Cars may be the stars of the 2013 Detroit Autorama, but you don’t have to be a gear head to enjoy the event. The 61st annual custom car show, which opens at noon today, offers an array of other activities besides car eye candy.

DETROIT- Cars may be the stars of the 2013 Detroit Autorama, but you don’t have to be a gear head to enjoy the event at Cobo Center in Detroit.

The 61st annual custom car show, which opens at noon today, offers an array of other activities besides car eye candy.

“It’s a full event,” said Steve Novosel, show chairman. “The experience of being down there … it’s just a bustle of things going on.”

Other than the 900 cars being showcased, other spotlights of the show include the 19th Annual Toy-A-Rama; Gene Winfield's Chop Shop, which will demonstrate how to chop a vehicle's top; video wall featuring vintage feature films, live performances by Rockabilly Bands; and Vinsetta Garage's popular retro themed "Miss Autorama" Pinup Girl Calendar Contest.

Celebrity appearances at the show this year include "Mountain Man" Tim Guraedy, co-star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty;” Christopher Douglas Reed, who plays “Filthy Phil" on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”; WWE wrestlers Sheamus and Edge; Disney Channel actors Davis Cleveland, who plays "Flynn Jones" on the Disney Channel's “Shake It Up,” and Stefanie Scott who plays "Lexi Reed" on Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm; and SpongeBob Square Pants.

And for the celebrity gear heads, the 2013 Detroit Autorama also features the WRIF's Kid Rock Collection (photos above from last year), featuring four vehicles owned by Detroit's American badass and a "Tribute to Batmobile" featuring three generations of the iconic vehicle.

“That’s going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Pete Toundas, show manager, regarding the Batmobile tribute.

The Batmobiles on display will be the 1966 vehicle featured on the TV series, 1989 vehicle featured in “Batman” and one of the newest vehicles featured in “Batman Begins.”

Last year’s Detroit Autorama drew about 151,000 people to downtown Detroit. Toundas said he expects even more this year, thanks to this year being the 50th anniversary of the Ridler Award and all the other special events. 

Autorama is produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. and Michigan Hot Rod Association. It total, it features more than 1,000 exhibits.

Autorama is open from noon to 10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $18 for adults; $5 for children 6-12; and children 5 and under are free. At O’Reilly Auto Parts, discounted tickets of $16 for adults and $4 for children are also available.

Click here for details regarding the celebrity appearances and special events.

Check back to MLive.com/auto throughout the weekend for more photos, video and information about the 2013 Detroit Autorama.

A red 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409m will be the centerpiece of the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise. The vehicle was chosen as the centerpiece of the logo for the 19th annual event presented by Chevrolet, which is scheduled for Aug. 17.

DETROIT- A red 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409m will be the centerpiece of the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise.

The vehicle was chosen for the logo of the 19th annual event presented by Chevrolet, which is scheduled for Aug. 17.

“We want to thank Chevrolet for the use of this classic Impala for our logo and for the tremendous support they give to the Woodward Dream Cruise,” said Greg Rassel, Woodward Dream Cruise Inc. president, in a statement. “We are all committed to keeping the Woodward Dream Cruise the world’s largest, most-unique, one-day free show that ignites and celebrates our passion for the automobile.”

The logo will be showcased at the WDC booth at the 61th annual Meguiar’s Autorama held at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit starting Friday.

Only 142 Chevrolet SS 409s as featured in the logo were produced in 1961 and the cost was around $2,900 new -- depending on options. Current value for a rare Impala SS 409 can be over $100,000.

2013 Woodward Dream Cruise LogoWDC

At only $53.80, the SS package was offered with any Chevrolet Impala. The SS included the Super Sport trim inside and out, chassis reinforcements, power brakes with metallic linings, stronger springs and shocks, spinner-type wheel covers, and Chevy’s earliest uses of narrow-band whitewall tires.

Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing, said the brand is proud to sponsor the event for a third consecutive year.

“Chevrolet will be launching 13 new products in 2013, so we have a lot to show our fans on Woodward, including the all-new Impala, Corvette Stingray and the SS performance sedan,” he said in a statement. “This 415 HP, rear-wheel drive sedan will be a great addition to the Chevy Performance Portfolio.”

To re-live last year's Woodward Dream Crusie, click here for all the photos and articles from MLive.com.

Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland

The 2013 Detroit Autorama is officially open to the public. Hundreds of people waited in line Friday morning to be one of the first to see the about 900 vehicles and special events for this year’s show.Watch video

DETROIT- The 2013 Detroit Autorama is officially open to the public.

Hundreds of people waited in line Friday morning to be one of the first to see the about 900 vehicles and special events for this year’s show.

