GM Expands Tennessee Factory

General Motors plans to spend $167 million in production capacity upgrades for its Nashville, Tenn. factory, the Associated Press reported.

The investment is in addition to a previously announced $183 million worth of upgrades planned for the facility, which was idled amid the economic downturn in 2009, AP said. The plant was reopened following a 2011 contract agreement with the United Auto Workers that included salary concessions for entry-level workers.

The new spending is expected to create or keep 1,800 jobs, but GM did not comment on how many new workers would be hired, AP said.

While the company also wouldn't identify the new vehicles that would be built there, the facility currently produces the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossover SUVs. These vehicles were last updated in 2009, AP said.

The plant produced more than 3.7 million Saturn cars between 1990 and 2007. Most of the facility's workers were then furloughed while the plant underwent a $600 million overhaul to build the build the Chevrolet Traverse crossover.

At its peak, the facility employed nearly 8,000 workers. By 2009, that number was down to about 630. The plant, which also makes four-cylinder engines, currently employs 2,000 people, AP said.

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Montoya seeking 'winning car'

Juan Pablo Montoya isn’t sure what lies ahead for him in racing.

But his first requirement for any potential suitor, whether it’s in NASCAR, IndyCar or Grand-Am would be to give him the opportunity to drive “a winning car.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do but I want to be in a winning car,” Montoya said. “It was a fun seven years with the Target car and (team co-owner) Chip (Ganassi) and everything. We worked really hard, we had our ups, our downs but at the end of the day, I want to win races. He wants to win races. And we wanted to try something different.

“It could be with Chip. It could be with somebody else. With Chip, something we said is ‘number one, we want to keep our friendship.' We are really good friends. We have a good relationship and that was it. It’s not that bad.”

While Montoya was disappointed by the company’s decision not to renew his contract to drive in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beyond this season, he didn’t appear to be surprised. Certainly, over the last seven years Montoya’s equipment at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has been hit or miss. The driver has revolved through five crew chiefs and six teammates in that time period and, over the last year, endured a complete overhaul of management and his race team. It stands to reason that part of the lack of stability can be traced to the transient nature of the No. 42 team.

Still, it’s curious why a driver with Montoya’s immense talent in open-wheel racing — seven wins and 30 podium finishes in Formula One, an Indy 500 win, a Champ Car title and three Rolex 24 victories in seven starts — never fully acclimated to stock cars. His strength was on the road courses.

On Friday, five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson said that it took him roughly five years to acclimate to the different NASCAR tracks and procedures that accompany the season. Montoya didn’t seem to think that was part of the problem.

“A lot of it was learning (how to drive the cars) at the beginning,” Montoya said. “But I picked it up pretty well. I ran pretty well. I made the Chase (for the Sprint Cup) in my third year. One of the hardest things is the amount of changes. There was never ever consistency and that was one of the hardest things. They weren’t doing it on purpose. They were just trying new things to make things better. The problem is every time you make changes, it makes it harder.”

Certainly, there would be opportunities for Montoya in open wheel if he pursued that path — perhaps even with current team owner Ganassi. When asked whether Montoya has spoken to prospective employers in NASCAR, he replied, “ages ago."

“I’ve been looking at my options for a while,” Montoya said. “I wanted to make sure we had the door open to stay at Ganassi if the opportunity was here.

“I have talked to a lot of people, put it that way. I don’t want to be specific about anybody. I know some people are interested and I just want to make sure whatever I do, as I told you, I have an opportunity to win races. I grew up winning and I’ve won at everything. I won some races here, but I miss dominating.”

Montoya will attempt to take the high road for the remainder of the season. He’s not changing his philosophy regarding life — or racing. Montoya just wants to have fun — and win.

“Right now, it’s actually fun," he said. "I’m really good friends with everybody on this team. They mean the world to me. We still have a lot of racing to go. Number one thing is keep enjoying racing and go hard at it every week.”

Article by Lee Spencer of FOXSports.com

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Chrysler Posts Higher 2Q Profits, Adjusts Forecast

Strong sales across the Ram and Jeep product lines in the U.S. helped boost second-quarter sales for Chrysler Group LLC, Bloomberg News reported.

