DETROIT (AP) – Price cuts at Nissan and strong demand for pickup trucks helped U.S. auto sales rebound in May after a slight dip in April.

General Motors reported its strongest monthly sales since September of 2008. Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota also reported increases. Nissan Motor Co. notched its highest May sales ever after cutting prices on seven popular models early in the month. Only Volkswagen said sales fell compared with May of last year.

2. US Factory Output Falls 0.4 Percent in April - Saturday, May 18, 2013

U.S. manufacturers cut back on production in April, as auto companies cranked out fewer cars, factories made fewer consumer goods and most other industries reduced output.

The weakness suggests economic growth may be slowing this spring.

3. US Factory Output Falls 0.4 Percent in April - Thursday, May 16, 2013

U.S. manufacturers cut back on production in April, as auto companies cranked out fewer cars, factories made fewer consumer goods and most other industries reduced output. The weakness suggests economic growth may be slowing this spring.

4. Mississippi Governor Calls Economic Special Session - Thursday, April 25, 2013

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said he was bringing lawmakers back to the Capitol late this week for a special session on an economic development project.

“I will issue a formal call (Wednesday) for the Legislature to convene on Friday to consider an economic development package that will bring needed jobs to our state,” Bryant said in a news release. “This is an exciting project and a great testament to the quality of our workforce.”

5. Automakers Report US Sales Up in March - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

DETROIT (AP) – March is turning out to be the best month for auto sales in at least six years.

Major automakers including Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, General Motors and Nissan all reported increases, with some reporting their best monthly totals since the start of the Great Recession in December of 2007.

6. Grubb & Ellis Affiliates With New York Advisory Firm - Saturday, March 16, 2013

Grubb & Ellis-Memphis – a full-service commercial real estate firm serving western Tennessee, northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas – has formed an affiliation with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, a New York City-based commercial real estate advisory firm.

7. Grubb & Ellis Forms Affiliation With New York Advisory Firm - Friday, March 15, 2013

Grubb & Ellis-Memphis – a full-service commercial real estate firm serving western Tennessee, northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas – has formed an affiliation with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, a New York City-based commercial real estate advisory firm.

8. Automakers Report Growing US Sales in February - Monday, March 04, 2013

DETROIT (AP) – Americans want new cars and trucks, and they're not going to let higher gas prices or political dysfunction in Washington stand in their way.

General Motors, Toyota, Ford and most other automakers posted at least modest sales gains for February. Industry analysts estimate last month's sales rose about 7 percent from a year earlier as pent-up demand and cheap financing kept the U.S. auto sales recovery powering along.

9. Suits Dismissed Against Corps Over Nashville Flood - Friday, March 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A federal judge has dismissed a pair of lawsuits claiming the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was responsible for flood damage in 2010 to the Grand Ole Opry, Gibson Guitar and other Nashville-area businesses.

10. Detroit, Toyota See Big US Sales Gains in January - Monday, February 04, 2013

DETROIT (AP) – American consumers ignored tax increases and trudged through winter weather to buy new cars and trucks at an unusually strong pace last month.

"(January) was like a sprinter out of the starting blocks," said Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation Inc., the country's largest auto dealership chain.

11. Union Backers Say Nissan Threatens Plant Closure - Thursday, January 31, 2013

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Pro-union workers said Tuesday that Nissan Motor Co. has threatened to close its Canton assembly plant if workers vote for the United Auto Workers to represent them, though the company denies such threats.

12. Wolfchase Nissan, Honda Owner Files Loan on Properties - Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The owners of the Wolfchase Nissan and Wolfchase Honda dealerships at 2956 N. Germantown Road and 2982 N. Germantown Road, respectively, have filed a $10.6 million loan on the properties.

13. Nissan to Add Shift, 800 Jobs at Tennessee Plant - Monday, October 22, 2012

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. announced Friday it will add a third shift at a vehicle assembly plant in Tennessee, adding more than 800 jobs.

