How far would our society be if women weren't suppressed for decades? If instead of learning household duties in the early 20th century, they were learning about math and engineering? Those questions were poised to me Wednesday afternoon by Michigan’s own Stephanie Jass, the most winning female in the history of Jeopardy.

DETROIT, MI - How far would our society be if women weren't suppressed for decades? If instead of learning household duties in the early 20th century, they were learning about math and engineering?

Those questions were posed to me Wednesday afternoon by Michigan’s own Stephanie Jass, the most winning female in the history of Jeopardy.

“Think of how quickly we could have solved any number of problems the generations past if we had been utilizing our girls, our smart girls,” she said following a General Motors Co. event for high school students in honor of National Women’s History Month.

The event included a "Women in Electrification" panel featuring GM employees and Jass acting as Alex Trebek for a Jeopardy-style game for more than 50 students from three Metro Detroit high schools.

Sandra Boone, a 17-year-old student from Osborn, was one of three of the Jeopardy game contestants and thanks to the event, may want to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

“They were persuasive,” she said. “You can just bounce into different fields having an engineering degree.”

Less than 100 years ago, Boone and her fellow classmate Ashley Dinkins, who would like to pursue a career in the automotive industry, wouldn't have even been given a chance to enter into the male-dominated industry.

“I would like to work on cars because it looks fun,” said Dinkins, 18.

Thankfully, that has changed and women nowadays have women role models to look up to in all industries, including automotive. And thanks to that, a shift is occurring.

Women have represented about 57 percent of enrollments at American colleges since at least 2000, according to a recent report by the American Council on Education.

During the GM event, five strong women role models shared their experiences and encouraged the students in the room to challenge gender stereotypes and think about careers in male-dominated industries.

One of the most inspiring came from Cristi Landy, marketing director, Chevrolet small cars, who told stories of when she was growing up and never wanted to be grouped or stereotyped by her gender.

"As a kid, I loved math and I liked science, but I also never really bought into the thing that girls should be doing this and boys should be doing that, " she said during the panel, held at GM's world headquarters inside the Renaissance Center in Detroit.

Landy said she always felt that she could do anything she wanted to, whether it was choosing wrestling over dance in high school gym class or being a drummer boy instead of a dreidel in an elementary school Christmas play. 

Other panelists, each with their own inspiring words to the students, included Britta Gross, GM director, advanced vehicle commercialization policy; Alisyn Malek, GM release engineer, charging components; and MaryAnn Jeffers, assistant chief engineer, GM electrification. The panel was moderated by Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley.

Events like GM's are one of many local events happening across the U.S. for National Women’s History month, which has a theme of “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination,” honoring generations of women who throughout American history have used their intelligence, imagination, sense of wonder, and tenacity to make extraordinary contributions to the STEM fields.

I urge you to try and attend an event or do some research on women’s past struggles whether you're female or male.

The inspirational messages attached to how women have transformed our society in the past two generations alone is something all, not just some, should hear to be inspired like Boone and Dinkins.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker Sunday said it is recalling 4,459 model-year 2013 Dodge Challengers to address a potential short-circuit that could lead to a fire. About 2,500 of the vehicles are owned by customers, the others remain on dealer lots.

Chrysler Group LLC is warning some 2013 Dodge Challenger owners to not drive their vehicles.AP File Photo

AUBURN HILLS, MI- Chrysler Group LLC is warning some 2013 Dodge Challenger owners not to drive their vehicles.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker Sunday said it is recalling 4,459 model-year 2013 Dodge Challengers to address a potential short-circuit that could lead to a fire. About 2,500 of the vehicles are owned by customers, the others remain on dealer lots.

“Affected owners are being contacted directly – by telephone and by mail,” Chrysler said in a statement. “They are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers.”

Chrysler further advised affected owners not to park their vehicles in or near any structures.

The recall applies only to cars made assembled with V6 engines during an eight-week period ending Jan. 24.

Chrysler is aware of seven such incidents. None caused injury. 

The twin-turbo V6 engine and eight-speed transmission are both firsts for the brand. The engine is the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the midsize luxury and the eight-speed automatic enhances fuel economy and acceleration over a six-speed automatic.

2014 3.6L V-6 VVT DI Twin Turbo (LF3) for Cadillac CTSGM

DETROIT- General Motors Co. Monday announced a new engine and transmission will debut on the 2014 Cadillac CTS.

The twin-turbo V6 engine and eight-speed transmission are both firsts for the brand. The engine is the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the midsize luxury and the eight-speed automatic enhances fuel economy and acceleration over a six-speed automatic.

Richard Bartlett, assistant chief engineer for the engine, said the new engine also is the most powerful V6 ever from the Detroit-based automaker at 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque.

During a media event Monday, Bartlett said GM changed or upgraded more than 90 percent of the parts in the new engine.

The 2014 CTS is expected to reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in an estimated 4.6 seconds and achieve an estimated top speed of 170 mph.

GM, which will reveal the new CTS next week at the New York International Auto Show, touted the new engine has 15 percent greater power density than BMW 535i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six.

The 2014 CTS will also feature a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 321 horsepower, as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at an estimated 272 horsepower.

The new twin-turbo engine also will be available this fall in the 2014 Cadillac XTS sedan.

The deadline for General Motors Co. employees to decide between retirement and following their job to another plant has passed.

GM announced on Jan. 17 that operations will cease at the Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center, 10800 S. Saginaw St., in July 2013.Flint Journal File Photo

 GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI -- About 100 General Motors Co. workers have chosen  retirement over following their job to another plant, the United Auto Workers says.

GM spokesman Robert Wheeler didn't have a final count of how many of the plant's employees accepted buyouts prior to the Friday, March 15, deadline.

UAW Local 1292 President Brian Kosbar said about 100 have taken the buyout.

The remaining employees have accepted positions at other plants, and will move to Texas, Ohio and Kentucky, or are awaiting word on finding employment, he said.

The Weld Tool Center employs 343 people, 28 salaried and 315 hourly.

The automaker was offering skilled trades and nonskilled employees lump-sum amounts as well as an additional $10,000 in their pension to take an early retirement, according to UAW officials.

