General Motors announces that its Lake Orion Michigan assembly plant has been selected to build its new B-segment small car. Earlier this year the plant had been put on closure list following the decision to eliminate the Pontiac division in 2010. The decision will preserve 1,400 jobs in Michigan.
 

A pair of researchers from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute have released a new study that concludes that automakers could actually become more profitable by improving fuel economy. This conclusion that runs counter to conventional wisdom is based on economic modeling that shows consumers would be willing to pay higher margins for more efficient vehicles in spite of the higher cost.
 

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors, got a significant boost this week with the approval of its application for low cost loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. During a conference call following the announcement, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO indicated that he expects the automaker to be profitable within a month however, sales of its first product, the Roadster appear to be lagging with the poor economy. Tesla also plans to stick with the same laptop cell technology through at least the Model S program.
 

Ford Focus EV platform

US Energy Secretary Dr Steven Chu announces that the first applicants for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program have been approved. Ford, Nissan and Tesla Motors will all get low interest loans from the US Department of Energy to help retool factories to build electric vehicles and advanced batteries.
 

Renault and French power utility EDF have reached an agreement on a power-line communications strategy for electric vehicles. Two way communications will be a necessary component of making widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles a viable alternative.
 

A new San Diego California based start up carmaker announces plans to build cars at a closed Louisiana parts factory. V-Vehicle Company publicly announced its intention to take over a Monroe, LA facility previously owned by Guide Corp. a former lighting systems division of General Motors.
 

2010 Lexus HS250h

For 2010 Lexus introduces what is billed as the "world's first dedicated luxury hybrid" in the form of the HS250h. Lexus hopes to build on the success of the iconic Toyota Prius by building a car that will be immediately recognized as a hybrid while providing all the refinement and ammenenities Lexus buyers expect.

General Motors this week officially inaugurated its new Global Battery Systems test lab. The new battery test facility is located at the automaker's Warren, MI tech center and is claimed to be the largest and most advanced facility in the United States.
 

2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen

In September 2008 Volkswagen introduced the first new diesel powered passenger car to comply with the latest Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations, the Jetta TDI. Green Fuels Forecast drove a 2009 Jetta TDI Sportwagen for several days recently found it to be a roomy car that was both engaging to drive and fuel efficient.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

This week Mitsubishi became the first major automaker to launch series production of a new generation electric vehicle powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The automaker will begin deliveries of the i-MiEV to commercial and government fleets in July before starting retail sales in April 2010.