However, spending associated with product launches and weak sales for its European brands compelled the company to cuts its full-year forecast, Bloomberg said.

Chrysler’s 2Q net income rose to $507 million from $436 million a year earlier, while net revenue increased 7.1% to $18 billion, Bloomberg said. Chrysler’s U.S. deliveries gained 8.9% in the first half of the year to 908,332 cars and light trucks, helped by a 23% gain for the Ram division and a 7.6% increase for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Bloomberg said.

Overall vehicle sales 10%, to 643,000 units versus 582,000 a year ago, and were driven largely by a 17% gain in the company’s U.S. retail sales, Chrysler said. Weakness in the company’s European operations dragged down the overall results, as did spending associated with upcoming product launches, Bloomberg said. Among those launches is the upcoming release of the new Jeep Cherokee.

Due in part to these factors, Chrysler reduced some of its full-year guidance. Chrysler now forecasts operating profit of $3.3 billion to $3.8 billion, compared with a previous target of about $3.8 billion. It now expects net income of between $1.7 billion and $2.2 billion, down from an earlier expectation of about $2.2 billion. And the company now predicts vehicle deliveries of about 2.6 million vehicles, compared with a range of 2.6 million to 2.7 million.

“The timing of product launches and capacity increases causes this year’s performance to be biased to the second half,” Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a statement. “A continued aggressive drive for excellence and flawless execution will be essential to attain the targets we’ve set for ourselves.”

Marchionne wants to buy the 41.5% of Chrysler Fiat doesn’t own and forge a global manufacturer able to challenge General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG. Fiat, which is based in Italy, rescued Chrysler through a government-brokered alliance in 2009. Marchionne obtained control of Chrysler without paying cash by pledging Fiat’s vehicles, technology and managerial expertise to the company.

Since then, Chrysler has emerged as the financial power of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance. Without Chrysler, Fiat would have reported a loss for 2012, Bloomberg said.

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Chevy Sends Service Trucks to Classic Car Event

Chevrolet is dispatching five rescue trucks to the annual Woodward Dream Cruise classic car event this weekend to help participants who experience trouble, the manufacturer announced.

Chevrolet is bringing a fleet of five Silverado pickups equipped to handle routine break-downs to the annual event, which is expected to draw 40,000 classic vehicles and 1.5 million visitors to the area.

During the week-long event, spectators line Woodward Avenue as classic car aficionados drive their vehicles along the route. In the 1950s and 60s, Woodward was often used by automakers to test out their latest models.

Chevrolet, which is a sponsor of the event, will be on hand Saturday, Aug. 17 – one of the busiest days – to help drivers in need. In addition to the trucks, the manufacturer will also set up two service locations along the road. ASE-certified technicians from five area Chevrolet dealerships will handle the repair issues, the manufacturer said.

This is the second year Chevrolet has sent a support team to the event. Last year, the squad helped more than 25 cruise participants, prompting Chevrolet increase the number of roaming vehicles two to five, it said.

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50 Unusual Car Facts from around the world

So many interesting, and strange, things have happened in the automotive industry over the course of time.  Ranging from the price of different cars to the height of the world’s lowest street-legal vehicle, weird things tend to keep us intrigued in the car world.  Below are 50 quirky car facts that were put together for you viewing pleasure. 

MAKING HISTORY

1902 – The first speeding ticket was issued; most cars could barely reach 45 mph.

82 YEARS – the number of years Mr. Allen Swift, of Springfield, MA drove his 1928 Rolls-Royce Roadster.

1896 – the first road traffic death.

1907 – the worlds first purpose-built racing circuit, Brooklands, opened in Weybridge, Surrey.

42 SECONDS – the fastest time for removing a car engine, and replacing it, using a Ford Escort, on 21 Nov. 1985.

1927 – the first electric traffic lights were launched in Wolverhamption.

THE DASHBOARD – was originally a piece of wood attached to the front of a horse-drawn carriage that would prevent mud from splattering the driver as the horse galloped.

1969- the first automobile accident; the damaged vehicle is still preserved in the Conservatoire Nationale des Arts et Metiers in Paris.