Skilled trades employees were offered $65,000 and nonskilled employees were offered $30,000, according to UAW Region 1-C officials

Buyout packages were also offered at multiple GM plants, including those located in Saginaw, Lansing, as well as the Lake Orion and the Pontiac area, which could allow for some of the Weld Tool employees to transfer to another plant.

The work performed at the Weld Tool Center, officially called the Grand Blanc North American Tooling Center, will be handled at Flint Tool and Die, the Warren Tech Center and the Parma Metal Center in Ohio.

Facing a move to another state is tough for the employees and their families, the UAW's Kosbar said.

"We've had quite a bit of experience with that," he said. "In the late '90s we got a lot of people from Chicago and it was very tough on those families, especially when you've got to move that far out of state."

Many of the UAW members feel let down by GM and the union, especially since there is language in the contract that was supposed to keep the plant operating, Kosbar said.

"The nice thing is there were some jobs that opened up, but I believe most of our members retired earlier than what they would have liked," he said.

Kosbar took the early retirement, having spent 36 years with the company as a third-generation skilled trades employee at the plant.

"I wanted to allow someone with less seniority to have a job in or near Flint," he said, adding it's difficult because much of the skilled trades work performed today is outsourced.

"The work that we do, the majority of that work is being done by outside contractors," he said, adding that it doesn't sit well with the local's members. "We're the best at doing this work. 

"We might have been a little higher cost, but we're the best."

General Motors Co. may downsize the engine in the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR, according to a report by autoevolution.com.

An assembly line containing engine parts for the Chevy Volt and Cruze at the General Motors Co. Flint Engine Operations floor in Flint.MLive.com file photo     

The street-legal 2014 SRT Viper Time Attack, or TA, package is specifically built for the performance enthusiast driver who likes to exercise their machines at the more than 150 road-race courses around North America, officials said.

AUBURN HILLS- Chrysler Group LLC on Monday released details about a new special edition 2014 SRT Viper.

The street-legal 2014 SRT Viper Time Attack, or TA, package is specifically built for the "performance enthusiast driver who likes to exercise their machines at the more than 150 road-race courses around North America,” officials said.

“Our engineers revised the suspension settings to refocus the Viper specifically for track duty, using a blend of components from the GTS and the SRT models, add in the extensively developed aero package and the new Time Attack package is born,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler, in a statement.

Chrysler said the vehicle was configured in-house by the Auburn Hills-based automaker’s SRT team in collaboration with professional road racers.

The suspension on the 2014 SRT Viper TA is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage and to maximize the performance.

Shock dampers, springs and road racing derived stabilizer bars have been retuned for optimal on-track performance. The standard aluminum structural X-brace is replaced with a lighter carbon fiber brace that effectively ties the four corners of the engine compartment together and contributes to the 50-percent increase in torsional rigidity and stiffness across the Viper lineup.

Under the hood of the 2014 SRT Viper TA remains the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V10 overhead-valve engine. Performance ratings are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world.

Only 33 units of the 2014 SRT Viper TA in Crusher Orange will be built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, beginning in third quarter 2013.

The vehicle is set to make its debut next week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, where a year ago, Chrysler debuted the 2013 SRT Viper.

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

Research done for the Dearborn-based automaker’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive. According to Ford, more than three quarters of teens and "tweens" surveyed say they rely heavily on their parents’ advice when they start to drive.

Ford Driving Skills for Life is in its tenth year of taking on the number one killer of teenagers in the United States Ð vehicle crashes. The award-winning program is delivering its message directly to the teens, parents and communities through assembly programs at almost 200 high schools and hands-on driving instruction in San Diego and 15 other cities across the country during the Ford Driving Skills for Life National Tour. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen / Ford Motor Co.Ford

DEARBORN- In wake of recent driving statistics showing that teen driving fatalities are on the rise in the U.S., Ford Motor Co. is offering some simple tips for parents to help their children become better drivers.

Research done for the Dearborn-based automaker’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive. According to Ford, more than three quarters of teens and "tweens" surveyed say they rely heavily on their parents’ advice when they start to drive.

Experts from Ford Driving Skills for Life have tips on what parents can do to help their teens be better drivers:

• Engage in the driving process– As teens get closer to earning/acquiring their learner’s permit, parents should actively engage with them about driving. Talk about safe driving behaviors, practice with them, seek educational opportunities, and be clear that unsafe actions won’t be tolerated.

• Buckle up– It’s the law, and if parents don’t wear their seat belts, their teen is more likely to do the same. In a crash, a person not buckled up is much more likely to be injured or killed than someone wearing a seat belt.

• Never speed– Research done for Ford Driving Skills for Life shows that if parents speed, their teens are more likely to do the same. Excessive speed continues to be a factor in about one third of all traffic deaths nationally.

• Don’t drive distracted – By setting a tough “no distractions” rule for their teens and modeling this same behavior, parents send the message that distracted driving will not be tolerated.

• Don’t follow too closely – Parents should keep the proper distance from the car in front of them. Rear end collisions are common and preventable.

• Always scan ahead for hazards– Parents should remind their teens to be aware of what is going on around them by scanning to the right and left as they drive

• Limit the number of passengers– Research shows young drivers can easily be distracted by just one additional passenger – increasing the risk of a crash exponentially. Many graduated driver’s license programs restrict the number of passengers as a condition of issuing an early license or permit; parents should enforce those restrictions.

• Never drink and drive– Parents should remind teens that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.

Ford released the tips Monday, a day before Steve Kenner, Ford director of Global Automotive Safety, was part of a panel at Automotive World’s Megatrends USA 2013 conference in Dearborn.

During a panel discussion Tuesday morning, Kenner discussed how Ford also offers new technologies to help improve and regulate teen drivers’ skills, including its “MyKey" system. The system allows parents to set vehicle settings for teenagers, limiting speeds, audio volume and blocking cellphone calls.

Kenner was joined on the panel by David Zuby, chief research officer and senior vice president of vehicle research for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; Steve Underwood, director of Connected Vehicle Proving Center at the University of Michigan and Tony Bromwell, TASS International director of Americas. Michael L. Prince, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning director, moderated the panel.

