GM's Reuss would like a 'nice, light, rear-drive car that's inexpensive'

We'll admit we had to read the quote from General Motors President of North America Mark Reuss a few times just to make sure we weren't missing something obvious. But it is correct – Reuss told Automotive News he'd like "A really nice, light, rear-drive car that's inexpensive..." to join the Chevrolet line-up. Which means, if we've read this correctly, that Reuss wants the same thing that enthusiasts have been caterwauling about, like rutting cats and babies with colic, to join the Mazda Miata since the demise of the Honda S2000 – even after the arrival of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S. The rest of the quote: "[W]e know that rings a bell." Indeed. As loud as Christ Church Cathedral, Mr. Reuss.

Mind you, this present-day evolution of Reuss' comments made at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is still only wishlist material. As then, such a car is "not on the drawing board" according to AN. Even if it were, it wouldn't look like the 130R concept whose warm reception still has Reuss talking about the kind of car it represents. Nevertheless, if such a car were to appear, its sweet spot is the gentler end of the $20,000s, and it would utilize a "scalable and efficient" platform to compete against those aforementioned Japanese twins.

Feel free to speculate in Comments as to what kind of coupe Chevrolet should join the competition with, then forget this ever happened.

38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk

General Motors has issued a recall covering 38,197 2012 and 2013 model-year Chevy Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans equipped with eAssist, and sold in the United States. The automaker will check the generator control module for proper operation. Only vehicles built before December 2012 are being recalled.

According to the automaker, a malfunctioning generator control module could slowly drain the battery, causing an indicator to light up in the dash. If that indicator is ignored, the driver may experience a stalling engine, and in some cases, "a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk."

GM says the issue is not with the eAssist battery pack; the smoke and fire comes from overheating of the control board. One trunk fire has been reported, but no injuries are known. Scroll down below for the official press release from GM.

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GM Recalls Certain Sedans for Circuit Board Screening

DETROIT – General Motors is recalling 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model year sold in the United States and equipped with eAssist to screen the generator control module for proper operation.

Some of these vehicles may have a condition in which the generator control module may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of a malfunction indicator light. If these warnings are ignored, the engine may stall. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.

The issue is the potential overheating of the circuit boards in the generator control module, but it does not involve the eAssist battery.

GM is aware of generator control board incidents, most of which have occurred within first 1,000 miles of operation. Vehicles built after December 2012 are not part of the recall.

GM knows of one trunk fire but no injuries or crashes related to this condition.

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, Isuzu, 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.

Birthplace of GM' now back in company

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General Motors has signed a purchase agreement for the Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory in Flint, Michigan for an undisclosed sum. Calling the location "Factory One," GM CEO Mark Reuss said he isn't sure what will be done with the site yet, but when it's "reborn" it will "be great and it's going to be something we can all be proud of - GM and Flint."

According to Wikipedia, William Durant co-founded the Durant-Dort Carriage Co. with Josiah Dallas Dort in 1886. They leased a factory to build carriages from the Flint Woolen Mills, and the office building across the street is where Durant dreamed up the idea for General Motors - coincidentally, both David Dunbar Buick and Charles Nash, who would open their own respective car companies, worked for the carriage company.

GM will also take over the upkeep of the carriage company's office building. It has been suggested that the boardroom there could become a museum, but publicly all we know is that Reuss says, "We're going to make that area a really special place

Apple wants to embed iOS in your dash

In a move that will likely forever change the relationship between handheld wireless devices and automotive infotainment systems, reports say that Apple is working closely with multiple automakers to integrate its iOS Maps and Siri voice-activated systems seamlessly into vehicles. According to those familiar with the plans, Apple is designing updated versions of center consoles that allow iOS devices (like the iPhone or iPad) to be plugged directly into the vehicle. When initiated, the vehicle's built-in display becomes the iOS interface – with direct access to Apple Maps and other Siri-enabled services. Future plans may include even deeper interaction, with the Apple device assisting with realtime vehicle diagnostics.

This isn't the the first time Apple's name has come up on the pages of Autoblog, as it has been synonymous with the industry for years. The technology giant has not only admitted that it once considered making its own car, but it has integrated iPod/iPad devices into vehicles, replaced owner's manuals and supported specialized vehicle apps for countless brands. But this latest news is much more aggressive, as it shows that Apple isn't just interested supplying aftermarket solutions, but embedding itself into the industry as it seeks to replace OEM equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray confirmed as Indy 500 pace car

Just a couple days ago, we saw spy shots of a C7 Corvette testing for what we assumed was pace car duty for the Indianapolis 500, and now General Motors has confirmed that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will, in fact, lead the field to the green flag for the 97th running of the Indy 500. Not only will this be the 17th consecutive year a GM vehicle has paced the race and the 12th straight time a Chevy has handled pace car duty, but it will also mark the 12th time a Corvette has held this distinction.