Led by the celebration of what many consider the most prestigious award in the hot rodding and custom community, the 61st annual custom car show is expected to be one of the largest in years, according to officials.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Don Ridler Memorial Award, also known as the Ridler, which is given out to the most outstanding new custom car shown for the first time.

Of the hundreds of vehicles at the 61st Anniversary Meguiar's Detroit Autorama this weekend at Cobo Center, 80 are expected to be contenders for the prestigious award.

The award, named after the first promoter of Detroit Autorama, Don Ridler, has attracted the finest custom car builders in North America to unveil their vehicles for the first time at the famous show.

Besides the vehicle eye candy, Autorama also features special guest appearances, demonstrations and exhibits. 

If you weren’t one of the people standing in line Friday to get a look at the vehicles or just want to re-live them, MLive.com has you covered. Embedded in this article are two photo galleries of some of the vehicles that are on display for this year’s Autorama.

GM spokesman Tom Wickham said that the information released on March 7, was incorrect and that employees were not told that the shift was intended to be temporary.

Parked cars sit outside in the parking lot of Flint Engine Operations plant on Bristol Road on March 7, 2013 in Flint, where General Motors will eliminate the third shift and 104 employees will be laid off. Jake May | MLive.com 

FLINT, MI – The third shift at the Flint Engine Operations plant was not created specifically for the production of 1.4-liter engines for the Korean-manufactured Buick Encore, as General Motors originally claimed it was, said UAW Local 599 President Dan Reyes.

On Thursday, March 7, GM announced that 104 employees would be laid off and the third shift –created to temporarily produce the Buick Encore engine – would be eliminated at the Flint Engine Operations site. The automaker said that production for the engine would shift from Flint to a GM facility in Korea.

“We did not add a third shift in that facility for Korea. That was already scheduled to happen (before the plant agreed to produce engines for Korea),” Reyes said Friday, March 8.

“What (GM spokesperson) Tom (Wickham) released to the media yesterday was false. What we knew was going to be temporary was the production for the engines that were being sent to Korea, not the shift. Either he was misinformed or the information was misconstrued.”

Wickham said that the information was incorrect and that employees were not told that the shift was intended to be temporary.

“I accidentally stated it was the shift that was temporary when it was the production for Korea. We have clarified that with employees at the plant,” Wickham said.

Even though the shift was not created specifically for the production of the 1.4-liter engines for the GM Korea plant, Wickham said that the shift will still be eliminated.

Wickham added that the Flint Engine plant could not match the production required to keep a third shift.

“The shift will still be cut. The volume is not there to sustain it. No engines will be coming to the United States from Korea,” he said.

Reyes said that the announcement came as a surprise to him, the employees and the other union leaders.

“We’ve always looked toward a bright future and we had an understanding that we would be able to maintain three shifts at the facility on a long-term basis,” Reyes said.

“All of our employees are very quality-minded and do an excellent job for GM.”

Reyes said he remains optimistic about the future of the 104 employees affected by the layoffs, stating that the UAW leaders are constantly meeting with GM officials to get the employees reassigned to other plants.

“GM, when they lay someone off from a site, they no longer work for that site, but the employee still belongs to that local union and the union still works on their behalf to secure employment at another facility,” he said.

“The focus has shifted a bit to make sure that the struggle for temporary employees left without a job, that is not overbearing, and that those members with seniority have their rights protected. The local unions will be there to support them every step of the way.”

Pin-up girls, a professional wrestler, mini-bikes and live music added to the auto revelry at the Cobo Center on Saturday.

DETROIT, MI – Pin-up girls, a professional wrestler, mini-bikes and live music added to the auto revelry at the Cobo Center on Saturday.

The second day of Autorama brought vehicles and visitors from around the country to the annual Detroit gathering.

(Related: Photos: 2013 Detroit Autorama open to the public)

Susan Heyard of Canton, Ohio said she and her husband have been coming to the collector car show for the past ten years.

“There’s a lot of nice cars,” she said as she browsed the show’s “extreme” section in the Cobo basement, where hot rods, dragsters, a custom-rebuilt 1962 Ford Econoline and hundreds of other quirky creations were on display.

“Usually there are different things to see every year.”

A live band with a gyrating standing bass player performed as children raced toy vehicles, men in sparkly hats marveled at souped up trucks and and women in 1950s attire prepared for a pin-up girl competition.

Others came for celebrity appearances.

Retired WWE wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland poses for a photo with 6-year-old James Miller, Jr., on Saturday, March 8, 2013 at Detroit's annual Autorama custom car show.(Khalil AlHajal | MLive.com) 

James Miller, Jr., 6, smiled, speechless after his brief moment with the retired former champion.