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

Detroit Electric, which produced electric vehicles in the early 1900s, today announced its intentions to create 180 jobs by the end of 2013 to help produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car.

After an absence of over 70 years, Detroit Electric, the innovative electric car manufacturer, has returned to the legendary Motor City, promising job creation and a range of exciting 100 percent electric vehicles for the mass market.Detroit Electric

DETROIT- Following a more than 70-year hiatus, a former electric vehicle company is planning to return to Detroit.

Detroit Electric, which produced electric vehicles in the early 1900s, today announced its intentions to create 180 jobs by the end of 2013 to help produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car.

The new Detroit Electric sports car, according to officials, will "spearhead a diverse family of all-electric production cars," including two other high-performance models that will enter production by the end of 2014. The sports car is slated to go on sale in target markets by end of August 2013

The new sports car will be unveilied early next month in Detroit, ahead of a global public reveal at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20, officials said. The company released a teaser photo of the vehicle (embedded above) on Tuesday.

"We are proud to become the fourth car manufacturer born out of Detroit, and the first to manufacture a pure electric sports car from Michigan," said Don Graunstadt, Detroit Electric CEO North America Operations, in a statement.

Detroit ElectricDetroit Electric

According to a release from the company, the brand was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England.

Lam will serve as the company's chairman and CEO, according to the release.

Company officials said a site has been identified to assemble the first ever pure electric sports car in Michigan, with production to start in August. The dedicated production facility will have an annual capacity of 2,500 sports cars.

The company will be headquartered on the 18th floor of the iconic Fisher Building in Detroit.

Detroit Electric, a resurrected name brand made popular in the early 1900s for electric vehicles, plans to have its headquarters in Detroit’s Fisher Building, hire 180 employees by the end of the year and produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car based on the Lotus Elise’s platform.

DETROIT, MI - A newly announced Detroit vehicle manufacturer wants to bring high-performance electric vehicles to the Motor City from the west coast.

Detroit Electric, a resurrected name brand made popular in the early 1900s for electric vehicles, plans to have its headquarters in Detroit’s Fisher Building, hire 180 employees by the end of the year and produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car based on the Lotus Elise’s platform.

“In my opinion, there’s been a big myth generated by California electric vehicle companies that California has all the technology,” said Don Graunstadt, Detroit Electric CEO of North America Operations. “I disagree 100 percent. There’s more technology, there’s more automotive talent here in Southeast Michigan than all the other states combined.”

The first Detroit Electric sports car -- set to go on sale in target markets by the end of August 2013 -- is planned to spearhead a “diverse family” of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that are planned to enter production by the end of 2014.

After an absence of over 70 years, Detroit Electric, the innovative electric car manufacturer, has returned to the legendary Motor City, promising job creation and a range of exciting 100 percent electric vehicles for the mass market.Detroit Electric

The limited-edition sports car will be unveiled April 3 in Detroit, ahead of a public auto show reveal at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20. The company released a teaser photo of the vehicle(embedded left) on Tuesday.

“We think we have the best electric car out there,” Graunstadt said.

Unveiling the vehicle in Detroit, according to Graunstadt, was important to the company and its new founder, Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England. The brand was revived by Lam in 2008.

The ideal plan, according to Graunstadt, was to unveil the vehicle at Detroit’s 2013 North American International Auto Show in January, but company officials did not want to rush its release.

The company does plan to announce a “major partnership with a global carmaker” at the show in China. Graunstadt said Detroit Electric has a licensing agreement to use Lotus platforms for at least the first two vehicles, but the partner is a “much larger Chinese OEM (original equipment manufacturer).”

Graunstadt said Detroit Electric is close to finalizing an assembly facility in Wayne County, with production set to start in August. The dedicated production facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 2,500 sports cars.

The non-union workforce for the company is expected to be all sales and manufacturing-related salaried employees. (To apply for a position, Graunstadt said to email Doug Moore at Doug.Moore@detroit-electric.com)

Detroit ElectricDetroit Electric

Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Michael A. Finney praised the news when it was released on Tuesday, saying the company adds to Michigan’s automotive heritage and “places the company in the world's automotive epicenter.”

"We look forward to Detroit Electric's continued growth in the state as it creates innovative vehicles and new job opportunities for Michigan workers," he said in a statement.

That “continued growth” could be easier said than done. 

Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of TotalCarScore.com, said it is an odd time for anyone to launch an all-electric vehicle company, but there is some demand for a well-powered, high-performance all-electric vehicle.

“You’ve got more awareness and potential interest in electric cars than ever in the history of the automobile, but on the other hand, they still don’t seem to actually work,” he said. “You still can’t really buy an affordable, functional version of an all-electric car to use as a real vehicle in normal circumstances.”

High-performance electric vehicles are an extremely niche market that has performed slower than many expected.

Graunstadt said the company is aware of how the all-electric car market has performed, but the company plans to find its “own niche in the marketplace.”

2012 Fisker KarmaFisker

To create that "niche," the company plans to make a name for itself by only making 888 of its first models and finance the company differently than some of its all-electric counterparts in California.

Detroit Electric, according to Graunstadt, has already raised tens of millions of private equity and will not seek federal funding from the government, like Tesla Motors Inc. and Fisker Automotive. It may apply for local and state  tax incentives when a production facility is chosen.

The company expects to get a boost in funding from sales of its limited-edition sports car, which will cost somewhere "in the neighborhood" of $135,000.

“We’re going to have an exciting car,” Graunstadt said. “To generalize, if you look at the way those companies started, the way those companies made their money, and you look at the management and personnel, and you compare it to the same things at Detroit Electric, I think the differences will be fairly obvious.”

Detroit Electric, according to Graunstadt, did receive a $50,000 loan from Ann Arbor-based Spark, which it has already paid back.

California-based Tesla and Detroit Electric will have at least one thing in common. Tesla’s Roadster is also based on the Lotus Elise’s platform.

More details about the first announced Detroit Electric vehicle and company are expected as the unveiling nears in early April.

In its first time around, in the early 1900s, Detroit Electric was both the market leader and the most prolific, going on to make around 13,000 cars – an electric vehicle production world record for the twentieth century, according to the company.

