Detroit Electric chairman, founder and CEO Albert Lam, Detroit Electric Head of Design Jerry Chung and other officials unveiled the vehicle Wednesday night in Detroit’s iconic Fisher Building, where the company’s new headquarters will be located.Watch video

DETROIT- The name may only be two letters, two numbers and a colon, but the SP:01 is anything but insignificant.

The new all-electric two-seat sports car is the first vehicle from the new Detroit Electric, a resurrected name brand made popular in the early 1900s for electric vehicles.

Detroit Electric chairman, founder and CEO Albert Lam, Detroit Electric Head of Design Jerry Chung and other officials unveiled the vehicle Wednesday night in Detroit’s iconic Fisher Building, where the company’s new headquarters will be located.

“It’s the fastest pure-electric production vehicle on the planet at the moment,” Lam said during the vehicle’s unveiling.

The 2,403-pound carbon fiber and aluminum vehicle, which will start at $135,000, features an up to 180-mile driving range (about 100 miles in “fun” driving conditions), top speed of 155 miles per hour and a zero to 62 mph rating in 3.7 seconds.

Its closest competitor, the all-electric Tesla Model S has a top speed of 130 mph and goes from zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds.

Powering the SP:01 is a compact, mid-mounted 201 bhp electric motor (delivering 166 lb ft of torque), a lightweight, purpose-designed battery pack and all-new carbon-fiber bodywork.

But SP:01 -- an acronym for “Sports Pure” and originally a code-name for inside the company called “Sports Prototype 01” -- is more than a sports car, according to Lam.

The vehicle’s capabilities range from controlling nearly everything in the vehicle with a smart phone and advanced infotainment system called "SAMI" (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) to powering a house for more than two days.

“This is not an innovation, it is a must for the future of electric vehicle,” Lam said regarding the vehicle’s ‘360 Powerback’ system that can restore power to the home using its stored energy during a power outage. “That’s why it is not just a vehicle.”

The SP:01 will be assembled at an undetermined Detroit Electric production site in Wayne Country, Michigan. The dedicated facility will have an annual capacity of 2,500 vehicles and plans to create about 180 manufacturing and sales-related jobs over the next year.

The company plans to make 999 Detroit Electric SP:01 models, followed by two mass-production all-electric vehicles. 

Lam said the next two vehicles – a hatchback and sedan -- will feature the same technologies as the SP:01, but will be affordable “for every day practical usage of an electric vehicle."

“The name of the company is Detroit Electric and Detroit is the birthplace of the modern automobile industry,” said following comments from Don Graunstadt, Detroit Electric CEO of North America Operations, before the unveiling. “Detroit is where something like this is supposed to happen.” Actually making all of Detroit Electric’s plans a reality may be easier said than done. The all-electric sports car market is an extremely niche market and others, such as California-based Fisker Automotive and Tesla, are having trouble surviving.

Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of TotalCarScore.com, previously told MLive that 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.

Detroit Electric officials said the company is aware of how the all-electric car market has performed, but the company has “learned from the mistake of others.”

“Why we think, why we know, we will be able to survive is that we deploy a totally different business model,” Lam told reporters following the unveiling. “We focus all our resources … into innovation, design, engineering.”

Lam said unlike other companies, Detroit Electric has not taken any federal funding and plans to actually contract manufacturers to build the mass-market vehicles rather than spending possibly billions on a new production facility.

Detroit Electric, according to Lam, is working with a number of Asian companies on the “contract manufacturing” to require less capital.

By 2017, Lam said the company hopes to be selling about 40,000 vehicles worldwide through assembly plants in Wayne County, Europe and the contract manufacturing. “We want to look at things realistically,” Lam said. “We’re not looking at our self as growing to the size of GM or Ford.”

Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, revived the brand in 2008 after leaving Lotus.

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.

Every SP:01 will come with a three year, 30,000 mile manufacturer's warranty with an optional extension to five years and 50,000 miles for the battery. 

The announcement that GM would pour $215 million into Flint Engine Operations was greeted as sunshine after a long, hard winter.

General Motors employees look over a Turbo engine at Flint Engine Operations. GM announced Thursday, April 4, it would invest $215 million for production of a new Ecotec gas engine and retooling for the V6 engine. MLive file photo

After three months of auto plant closing announcements, layoffs and job transfers, the rain of bad news may have ended. The automaker confirmed Thursday, April 4, it will spend $215 million to retain 961 jobs at Flint Engine Operations on Bristol Road in Flint. 

The investment will pay for the production of a new Ecotec gas engine that is part of a new family of engines featuring three and four cylinders with engine displacement ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters. It will also support upgraded tooling for the V6 engine the plant produces.

The first three months of this year, however, had been almost nothing but bad news for local GM employees with the announced July closing of Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center on Saginaw Road in the city of Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township, the closing of Flint East off Robert T. Longway Boulevard planned for November and the third shift at Flint Engine being eliminated as of April.