“He wanted to see Edge, so we came,” said his father James Miller, Sr. of Redford. “(Edge) cracked jokes, talked to him. He’s a good guy.”

Batmobile and General Lee replicas also attracted big crowds Saturday.

Autorama stays open through 10 p.m. Saturday and opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Follow Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.

"Those people have to be obsessed. Every nut, bolt and screw is chromed."

DETROIT, MI -- The Michigan Hot Rod Association will present its 50th annual Ridler Award to one of eight finalists at the nation's premier custom car show in Detroit on Sunday.

Hundreds of cars were on display during Autorama at the Cobo Center this weekend with blinding shine and jaw-dropping creative design.

(Related: Pin-up girls, hot rods and a WWE star please crowds at Detroit's Autorama)

Custom car experts have chosen the top eight and will reveal a winner Sunday evening.

"They’re all gorgeous," said Fred Mays, 57, who admired the Ridler finalists Saturday with a group of six friends who drove to Detroit from Millington for the show.

"It’s more than a hobby. Those people have to be obsessed. Every nut, bolt and screw is chromed... You know if somebody’s won that, they’ve don’t their ultimate job... It’s not just a little car that you shine up. It's almost beyond comprehension. I didn’t see any ugly ones. None I wouldn’t drive home in."

(Related: 2013 Detroit Autorama more than cars; entertainment, celebrities abundant)

The show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

( More photos from 2013 Detroit Autorama

Follow Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.

The 50th anniversary Don Ridler Memorial Award, also known as the Ridler, was awarded to a 1940 Ford owned by Ron and Deb Cizek of Bennington, Neb.

DETROIT- This year’s Detroit Autorama marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most prestigious awards in the hot rodding and custom car community.

The 50th anniversary Don Ridler Memorial Award, also known as the Ridler, was awarded to a 1940 Ford owned by Ron and Deb Cizek of Bennington, Neb.

The award, named after the first promoter of Detroit Autorama, Don Ridler, has attracted the finest custom car builders in North America to unveil their vehicles for the first time at the famous show.

Of the 900 vehicles displayed at this year’s show, about 80 were contenders for the award.

Besides the 1940 Ford, the “Great 8” finalists at the 2013 Detroit Autorama included a 1956 Chevy pickup owned by Alan Beers of Oklahoma; a 1934 Ford Coupe owned by Christian Harker of Minnesota; a 1935 Ford Phaeton from John Mayer of Illinois; a 1934 Ford owned by Ken Serensun, of Arizona; a 1972 Chevy pickup owned by Buddy Schutz of Texas; a 1956 Buick Special owned by Mark Williams of Iowa; and a 1965 Chevy Corvette owned by Allan Woodall of North Carolina.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ridler Award, Detroit Autorama organizers had the trophy gold plated and invited all of the 50 past winners to bring their vehicles back to Autorama.

All of the Great 8 received $1,000. The winner of the Ridler received $10,000.

Embedded is a look at all of the award winners from the past 50 years. What's your favorite?

To date, the Treasury has recovered approximately $29.8 billion of its $49.5 billion investment in GM as part of the automotive bailout through repayments, sales of stock, dividends, interest, and other income.

DETROIT- The U.S. government last month accelerated its plans to fully exit General Motors Co. by March 2014.

In a report to Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department disclosed that it sold $489.9 million worth of GM shares in February.

To date, the Treasury has recovered approximately $29.8 billion of its $49.5 billion investment in GM through repayments, sales of stock, dividends, interest, and other income. The money was part of the 2008-2009 automotive bailout. 

Treasury did not disclose how many shares it sold in February, but based on stock prices in February, the government sold at least 17.2 million shares of stock.

In December, the U.S. Treasury said it intended to begin selling its remaining shares as soon as this month. Officials said the "manner, amount, and timing of the sales under the plan are dependent upon a number of factors."

The announcement included GM purchasing 200 million shares of its stock back from the government for $5.5 billion, which represented a 7.9 percent, or about $2, premium over the stock's Dec. 18 price per share closing price.

General Motors world headquarters in the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.Jonathan Oosting | MLive.com

After the repurchase, the U.S. Treasury owned approximately 300 million shares of GM stock, or approximately 19 percent of the automaker. Officials said the government would start selling the stock as early as January, when it sold $156.4 million worth of stock.

GM stock [NYSE: GM] closed Monday up 31 cents a share to $28.31.

The small luxury crossover will lead the pack for the General Motors Co. luxury brand during the 2013 NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball Tournament. The brand is the NCAA's official partner of human achievement for a third-consecutive year.

BIRMINGHAM- Buick is looking to three-peat its performance during March Madness with the new Encore crossover.