The company plans to have its headquarters in Detroit’s Fisher Building, hire 180 employees by the end of the year and produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car.

DETROIT- The announcement of a new Detroit electric vehicle company on Tuesday caught many off guard, as sales of the niche vehicles remain staggered in the U.S.

But Detroit Electric’s CEO of North America Operations Don Graunstadt seems confident that the company, with its resurrected name brand that was made popular in the early 1900s for electric vehicles, can succeed.

The company plans to be headquartered in Detroit’s Fisher Building, hire 180 employees by the end of the year and produce a new lineup of all-electric vehicles, including a limited-edition two-seat sports car.

In a phone interview Tuesday night with MLive.com, Graunstadt answered all the questions he could about the new company, its vehicles and funding. Besides what's above, here’s a look at 10 things we think everyone should know about Detroit Electric:

1. No feds: The company was funded without any federal government support through private equity besides a $50,000 loan, which it has repaid, from Ann Arbor-based Spark.

2. Family of vehicles: The first Detroit Electric sports car -- set to go on sale in target markets by the end of August 2013 -- is planned to spearhead a “diverse family” of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that are planned to enter production by the end of 2014.

Detroit ElectricDetroit Electric

 3. World debut: The limited-edition sports car will be unveiled April 3 in Detroit, ahead of a public auto show reveal at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20. The company released a teaser photo of the vehicle (embedded above) on Tuesday.

4. Assembly: Detroit Electric is close to finalizing a facility in Wayne County for assembly, with production set to start in August. The dedicated production facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 2,500 sports cars.

5. Partners: The company plans to announce a “major partnership with a global carmaker” at the Shanghai Motor Show. Graunstadt said Detroit Electric has a licensing agreement to use Lotus platforms for at least the first two vehicles, but the partner is a “much larger Chinese OEM (original equipment manufacturer).”

6. Jobs: The non-union workforce for the company is expected to be all sales and manufacturing-related salaried employees. To apply for a position, Graunstadt said to email Doug Moore at Doug.Moore@detroit-electric.com.

7. Pricing: Detroit Electric plans to make a name for itself by only making 888 of its first model, which will cost “in the neighborhood” of $135,000.

8. Funding: Detroit Electric, according to Graunstadt, has already raised tens of millions of private equity -- primarily from China -- and will not seek federal funding from the government.

9. Platform: California-based Tesla and Detroit Electric will have at least one thing in common. Tesla’s Roadster is also based on the Lotus Elise’s platform.

10. Brand: The brand name was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England. Lam will serve as the company's chairman and CEO, according to the release.

Click here for all the most-recent news regarding Detroit Electric.

David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer and senior vice president, said early testing and research of the systems, which warn drivers that their vehicle is leaving a lane without a turn signal, are testing about 10 percent lower than the majority of other new vehicle safety equipment.

Ford's Lane Keeping System helps avoid unintentional lane departure and will be available on the 2013 all-new Fusion.Ford

DEARBORN- Lane departure warning systems may be more annoying than they are effective, according to data and results from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer and senior vice president, said early testing and research of the systems, which warn drivers that their vehicle is leaving a lane without a turn signal, are testing about 10 percent lower than the majority of other new vehicle safety equipment.

“When we look at lane departure warning systems, we don’t see any evidence that these systems are helping drivers avoid being in crashes,” Zuby said during a panel discussion Tuesday at Automotive World’s Megatrends USA 2013 conference in Dearborn. “In fact, the data from some of the manufacturers goes the wrong way – we see more crashes.”

Automakers and suppliers usually equip lane departure warning systems with haptic/vibrating or audible sounds to warn drivers that they are crossing into another lane without using your turn signal.

Zuby said one of the reasons for the low test results is that people may find the systems as a "turn signal nanny rather than always identifying a precursor to a crash."

 Following the Automotive World panel, Zuby told MLive.com that IIHS is investigating why lane departure systems don’t have “high levels of acceptance or lack of annoyance” likeother systems such as  forward collision warning systemsthat have tested very well.

Ford's Lane Keeping System helps avoid unintentional lane departure and will be available on the 2013 all-new Fusion.Ford

According to the early research, Zuby said forward collision warning systems reduced crashes 7 percent compared to the same vehicles without the system, and a 14 percent reduction with a warning system equipped with emergency braking that can automatically attempt to stop a vehicle before a crash.

Don't expect automakers to immediately give up on lane departure warning, however. Zuby said there is a lot automakers can do to make the systems more or less intrusive. 

Zuby was on a panel moderated by Michael L. Prince, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning director, with Steve Underwood, director of Connected Vehicle Proving Center at the University of Michigan; Tony Bromwell, TASS International director of Americas; and Steve Kenner, Ford director of Global Automotive Safety.

Kenner, following Zuby's remarks on lane departure systems, said every automaker uses the system differently.

Ford's system on the new Fusion uses a digital camera mounted on the windshield to detect any unintentional lane departures. It has three levels of assistance -- Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert -- depending on the severity of the lane departure.

When the system detects the car is approaching the edge of the lane without a turn signal activated, the lane marker in the icon turns yellow and the steering wheel vibrates to simulate driving over rumble strips. If the driver doesn’t respond and continues to drift, the lane icon turns red and system will nudge the steering and the vehicle back toward the center of the lane.

The Automotive Megatrends conference, sponsored by the UK-based magazine Automotive World, featured more than 300 experts and delegates from around the country to discuss car safety, passenger car connectivity and electric vehicle technology.

The magazine’s Marketing Summit USA 2013 is Wednesday. Check back to MLive.com/auto for more information. 

The Detroit-based automaker is set to unveil the refreshed vehicle at 12:45 p.m. March 27 at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2014 model represents the most significant change for the fifth-generation Camaro, according to GM.GM

DETROIT- General Motors Co. today teased muscle car fans with the first photo of its 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

The photo (embedded right) shows a slimmer, one row grille compared to its predecessor with a larger, two-level grille front.

The Detroit-based automaker is set to unveil the refreshed vehicle at 12:45 p.m. March 27 at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2014 model, according to GM, represents the “most significant change for the fifth-generation Camaro,” which has been the most popular sports car in America for three consecutive years.