The 343 employees at Grand Blanc Weld Tool were offered the choice of a buyout or a transfer following the January announcement it would close this year. The future of the plant itself has yet to be announced by the automaker.

Meanwhile, only about 50 of the 287 hourly Flint East employees were eligible for a recall by the automaker, which confirmed in February that Flint East would also close before the end of 2013.

A month later, GM stated 104 third-shift employees at Flint Engine would be laid off. Union officials now say 60 of those employees were seniority and have been given transfers, while the remaining 44 are out of a job.

So, the announcement that GM would pour $215 million into Flint Engine Operations was greeted as sunshine after a long, hard winter.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling called the investment encouraging that GM will continue to serve as the city's largest employer.

"The global auto industry is more competitive and diverse than ever, so there are going to continue to be changes, but every time General Motors makes a major capital investment here is a sign that they are going to bring major employment along with that," Walling said.

GM officials wouldn't confirm the timeline for the new investment or what vehicles will get the new engine, but said it would retain the number of employees at Flint Engine.

The plant employs 839 hourly and 122 salary workers and the combined payroll was estimated to be $47 million in 2012, with about $10 million paid in payroll taxes.

It produces V6 engines for the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Cadillac CTS. It also produces 1.4-liter engines for the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt and Sonic.

GM had announced earlier in 2013 that it would spend $1.2 billion on facility investments for its plants in the United States. Part of that $1.2 billion is the $215 million announced Thursday, along with about $117 million for plants located in Bay City, Ohio and Indiana, said Arvin Jones, manufacturing manager for GM.

"I think the investments that we have announced through today show that there is a commitment by GM to be competitive in this business and that we are looking to make sure that we get the product that the customer needs ... and it's a good vote of confidence that we have in Flint," Jones said.

The assessment that GM hasn't forgotten Vehicle City, the place of its birth, was echoed by others upon hearing the news.

The layoffs announced for the first three months of 2013 weren't good news for the employees who felt the impact, but it was a small effect on an economic level, said Chris Douglas, an associate economics professor at the University of Michigan-Flint.

"You are not going to see much of an impact," he said, calling the investment positive news, but not something that will have a large effect on the local economy overall. "I think more what it's doing is maintaining, in terms of retooling the plant, which is important, and the new engine."

Before this most recent investment, GM had put a total of $450 million into Flint Engine since 2009. The recent announcement puts that amount just shy of $700 million.

Had GM not invested in the plant, the automaker would be putting its employees in danger of losing their jobs, forcing them to use out-of-date equipment and producing obsolete engines, Douglas said.

"GM is still the county's biggest employer, so I think it's important for the regional economy that it continue and with that investment it seems likely it will continue into the near future," he said. "It would be really weird for a company to dump that kind of money into a plant and then close it.

"It would suggest to me they are not planning to close it in the foreseeable future."

Flint Engine employees were aware something was coming and Thursday's announcement was certainly good to hear, said Dan Reyes, president of UAW Local 599.

It's his local that will be producing the new engine, which will be the smallest that GM offers for its vehicles.

The plant's management holds annual meetings with the employees to lay out where it stands as far as quality and production goals, said Reyes, adding the new products and investment were part of meeting those goals.

"Our membership has worked extremely hard to meet and surpass the goals that were set," he said. "They did everything that was needed to produce a quality product to increase sales for General Motors."

Producing the new engine shows the automaker has confidence in the products produced by the plant's employees, Reyes added.

"It speaks to the work ethic of our membership," he said, "599 has always taken pride in producing great products."

“Just five years ago, our nation’s automotive industry was on the brink, and it seemed like such positive announcements were a figment of the past," the Democrat from Flint said. "Yet, due to the resilience of Michigan’s workers, our automotive industry is now roaring back, making investments like today’s possible.

"There’s still more work to be done to grow our economy and create more jobs, but this positive announcement for mid-Michigan is certainly welcome news."

The Tigers beat the New York Yankees 8-3 in the team’s home opener on Friday, and MLive.com had you covered for all theist photos, news and videos. Here’s a look at all of MLive.com’s coverage of the events and new surrounding the team’s home opener, including protests, entertainment and all the festivities.

DETROIT- The 2013 Detroit Tigers’ season is officially underway in Detroit

The Tigers beat the New York Yankees 8-3 in the team’s home opener on Friday, and MLive.com had you covered for all the best photos, news and videos.

Here’s a look at all of MLive.com’s coverage of the events and news surrounding the team’s home opener, including protests, entertainment and all the festivities.

Photo Essay: Detroit Tigers win home opener 8-3 against New York Yankees

Video: Detroit's 'Bongo Man' earns tips, smiles from Opening Day Tiger fans

Detroit Tigers Opening Day: A can-man-fan's story

No flyover at today's Detroit Tigers home opener? Thanks, sequestration

Detroit Tigers Opening Day: Predictions from the Porta Potty line

Photo Essay: Detroit Tigers Opening Day Festivities

The Opening Day experience: Party in the shuttle bus

Video: Detroit Tigers opening day EM protest on I-75 causes traffic jam

Detroit Tigers Opening Day buzz builds in Motor City hours before first Comerica Park pitch

Opening weekend for Detroit Tigers expected to have $13-$15 million impact on city

How do you fit a giant bobble head of Cabrera through the door of the RenCen?