The small luxury vehicle will lead the pack for the General Motors Co. luxury brand during the 2013 NCAA Men'€™s Division 1 Basketball Tournament. The brand is the NCAA's official partner of human achievement for a third-consecutive year.

Tony DiSalle, vice president of marketing for Buick and GMC, said the brand will have a large presence across all platforms and networks during the tournament, including during the games.

"It'€™s a unique partnership with the NCAA," he said during a media event Wednesday in Birmingham. "March Madness is a fun time for us on the Buck brand."

The "€œfun"€ for Buick has already started with ads and promos for ESPN's ''€œ30 For 30''€ film series, but the NCAA launch officially starts March 17 with the series'™ ''€œSurvive and Advance''€ episode, which documents the North Carolina State Wolfpack's post-season run in 1983 that included winning nine do-or-die games in a row.

During the program, which is presented by Buick, a new commercial featuring the Encore will make its television debut (video embedded below).

The 30-second ad, called ''Dinosaur,'' features a younger man and women maneuvering through dinosaurs that are entangled in each other. It ends with a voiceover saying, ''Clearly, the next big thing in luxury is small.''

GM video: ''Dinosaur'' TV spot for Buick Encore

Before showing the ad on Wednesday, DiSalle said the ad ''€œreally drives home this notion of maneuverability, the notion of Buick being a modern luxury brand and Encore being innovative in being able to bring luxury to the right size footprint.''€

DiSalle said commercials for other Buick models, including the new ad featuring Shaquille O'Neal for the Buick LaCrosse, will continue during the NCAA tournament.

The 2013 NCAA men's basketball tournament begins March 17 with "Selection Sunday,'' and games start March 19. The tournament continues through April 8.

Officials said the partnership and ad blitz during the basketball tournament has helped Buick's sales, exposure and image, as it overhauled its product portfolio in recent years.

During the 2012 NCAA basketball tournament, the brand focused its advertising on the then-new Buick Verano.

Check back to MLive.com/auto for more information on the Buick Encore and Buick's partnership with the NCAA.

Minneapolis-based Fallon Worldwide remains the General Motors Co. luxury brand’s current agency, but other agencies are involved in the process, according to a statement released by Cadillac.

DETROIT- Cadillac is conducting an “advertising agency review,” officials confirmed Tuesday.

Minneapolis-based Fallon Worldwide remains the General Motors Co. luxury brand’s current agency, but other agencies are involved in the process, according to a statement released by Cadillac.

“Fallon will be invited to participate in this review process along with other agencies,” said the Detroit-based automaker. “We are not disclosing the other participating agencies nor details of the review process.”

Recently, rumors and reports had surfaced that Cadillac was shopping around for a new agency. 

As previously reported, and confirmed by two MLive.com sources familiar with the review, one of leading other agencies is Warren-based Campbell Ewald, which recently announced its intention to move closer to GM’s Detroit headquarters.

The review, according to officials, is a result of Cadillac's global expansion plan that is driving the brand “to continually enhance” its marketing efforts. The review is expected to take place over the coming weeks.

The agency review comes at a time when Cadillac is planning the most-extensive round of product launches and upgrades in its history, and is poised to enter new international markets.

Cadillac plans to introduce 10 all-new or significantly redesigned models in the next three years, starting with the recently released XTS full-size sedan and ATS compact.

If the change does occur, it would mark a change in direction for the brand under Robert Ferguson, who became vice president of global Cadillac in October.

Ferguson, who joined GM in 2010, was previously vice president for global public policy for the automaker.

Prior to joining GM, Ferguson was at the business advisory and strategic communications firm Public Strategies, where he worked with a diverse and international group of clients as a senior strategist.

The Cadillac account for GM is believed to be valued at about $244 million annually, according to Adage.com.

The move also comes as GM is reportedly changing its Chevrolet advertising strategy, which currently is handled by a Detroit-based agency called Commonwealth, which is a combination of New York-based McCann Worldgroup and San Francisco-based Goodby.

According to the Detroit Free Press, GM plans to shift most Chevy advertising work to McCann, but cut ties with Goodby.

Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland

Hosted by General Motors Co., more than 50 students -- primarily young females -- attended the event, which included two special Michigan guests and a ''Women in Electrification'' panel featuring GM women employees.

DETROIT- Women can electrify all fields of business, including the U.S. automotive industry.

That was one of the main messages delivered to more than 50 Detroit high school students Wednesday during an event in honor of March being National Women's History Month.

Hosted by General Motors Co., the students -- primarily young females -- were able to meet two special Michigan residents and experience a "Women in Electrification" panel featuring GM women employees.

The four-person panel focused on how a strong background and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) positioned the women to help create many of GM’s most design-forward and technologically advanced vehicles.

The panel, held at GM's world headquarters inside the Renaissance Center in Detroit, was moderated by Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley.