Chevrolet plans to showcase its new lineup of performance cars at the show, which begins in one week.

Led by the world debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet will also highlight the newly unveiled 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible, 2014 SS sedan and 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe.

The Corvette Stingray convertible debuted last month in Geneva; the SS debuted in Daytona in February; and the Corvette Stingray coupe debuted in January in Detroit.

GM, in a previous release, said the 2014 Camaro refresh “advances the design and performance attributes that has made it the most popular sports car under $50,000 for three consecutive years.”

GM also plans to unveil the new 2014 Cadillac CTS, along with the redesigned Buick LaCrosse and Regal – three of its most-important luxury vehicles.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker’s Jeep and Mopar divisions have created six new custom vehicles for the 47th annual wheeling and off-roading event in Moab, Utah.

AUBURN HILLS- Off-road enthusiasts will once again head out west for the Moab Easter Jeep Safari from March 23-31, and Chrysler Group LLC isn’t looking to let them down.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker’s Jeep and Mopar divisions have created six new custom vehicles for the 47th annual wheeling and off-roading event in Moab, Utah.

“We go to this extremely popular event in Moab each year to showcase the latest production vehicles from Jeep, as well as a host of new customization and personalization ideas,” said Mike Manley, Jeep Brand president and CEO, in a statement.

Jeep and Mopar used production and prototype “Jeep Performance Parts” on this year’s collection of concept vehicles that are specifically designed, built and quality-tested to meet strict Jeep specifications to help transform stock rides into even more capable trail performers.

Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create nearly 40 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the Easter Jeep Safari.

This year’s vehicles include five Jeep Wranglers concepts and one Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here’s more about the vehicles from Chrysler, as well as a slideshow of last year's vehicles:

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept

The recently introduced new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel V-6 has instantly delighted off-road enthusiasts across North America. With the introduction of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept, Jeep designers have taken the most awarded SUV ever and created the most extreme Grand Cherokee yet. Powered by the new clean EcoDiesel engine, this Grand Cherokee has mountains of low-end torque to power over any obstacle. From its blood-orange paint, to its massive 35-inch off-road tires, there’s no mistaking this Grand Cherokee and its off-road prowess.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept – the third Grand Cherokee created for Easter Jeep since 2011 - features 35-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tires on Wrangler Rubicon 17-inch aluminum wheels, enlarged wheel openings with custom fender flares, custom front and rear skid plates, dual rear tow hooks and modified Mopar rock rails.

Custom design cues include a Grand Cherokee SRT hood, SRT front and rear fascias that have been modified for extra ground clearance, a black front grille, a matte black roof and one-off custom roof rails. The body is finished in a vibrant, non-metallic blood-orange hue that also manages to draw attention to the larger wheel openings and off-road tires.

Mopar slush mats and rear cargo liner enhance Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept’s interior.

Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon

The Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon features a gray exterior and a little extra firepower with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 crate engine from Mopar. The 470 horsepower engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and Dana 60 front and rear axles with 4.10 gearing. The axles are suspended by a 4.5-inch prototype long-arm lift kit and roll on Jeep Performance Parts prototype forged eight-lug beadlock wheels with 39-inch off-road tires.

The Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon includes a number of Mopar applications externally, including front and rear half-door and window kits, front and rear off-road modified “Stinger” bumpers, Warn winch, high-clearance flat fenders, rock rails, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary hood, prototype LED headlamps, a canvas soft top, swing-away rear tire carrier and body-color rear corner guards, taillamp guards, locking fuel door, and a Jeep Performance Parts badge.

The interior of the Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon includes Mopar slush mats, black door-sill guards, a locking below-floor storage box, side sun visors, grab handles, trailside winch kit and a custom seat made from Navy blankets and Navy camouflage material.

Jeep Wrangler Stitch

One of the past Easter Jeep Safari concepts still loved today by enthusiasts is the light weight Pork Chop. For this year’s Safari, Jeep has created its first follow-up vehicle with the new Jeep Wrangler Stitch. Based on the 2013 Wrangler Rubicon, the Stitch has been lightened to a parse 3,000-lb. curb weight, giving it a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

Jeep designers shaved weight where ever possible: the frame, axles, body and interior. The audio system and all heating and air conditioning components have been removed. The front seats are taken from the new 2013 SRT Viper and the rear seats have been removed. Sections of the body have been cut out, the doors have been removed, and the hood is a custom carbon fiber version of the one found on the Jeep Wrangler 10th Anniversary Rubicon. The standard roll cage has been replaced with a chrome moly unit, and the Full-Traction lower control arms, floor pan and GenRight fuel tank are made of aluminum. Even the frame and axles were modified to remove weight.

Off-road hardware consists of a Mopar cold-air intake and Mopar exhaust kit, Mickey Thompson 35-inch off-road tires on lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels, custom DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 axles with 4.88 gears and ARB front and rear lockers, King shocks with pneumatic bump stops and Tom Woods drive shafts .

Unique design details include a windshield that has been chopped two inches, a clear yellow vinyl soft top, black leather SRT Viper seats and center console with a yellow instrument panel and seat backs, Truck-Lite LED headlamps and the previously mentioned carbon fiber hood. The black body panels are wrapped in a unique, see-through silver architectural fabric that hides the cut panels at some angles, and makes them visible at others.

Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper II from Mopar

After the popular Sand Trooper made its debut at SEMA in 2012, Mopar upped the ante with the Sand Trooper II to get it ready to take on Moab. The Sand Trooper II features a legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 to give it 375 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission sends the HEMI power to Mopar eight-lug front and rear Portal axles for added ground clearance. Jeep Performance Parts prototype forged beadlock wheels carry 40-inch off-road tires, giving Sand Trooper II its menacing stance.

Mopar exterior enhancements include a satin black grille, hood lock, front and rear half-door and window kits, front and rear off-road “Shorty” modified bumpers, Warn winch, Mopar flat fenders, rock rails, a vented hood, LED off-road lights and headlamps, Rubicon 10th Anniversary swing away rear tire carrier, trailer-tow hitch receiver, black taillamp guards and locking fuel door, and a Jeep Performance Parts badge.