Tigers pre-game guide: Who's throwing the first pitch, when's batting practice and what Opening Day tradition got the axe?

Detroit Tigers' Opening Day: Restaurants, bars ready for 'biggest day of the year'

2013 Detroit Tigers' home opener: Share your favorite fan photos

Downtown Detroit Buffalo Wild Wings prepares for its first Opening Day, hopes to break nationwide sales record

Tiger Stadium site's future remains unclear as Detroit Tigers fans embrace Opening Day at Comerica Park (with photo gallery)

Bars near former Detroit Tigers Stadium prepare for Opening Day with food, live music and free shuttles downtown

Lt. Colonel Alexander Jefferson also will discuss his time in the military as part of the Society's Scholar Series. The program is scheduled at 6 p.m. on April 17 at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Lt. Colonel Alexander Jefferson also will discuss his time in the military as part of the Society's Scholar Series. The program is scheduled at 6 p.m. on April 17 at the Detroit Historical Museum.Detroit Historical Museum

DETROIT (AP) — A former Tuskegee Airman will be honored by the Detroit Historical Society for his contributions to black history.

Lt. Colonel Alexander Jefferson also will discuss his time in the military as part of the Society's Scholar Series. The program is scheduled at 6 p.m. on April 17 at the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of black combat pilots who trained in Alabama during World War II. They helped pave the way for desegregation in the U.S. military.

Jefferson enlisted in the Army Reserves and initially was turned down for flight training. He was assigned in 1943 to the 332nd Fighter Group. The group flew the "Red Tail" P-51 Mustangs while escorting bombers and giving air support to ground troops.

The ad, called ''Blindsided,'' is Manning’s second contribution to the ''Experience Buick'' campaign. It focuses on safety features of the 2013 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan.

YouTube: Blindsided | Peyton Manning | Verano

DETROIT-Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is back for Buick in a new TV spot for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.

The ad, called “Blindsided”(embedded right), is Manning’s second contribution to the “Experience Buick” campaign. It focuses on safety features of the 2013 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan.

“No one wants to be blindsided, especially a quarterback,” Manning said in a statement. “Usually you have one guy protecting the blindside but these features are so good, it’s really like having 11 guys blocking your blindside.”

In the new 30-second ad, Manning, acting as a “signal caller,” uses the 2013 Verano’s standard rear vision camera and an available safety package that includes side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert. The two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that can help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing, said Manning works great with the General Motors Co. luxury brand.

“Peyton Manning is approachable, and that’s synonymous with what Buick is – an approachable, down-to-earth luxury brand,” DiSalle said.

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.

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

Automakers, including the Detroit Three, sold about 1.45 million vehicles in March, a 22 percent growth from February, and a 3 percent uptick from March 2012 -- the strongest month of last year.

DETROIT- The U.S. automotive industry just ended what is expected to be one of the best sales months of the year.

Automakers, including the Detroit Three, sold about 1.45 million vehicles in March, a 22 percent growth from February, and a 3 percent uptick from March 2012 – the strongest month of last year.

“Things are looking quite strong,” said Alec Gutierrez, Kelley Blue Book senior market analyst of automotive insights.

Last month also marked the best monthly sales total since August 2007. So ... Will the industry be able to keep up the sales success for April?

The answer, according to some analysts, is “yes.” 

April, a historically OK month for auto sales, won’t be as high as March, but the industry should experience relatively modest gains of 3 to 4 percent, according to Gutierrez.

Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds.com senior editor, said over the last decade March has averaged to be the second strongest month of vehicle sales, only trailing May.

"April isn't as strong, it's kind of the quiet in between the storm between March and May because those are the two strongest," she told MLive.com.

Automotive industry analysts and experts continue to say pent-up demand, low interest rates, cheap credit, new products and leasing are all driving consumers into dealerships.

Although not as high of sales, Caldwell said the "fundamental basics" that are driving sales right now should keep the seasonally adjusted annual rate, or SAAR, above 15 million in April.

The SAAR, which removes the seasonal variations in the data, has remained above 15 million since November 2012. The highest SAAR for this year occurred in February. It reached 15.38 million.

Through the first quarter of 2013, U.S. auto industry sales were near 3.7 million units, a 6 percent increase from the same time last year.

Check back to MLive.com for more information on the U.S. auto industry.

Click here for a look at March sales.

Ford Motor Co. recently released a look into the making of its Ford Atlas concept pickup, which debuted earlier this year at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Dearborn-based automaker released early design sketches of the vehicle and descriptions of how designers created the final product.

DEARBORN- Ford Motor Co. recently released a look into the making of its Ford Atlas concept pickup, which debuted earlier this year at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Dearborn-based automaker released early design sketches of the vehicle and descriptions of how designers created the final product. 