1935 – the first coin-operated parking meter was installed in OKC.

19 INCHES – the height of the world’s lowest street-legal car.  The “Flatmobile” was built by Perry Watkins from Buckinghamshire.

22 HOURS, 10 MINUTES AND 33 SECONDS – the time it took for Hugh Edeleanu to drive a JCB from John O’Groats to Land’s End at an average speed of 40 mph.

FLAT, ASPHALT ROADS – were introduced for cyclists, not motorists as is commonly believed.

STOCK CAR RACING HAS ITS ORIGINS IN MOONSHINE RUNNERS – they modified their cars so that they could outrun police cars in Prohibition-era America.

MONEY-MONEY-MONEY

$8.7 MILLION- the price of the most expensive car ever made, a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe

THE ICONIC ROLLS ROYCE HOOD ORNAMENT IS CALLED ‘THE SPIRIT OF ECSTASY’ – in 2008, a special edition diamond-encrusted version was designed, with an asking price of $200,000.

£38 – the cost to have someone else drive your car through a traffic jam in China.  The original driver is whisked away on a motorcycle.

5 SHILLINGS – the fine for the first motor offence in the UK, issued to petrol engine pioneer John Henry Knight in 1895 for not having a license.

£30 – the fine for using a car horn whilst stationary in the UK.  Taxi drivers beware!

1884 – the year the world’s oldest surviving car was built in France for the Count De Dion.  It was sold at auction in 2011 for $4.6 million.

$1,000,000 – the largest speeding fine ever, given to a Swedish man who got clocked at 180 mph in Switzerland, where fines are proportionate to income.

BRANDS

YOU CAN PLAY PONG IN A SAAB – the game is included as an Easter egg in the on-board computer.

19 PEOPLE – can be crammed into a Smart Car.

80% - of cars registered in Albania are Mercedes-Benz

HITLER – while in prison, wrote to a Mercedes-Benz dealership begging for a car loan.

HONG KONG – the city with the most Rolls Royce’s per capita.

VOLKSWAGEN – named many of their cars after winds.  Passat (after the German word for Trade Wind),  Golf (after Gulf Stream),  Bora (after Bora), Polo (after Polar Winds), and Jetta (after Jet Stream).

“IT’S A DOOZY” – the phrase has its origins in Dusenberg automobiles, which were regarded in the 1920s as the most luxurious cars in the world.

TOP SELLER – for 4 years the Ford Fiesta has been the best-selling vehicle in the UK.  Over 100,000 are bought each year.

DANGER! DANGER! – South African BMW’s can be equipped with flame-throwers to prevent car-jackings

KAZUNORI YAMAUCHI – the creator of the Gran Turismo videogames helped develop the Nissan GT-R and has been racing professionally since 2009.

FERRARI – produce a maximum of 14 cars per day.

TOYOTA – the world’s largest car manufacturers, every day produces 13,000.

AROUND THE WORLD

99 DAYS – will be spent stuck in traffic by the average British driver over the course of their lifetime.

TEDDY BEARS – many British traffic police carry teddy bears to console children with after car crashes.

90% - of drivers sing behind the wheel.

THE “NEW CAR SMELL” – is composed of 50 volatile organic compounds.  Fortunately, they are non-toxic.

ELDERLY CAR – drivers over the age of 75 must display the Koreisha mark in the back of their vehicle in Japan.

PARKING – the average British car is parked up 90% of the time.

THE AUTOMOBILE – is the most recycled product in the world.

1 OUT OF 4 – cars produced in the world comes from China.

STEVE JOBS’ – car never had a license plate due to a loophole in Californian state law.

FRANCE – it is compulsory to carry a breathalyzer kit in France. 

SIX MONTHS – the time it would take to reach the moon if you could drive upwards at 60 mph.

960 MILLION HOURS – the amount of time Britons collectively waste in traffic jams each year.

TECHNOLOGY

MODERN F1 CAR – can drive upside down in a tunnel at 120 mph.

256 – the amount of times you can press an out-of-range car remote key before it will stop working.  This is due to the method of encryption between the car remote and the receiver in the vehicle.