14. General Motors' Stock Rise Surprises Industry - Monday, October 01, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Surprise! The top-performing stock among automakers in the U.S. this quarter is General Motors.

The company, which endured management upheaval during the quarter and announced that it would lose substantial cash in Europe, saw its shares rise almost 18 percent from July through late September. The gain was the best since the first quarter of this year, when the stock climbed about 23 percent. GM posted strong profits in that period.

15. Electric Charging Stations Create Driver Options - Friday, September 28, 2012

Twelve of the parking spaces outside the visitors center at Shelby Farms Park come with a roof.

Construction of the solar-assisted electric and hybrid vehicle charging stations was completed in September.

16. Pickups Drive US Auto Sales in August - Wednesday, September 05, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Strong pickup demand fueled a big jump in U.S. auto sales last month.

GM's August U.S. sales rose 10 percent compared with a year earlier, while Ford's rose 13 percent and Chrysler's 14 percent.

17. Ford, GM Sales Lose Ground to Japan Rivals in July - Thursday, August 02, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – General Motors and Ford lost ground to Japanese automakers last month as their rivals made a strong comeback from last year's earthquake.

GM's July sales fell 6 percent from a year earlier, while Ford's slipped 4 percent. By contrast, Honda sales leaped 45 percent while Toyota posted a 26-percent gain. Chrysler also did well, notching its best July in five years.

18. State Rated No. 1 For Automotive Manufacturing - Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A national publication ranks Tennessee No. 1 in automotive manufacturing strength for the third straight year.

Business Facilities’ July/August issue cited the state for economic growth potential, job growth, business and education climate, transportation infrastructure, data center hubs and other factors.

19. Region Should Benefit From GreenTech Opening - Friday, July 13, 2012

When a group of American investors bought a Chinese auto company making electric vehicles and decided to move the plant to the U.S., the competition was intense for the location.

Haley Barbour, who was governor of Mississippi at the time, points out it was not as intense as the competition for the Toyota plant that the state had previously won.

20. Weak Hiring Shows Economy Still Hurting - Monday, July 09, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A third straight month of weak hiring shows the U.S. economy is still struggling three years after the recession officially ended.

U.S. employers added just 80,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent, the Labor Department said Friday.

21. Carmakers Report Strong June Sales, Easing Worries - Wednesday, July 04, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – From mini cars to monster pickups, sales of vehicles charged higher in June and eased concerns that Americans would be turned off by slower hiring and other scary headlines.

22. Lexus Tops Auto Quality Study as Industry Improves - Thursday, June 21, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Lexus makes the best-quality cars in the U.S., and automakers overall are much better at eliminating problems that land vehicles in the repair shop, according to a new survey of car owners.

23. Auto Sales Remain Bright Spot in Economy - Monday, June 04, 2012

U.S. auto sales remained a bright spot in May even as the economy darkened.

Many of the biggest carmakers reported double-digit sales gains last month compared with a year earlier. Americans continued to replace their aging vehicles even though economic news was mostly downbeat.

24. Toyota, Chrysler See Big April Sales Gains - Wednesday, May 02, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Toyota and Chrysler saw big U.S. sales gains in April, but they came at the expense of General Motors and Ford.

When automakers finish reporting numbers on Tuesday, industry-wide sales are likely to rise only a little above April of 2011, but the annual pace is expected to match February and March. Automakers and analysts noted that this April had more Sundays than last year and fewer cars are sold on Sundays

25. Auto Sales Surge in March, Led by Small Cars - Wednesday, April 04, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Appealing small cars, low interest rates, truck deals and unseasonably warm weather helped the auto industry achieve its best monthly performance in almost four years in March.

26. Jobs Picture Brightens, But Incomes, Spending Weak - Friday, March 02, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Steady declines in applications for unemployment aid are pointing to another strong month of hiring in February.