In the released presentation (embedded right), Ford said officials used design cues from two previous earlier concepts – a smooth, aerodynamic “Bullet Train” and a boxier, "locomotive-inspired" sketch – to create the pickup.

“When creating the Atlas Concept, designers balanced function with style, went through several iterations, and had to make tough choices to ensure everything on the vehicle has a purpose, while the toughness of the overall design looks good,” Ford said in slides of the early sketches.

One of the most prominent features in the early sketches that didn’t make the final cut was an extended windshield that continued onto the roof.

Ford said while the fork-shaped design was a “very stylish point, it ultimately was dropped to provide a more practical integrated roof carrying system to secure large cargo.”

The Atlas was a first glimpse into the future of Ford’s best-selling F-Series pickup truck lineup.

The Atlas, according to Ford, showcases the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define its future pickup trucks.

“This is only a glimpse of the future,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. following the vehicle’s unveiling at the Detroit auto show in January. “As America’s truck leader, we remain absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market and continuing to raise the bar on capability, fuel economy and profitable growth in the full-size pickup segment.”

Ford did not release when its next-generation F-Series will debut, but officials expect it to be a 2015 model.

Click through the embedded slideshow to see more early sketches of the Atlas.

The Detroit-based automaker Monday announced that 2014 Chevrolet Impalas have officially started driving off the line at the 3.6 million-square-foot plant.

DETROIT- Production of one of General Motors Co.’s flagship sedans is underway at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant.

The Detroit-based automaker Monday announced that 2014 Chevrolet Impalas have officially started driving off the line at the 3.6 million-square-foot plant.

The sedan will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, and three direct-injected engines: a 3.6-liter V6, new 2.5-iter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist,

The Detroit-Hamtramck facility started building the 2.5-liter four-cylinder model, and will eventually begin building the V6 model. The facility will not build the vehicles with eAssist

Don Johnson, vice president of Chevrolet sales and service, said GM expects the new full-size sedan to “drive the segment to grow” and outperform many competitors in the near-luxury segment.

“We’ll absolutely compete with many of those competitors,” he said during a media event Monday morning at the Detroit-Hamtramck facility.

GM also expects the retail-focused vehicle to bring new, younger people to the brand.

Production of the vehicle at the Detroit-Hamtramck facility comes about a week after GM announced production of the 2014 Impala beginning at its Oshawa Assembly plant in Canada.

The full-size sedan, which GM introduced in 1958, was the only Chevrolet vehicle that GM had not redesigned in the past two years or so.

The 10th generation vehicle, which is expected to go on sale in early next year, features an aggressive exterior redesign that takes distinctive cues from vehicles such as the Chevy Camaro and Malibu.

The interior of the new vehicle also has been completely redesigned with Chevy’s dual-cockpit that features a new instrument panel with a standard 4.2-inch color display with reconfigurable features for the driver. An eight-inch touch screen with concealed storage, which resembles the automaker’s Cadillac CUE infotainment system, is available with the Chevrolet MyLink system.

GM has built about 16 million Impalas since introducing the nameplate in 1958, according to GM spokesman Otie McKinley. The vehicle was previously redesigned in '06, '00, '94, '77, '71, '65, '62 and '59.

The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index, which ranks check engine-related car repairs and costs for model year 1996 to 2012 vehicles, reports car repair costs jumped 10 percent nationwide to $367.84 on average per repair.

Scott Zurawski works at replacing a window motor at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission'€™s new automotive center.Jonathon Gruenke / File Photo

DETROIT- For the first time in six years, car repair costs jumped 10 percent to pre-recession rates, according to a new report released Tuesday.

The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index, which ranks check engine-related car repairs and costs for model year 1996 to 2012 vehicles, reports car repair costs jumped 10 percent nationwide to $367.84 on average per repair.

The double-digit increase in 2012, according to the report, brought car repair costs to pre-recession rates, with parts up 6 percent and labor costs rising 17 percent.

The report from CarMD.com Corp. analyzes more than 161,000 repairs input and validated by CarMD’s nationwide network of ASE-certified technicians from Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012.

The hardest hit region was the Northeast with an 11.56 percent increase, followed by the south up 11.02 percent; Midwest, including Michigan, up 8.98 percent; and the west, starting with Kansas, up 6.53 percent.

The 2012 average per repair remains well below levels in 2006 and 2007 that topped more than $400.

Ieon C. Chen, CarMD CEO, said although the average cost per repair may be up, automakers are making cars and their parts to last longer with longer maintenance and repair intervals.

“On one hand we're seeing an increase in car repair costs that can be attributed to factors such as a market correction and a higher percentage of more expensive repairs related to the aging vehicle population, but on a more positive note we see costs for hybrid repairs continuing to drop and drivers making fewer check engine-related trips to the repair shop,” he said in a statement.

The average vehicle age on the road is more than 11 years old, and costly and catastrophic repairs continue to rise. The 15 most expensive repairs saw a 24% jump in frequency, according to CarMD.

