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Chrysler Investing in Michigan

Chrysler announced that it will begin producing the 1.4 liter four-cylinder gas engine in an idled plant in Dundee, Michigan. The engine is being built for the new Fiat 500 that is coming to North America. Michigan offered Chrysler around $5 million in tax credits to build the engine in Michigan.

Dodge Challenger Most Satisfying Car

The Toyota Prius was dethroned as the most satisfying car by Consumer Reports, being replaced by the Dodge Challenger. 92 percent of Challenger owners said they would buy one again, taking into account price, performance, reliability, and enjoyment. The Toyota Prius fell to fifth place behind the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911.

Term of The Day

Transfer Case - It is an auxiliary gear boxed found in four-wheel-drive vehicles. It allows power to be delivered to both axles simultaneously.

Danica Patrick Joins NASCAR and Chevrolet

It is confirmed that Danica Patrick will be driving for Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Patrick will be driving a green, orange, and black number 7 car under Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick's race team. Patrick will make her NASCAR debut on February 10th, 2010 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Volkswagen Reportedly to Take Stake in Suzuki

Reuters stated a source reported that Volkswagen was planning to take a 20 percent stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. The 20 percent stake could "easily" be raised to a controlling portion, the source stated, saying that there should be more in the coming week.

Car Fact of The Day

Buick is the oldest American automobile company. David Dunbar Buick founded the Buick Motor Company in May of 1903. Later that year Buick hit financial trouble and was taken over by James H. Whiting. Whiting brought in William C. Durant, later the founder of General Motors. The first Buick, the Model B, was built in 1904

Jeep Top Domestic Resale Vehicle

Kelly Blue Book announced its annual resale value analysis report, stating Jeep held 35.7 percent of its value after 5 years of ownership. That resale value is 3 percent above the rest of the industry. James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelly Blue Book said that, "This achievement is a testament to the strength and heritage of the Jeep brand. The industry average declined 1.6 percent compared to 2009.

Ford Follows GM

Ford announced today to Automotive Weekly that it is planning on investing anywhere from $300 million to $500 million dollars into a few of its Michigan assembly plants to help build Ford's hybrids, electric vehicles and battery packs. If the battery pack assembly is brought to Michigan, it could create up to 1,000 new jobs. Currently the batteries are built in Mexico.