A healthy job market normally drives faster growth. But Americans' after-tax income actually fell in January, which led to a fourth straight month of weak consumer spending.

27. Big Sales for Small Cars in February - Friday, March 02, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Small cars sold big in February.

With gasoline prices spiking 30 cents last month, demand soared for compact cars like the Focus and Civic. That lifted U.S. sales for Ford, Honda and other major automakers that reported February sales on Thursday.

28. Report: Energy Loans Could Cost $3B - Monday, February 13, 2012

An independent review finds the government could lose about $3 billion on Energy Department loans for green energy programs – far less than the $10 billion Congress set aside for the high-risk program.

29. US Auto Sales Rise in January, Led by Chrysler, VW - Thursday, February 02, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. auto sales are off to a strong start this year, continuing their brisk pace from late 2011.

Chrysler had its best January in four years while Toyota got a boost from its new Camry. Volkswagen, which wants to aggressively expand in the U.S., reported much higher sales. One sour note was GM, where sales fell compared to a strong January a year earlier.

30. ABB CEO: T&B Acquisition Expands Reach - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Memphis-based Thomas & Betts Corp. will become a new global business unit based in Memphis as part of the ABB Group of Zurich.

31. Memphis Habitat Affiliate Receives Nissan Grant - Monday, January 23, 2012

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will participate in a new sustainable building grant program sponsored by Nissan North America Inc.

32. Casey Jones Village Adding Charging Station - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) – Electric car owners will soon be able to plug in at a spot known for a different kind of locomotion – Casey Jones Village in Jackson.

33. GM Likely to Recapture Global Auto Sales Lead - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – General Motors Co. is on track to retake the title of world's top-selling automaker, riding strong sales in the U.S. and China to beat Volkswagen and Toyota.

34. U.S. Auto Sales Up Sharply in 2011 - Thursday, January 05, 2012

Americans bought more vehicles last year, inspired by easier credit, an improved economy and the desire to replace aging vehicles that got them through the Great Recession.

Sales rose sharply for Detroit’s three carmakers and for Japan’s Nissan in 2011, aided by a surge in November and December.

35. CRE Activity Stays Strong During 2011 - Friday, December 30, 2011

Despite hard times, local commercial real estate firms were able to ink plenty of deals in the past 12 months.

Memphis’ industrial leasing activity kicked off in January when Buena Park, Calif.-based Pacific Logistics Corp. signed a 60,000-square-foot lease in ProLogis Park DeSoto for its first Memphis-area location.

36. US Factory Output Declined Sharply in November - Friday, December 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing output fell in November for the first time in seven months.

The decline was largely because factories made fewer autos. But production of home electronics, appliances and business equipment also dropped.

37. Retail Sales are Helping Economy Grow Consistently - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Economic growth is picking up in the final three months of the year, fueled by higher consumer spending, rising business stockpiles and modest increases in hiring.

The start of the holiday shopping season in November helped produce the sixth straight monthly increase in retail sales. Gift-buying Americans spent more on clothing and electronics, and sales of autos and furniture also rose.

38. Subaru, Honda Recall Vehicles Due to Brake Issues - Tuesday, December 06, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Subaru of America is recalling three of its car models and Honda Motor Co. is recalling some motorcycles, all because the brakes can malfunction.

39. US Service Firms Expanded in Nov. at Slower Pace - Tuesday, December 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Service companies, which employ 90 percent of the U.S. work force, expanded at a slower pace in November and a measure of employment at those firms fell.

Separately, the government said orders to U.S. factories dropped for the second straight month.

40. US Auto Sales Look Strong in November - Friday, December 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – People are finally replacing the cars and trucks they held on to during the economic slump, giving a boost to U.S. auto sales in November.

Chrysler, Ford and Nissan were among the companies reporting double-digit gains from last November, which is normally a lackluster month because of colder weather and holiday distractions. This November, buyers were lured by good deals, improving confidence in the economy and the need to trade in older cars.