The 10th generation vehicle is in full production at General Motors Co.'s Detroit-Hamtramck and Oshawa, Ontario facilities with officials having full-size ambitions for the flagship sedan.Watch video

DETROIT- The 2014 Chevrolet Impala has arrived.

The 10th-generation vehicle is in full production at General Motors Co.’s Detroit-Hamtramck and Oshawa, Ontario facilities with officials having full-size ambitions for the flagship sedan.

“We expect with the Impala that we’re actually going to drive the segment to grow,” said Don Johnson, vice president of Chevrolet sales and service, during a media event Monday to launch production of the vehicle at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant. “We’ve seen it in the past, when you introduce such a great vehicle, that you can change the dynamics of the segment.”

Johnson and other officials said they expect the new vehicle, which debuted last year during the New York Auto Show, to substantially increase retail customers, up leasing by about 35 percent, grow the entire full-size segment and bring in new, younger customers.

Those seem like some extremely ambitious goals for a vehicle that previously had close to a 0 percent leasing rate, only 30 percent retail sales and an average customer age in their 60s. But officials say the Impala, which has been the segment leader since 2004, is redesigned, re-engineered and ready to re-establish itself.

“It’s a very retail-focused product and we believe that this nameplate can really bring new people into the brand,” said Rich Martinek, senior manager of Chevy advertising.

The 2014 Impala will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, and three direct-injected engines: a 3.6-liter V6, new 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist. The starting prices for non-eAssist models range from just under $28,000 to $34,555. Pricing for the 2.4-liter engine with eAssist will be announced closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of this year, officials said.

Detroit-Hamtramck will build all models expect with eAssist. The Oshawa facility will produce the V6, eAssist models and the Impala “Limited,” which is essentially the last-generation Impala.

Johnson said GM expects Impala sales to increase this year from 2012, as the Limited models continue to fill fleet demand and the new Impala attracts new buyers to Chevrolet dealerships.

“There’s still very good demand for an Impala like the Limited that is out there,” he said. “By having both vehicles, we’re going to maximize both our retail and our fleet opportunity.”

Since 2010, Impala sales have remained between about 169,000-172,000 units, including 169,351 last year. GM has built about 16 million Impalas since introducing the nameplate in 1958. Sales of the previous model averaged about 70 percent fleet and 30 percent retail. GM hopes to swap those rates with the new generation, which features a more aggressive exterior design and overhauled interior with a host of Chevrolet-first safety and technology features, including Chevrolet's next-generation MyLink infotainment system.

Johnson described the Impala as “a statement of substance” – from the finely tuned interior to its performance.

Impala chief engineer Todd Pawlik said the 2014 Impala with the 3.6-liter engine can achieve 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 in the city. Expected fuel economy ranges for the other engines include 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the 2.5-liter and 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the eAssist engine. Only the 3.6-liter has been certified by the EPA, he said.

The 2014 impala will be competing against sedans such as the Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon.

To help bring attention to the vehicle, GM also launched a new Impala television spot as part of its“Find New Roads” advertising campaign, put one of the vehicles in center field at Comerica Park and launched a 36-month lease program for $279 a month on the Impala LT with a V6 engine.

“We’re looking forward to grow segment share and really attract people from other segments into the large car segment,” Johnson said.

Also produced at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility are the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Malibu. The facility, which employs more than 1,500 people, will also begin production of the Cadillac ELR later this year.

The Ford Focus is the best selling passenger car on the planet, according to 2012 Polk global market registration data.

The Ford Focus topped global sales of passengers cars in 2012Courtesy image

The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index reports the improving economy, a return to pre-recession labor rates and the average age of vehicles all contributed to car repair costs jumping to to more than $365 on average per repair.

CarMD

DETROIT- A number of factors drove car repair costs to pre-recession levels in 2012, according to a report released Tuesday.

The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index reports the improving economy, a return to pre-recession labor rates and the average age of vehicles all contributed to car repair costs jumping to to more than $365 on average per repair.

The report, which ranks check engine-related car repairs and costs for model year 1996 to 2012 vehicles, reports car repair costs jumped 10 percent nationwide to $367.84 on average per repair.

The double-digit increase in 2012, according to the report, brought car repair costs to pre-recession rates, with parts up 6 percent and labor costs rising 17 percent. It is the first time in six years that the annual repair costs have increased, but the 2012 average per repair remains well below levels in 2006 and 2007 that topped more than $400.

The hardest hit region was the Northeast with an 11.56 percent increase, followed by the south up 11.02 percent; Midwest, including Michigan, up 8.98 percent; and the west, starting with Kansas, up 6.53 percent.

CarMD

In the Midwest, the top 10 most common check engine vehicle repairs last year were consistent with the nationwide top repairs until the last few repairs. The top five included replacing oxygen sensor(s) (O2S) at the top of the list, which costs on average $234.77; inspecting for loose fuel cap and tighten or replace as necessary, which cost $0.02 on average; replacing catalytic converter(s) with new OE catalytic converter(s), which is the most expensive on the list at about $1,080; replacing ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s) if needed, which cost $315.49; and replacing spark plug wires and spark plugs at about $340.