60 MILLION CARS – are produced in a single year.  That’s 165,000 cars a day!

REMOTE KEYS – holding a remote car key to your head double its range because the human skull acts as an amplifier.

80% - of Formula One teams use an exhaust pipe coating originally developed for nuclear reactors.

GERMAN CARS – a car has been developed in Germany which is controlled solely by the thoughts of the driver. 

1 BILLION – cars are in active use across the world today.

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Nationwide R.V. Shipping

Many people have or will be planning their vacations soon.  The question arises, should we just fly somewhere or should we just do a road trip?  Motor homes are just that…a home with a motor.  Recreational vehicles can be enjoyed while even just sitting in your drive way.  Weekends are great for cleaning and preparing the RV for road trips or even just relaxing and hiding from the kids.  At N-Motion Auto Transport, our strong network of carriers and dedication to quality transportation is second to none for all nationwide car shipping.

Motor Coach Shipping Across Country

Very often, for an event or show, an R.V. is a great way to relax during or after the festivities.  Just because it has wheels doesn’t mean you need to drive it long distances.  Not everyone has that kind of patience nor do they necessarily need their headquarters moved frequently.  Our team at N-Motion Auto Transport can pick up and deliver your R.V. to any destination across the nation.  You can hop on a plane and go wherever your heart desires.  We will then plan accordingly and ship your R.V. to you in a timely manner so that you won’t have to worry about added mileage or fuel costs. When shipping cars across country, trust the professionals at N-Motion Auto Transport.

R.V. Transport Services

We at N-Motion Auto Transport ensure the safety and protection of your recreational vehicle and always verify carrier insurance policies and DOT paperwork. If safety and/or legal documents are not up to date, the carrier will not be contracted with.  We take pride in offering quality services from quality drivers with up to date equipment. Our personal relationships with these drivers add to our flexibility with timing, rates, and overall service.  By treating our drivers well, our customers are in turn treated well.

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The Brand New 2014 Corvette Stingray Likes to Sing in the Rain

The 2014 Corvette Stingray has yet to be released to the market and we are all sitting in suspense.  Orders are being taken with the ordering guide on Corvette Blogger.  This beastly C7 not only produces a massive fully-upgraded 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, but it has a weather mode too? 

GM had a brilliant idea of incorporating an increased all-weather capability that will immensely increase stability and traction in rainy conditions.  Autoweek noted back in January that the “weather mode” is just one of four driver-selectable settings controlled via the center console.  This mode was created to improve safety in rainy and/or snowy weather conditions. 

Chevrolet explains the weather controls: “In inclement weather, the vehicle senses and adapts to road conditions, distributing appropriate power to the real wheels.  Tailored Traction Control and throttle progression promote more confident driving in rain or snow.”

Now remember, you will not experience all that the Stingray has to offer while in “weather mode.”  The control system reduces specific power in order to retain full stability while driving in external conditions.  This is a safety feature that protects not only the driver but the vehicle as well. 

Some of the other features in the center control panel are as follows:

·         Eco – to reduce engine labor and conserve fuel, ECO MODE maximizes Active Fuel Management to limit power when traveling at cruising speeds.  Fuel economy is automatically optimized until aggressive acceleration is called for.  An Eco index is available.

·         Tour – this vehicle default setting offers adaptable power for everyday driving.  Systems relieve stiffness from shock damping and optimize comfort for long-distance driving.  Gauge cluster configuration displays audio, navigation and phone data. 

·         Sport – Optimized for spirited road driving, steering effort and Magnetic Ride damping are stiffened but tempered.   Performance Traction Management and launch control are enabled, and StabiliTrak Active Handling can be activated for a more stable ride.  Gauge cluster configuration features a large analog tachometer for effortless visibility. 

·         Track – Exclusively for track driving, Track mode is designed for legitimate race settings.  Launch control provides maximum off-the-line accelerating.  Steering effort and Magnetic Ride damping adjust to provide maximum responsiveness.  Performance Traction maximum responsiveness.  Performance Traction Management is enabled.  Throttle progressing optimizes for track performance.  Gauge cluster configuration offers a C6.R race-inspired display complete with lap timer. 

Care of: http://www.chevrolet.com/new-2014-corvette/

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