off the brake.

“Chevrolet will continue to bring innovative technologies across our product lineup and stop/start is one of many ways we are helping customers save at the gas pump,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars.

Last fall, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu became the first vehicle for the brand sold in the U.S. with stop/start technology. In conjunction with a new valve lift control feature and a new six-speed automatic transmission, it helped achieve a 14-percent improvement in city fuel economy, or an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon.

J.D. Power’s most recent Initial Quality Survey, which measures the quality of vehicles after 90 days of ownership, showed customers ranked the 2014 Malibu higher than any other vehicle in its segment.

The technology capitalizes on vehicle idling occurrences. According to Sustainable America, the average American driver spends 16 minutes each day idling in his or her vehicle. That adds up to four days a year going nowhere.

Vehicle idling also results in Americans wasting approximately 3.8 million gallons of gas each day, according to a study by The Hinkle Charitable Foundation.

This explains in part Chevrolet’s commitment to the technology. Recently, Chevrolet announced the addition of standard stop/start technology in the flagship 2015 Impala sedan. It improves city fuel economy by 5 percent, or one mpg for an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon. The 2015 Impala is available for sale now.

A report from Navigant Research predicted worldwide sales of vehicles with stop/start technology will grow from 8.8 million in 2013 to 55.4 million in 2022.

For more information on the impact of vehicle idling, visit www.Iturnitoff.com.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. … BMW announced today that it has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the company’s intent to voluntarily recall all model year 2000 – 2006 BMW

3 Series vehicles, produced between May 1999 and August 2006, to replace the passenger-side front airbag as part of a worldwide recall. Potential problems with the airbag inflator which may rupture in vehicles produced by other manufacturers using similar systems from the same supplier have become evident in rare cases. BMW is not aware of a case involving a BMW vehicle. The replacement campaign is a voluntary precautionary measure that aims at minimizing the risk of faulty airbag activation. The number of potentially affected vehicles in the US is approximately 574,000.

This is a voluntary extension of the recall campaign announced in May 2013. At that time, the supplier stated a production period during which potentially faulty airbag inflators were installed in passenger-side front airbags. Following this, BMW recalled 42,000 3 Series vehicles in the US. The supplier has now extended the production period.

In order to ensure maximum safety of our customers, BMW has decided to replace the passenger-side front airbags in the vehicles from the suggested production period, and additionally as a voluntary precautionary measure, the passenger-side front airbags in all model year 2000 – 2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles equipped with this airbag module. The 42,000 units recalled in May 2013 are excluded from the current replacement campaign.

BMW will notify customers with potentially affected vehicles will be informed by mail. Customers with questions should contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email customer.relations@bmwna.com.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 120 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.