The average cost to repair the top 10 most common check engine vehicle problems in the Midwest was $317.35.

The report from CarMD.com Corp. analyzes more than 161,000 repairs input and validated by CarMD’s nationwide network of ASE-certified technicians from Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012.

Ieon C. Chen, CarMD CEO, said although the average cost per repair may be up, automakers are making cars and their parts to last longer with longer maintenance and repair intervals.

“On one hand we're seeing an increase in car repair costs that can be attributed to factors such as a market correction and a higher percentage of more expensive repairs related to the aging vehicle population, but on a more positive note we see costs for hybrid repairs continuing to drop and drivers making fewer check engine-related trips to the repair shop,” he said in a statement.

The average vehicle age on the road is more than 11 years old, and costly and catastrophic repairs continue to rise. The 15 most expensive repairs saw a 24 percent jump in frequency, according to CarMD.

Here’s a look at some other interesting statistics from the third annual report from CadMD, and for more information and graphics, click through the embedded slideshow:

- Hybrid vehicles account for four of the top 10 most expensive repairs, but no longer hold the no.1 spot.

- This year, the no.1 most expensive repair is “Replace Transmission Assembly and Reprogram Electronic Control Module” ($5,474). This repair, which applies to select vehicles, including 2001 Honda Civics and some 2001 Volvos, is indicative of the fact that cars are being made to outlast parts such as their transmission.

- Battery and transmission-related repairs are among the parts that saw an increase in repair frequency, which can be partially attributed to their sensitivity to heat.

- Average repair costs are now more in line with 2009 averages but still 13% less than their high in 2006 ($422.36).

Chrysler is recalling more than 78,000 midsize SUVs because the drive shafts can break.

AP File Photo 

The recall affects 2007 and 2008 Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro SUVs.

Chrysler says in documents filed with the government that a heat shield can drop and rub against the drive shaft, causing it to wear and break. If the shaft breaks, the SUVs will lose power and the side air bags may inflate. Chrysler says it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries from the problem.

Dealers will install a bracket to hold the shield in place at no cost to customers.

The recall affects 61,400 vehicles in the U.S., 13,700 in Mexico, 1,000 in Canada and 2,300 elsewhere.

Chrysler says it has received less than 40 complaints about broken drive shafts in the vehicles.

Chrysler is recalling about 30,000 small SUVs because a faulty hose inside the gas tank can cause them to run out of fuel.

FILE - In this photo taken July 24, 2011, a setting sun is reflected in the front grill of a new Chrysler for sale at the Chrysler dealership in Springfield, Ill. Chrysler says its profit jumped to $1.7 billion in 2012 as sales rose 18 percent. Chrysler's profit was nine times higher than the $183 million recorded in 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)AP File Photo 

The recall affects Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass four-wheel-drive vehicles from the 2012 model year. If they run out of gas, the engines can stall.

Chrysler says it's aware of one crash but no injuries or fires due to the problem.

The company says the SUVs have saddle-style gas tanks that go around the rear drive shaft. Fuel is pumped from one side of the tank to the other through a hose. But Chrysler says some of the hoses weren't formed right in manufacturing, and they can stop the flow of gas.

Dealers will replace the hoses free of charge. Owners will be notified starting next month.

Ford Motor Co. will release a new special edition package for its 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck this fall.

DEARBORN- Ford Motor Co. will release a new special edition package for its F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck this fall.

The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which the Dearborn-based automaker announced Tuesday night, adds unique new touches to Raptor’s existing luxury package, including a "Ruby Red Metallic" or "Tuxedo Black Metallic" exterior and box-side graphics.

“Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today’s premium trucks,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager, in a statement.

Interior upgrades include "Brick Red" seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center stack and door panel appliqué accents.

Ford expects the special edition model to add to the off-roading truck’s sales, which are up 14 percent in 2013, with five out of the past six months seeing record sales. More than 13,000 Raptors were sold in 2012, according to Ford.

SVT Raptor is available with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

“Since its launch in 2009, we’ve continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet,” Scott said.

Ford officials were not immediately available when contacted by MLive.com for more information about the vehicle, including pricing and ordering.

This is the second new Raptor to recently debut. At the New York International Auto Show last month, Shelby American Inc. unveiled a souped-up 2013-2014 Shelby F-150 Raptor.

The Shelby vehicle features a supercharged 575-horsepower engine, custom interior, special Shelby graphics and a host of other Shelby-exclusive features. The 6.2-liter V8 engine of the Ford Raptor also gets a 2.9-liter supercharger.

The Shelby packaging is an extra $17,995 -- on top of the cost of the truck -- which is about $44,000 for the current model.

In a release, Ford did not announce pricing for the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition. 

In attempting to reinvent the 2014 Chevrolet Impala, General Motors Co. says it used some untraditional methods to developing the flagship sedan’s interior.