41. GM Willing to Buy Back Volts - Friday, December 02, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – General Motors will buy Chevrolet Volts back from any owner who is afraid the electric cars will catch fire, the company's CEO said Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, CEO Dan Akerson insisted that the cars are safe, but said the company will purchase the Volts because it wants to keep customers happy. Three fires have broken out in Volts after side-impact crash tests done by the federal government.

42. Sales of Midsize Cars Shrink as Buyers Go Smaller - Monday, November 28, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – You can't drive far without seeing a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Ford Fusion.

Midsize sedans have been America's favorite cars for decades. That's changing. More people are choosing small cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and even smaller ones like the Honda Fit because they're worried about gas prices and car payments. There's another reason, too: Small cars are no longer the cramped econoboxes of the 1980s and 1990s, and they have many of the same features as larger cars.

43. Toyota Celebrates Production Start at New US Plant - Friday, November 18, 2011

BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (AP) – Toyota celebrated the start of Corolla production at its newest U.S. auto plant Thursday after a lengthy delay that the car maker blamed on a weak economy.

The ceremony formally marked the start of production last month, almost five years after Toyota Motor Corp. announced in February 2007 that it would build a sprawling facility in Blue Springs, a tiny town in the sparsely populated hills of north Mississippi.

44. Clarion’s Heathcott Says Respect has Led to Success - Friday, November 04, 2011

Larry Heathcott, president of Clarion Security LLC, started his business venture in Memphis in 2009 with three accounts. It rapidly ballooned to more than 20 accounts in three states.

45. Trucks, SUVs Power Strong Auto Sales in October - Wednesday, November 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Car buyers were out in force in October, snapping up trucks and SUVs and taking advantage of deals on Japanese cars.

U.S. car and truck sales were expected to top 1 million in October, a surprising number for a month when sales are usually slow. When adjusted for seasonal factors, that would be the best pace since the "Cash for Clunkers" program in August 2009.

46. Nissan North America Renews Lease In SE Shelby - Friday, October 28, 2011

Nissan North America Inc. has renewed its 413,000-square-foot lease in Southeast Shelby County.

47. CMOM Names Roberts Marketing, Fundraising Coord. - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Carrie Callaway Roberts has been named marketing and fundraising coordinator at The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

48. US Auto Sales Up in September on Big Trucks - Tuesday, October 04, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Pickups and SUVs boosted U.S. autos sales in September as dealers offered promotions, gas prices fell and contractors replaced aging fleets of work trucks.

Truck sales at General Motors, Chrysler and Ford grew in the double digits, outpacing cars. The September increases built on a healthy performance in August, when new models, cheaper financing and pent-up demand lifted the industry after several disappointing months.

49. Goodspeed Named CIO at ServiceMaster - Monday, September 26, 2011

Linda Goodspeed is the new chief information officer at The ServiceMaster Co., the latest appointment to the top ranks of the Memphis-based company by ServiceMaster CEO Hank Mullany.

50. Goodspeed Named CIO at ServiceMaster - Friday, September 23, 2011

Linda Goodspeed is the new chief information officer at The ServiceMaster Co., the latest appointment to the top ranks of the Memphis-based company by ServiceMaster CEO Hank Mullany.

51. House Disaster Vote Sets up Showdown With Senate - Thursday, September 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Despite opposition from Democrats and some tea party Republicans, the GOP-controlled House on Wednesday took up $3.7 billion in disaster relief as part of a bill to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month.

52. Orgs Discuss Power Of Women In Business - Thursday, September 15, 2011

The U.S. has more than 7 million women-owned businesses, representing 28 percent of firms nationwide.

In 2009, average revenue in female-owned firms was $60,264, according to the Kauffman Foundation. That same year, average revenue of male-owned firms reached $118,987.

53. Networking Event Brings Women Biz Orgs Together - Wednesday, September 07, 2011

It’s a cliché phrase that rings true for nearly every professional industry: it’s all about who you know.