Check back to MLive.com/auto for more information about the event.

The company gave no reason for the resignation. But the trade publication Automotive News reported that Henrik Fisker told it in an emailed statement that he left after several major disagreements on business strategy. He didn't give further details.

2012 Fisker KarmaFisker

DETROIT (AP) — Fisker Automotive Inc., maker of the $100,000 Karma sports car, confirmed Wednesday that co-founder Henrik Fisker has left the company.

The company gave no reason for the resignation. But the trade publication Automotive News reported that Henrik Fisker told it in an emailed statement that he left after several major disagreements on business strategy. He didn't give further details.

The $100,000 Karma plug-in hybrid sports car is the only model Fisker currently sells. It's developing a lower-cost model — the Atlantic coupe — which would sell for around $55,000.

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy suspended a $529 million loan to Fisker after introduction of the Karma was delayed due to trouble with battery packs. Fisker got $193 million from the government before the payments were stopped in May of 2011.

In August, the Anaheim, Calif., company brought in former General Motors electric car chief Tony Posawatz as CEO. He has favored alliances or sale of the company. There are reports that some Chinese automakers are interested.

Fisker said in a statement that Henrik Fisker's departure won't affect its pursuit of "strategic partners" and additional financing. "The company has a strong and experienced management team and its strategy has not changed," the statement said.

Fisker's troubles show just how difficult and costly it is to start a car company and introduce a new technology. Gas-electric powertrains allow the cars to go 30 to 40 miles on battery power before a backup engine kicks in. The engine eliminates anxiety over running out of electricity.

The company was started in 2007 by Henrik Fisker and a business partner. It has raised more than $1.2 billion from private investors — including actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Fisker has sold about 1,800 Karmas since they went on sale in late 2011, spokesman Roger Ormisher said.

However, production was suspended last fall after battery supplier A123 Systems Inc., went into bankruptcy protection. But Ormisher said Fisker still has a supply of Karmas for sale in global markets, and is negotiating a battery contract with A123's new owner.

The company has had other stumbles. Consumer Reports magazine last year gave the Karma a failing grade, citing numerous dashboard glitches and a battery that failed while the car was being tested.

Posawatz said Fisker was overly ambitious and tried to bring the Karma to market too quickly.

Ormisher said Wednesday that the company will announce a start date for Atlantic production "as soon as we have a strategic alliance/partnership in place."

The company wouldn't talk about potential buyers or partners on Wednesday, saying only that it has received detailed proposals from several parties on different continents "which are now being evaluated by the company and its advisers."

Last fall, in an appearance in Detroit, Posawatz declined to say which companies Fisker is negotiating with. But he said the company's hybrid system is very valuable to other companies. Fisker uses an engine from General Motors in the Karma and plans to use a BMW engine in the Atlantic.

The 2012 Overdrive Award winners included Detroit-based Ideal Contracting, Massachusetts-based Clark Cutler McDermott, International Automotive Component Group, which has its North American headquarters in Southfield, and SL Corporation of South Korea.

General Motors recognized 83 of its best global automotive suppliers at the 21st annual GM Supplier of the Year awards Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by John F. Martin for General Motors)GM

The award, according to GM, is meant to recognize suppliers who have undertaken “extraordinary initiatives that drove exceptional results for GM’s business.”

The 2012 Overdrive Award winners included Detroit-based Ideal Contracting, Massachusetts-based Clark Cutler McDermott, International Automotive Component Group, which has its North American headquarters in Southfield, and SL Corporation of South Korea.

“The Overdrive Award recognizes those world-class companies that have truly gone above and beyond,” said Grace Lieblein, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, in a statement. “They have not only met the demands of our business, they have also demonstrated through their actions a great commitment to their communities.”

The new award was announced during the Detroit-based automaker’s 21st annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

The Supplier of the Year award is given to less than 1 percent of GM’s approximately 18,500 suppliers around the world. The award was given out 83 suppliers this year, including about 25 U.S. companies.

GM said the winners are recognized for delivering innovative technology, superior quality, timely crisis management and competitive, total-enterprise cost solutions.

Of the 83 recipients, five are certified diverse suppliers and 46 are repeat winners from last year

The Supplier of the Year and Overdrive award winners are chosen by a global team of GM purchasing, engineering, quality, manufacturing and logistics executives.

Here’s a look at the full list of recipients:

Buick’s first commercial for its 2013 Encore features the small luxury crossover going against some heavy, pre-historic competition.

GM video: ''Dinosaur'' TV spot for Buick Encore

DETROIT- Buick’s first commercial for its 2013 Encore features the small luxury crossover going against some heavy, pre-historic competition.