DETROIT- In attempting to reinvent the 2014 Chevrolet Impala, General Motors Co. says it used some untraditional methods to developing the flagship sedan’s interior.

Engineers, according to the Detroit-based automaker, used the latest high-tech tools, including advanced computer modeling, digital human ergonomics models, “3D Cave Automated Virtual Environment” and a “spaciousness calculator,” to create more space in the vehicle.

“Using various advanced technologies, we were able to make dimensional and design modifications in a virtual environment before locking down on a final architecture,” said Crystal Windham, Chevrolet director of passenger car interior design, in a statement.

So what does all that mean? A spacious calculator, GM says, is used to analyze how customers perceive the vehicle’s roominess, and virtual human models to make the most of vehicle interiors based on an extensive database of driver sizes and postures. The 3D CAVE, officials say, helped in evaluating design concepts for blind spots, reflections and visibility of objects inside and outside the car.

By using the advanced technologies, GM added nearly two inches of driver legroom by increasing the range of fore/aft adjustment for the front seats; easier to adjust steering wheel; increased knee room; and 19 cubic feet of trunk space – ample room for four golf bags, according to GM.

Production of the 2014 Impala is in full-swing at the automaker’s Detroit-Hamtramck and Oshawa, Ontario facilities.

The 2014 Impala will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, and three direct-injected engines: a 3.6-liter V6, new 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist. The starting prices for non-eAssist models range from just under $28,000 to $34,555. Pricing for the 2.4-liter engine with eAssist will be announced closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of this year, officials said.

Detroit-Hamtramck will build all models expect with eAssist. The Oshawa facility will also produce the V6, eAssist models and the Impala “Limited,” which is essentially the last-generation Impala.

GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said at a news conference Wednesday that GM was "fully supportive of the Opel turnaround plan" and that the Detroit-based group "must have a strong presence in Europe and especially here in Germany."

RUESSELSHEIM, Germany (AP) — General Motors' top executives have reaffirmed their commitment to Opel, the U.S. auto group's lossmaking European subsidiary, promising to invest another 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in the company.

GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said at a news conference held at the company's German headquarters Wednesday that GM was "fully supportive of the Opel turnaround plan" and that the Detroit-based group "must have a strong presence in Europe and especially here in Germany."

Akerson added that GM had approved the investment of 4 billion euros in Europe by 2016 but did not announce any new plant closures or other specific measures to improve earnings.

The chief executive and the GM board of directors had travelled to Germany to discuss the company's plan to reverse years of losses. GM had tried to sell Opel in 2009 as the U.S. car giant headed into bankruptcy restructuring — but it later decided to keep it.

Joining Akerson at the news conference was Adam Opel AG board chairman Steve Girsky; the governor of the local region of Hesse, Volker Bouffier; and top employee representative Wolfgang Schaefer-Klug.

Hundreds of Opel employees packed walkways overlooking the atrium at the Opel headquarters to hear Akerson and Girsky, who stood next to a bright yellow version of the company's new Adam compact.

Afterwards, the executives unveiled a concrete chunk from the Berlin Wall in front of the headquarters building, as a sign that "we overcome any walls in our heads and those between different cultures, and that we are now starting a new chapter in the history of Opel," Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann said.

The company is plagued by fierce competition and weak pricing power in a crowded market for less expensive cars in Europe. The debt crisis in countries that use the euro currency has seen auto sales plummet across Europe.

Opel plans to introduce 23 new models and 13 new engines through 2016 and develop a small car platform with French partner PSA Peugeot Citroen. The company is set to close its plant in Bochum by the end of 2014 after employees rejected a restructuring agreement.

Girsky told reporters that "Opel is on the way to the biggest turnaround in the history of the European auto industry."

He said the executives and board were there "to demonstrate our commitment" to Opel, Europe and the company's Ruesselsheim headquarters and design center in southwestern Germany.

Ford Motor Co. is on pace for a record year of hybrid sales. The Dearborn-based automaker Wednesday announced it delivered its best hybrid sales quarter ever this year with sales totaling 21,080 vehicles – marking the first time Ford has sold more than 20,000 hybrids in a quarter.

DEARBORN- Ford Motor Co. is on pace for a record year of hybrid sales.

The Dearborn-based automaker Wednesday announced it delivered its best hybrid sales quarter ever during the first three months of this year with sales totaling 21,080 vehicles – marking the first time Ford has sold more than 20,000 hybrids in a quarter.

Hybrid sales during the quarter, according to Ford, were up 324 percent nationally over 2012, achieving 16 percent share of the electrified vehicle market – up from 4 percent last year.

The record sales quarter was driven by the success of the C-Max and Fusion hybrids, according to officials. 

The previous record hybrid sales quarter occurred in the fourth quarter of last year, when Ford sold 19,554 hybrids. In total, Ford sold 35,034 hybrids in 2012, which was just shy of its record hybrid sales of 35,496 in 2010.

Company officials, in an email to MLive.com, said Ford expects the sales to continue increasing through 2013.