Tough economic times serve as a reminder that networking is a powerful force to combating slow sales. That’s the concept behind a Tuesday, Sept. 13, meeting celebrating women in business.

54. August US Auto Sales Better Than Expected - Friday, September 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Car buyers shrugged off bad economic news and a major East Coast hurricane last month, lifting U.S. sales for most automakers.

General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Nissan reported surprisingly strong sales results on Thursday. Toyota and Honda, however, continued to be hurt by model shortages from the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Both reported large sales drops.

55. Bartlett Electrician Offers Electric Car-Charging Site - Friday, August 26, 2011

Above and Beyond Electric Co., one of the first green electrical service companies in Memphis, is taking its green initiative a step further with the installation of a plug-in charging station for electric vehicles.

56. Car Dealers Fear Economy Could Scare Off Buyers - Friday, August 19, 2011

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) – Jeff Swanson was in the market for a new car just a few weeks ago. Then the stock market went crazy.

So Swanson, 25, decided to keep his 10-year-old Pontiac Grand Prix for at least another year. Gyrations in stocks and talk of a weakening economy rattled Swanson's confidence about taking on another payment, even though his new job running a home for mentally disabled people seems to be secure.

57. July Another Weak Month for US Auto Sales - Tuesday, August 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Car shoppers worried about the U.S. economy last month and that kept sales in a funk.

U.S. sales of new cars and light trucks are expected to rise only slightly in July. The weak economy and high sticker prices kept Americans from buying more. Automakers are scheduled to report last month's sales on Tuesday.

58. New Mileage Standards Aim for Less Fuel, Pollution - Monday, August 01, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and automakers ushered in the largest cut in fuel consumption since the 1970s on Friday with a deal that will save drivers money at the pump and dramatically cut heat-trapping gases coming from tailpipes.

59. US Malaise, Debt Stalemate Shake Allies Globally - Monday, August 01, 2011

BEIJING (AP) — America's debt crisis and economic malaise are shaking confidence in its global leadership.

Many governments see Washington's paralysis as political theater ahead of a presidential election and wonder how American hardliners can be allowed to hold up a deal and bring a globalized economy to the brink.

60. Charging Ahead - Monday, July 11, 2011

A row of four electrical outlets with cords in the Peabody Place garage Downtown are a first for the city’s hospitality industry and retailers in general – charging stations for electric vehicles.

61. Factory Orders Increase - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Businesses requested more airplanes, autos and oil drilling equipment in May. The jump in factory orders after a sluggish spring suggests supply disruptions stemming from the Japan crisis are fading.

62. GM, Ford June Sales Rise, Honda Falls - Monday, July 04, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Gas prices have hit a sweet spot for U.S.-based automakers. They've fallen enough to spur pickup truck sales, yet remain so high that newer small cars are selling as well.

63. White House Considers Big Boost to Fuel Economy - Tuesday, June 28, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration is telling American automakers that it would like cars and light trucks to average 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025 – a boost to fuel economy that would save consumers money at the pump and help with global warming but drive up the cost of automobiles.

64. Nissan Dispute Moved to Federal Court - Thursday, June 09, 2011

CANTON, Miss. (AP) – Canton's lawsuit seeking to invalidate a state law that bars the city from annexing the Nissan plant site is now in federal court.

Attorneys for Nissan North America moved the case from Madison County Circuit Court because the city raised new issues in an amended complaint.

65. US Auto Sales Cooled in May Due to Shortages - Thursday, June 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. auto sales cooled off in May as dealers started running short on some popular, fuel-efficient models and buyers were turned off by sharply lower incentives.

Deals aren't likely to come back until the end of this summer. Some experts are advising people to delay their purchases if they can.

66. Memphis Businesses Go Ape for Marketing - Friday, May 27, 2011

Business leaders from across the city met earlier this week to put a little monkey in their marketing at the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Lunch and Learn series.

