Archived Auto News and Events for June 2007

Honda and Toyota Exports Steadily Rising
According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, both Toyota and Honda are reporting impressive growth in their export of automobiles from Japan for the month of May.

Volkswagen to Sell Jettas and Czech Skodas in Russia
Volkswagen is moving into Russia with the opening of a new plant in Kaluga, which is designed to serve the needs of drivers in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Average Gas Prices Down 11 Cents
Figures released on Sunday from a national survey of gasoline prices indicate an eleven cent drop over the past two weeks. Similar figures compiled by AAA confirmed the decrease.

Late Night Senate Vote Approves Fuel Standards
The Senate approved a compromise proposal on fuel efficiency standards via an unexpected voice vote on June 21. The bill would enact higher standards for the first time in thirty years.

Auto Industry Pushes Lawmakers on Mileage Standards
Today the auto industry unleashed all its considerable lobbying power on senators in Washington, D.C. as an important vote on fuel economy standards was imminent.

Chrysler and Getrag Announce Indiana Plant
Plans have been announced for Chrysler Holdings, LLC and Getrag to build a dual-clutch transmissions plant on a 145-acre site north of Indianapolis in Tipton County, Indiana.

Google Announces Plug-In Car Initiative
On June 18, the philanthropic branch of search engine giant Google announced the launch of an initiative named RechargeIT. The program will put $11 million toward the development of viable plug-in, electric automobiles and associated technology.

Ford Taurus Returns to Showrooms This Week
This week the 2008 Ford Taurus will begin to appear in showrooms in the United States resurrecting, at least in name, a brand with 81 percent consumer recognition, a fact on which the troubled Ford Motor Company is counting.

Ford Seeks Sale of Land Rover and Jaguar
On Monday, June 18, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ford Motor Company has entered into negotiations with Cerberus Capital Management about the potential sale of its Land Rover and Jaguar brands.

Safeco Launches Hi-Tech Teensurance
Starting June 27, parents of teenage drivers will be able to purchase a unique form of insurance backed by high-tech monitoring systems from Safeco. The product, labeled "Teensurance," seeks to cultivate safer driving habits in a high risk driving population.

Automakers and UAW Face Tense Talks
As American automakers stand poised to enter contract talks with the United Auto Workers union this fall, the industry's relationship with organized labor may be facing a total restructuring to the detriment of the workers.

General Motors Announces Efficient Diesel Engine
In a move that will ultimately cost $100 million, General Motors announced plans on June 15 to begin production of a high-output diesel engine slated for use in three product lines.