Quoted: Toyota’s third-generation Prius, to be introduced in May, is part of the company’s ambitious plans to increase its hybrid sales to a million cars a year.

Quoted: The disclosures by G.M., contained in a viability plan submitted to the government, means that G.M. plans to cut its brands in half, to four: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.

Quoted: The American auto industry is vital to our national interest as an employer and as a hub for manufacturing. A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the industry needs. It would permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs. The federal government should provide guarantees for post-bankruptcy financing and assure car buyers that their warranties are not at risk.

I just heard Ford sales were down 28% this June! The rest of the automakers announce later today.

This could be the first month that Toyota outsells GM in the U.S. Last month, the Ford F-150 lost its top spot (to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla) after many years at the top.

Detroit needs to figure things out fast. To make things worse, not only is Detroit's slice of the pie shrinking, the pie is shrinking, too.

Quoted: So, now what? Now, people want fuel efficiency, fuel efficiency and fuel efficiency. But not everyone wants a compact car. Plus, Honda and Toyota have the compact car business cornered anyway. Sure, Detroit needs better small cars. But to thrive General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC must go different ways than their Japanese rivals – and fast.

Didn't know this:

Quoted: While some automakers — Honda, for example — have flexible plants that can shift productions from minivans or crossovers to cars, the factories of Detroit automakers are limited to specific models.
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So while Ford has shut down its big S.U.V. plant in Wayne, Mich., for nine weeks because those vehicles are not selling, its nearby Focus plant is running extra hours.

The Honda Civic was the top-selling car in May.

Quoted: In fact, after 17 years worth of being this country's best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150 full-size pickup (42,973) has fallen for the first time to fifth place behind the Honda Accord (43,728), Toyota Camry (51,291), Corolla (52,826) and your new best-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Honda Civic (53,299).

More industry in India - good. More cars on the road - bad.

Quoted: Toyota Building Second Plant in India. - TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota, the world's second biggest automaker, is building its second plant in India to boost production in a key growing market.

Quoted: India's Tata Motors reveals a car that will sell for some $2,500
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This is roughly half the price of its nearest rival, and little more than the cost of a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. But the “nano”, as the car is called, is no rickshaw.
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Commuting in India’s cities can be both cosy and deadly. Children squeeze snugly between father at the handlebars of a motorcycle, and mother riding side-saddle at the back.