The workshop, titled “Guerrilla Marketing: Unconventional Strategies for Outsmarting Your Competition,” drew a sold-out crowd of business professionals to First Tennessee Bank’s Ron Terry Center.

67. Small Cars Getting Safer, Insurance Group Says - Thursday, May 26, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – Small cars are getting safer as more models than ever earn the top safety rating from the insurance industry.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Thursday that 6 of the 13 small cars it most recently tested are top safety picks. They include the 2012 Ford Focus and Honda Civic and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Juke, Lexus CT 200h and Toyota Prius.

68. Fewer People Sought Unemployment Aid Last Week - Friday, April 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, resuming a downward trend that signals stronger job growth ahead.

Applications for unemployment benefits fell to a seasonally adjusted 403,000 in the week ending April 16, the Labor Department said Thursday. The decline partially reversed a jump in applications from the previous week, which economists said was largely the result of a seasonal quirk.

69. Nissan Headquarters to Celebrate Earth Day - Thursday, April 21, 2011

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – Nissan will celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday with what it calls several first-ever employee events at its Nissan Americas headquarters in Franklin.

A media advisory said the activities will include the recycling of electronics and personal papers, plus an environmental fair and wetlands tour.

70. GM to Raise Car Prices Due to Oil, Metal Costs - Tuesday, April 19, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – General Motors Co. said Monday it will raise car and truck prices by an average of $123 per vehicle to make up for its increased oil and metal costs.

71. MLGW Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - Thursday, April 07, 2011

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division officials Wednesday unveiled a set of 69 proposed sites for stations to charge electric vehicles.

The sites across Shelby County include seven Memphis public libraries as well as the Millington public library and seven MLGW facilities that would add the electric charging stations.

72. Auto Sales Up on Jobs Outlook, Fuel-Efficient Cars - Monday, April 04, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. sales of new cars and trucks rose in March, helped by a brighter jobs outlook and rising sales of fuel-efficient vehicles.

New vehicle sales rose 11 percent at General Motors, 16 percent at Ford, 23 percent at Honda and 27 percent at Nissan, all aided by sales of smaller, more efficient cars and crossovers, which look like truck-based SUVs but are more fuel efficient and nimble because they are built on car underpinnings.

73. GM Leads Auto Sales Jump With 49 Percent Increase - Wednesday, March 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – General Motors Co. led automakers with a 49 percent U.S. sales jump last month, aided by sweeter financing and lease deals and strong demand for newer models.

74. Hybrid Luxury - Thursday, February 24, 2011

With gas selling at $3 a gallon, the staff at Lexus of Memphis gathered earlier this month for a training session.

The East Memphis dealership had just taken delivery of a first for the luxury carmaker – a five-door hybrid hatchback Lexus. The CT200h is the fifth hybrid Lexus has offered, but the first hybrid car classified as a luxury car that promises to top 40 miles per gallon of gas.

75. Memphis Closer to Electric Vehicle Technology - Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division should have 10 locations up and running by September for public charging stations for electric vehicles.

And Tennesseans who buy a Nissan Leaf, the all-electric vehicle coming to the market in 2012, will get a free home charging station as part of federal government incentives in six states and Washington as well as state government incentives in Tennessee.

76. APNewsBreak: Businesses, PACs Give $1.4M to Haslam - Thursday, February 17, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Businesses, trade groups and political action committees accounted for three out of every five dollars raised for Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam's inauguration last month.

77. GM, Chrysler, Kia Report Big Jan. US Sales Gains - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. sales of cars and trucks rose in January, a strong start to what the auto industry hopes will be an extension of last year's recovery.

In another good sign, sales to individuals were better than sales to fleet buyers such as rental-car companies, which are far less profitable for automakers

78. GM Says it No Longer Needs Gov't Loan to go Green - Friday, January 28, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – General Motors, in another sign of its progress since a government-led bankruptcy, said Thursday it is withdrawing its application for $14.4 billion in federal loans it had sought to help build more fuel-efficient cars.