The 30-second spot, called “Dinosaur,” features a young couple weaving through dinosaurs (representing “the age of the oversized luxury car”) in the newly released Encore. It ends with a voiceover saying, ''Clearly, the next big thing in luxury is small.''

The commercial is the launch ad for the new vehicle, which General Motors Co. sold 1, 571 units of in February.

“It really drives home this notion of maneuverability, the notion of Buick being a modern luxury brand and Encore being innovative in being able to bring luxury to the right size footprint,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of marketing for Buick and GMC, during a media event Wednesday in Birmingham.

The ad is scheduled to make its television debut Sunday during ESPN’s ‘’30 For 30’’ episode on the North Carolina State Wolfpack's post-season run in 1983 that included winning nine do-or-die games in a row to eventually win the NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball Tournament. The episode begins at 9 p.m.

“Dinosaur” marks the beginning of the brand’s strong presence during the 2013 NCAA basketball tournament and March Madness.

For a third consecutive year, Buick has partnered with the NCAA to be its “Official Partner of Human Achievement.” Besides a strong advertising presence during the tournament, Buick is hosting and sponsoring a number of events surrounding the tournament.

One of the most well-known things the brand his become known for during the tournament is the “Buick Human Highlight Reel.” The online collection and archive of short videos features former NCAA student-athletes who help those in need.

This year’s new stories include that of Marc Buoniconti and the Miami Project. Marc, the son of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti, suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down while playing college football at The Citadel. Marc’s story will debut Sunday at ncaa.com/buick.

"It's a unique partnership with the NCAA," DiSalle said. "March Madness is a fun time for us on the Buck brand."

Since launching in 2011, the site has published nearly 80 videos and usually attracts about 30,000 monthly visits.

This year, Buick will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of March Madness and the arrival of the 2013 Buick Encore with “Encore Performances” that will allow guests to the Final Four at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome to relive their favorite tournament buzzer beaters.

Buick is the NCAA's official partner of human achievement for a third consecutive year.GM

Attendees will be able to view classic footage, then use steps marked on the floor to take a famous shot themselves. At the end, they’ll be able to view the two video clips side by side. Each successful shot will also result in a shoe donation to Samaritan’s Feet.

Samaritan's Feet is a global humanitarian organization providing 10 million impoverished children with 10 million pairs of shoes in the US and around the world. It’s founder, Manny Ohonme, is among those who have been featured in the “Buick Human Highlight Reel” in the past.

DiSalle said commercials for other Buick models, including the new ad featuring Shaquille O'Neal for the Buick LaCrosse, will continue during the NCAA tournament.

The 2013 NCAA men's basketball tournament begins March 17 with "Selection Sunday,'' and games start March 19. The tournament continues through April 8.

Officials said the partnership and ad blitz during the basketball tournament has helped Buick's sales, exposure and image, as it overhauled its product portfolio in recent years.

During the 2012 NCAA basketball tournament, the brand focused its advertising on the then-new Buick Verano.

Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland

In his new role, Mark Miller will focus on Cascade's manufacturing-based business units, including CK Technologies, Automotive Americas and Europe, Cascade Cart Solutions, CapturIt, Commercial Products and Noble Polymers.

Mark Miller was promoted as president of Cascade Engineering Family of CompaniesCourtesy photo 

In his new role, Miller will focus on Cascade’s manufacturing-based business units, including CK Technologies, Automotive Americas and Europe, Cascade Cart Solutions, CapturIt, Commercial Products and Noble Polymers.

Miller, who also will be responsible for leading the manufacturing, engineering and finance teams, will continue to report directly to Fred Keller, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO, according to a news release.

Most recently, Miller was president of CK Technologies (CKT), group vice president of the Transportation Group and the Chief Strategy Officer. Under his leadership, CK Technologies focused on developing and commercializing components, large-part systems and related processes exclusively for the Commercial Truck and Bus industry.

The company specializes in innovative technologies that deliver cost and weight solutions for three key vehicle zones – the exterior, interior and engine compartment.

Miller has also led the integration of sustainable business practices throughout CKT’s operations. Like each of the businesses within Cascade Engineering’s extended family of companies, CKT is committed to achieving positive environmental and social impacts, as well as financial growth.

He also managed the creation of Cascade Engineering’s Transportation Group which includes the Automotive America’s and Automotive Europe business units. He was responsible for overseeing the leveraging of technologies, processes, customers and the group’s international footprint to drive growth across these three business units.

“Mark, as leader of CKT, led the company through significant growth leading to our recent expansion into Texas,” said Keller. “He is respected by his peers and exemplifies all the traits we look for in a leader.”