The first-quarter of this year marked the first time Ford offered all four of its new hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi.

Ford also attributed its new record hybrid sales to the critically-acclaimed styling of the 2013 Fusion, which is attracting the youngest wave of customers in the midsize segment. More than one in five buyers of Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are under 36 years old.

The Fusion Energi has an EPA-rated total range of up to 620 miles and the ability to drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode, along with EPA-rated fuel economy of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined. While there has been some controversy over their performance, the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max have an EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.

Other interesting facts about Ford’s record quarter of hybrid sales include:

- 70 percent of all Fusion Hybrids are equipped with the MyFord Touch package compared to just 50 percent on the conventional Fusion.

- 27 percent of C-MAX customers get the panoramic fixed-glass roof and more than three out of four customers choose the hands-free liftgate.

- Toyota remains the top conquest brand for both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX hybrids. Initial sales data show C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi are also bringing new customers to Ford, with conquest rates remaining above 60 percent since the vehicles hit the market in 2012.

- One quarter of electrified vehicles sold in the United States in 2012 were purchased in California – more than any other state – and increasingly these customers are opting for a Ford-brand vehicle.

Following lackluster showings at the Chicago and New York auto shows, Ford Motor Co. is driving into Asia’s largest show with an impressive array of vehicles.

DEARBORN- Following lackluster debuts at the Chicago and New York auto shows, Ford Motor Co. is driving into Asia’s largest show with an impressive array of vehicles.

Ford plans to present "its most comprehensive auto show display line-up ever" at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2013, with 23 vehicles on display, including the all-new Ford Mondeo, Ford Fiesta ST, a Ford CTCC race car and an all-new global concept model.

“We are excited to have visitors at Auto Shanghai 2013 come to the Ford display and see for themselves the great products and technologies we are bringing to our customers in China.” said Dave Schoch, president of Ford Asia Pacific, in a statement.

Schoch said the debuts are part of the Dearborn-based automaker’s promise to bring more exciting vehicles to introduce 15 new models in China by 2015.

Ford expects 70 percent of its growth in the next 10 years to come from its Asia Pacific and Africa region, according to company officials.

China is the world’s largest fastest-growing car market. It is expected to be a 30-million-vehicle market by 2020.

Automakers, including the Detroit Three, are spending billions of dollars in an attempt to grow their sales and market share in Asia – particularly China.

Auto Shanghai 2013 takes place from April 21-29 at the Shanghai International Exhibition Center. The Auto Shanghai 2011 featured a total exhibition area of more than 754,500-square-feet attracted over 1,700 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, 9,872 journalists representing 2,700 media.

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. executives Wednesday said the auto supplier is adding about 60 new positions at its global electronics headquarters in Farmington Hills to support the further development and application of camera technologies. The jobs are a part of 130 openings worldwide for engineers of all types.

Testing of Radio Frequency (RF) systems and products at the newly renovated Farmington Hills Test Center – lab technicians utilize sophisticated test equipment to ensure product integrity, quality and ensure that the systems work free from interference from other electronic devices.TRW

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.- Advanced vehicle safety systems, including cameras and radar sensors, are bringing jobs and investments to Michigan.

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. executives Wednesday said the auto supplier is adding about 60 new positions at its global electronics headquarters in Farmington Hills to support the further development and application of camera technologies. The jobs are a part of 130 openings worldwide for engineers of all types.

“It’s pretty significant for us right here,” said Kenneth N. Kaiser, vice president of engineering for TRW Global Electronics during a media event Wednesday. “If the growth continues on the trend that it is right now, I’m sure we’ll be doing more hiring.

“We’re expanding pretty rapidly.”

TRW expects usage of cameras in vehicles to increase from more than 2 million today to about 12 million in 2016.

Kaiser said the Livonia-based company has already experienced growth in recent years thanks to the development of camera technology in vehicles. About a year ago, the company reopened a 37,500-square-foot facility near its 88,500-square-foot global electronics headquarters in Farmington Hills.

“During the downturn, we closed it up,” Kaiser said. “We’ve gone from shutting it down, turning off the utilities, having nothing here just a couple years ago, till about a year putting some money back in.”

The second facility, which was renovated in the past year, currently employs about 200 people. The global electronics headquarters employs about 300 people. Globally, the company employs about 65,000 people, including 3,100 manufacturing and technical employees at 15 facilities in Michigan.

The Michigan announcement is in conjunction with the multibillion-dollar company announcing investments and 25 jobs at its electronics facility in Marshall, Ill. The production facility currently employs about 700 people.

TRW’s Scalable video camera (S-Cam) are used in safety functions including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, headlight control, traffic sign recognition and pedestrian detection. When integrated with other technologies, such as radars, the S-Cam can provide advanced active driver assist functions, including lane keeping and lane centering and automatic emergency braking.

By late 2013 the S-Cam will be available on vehicles from five major original equipment manufacturers in North America, Europe and Asia. 

To search through the job openings for TRW, visit trw.com/careers. 

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