The interior features a rear back-up camera display, Mopar slush mats, black door-sill guards, under-seat and center-console locking storage, locking below-floor storage box, trunk storage box, side sun visors, grab handles, Trailside winch kit and leather seats.

Jeep Wrangler Flattop

The Jeep Wrangler Flattop is a paradox of sorts. Its highly styled and refined body and interior completely belies its phenomenal off-road capability. Jeep designers took special care to give the Wrangler Flattop an upscale appearance inside and out, but bolted some of the most hard-core off-road gear available to Flattop’s chassis.

Featuring a custom one-piece, windowless hard top, the body is finished in a metallic sandstone with copper and brown accents. The top and windshield were chopped two inches, and the b-pillar was removed creating a massive opening from front to rear. The door and hood hinges, tow hooks, grille slats and headlamp surrounds are finished in a copper tone, and the bumpers, side rails, side mirrors and hood decal are dark brown. The bumpers are customized versions from the Wrangle Rubicon 10th Anniversary model, as is the hood. Custom high line fender flares, Truck-Lite LED headlamps, LED rear taillamps and side markers, a massive Warn Zeon winch and TeraFlex spare tire carrier round off the exterior enhancements.

The interior features dark saddle Katzkin leather seating, copper accents on the steering wheel spokes, vent rings and passenger grab handle and Mopar slush mats.

Under Flattop’s rich exterior is some serious off-road gear such as a Mopar cold-air intake, Mopar exhaust kit, aluminum five-spoke wheels that carry 37-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tires, the DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles feature ARB air lockers and TeraFlex sway bars, and Full-Traction control arms. All of this is hardware is bolted to King shocks with pneumatic bump stops.

Jeep Wrangler Slim

The Jeep Wrangler Slim offers maximum performance that is significantly lighter in weight. The Rock Lobster color exterior of the two-door Jeep Wrangler Slim features full doors and a hard top. Powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, the Jeep Wrangler Slim has a 3:73 anti-spin axle. Rolling on prototype 17-inch Jeep Performance Parts forged beadlock wheels with Rock Lobster beauty rings, the Jeep Wrangler Slim features a special 10th Anniversary Rubicon front bumper, which complements the rear bumper, and is the lightest weight rear bumper that Mopar offers. The Jeep Wrangler Slim also sports lightweight rock rails, black grille, black hood decal, LED headlights, locking gas cap and Rubicon tires.

The black interior features leather seat covers and a CB radio, as well as Mopar all-weather slush mats and a hard-top headliner.

Jeep Performance Parts on the Jeep Wrangler Slim include a prototype Mopar 2-inch lift kit. A Mopar cold-air intake is also featured on the Jeep Wrangler Slim.

The week of events and programming begin Friday and are meant to engage the community on education issues affecting the city and the region. The NBC News team will gather educators, community leaders and students at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to discuss pivotal issues and inspiring solutions impacting education in the region.

courtesy image

DETROIT- The General Motors Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation have signed on as lead sponsors of NBC News' "Education Nation On-The-Road."

The week of events and programming begin Friday and are meant to engage the community on education issues affecting the city and the region. The NBC News team will gather educators, community leaders and students at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to discuss pivotal issues and inspiring solutions impacting education in the region.

“Education is the primary area of focus for the GM Foundation and NBC News’ Education Nation On-the-Road provides a forum for us to join key stakeholders to share best practices and inspire real, systemic change in our schools,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard in a statement.

The events, all being held at the museum at 315 E. Warren Ave. in Detroit, will start with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, followed by a “Detroit Summit” event. The summit will include an interview with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and a series of panels ranging from early education to preparing students to compete in the 21st century economy.

The summit will be hosted by NBC News special correspondent Chelsea Clinton, NBC News chief education correspondent Rehema Ellis and WDIV anchors Devin Scillian and Rhonda Walker. WDIV will air “Job One” live from 12:30-1:00 p.m. All summit panels will stream live on EducationNation.com.

The events on Friday, which include town hall discussions with students, appear similar to a two-hour town hall meeting on education in American that MSNBC broadcast from Detroit in 2011.

The MSNBC program was called "A Stronger Nation: Making the Grade" and featured local and national leaders discussing problems in the nation's schools, including Detroit.

For more information and a full list of events on “Education Nation Detroit,” visit educationnation.com.

Chrysler Brand CEO and President Saad Chehab announced the vehicle Thursday during an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit.

DETROIT- Chrysler Group LLC will offer a new limited-edition version of its Chrysler 200 S sedan.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker will produce 2,000 of the new vehicles, which it calls the "2013.5 200 S Special Edition."

Chrysler Brand CEO and President Saad Chehab announced the vehicle Thursday during an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit.

The vehicle was created in partnership with the automaker's parts and services Mopar division and Carhartt.

The vehicle, according to Chehab, features a new suspension, more aggressive exterior with a larger grille, dual exhaust tips, black wheels and a Carhartt interior with the clothing company's logos embossed in the seats.

"That's a logo that stands for toughness," Chehab said, adding the vehicle's V6 engine will achieve nearly 300-horsepower.

Chehab spent a lot of time during his presentation talking about the brand's "Limited From Detroit" campaign, its partnerships and special-edition vehicles. 

Check back to MLive.com for more information on the vehicle from the APA meeting.

Officials with the Detroit-based automaker said Akerson did not drive the seventh-generation sports car to the session on Capitol Hill, but brought it to show the dozens of Congress members in attendance the type of products GM is offering.

DETROIT- General Motors Co. CEO and Chairman Dan Akerson visited Capitol Hill Thursday with a little surprise for lawmakers: A gray 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe.

Officials with the Detroit-based automaker said Akerson did not drive the seventh-generation sports car to the session on Capitol Hill, but brought it to show the dozens of Congress members in attendance the type of products GM is offering.

A GM spokeswoman said Akerson was in Washington to offer members a report card on how the company has improved and redefined itself since the 2008-2009 auto bailout.

“(Akerson) used the opportunity to talk about the new company and where GM is today,” Heather Rosenker, GM public policy and government relations communications, told MLive.com.