Aside from the well-concealed safety lights and the expected decals, no styling or performance upgrades have been made to the Stingray, including its factory Laguna Blue paint scheme. Scroll down for the official press release, and be sure to check out our gallery showing the previous 11 Corvettes to pace the Indy 500.
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2014 Corvette Stingray to Pace 97th Indianapolis 500

2013-05-02

INDIANAPOLIS – The all-new, seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray will serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, leading the field to green at the start of the 97th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," on Sunday, May 26, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978.

"It is an honor to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500," said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "The 2014 Corvette Stingray's performance was influenced by racing, making this prestigious assignment even more fitting."

Along with Chevrolet's return in 2012 as an engine supplier, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car extends a legacy at the Brickyard that dates to the racetrack's early days.

"Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in front of a very talented field of racers."

Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights. No powertrain upgrades are required to run in front of the IndyCar pack, thanks to its all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). They help produce an estimated 450 horsepower more efficiently.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible model – featuring a fully electronic top that can be operated remotely with the key fob – coming a few months later. Vehicle highlights include:

An interior that offers genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support
Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver's environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable carbon fiber roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
A sculpted exterior featuring advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
Track-oriented Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

The Corvette Pace Car features the track-capable Z51 package.

Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500

Chevrolet has a long shared history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and the IZOD IndyCar Series. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and the Chevrolet brothers – company co-founder Louis, Arthur and Gaston – all competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.

Chevrolet competed in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, and returned in 2012 with the Chevrolet IndyCar twin-turbo V-6 engine with direct injection. In that time, Chevrolet won 118 IndyCar races, powered seven driver series champions and scored seven Indianapolis 500 victories.

2013 marks the 24th time a Chevrolet has served as the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500, more than any other brand, dating to 1948 with a Chevrolet Fleetmaster. Camaro has served in the role seven times and, with this year's running, Corvette has led the way a record 12 times.

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 4.5 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.

Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City

Continued high demand for the Ford F-150, along with the addition of the all-new Transit series of commercial vehicles, has led Ford to announce that it will add over 2,000 jobs at its Kansas City Assembly Plant. At the time of the announcement, the plant boasts 2,450 hourly employees working on two shifts. All told, Ford will invest $1.1 billion in the Kansas City plant to expand truck production and begin producing the Transit series.

According to the automaker, fullsize truck sales are up 19 percent through April of 2013, leading to an additional 900 workers and a third shift of production for the F-150. Production of the Transit series will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, requiring an additional 1,100 workers. In addition, Ford estimates that a total of 18,000 jobs will be created by suppliers to its Kansas City plant to support the additional vehicle production.

Want to know more? Scroll down for the complete press release.
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Ford Adding 2,000-Plus Jobs at Kansas City Assembly Plant to Support Surging F-150 Demand, Transit Launch

Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant will add more than 2,000 jobs to support high demand for F-150, plus the planned production of the all-new Transit family of commercial vehicles starting next summer; more than 1,000 will be new hires

Ford F-Series sales up 24 percent in April and 19 percent year to date; full-size truck segment growing three times faster than industry average and is fastest-growing segment this year

Ford has reached 75 percent of its goal to create 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 2, 2013 – Ford, the industry truck leader, will add more than 2,000 jobs at its Kansas City Assembly Plant to meet surging demand for the Ford F-150 and planned production of the all-new Ford Transit.

"The housing market is strengthening, we are seeing growth in the U.S. economy, and the truck segment is growing three times faster than the overall industry," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "Our Built Ford Tough F-150 is America's favorite pickup, and we are going to step up operations at Kansas City to ensure we have enough trucks to meet customer demand."

Ford is adding 900 jobs and a third crew in the third quarter to build F-150. U.S. sales of Ford F-Series trucks increased 24 percent in April and 19 percent year to date. Ford also is adding another 1,100 jobs starting in the fourth quarter to prepare for introduction of the all-new Ford Transit full-size van in 2014.

"For customers who want a modern van that is as tough and smart as the F-Series, the all-new Ford Transit van delivers – with better fuel economy, more capability, and the greatest number of technology choices and innovative configurations full-size van buyers have ever seen," Hinrichs said.

Kansas City Assembly

Kansas City Assembly Plant produces the Ford F-150 regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew and will produce the Ford Transit. The plant currently has 2,450 hourly employees working on two shifts and will add a third crew in the third quarter.