Miller is a 25-year veteran of the transportation industry with particular experience in injection molding, painting and electroplating technologies. Prior to joining CK Technologies in 2006, he held a number of leadership positions within the Tier I automotive supply sector for more than 15 years.

Born and raised in Detroit, Miller began his career with Ford Motor Co. in finance after working as an injection molding press operator during college.

Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Wayne State University and has taken additional graduate courses at MIT and Wayne State. He and his wife, Diana, have three children and live in Grand Rapids.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to carry on the core values that Fred Keller and Cascade Engineering have cultivated during the last 40 years,” Miller said.

“I’m confident that our commitment to the Triple Bottom Line will assist us as we work to ensure long-term profitability and sustainability for the organization,” he said.

In addition to his role as chairman and CEO, Keller will retain responsibility for new business and technology development and Cascade Renewable Energy.

Steve Peterson will continue as Chief Financial Officer and Kenyatta Brame, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer will lead the non-manufacturing business units including IWS, Triple Quest, Xtreme RFID, Decade and Cascade Consulting.

Brame will also maintain responsibility for Human Resources, CES, Talent Management, Legal, Quality, Marketing, IT, ESS, and Supply Chain.

E-mail Jim Harger: jharger@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JHHarger

The Detroit-based automaker is looking to build a 400,000 square-foot addition to its Lansing Grand River assembly plant, which builds the Cadillac CTS and ATS.

LANSING, MI — General Motors Co. is considering investing $38 million to expand its Lansing Grand River assembly plant, a move that could bring 150 jobs.

The Detroit-based automaker is looking to build a 400,000 square-foot addition to its 2.5 million-square-foot Lansing Grand River assembly plant, which builds the Cadillac CTS and ATS and will begin building the Chevrolet Camaro in 2015.

The addition will serve as a logistics center where workers will piece together automotive parts for sequencing, said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Inc.

“GM has only said it’s in sourcing, and this is a way of helping them with production,” Trezise said.

Pending necessary approvals, GM could begin construction as early as July 2013 and finish by 2015, according to LEAP.

GM spokeswoman Erin Davis said the company is “developing a business case for potential future investment.” She wouldn’t release further details other than to say it would fund facility improvements to strengthen the plant’s manufacturing capabilities.

The company has requested a 12-year, 50 percent tax break on the real property, or building addition, worth about $4 million. The Lansing City Council is expected to begin its review process on Monday.

GM already has an agreement in place that exempts equipment from the personal property tax for 25 years. The agreement was reached a few years ago, Trezise said.

GM invested about $190 million to upgrade the Lansing Grand River plant for production of the Cadillac ATS, which began last summer with nearly 600 new employees.

The plant employs more than 1,500 salaried and hourly employees, Davis said.

The ATS and second shift have been a blessing to the plant, said Mike Green, president of UAW Local 652, which represents hourly workers at the facility.

“When you’re doing the right thing it makes it pretty easy to invest,” he said, referencing the ATS’s success as the 2013 North American Car of the Year.

Mayor Virg Bernero said he couldn’t be more excited.

“It bodes very well for the city, this signals GM’s continued confidence in Lansing and in the Lansing workforce,” he said. “In today’s hyper-competitive automotive marketplace, that’s huge.”

Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Google+ and Twitter: @MelissaDAnders. Download the MLive app for iPhone and Android.

Commonwealth, a combination of New York-based McCann Worldgroup and San Francisco-based Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, will no longer include Goodby.

General Motors headquarters are shown in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. AP File Photo

DETROIT- Chevrolet’s global brand advertising agency appears to be undergoing as much of a transformation as the brand’s product portfolio of vehicles.

Commonwealth, a combination of New York-based McCann Worldgroup and San Francisco-based Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, will no longer include Goodby.

Numerous news outlets and MLive Detroit sources familiar with the situation confirmed that McCann will assume full responsibility of the ad partnership formed by former General Motors Co. Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick to manage Chevrolet advertising.

Commonwealth, according to GM, will remain Chevrolet’s “global agency of record and a key partner” as it launches 25 products globally, including 13 in North America, in 2013.

“Chevrolet is building enthusiasm around the world for its products and we look forward to working with the Commonwealth team to continue our momentum,” said Alan Batey, vice president of U.S. sales and service and interim global chief marketing officer, in a statement. “Any change in ownership structure should have no impact on our plans to grow the Chevrolet brand around the world.”

The ownership shakeup comes at a pivotal time not only for the brand’s launches, but about a month after the launch of its new “Find New Roads” advertising campaign.

The Chevrolet advertising agency change potentially adds a second notch in the Detroit-based automaker’s advertising change.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed Cadillac is conducting an “advertising agency review.” GM said Minneapolis-based Fallon Worldwide will remain the luxury brand’s current agency, but other agencies are involved in the process, according to a statement released by Cadillac.