79. New Electric Vehicle Chargers Dedicated in Tenn. - Wednesday, January 26, 2011

KNOXVILLE (AP) – Researchers in Knoxville have dedicated an electric vehicle charging station.

Right now its only for testing, but it can make electricity from sunlight and put electricity back in the power grid.

80. US Auto Sales Rise in 2010, But Remain Below Highs - Wednesday, January 05, 2011

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. auto sales sputtered back to life in 2010 and car companies expect them to keep climbing this year as the economy recovers and buyers grow more confident.

With sales of around 11.5 million new cars and trucks, 2010 was still the second-worst year in almost three decades, after 2009. And car companies are starting to wonder if they will ever reach the heights they saw in the early 2000s, when credit was cheap, incentives were rampant and sales topped 17 million.

81. Auto Industry Recalled 20 Million Vehicles in 2010 - Thursday, December 30, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Automakers recalled about 20 million vehicles in 2010, led by high-profile recalls by Toyota that prompted new scrutiny of the auto industry's safety record.

An analysis of federal data by The Associated Press shows that the number of recalls this year is the largest in the United States since 2004.

82. November Auto Sales Show Industry in Recovery - Friday, December 03, 2010

DETROIT (AP) – After a year of watching auto sales slowly increase month by month, industry executives are finally willing to firmly declare that the U.S. market is in recovery.

People who had been too afraid to make a big car purchase are finally coming back to dealerships, a little more confident that they won't lose their jobs. And that's reflected in November's auto sales figures: Industry sales were up 16.9 percent for the month compared with a year ago. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai all posted double-digit gains.

83. He’ll Wear Your Shirt to Convey Your Message - Wednesday, October 27, 2010

When Buzz Aldrin competed against the likes of actress Pamela Anderson and football star Chad Ochocinco on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” earlier this year, the former astronaut hired professional T-shirt wearer Jason Sadler of iwearyourshirt.com to help garner votes in hopes of maintaining his spot on the popular reality show.

84. Automotive Industry Holds Conference - Wednesday, October 06, 2010

The third annual Southern Automotive Conference kicks off its three-day networking event at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Tunica.

The conference is designed to benefit automotive suppliers and services companies.

85. Gov't Looking at 62 mpg Goal for 2025 Autos - Monday, October 04, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The new cars and trucks sold in 2025 may be required to average 62 miles per gallon as a group, far surpassing the fuel efficiency of current high-mileage stars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids.

86. GM CEO: Repayment of Bailout Could Take Years - Friday, September 17, 2010

DETROIT (AP) — It will take a couple of years for taxpayers to get back the billions they spent bailing out General Motors, but the company has a goal of returning the money, GM's new CEO said Thursday.

87. The Law of Attraction - Monday, September 13, 2010

The state of Tennessee is basking in the glow of its growing reputation as a top destination for companies following a myriad of accolades for its favorable and welcoming business climate.

While Chief Executive magazine ranked the Volunteer State the nation’s third best for business, Southern Business & Development magazine named Tennessee its State of the Year.

88. SMW Automotive to Create 170 Jobs in Tennessee - Friday, August 27, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – SMW Automotive will open a plant at Shelbyville and Tennessee officials say the $26 million capital investment will create 170 jobs over five years.

Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber announced on Thursday the global auto supplier's 131,000-square foot project in Bedford County.

89. Auto Sales Boost Otherwise Weak Retail Sector - Monday, August 16, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans spent less at most retail stores in July and inflation remained tame as high unemployment and weak job growth fueled fears of a slowing economic recovery.

A busy month for car dealerships and higher gas prices lifted overall retail sales 0.4 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Friday. It was the first overall gain in three months.