Ford is investing $1.1 billion to retool and expand the facility for production of both the F-150 and Transit, including a 437,000-square-foot stamping facility and a 78,000-square-foot paint shop.

The new stamping facility was completed in 2012. The paint shop expansion will include installation of the three-wet paint process, which is more environmentally friendly and requires less time than conventional paint processes – without compromise to Ford paint quality or durability.

"Today we celebrate the commitment to excellence displayed by the men and women of Kansas City Assembly Plant," said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president and director of the National Ford Department. "These additional jobs are the direct result of the dedicated effort our UAW members display every day at facilities all across the country, and serve as another reminder of the resilience of American workers and our nation's manufacturing sector."

With the investment and new jobs at Kansas City, Ford is three-quarters of the way to delivering on its plan to create 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015. The company also is investing $16 billion in its U.S. product development and manufacturing operations – including $6.2 billion in plant-specific investments. These actions, including today's announcements, are consistent with Ford's previous 2013 financial guidance for the total company and North America.

Community impact

The plant expansion has a major impact in the local community and beyond. Kansas City Assembly Plant has more than 250 suppliers nationally and more than 10 suppliers locally that will benefit from the adding of a third crew. Additionally, when Transit production starts next year, close to 275 suppliers nationally and six suppliers locally will grow their businesses. According to the job multiplier effect of nine jobs to every one – more than 18,000 jobs will be created to support the plant.

"Today's announcement is yet another testament to our successful efforts to revitalize Missouri's automotive manufacturing industry, which continues to gain steam," said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "This third shift for production of the F-150 will create hundreds of additional manufacturing jobs for workers in this region and ensure Missouri continues to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry for years to come."


Ford F-150
The Built Ford Tough F-150, part of the F-Series lineup, delivers the segment's best combination of power, capability, safety and fuel economy.

Now in its 65th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 36 consecutive years, the best-selling vehicle in America for 31 consecutive years, and the brand with the most trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles on the odometer, as certified by Polk.

The Kansas City-built F-150 is the first choice for tradespeople who need the most durable, advanced truck on the market. For example, F-150 leads in a variety of fields, including:

68 percent share in hazardous materials work
67 percent share in the oil pipeline industry
62 percent market share in road and highway maintenance

F-150 also boasts leading safety ratings. Its fully boxed frame, made from high-strength hydroformed steel, provides a backbone built for increased durability and safety. F-150 has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall, F-150 offers customers the broadest lineup in the segment with 10 models, which include the work-ready XL, the sporty and capable FX, the well-balanced XLT, the refined and luxurious Limited and the no-compromise off-road SVT Raptor.

Ford F-150 also features an unrivaled four engine choices, including the advanced 3.5-liter EcoBoost®, to help customers find the most fuel-efficient and capable engine to meet their needs. Ford's patented EcoBoost engine delivers an unmatched combination of best-in-class towing and payload, torque and fuel economy. More than 300,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold for F-150; it is now Ford's best-selling truck engine.


Ford Transit

The familiar van that delivers packages or shuttles airport passengers is about to change in a revolutionary way. The all-new Ford Transit will provide tradespeople and businesses with unmatched fuel economy, innovative new configurations and leading versatility in the expanding commercial vehicle market.

Transit is born from nearly a century of hard-earned experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in America, Europe and other global markets. For the United States, Transit eventually replaces E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline and America's best-selling commercial van for 34 years. Transit was first sold in 1965. It's the best-selling commercial van in Europe.

Customers will have more choices than ever from a Ford van. Transit will be offered in three body lengths, two wheelbases and three roof heights. Cargo volume ranges from about 250 to almost 500 cubic feet – more than twice the volume of today's standard E-Series, saving the customer fuel costs and the time and hassle of a second delivery trip.

Designed and developed to provide efficient service over the long haul, Ford Transit will be at least 25 percent more fuel-efficient than E-Series, helping save Transit owners thousands of dollars in fuel costs over its service life.

Transit has been tested to the Built Ford Tough truck standards at Ford's proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.

Commission Gives Approval for Austintown Racino

The Ohio Racing Commission agreed Wednesday to allow Penn National move forward with plans to build a racino in Austintown.

Penn National Gaming and the commission met in Columbus Wednesday morning where the final plans were approved to build the Hollywood Slots at Mahoning Valley Racecourse near Route 46 and the I-80 interchange in Austintown. A license transfer from Beulah Park, near Columbus, to Austintown has been approved.



The revised plans include 1,001 live racing seats, dormitories for jockeys and a larger stable area.

The latest revisions were the third set of plans Penn National had submitted to the commission for review. The two side met six times between March 12 and May1.