“Fallon will be invited to participate in this review process along with other agencies,” read the statement. “We are not disclosing the other participating agencies nor details of the review process.”

Recently, rumors and reports had surfaced that Cadillac was shopping around for a new agency. 

As previously reported, one of leading other agencies is Warren-based Campbell Ewald, which recently announced its intention to move closer to GM’s Detroit headquarters.

The review, according to officials, is a result of Cadillac's global expansion plan that is driving the brand “to continually enhance” its marketing efforts. The review is expected to take place over the coming weeks.

The agency review comes at a time when Cadillac is planning the most-extensive round of product launches and upgrades in its history, and is poised to enter new international markets.

Cadillac plans to introduce 10 all-new or significantly redesigned models in the next three years, starting with the recently released XTS full-size sedan and ATS compact.

Highlights of the 61st annual classic and custom car show, which ended Sunday, included the 50th anniversary of the Ridler Award, a collection of Kid Rock’s vehicles and three generations of Batmobiles.

DETROIT- The 2013 Detroit Autorama ended nearly a week ago, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive the best vehicles and news from the show.

Highlights of the 61st annual classic and custom car show, which ended Sunday, included the 50th anniversary of the Ridler Award, a collection of Kid Rock’s vehicles and three generations of Batmobiles.

Below is a look at some of MLive.com’s coverage and photo galleries of this year’s show, which included about 900 vehicles.

If you weren’t able to make the show or just want to continue the memories, here you go:

Articles

- Detroit Autorama Ridler winners: 50 of the best custom cars since 1964 (photos)

- Kid Rock's car collection and 3 eras of Batman vehicles at 2013 Autorama

- 8 best custom cars up for top award at Detroit's Autorama

- Pin-up girls, hot rods and a WWE star please crowds at Detroit's Autorama

- Photos: 2013 Detroit Autorama open to the public

- 2013 Detroit Autorama more than cars; entertainment, celebrities abundant

- 2013 Detroit Autorama: America's premier custom car show roaring into the Motor City

Photo galleries

- 2013 Detroit Autorama

- 2013 Detroit Autorama II

- Autorama extreme

- Hot Rod Ridler Award 8 finalists

- 2013 Autorama (on Saturday)

- 3 eras of Batman cars at Autorama

- Kid Rock's Car Collection at the 2013 Autorama

- Detroit Autorama: 50 years of Ridler Award winners

DETROIT, MI - Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally's total compensation fell 29 percent to $20.96 million in 2012, compared with a net compensation of $29.50 million in 2011.  Mulally's total take-home included $2 million in annual salary - unchanged from 2011 - as well as a $1.3 million bonuses, $6.8 million in stock awards, $7.9 million in option awards,...

In this Jan. 11, 2012 file photo, Ford CEO Alan Mulally talks during a Power Panel discussion at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas.AP File Photo

Led by its Experience Buick leasing program -- a two-year term with a single monthly payment that includes entertainment, safety and maintenance features -- the General Motors Co. luxury brand has doubled its leasing business, according to officials.

DETROIT-Buick has increased its sales in the past year largely thanks to leasing.

Led by its “Experience Buick” leasing program -- a two-year term with a single monthly payment that includes entertainment, safety and maintenance features -- the General Motors Co. luxury brand has doubled its leasing business, according to officials.

“Experience Buick gives customers a low-commitment, all-inclusive way to see that we’re a modern and inviting brand with five unique and appealing models,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick Sales and Service, in a statement.

Launched in mid-March last year, the leases come with SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar Directions and Connections and include oil changes and tire rotations in the monthly payments.

According to GM customer data collected late last year, 55 percent of Experience Buick customers are new to the brand; that number rises to 63 percent for the Regal luxury sport sedan and 66 percent for the Verano compact luxury sedan.

About 74 percent of customers polled, according to GM, said 'Experience Buick' played a major role in their decision.

Buicks overall sales increased nearly 2 percent from 2011 to 2012, and they have continued to grow this year. Buick’s February retail sales were the best since 2004 with a 13 percent year-over-year increase, the 10th consecutive month of higher sales to individual customers. Total sales, including those sold to executive fleets and other commercial customers, were up 15 percent.

Officials expect the brand’s sales to continue to grow as new models are unveiled at the New York International Auto Show later this month and as its advertising increases during March Madness.

For a third consecutive year, Buick has partnered with the NCAA to be its “Official Partner of Human Achievement.” Besides a strong advertising presence during the tournament, Buick is hosting and sponsoring a number of events surrounding the tournament.

The 2013 NCAA men's basketball tournament begins March 17 with "Selection Sunday,'' and games start March 19. The tournament continues through April 8.