BRIEFS: Production rebounds

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP):

New figures show that Alabama's auto industry made a strong comeback in 2010.

All three of the state's auto-assembly factories increased their 2010 production significantly, putting workers on overtime as the industry recovered from a downturn.

Combined, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai produced more than 711,000 vehicles at their Alabama factories last year. The figures come from automakers and estimates from the Automotive News Data Center.

The total is up 52 per cent from the 467,708 vehicles built in 2009 and the second-highest annual total in the state sector's lifespan.

GM appointment

DETROIT (AP):

General Motors has promoted veteran engineer and human resources executive Mary Barra to lead its vehicle-development efforts, another step in a management shake-up led by new Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson.

Barra, 49, was named senior vice-president for global product development on Thursday, replacing vice chairman Tom Stephens, who on Wednesday was moved to the new position of chief technology officer.

Barra's new job is arguably the most important at GM with responsibility for bringing cars and trucks to market that people want - quickly and with no problems.

Akerson, who has been concerned about GM's product development, said in a statement that Barra will bring a "fresh perspective to the critically important job of developing vehicles that delight global customers."

Formula One revs up

For
the 2013 Formula One (F1) season, the cars will be powered by a
turbocharged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine with a 12,000 revs per
minute limit.

The
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body for F1,
states that with this smaller engine fuel consumption will be cut by 35
per cent. The high-revving V8s will be a thing of the past, come 2013.

2011 Nissan Quest

The 2011 Nissan Quest will be powered by a 3.5-litre,
V-6, 260-horsepower and 240-lb ft VQ engine.

Power
will go to the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT transmission. Four
model choices will be available and 16 cup holders will be in each
model. EPA fuel ratings are 18 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per
gallon on the highway. The Nissan Quest will be on sale in February
2011.

100 more jobs

DUNCAN, SC (AP):

A German auto supplier says it will add 100 jobs at its plant in Duncan.

Draxlmaier
Group said Wednesday it will spend about US$10 million on the expansion
of its plant in Spartanburg County, which already has more than 600
employees.

The
company makes parts for BMW and General Motors and says the expansion
will allow it to make instrument panels, centre consoles and door
panels.

Construction is set to start in March.

Draxlmaier spokesman Ralph Schwarz says the company needs more space now that it is working on the X3 that BMW makes in Greer.

Kia recognised

IRVINE, California:

Following
an historic year for Kia Motors America (KMA), including important
milestones such as the company's best-ever full-year sales of 356,268
units; a 16th consecutive year of market share growth to an all-time
high of 3.1 per cent; and the launch of the company's first US-built
vehicle — the Sorento CUV — KMA now has been recognised as the 'Most
Improved Mainstream Brand' in the ALG Residual Value Awards brand
rankings outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report, moving four spots
from 14th place in 2010 to 10th in 2011.