In 2012 alone, GM accomplished a number of company milestones, including reacquiring Ally Financial Inc., which helps give the company more control over lending and leasing to potential customers; de-risking its pension plan by $29 billion for salaried employees and retirees; achieving 12 consecutive profitable quarters; and reacquiring 200 million shares of common stock from the U.S. Treasury Department, which plans to exit the automaker by March 2014.

Since the $85 billion auto bailout, which forced GM and Chrysler Group LLC into a government-backed bankruptcy, the automotive industry in general has continued to drive toward pre-recession levels.

The Obama administration was highly-criticized for the bailout and government ownership of the two companies.

Rosenker said a 2013 Cadillac ATS, which was named the 2013 North American Car of the Year in Detroit, was also parked outside the Capitol Hill Club next to the Stingray.

Production of the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition begins in the second quarter of 2013. The Chrysler 200 S is built at Chrysler's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. The 200 S Special Edition will be upfitted at Chrysler's upfit center near 8 Mile in Warren.Watch video

DETROIT- Chrysler Group LLC and Carhartt have expanded their clothing line partnership to create a new limited-edition Chrysler 200 S sedan.

The new "2013.5 200 S Special Edition" features a new suspension, more aggressive exterior with a larger grille, dual exhauit tips, black wheels and a Carhartt water-resistant interior and trim with the clothing company's logo embossed in the seats.

Chrysler Brand CEO and President Saad Chehab announced the vehicle and its limited production of 2,000 units Thursday during an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit.

“That’s a logo that stands for toughness and authenticity on job sites all over the world,” he said when announcing the vehicle. “And on this 200, it also stands for hard working that only Detroit can offer.”

Dealers are already taking orders for the special edition mid-size sedan, which is priced at $28,870, and should arrive in dealership in early summer.

At the rear of the vehicle, a body-color decklid spoiler, platinum chrome light bar, rear valance with polished, fascia-mounted exhaust tips, unique “S” and black “200” badges.

Production of the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition begins in the second quarter of 2013. The Chrysler 200 S is built at Chrysler’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. The 200 S Special Edition will be upfitted at Chrysler’s upfit center near 8 Mile in Warren.

The 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S, which will publicly debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show next week, is powered by the award-winning, best-in-class 283 horsepower Pentastar V6 engine.

"Diversification of the brand makes sure that this brand is relevant in all different places and not just one thing," Chehab said.

According to Chehab, Chrysler brand’s “S” models for the 200, 300 full-size sedan and Town & Country minivan have performed extremely well and now account for about 25 percent of its sales. The “S” models, he said, also have attracted younger buyers with higher household incomes and helped attract buyers in non-traditional markets for Chrysler, such as California.

Chrysler and Carhartt’s partnership began with a limited-edition “Imported From Detroit” clothing line that was released last year. Chehab said the company is now “building on that success” with a non-limited work wear clothing line that launched Thursday.

Chehab spent a lot of time during his presentation talking about the brand's "Limited From Detroit" campaign, its partnerships and Detroit-inspired special-edition vehicles.

"We're making Detroit relevant by taking the best of its fashion, music and culture and sharing it with the world," Chehab said.

The brand also offers a 300 Varvatos Edition created with Detroit native and fashion designer John Varvatos; a 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition with 100 Motown tracks on the sound system; and a Town & Country S minivan 300 Glacier Edition.

Chrysler also offers a Dr. Dre "Beats" sound system in some models, and a 300 Varvatos was featured in the music video for "My Life" by rapper 50 cent than featured Eminem and Adam Levine that was filmed in Detroit.

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

AUBURN HILLS- Chrysler Group LLC today released the first image of its 2014 Dodge Durango, which it says will make its world debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show next week.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.- Chrysler Group LLC today released the first image of its 2014 Dodge Durango, which it says will make its world debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show next week.

The teaser image (embedded in the photo gallery) features a dark, sinister-looking rear-end with “DODGE” prominently displayed in the middle of the continuous surrounding taillights.

The vehicle, according to the Auburn Hills-based automaker, will deliver state-of-the-art technology in “both form and function.”

“Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds several new class-exclusive features for 2014, making it the Dodge brand’s most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and stylish Durango ever,” Chrysler said in a release.

The new Durango adds to Chrysler’s handful of new vehicles set to make their public debuts, including the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition, which the company announced Thursday; the street-legal 2014 SRT Viper Time Attack, or TA, package specifically built for the performance enthusiast driver; and the highly-anticipated 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

Automakers are teaming up with a number of nontraditional industry partners -- from cell phone providers to clothing brands. But no one appears to be doing it like Chrysler Group LLC. Watch video

DETROIT- Automakers are teaming up with a number of nontraditional industry partners -- from cell phone providers to clothing brands -- in an effort to increase their reputations and sales.

But no one appears to be doing it like Chrysler Group LLC. Since emerging from a government-backed bankruptcy in 2009, the Auburn Hills-based automaker has joined forces with everyone from Jennifer Lopez and Eminem to Gucci and "Modern Warfare."

And unlike many of its competitors, Chrysler isn’t just using its social bridges for advertising alone. It’s using them to create special- and limited-edition vehicles that are as unique as the company’s sweater-sporting CEO and Chairman Sergio Marchionne.

Just some of Chrysler’s special vehicles with non-auto partners have included the Fiat 500 by Gucci, Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition, Fiat 500 "Prima Edizione," Jeep Wrangler "Call of Duty: MW3" Special Edition, Wrangler Freedom Edition and Detroit Red Wings Ram 1500.

“The primary goal is to really raise awareness in the industry,” said Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of TotalCarScore.com. “They have come a long way in three years. Now they want people looking at them.”

Brauer said the special-edition models help automakers test the market without having to release a new vehicle or feature that could fail.

Special-edition models with partners have greatly helped Chrysler’s namesake brand, according to Chrysler Brand CEO and President Saad Chehab.

"Diversification of the brand makes sure that this brand is relevant in all different places and not just one thing," he said following an Automotive Press Association meeting Thursday in Detroit.

The Chrysler brand sold nearly 308,000 vehicles in 2012, a 39 percent increase from 2011. This year, sales have remained steady, up 3 percent to 45,779 vehicle sold through February.