90. US Auto Sales Rise, Helped by Credit, Promotions - Wednesday, August 04, 2010

DETROIT (AP) – Automakers posted higher U.S. sales last month, a sign that Americans are still willing to buy big-ticket items even though concerns linger about the economy and hiring.

After a sluggish June, sales rose slightly for General Motors Co. and Chrysler. Foreign-based companies such as Toyota and Honda posted bigger gains. Ford, meanwhile, had flat sales.

91. Nissan Recalls 51,100 Hatchbacks Over Fuel Spills - Tuesday, July 27, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nissan is recalling 51,100 of its Cube hatchbacks in the United States and Canada because of possible problems with fuel spilling during rear end collisions.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan Motor Co. said Monday tests conducted by NHTSA safety regulators found more fuel spilled than federal standards allow. The spillage occurred during rear end crash tests at 50 miles per hour where the vehicle also spun onto its side.

92. Guerrilla Tactics Powerful Weapon In Consumer Warfare - Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Guerrilla warfare is by definition unconventional.

It’s where a small group of combatants use less structured, mobile tactics, like ambushes and raids, to combat a larger, more formal and less mobile army.

93. Administration Releases New Fuel Efficiency Rules - Friday, April 02, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration set tougher gas mileage standards for new cars and trucks Thursday, spurring the next generation of fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrids, efficient engines and electric cars.

94. Noel Becomes ABA Delegate From Tennessee - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Randall D. Noel has been elected as the Tennessee delegate to the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates.

Noel is a member of Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada PLLC’s Commercial Litigation Group. Noel is a Fellow of the American, Tennessee and Memphis Bar Foundations and has served as president of the Tennessee Bar Association.

95. Energy Secretary Announces Nissan Loan Closing - Monday, February 01, 2010

The U.S. Department of Energy has closed a $1.4 billion loan agreement with Nissan North America Inc., a transaction the automaker said will eventually create up to 1,300 jobs at its Smyrna assembly complex to make the all-electric Leaf and lithium-ion battery packs to power it.

96. Industrial Megasites Fraught With Unknowns, Political Maneuvering - Monday, December 14, 2009

When cities and states compete for economic plums, the advantages seem to be weighted heavily in favor of businesses looking to build new plants.

Nothing bolsters a local or even regional economy like a new manufacturing plant or factory. That remains true even in this age of bioindustry, intellectual property and tech corridors. At least for now, the jobs created by those sectors don’t pay as many people or as well as good old-fashioned manufacturing jobs.

97. Mega Bucks - Monday, December 14, 2009

Ten years ago, Jim Ewing and Jim Bruce wrote a piece for Site Selection, a trade magazine for people in the business of consulting on the best locations to build industrial plants. It was called “The Approaching Industrial Land Shortfall.”

98. Northeast Miss. Waits for Toyota to Deliver on Promises - Tuesday, December 01, 2009

TUPELO, Miss. – Oh, what a wait. This month marks a year since Toyota delayed the start of operations at its new $1.3 billion vehicle manufacturing plant off U.S. 78 in Blue Springs.

The delay has put on hold nearly 2,000 jobs and an expected economic boom for Northeast Mississippians, who are biding their time as Toyota continues to reaffirm its commitment.

99. Bredesen Says China Trip Has Green Energy Focus - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The renewable energy sector has been among the most promising areas of discussion while on a trade mission to China, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday.

Bredesen said in a conference call from Hong Kong that the trip has been highlighted by visits to Shaanxi and Zhejiang provinces and meetings with their governors and business officials. Both provinces are larger than California, Bredesen said.

100. Investor Announces $1B Auto Plant for Tunica - Wednesday, October 07, 2009

TUNICA COUNTY – Renowned for growing cotton and building casinos, Tunica County soon will make a name for manufacturing cars.

GreenTech Automotive Inc.’s Chinese owner on Tuesday announced plans to bring one of the most ambitious manufacturing and economic development projects in recent history to the Mid-South.