The brand, which only offers three vehicles, has utilized partnerships recently to release a handful of special- and limited-edition models, including a 300 Varvatos Edition created with Detroit native and fashion designer John Varvatos; a 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition; and a Town & Country S minivan Glacier Edition.

Chrysler also offers a Dr. Dre "Beats" sound system in some models.

The most recent vehicle, a new 2013.5 200 S Special Edition, was announced by Chehab on Thursday. It was made in connection with the Carhartt clothing company.

The first vehicle, which was displayed following the meeting, featured a new suspension, more aggressive exterior with a larger grille, dual exhaust tips, black wheels and a Carhartt water-resistant interior and trim with the clothing company's logo embossed in the seats.

“That’s a logo that stands for toughness and authenticity on job sites all over the world,” Chehab said. “And on this 200, it also stands for hard working that only Detroit can offer.”

The 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S, which will publicly debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show next week, is powered by the award-winning, best-in-class 283 horsepower Pentastar V6 engine.

Chrysler will only produce 2,000 of the vehicles, which are priced at $28,870 and should arrive in dealership in early summer.

“It’s a win-win kind of marketing approach that we do,” he said.

Previous limited-edition vehicles, such as the Varvatos model, sold before even arriving in dealerships, according to Chehab. Chrysler has about 2,300 dealers.

Chrysler brand’s special-edition “S” models for the 200, 300 full-size sedan and Town & Country minivan have also performed extremely well and now account for about 25 percent of its sales, Chehab said. The “S” models, he added, also have attracted younger buyers with higher household incomes and helped attract buyers in non-traditional markets for Chrysler, such as California.

Chehab said the brand will continue to look for unique partnerships that work well with the brand to attract a diverse range of buyers.

Any brand, according to Chehab, can claim luxury nowadays. So brands now have to differentiate themselves with personality.

“There is an American factor and Detroit factor that we need to maintain and own and be proud of. And it differentiates us,” he said. “As long as we’re differentiated, that’s the part that important.”

Other special- or limited-edition models with non-auto partners not from Chrysler have included a“Transformers” special edition Camaro Coupe, Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition, 2011 Limited Edition Steve McQueen Bullitt Mustang and a number of vehicles based on pace cars with NASCAR.

The awards, based on an entire year's worth of consumer perception data from the company's Brand Watch study, honor the automotive brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention.

DETROIT- One brand from each of the Detroit automakers today were announced as winners of Kelley Blue Book’s 2013 Brand Image Awards.

The awards, based on an entire year’s worth of consumer perception data from the company’s “Brand Watch” study, honor the automotive brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention.

For the Detroit Three, Chrysler was named the 2013 “Most Refined Brand”; Ford Motors Co.'s namesake brand was awarded “Best Car Styling Brand;” and General Motors Co.’s Buick brand was named “Best Value Luxury Brand.”

“With standout vehicle lineups and positive consumer perception confirmed by empirical study, the winners of Kelley Blue Book’s 2013 Brand Image Awards have secured enviable positions in the minds of car buyers,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, in a statement.

Overall, the Honda brand took three of the 13 top honors, which are based an online brand and model perception tracking study tapping into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on KBB.com

Honda was named the “Best Overall Brand” by non-luxury shoppers, “Most Trusted Brand” for the second year in a row and the “Best Value Brand” for the third consecutive year.

According to officials, Honda receiving consecutive awards in key categories like underscores “that the positive attributes of the Honda brand continue to resonate with the new-car buying public.”

“We admire the refined and reliable vehicles, but also the manner in which Honda promotes itself,” according to KBB. “You do too, apparently.”

Porsche was the only other auto brand to grab more than one award, winning "Best Performance" and "Car Styling" for luxury brands. Other award winners and some comments from KBB included:

2013 Porsche - Best Performance Luxury Brand

BMW wrested this trophy from Porsche a couple times, but this is essentially Stuttgart’s award.

2013 Mercedes-Benz - Most Refined Luxury Brand

KBB.com visitors who identify themselves as luxury-car shoppers -- the group who determined all our Luxury Brand awards -- have voted Mercedes-Benz as this year’s Most Refined Luxury Brand.

2013 Porsche - Best Car Styling Luxury Brand

This is a fitting award for the maker of arguably the most iconic and enduring car design of all time, the 911.

2013 Buick - Best Value Luxury Brand

With a brand and lineup that transcend mainstream without reaching all the way into the traditional luxury stratosphere, Buick is a nice way to step up in comfort and refinement while remaining mindful of the family budget.

2013 Lexus - Most Trusted Luxury Brand

With the most proven and celebrated record of dependability and reliability in the entire industry, it would only be a surprise if Lexus didn’t win the award for Most Trusted Luxury Brand.

2013 BMW – Best Overall Luxury Brand

BMW didn’t win any of the individual Luxury Brand awards, but it takes home the title of Best Overall Luxury Brand on the strength of a well-rounded image that appeals to young and old, sporty and showy alike.

2013 Toyota - Best Overall Truck Brand

KBB.com visitors who identify themselves as truck shoppers have named Toyota this year’s Best Overall Truck Brand.

2013 MINI - Best Performance Brand

When every car you make can be described as small and sporty, you have the inside track to our Best Performance Brand award.

2013 Chrysler - Most Refined Brand

The traditional luxury brand of non-luxury brands, Chrysler combines an air of confidence with a sense of flair.

2013 Ford - Best Car Styling Brand

Ford’s new design language seems to work on every new vehicle that gets the treatment, and if anyone wants to call the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion and Escape the best-looking vehicles in their respective categories, we wouldn’t argue. The gorgeous new Fusion, in fact, is our Best Redesigned Vehicle of 2013.

2013 Honda - Best Value Brand

Affordability, reliability and good resale value are key facets of new-car value, and Honda scores at or near the top in all three, earning from KBB.com visitors another Best Value Brand award.

2013 Honda - Most Trusted Brand

This is the second year we’ve asked visitors to name their Most Trusted Brand, and it’s the second year in a row they’ve named Honda.

2013 Honda – Brand Image Awards: Best Overall Brand

We saved the biggest award for last, but after its wins in the Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand categories, Honda’s win as Best Overall Brand among non-luxury shoppers hardly comes as a surprise.