After this, the first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala and Chevrolet built 453 units, each featuring performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest model featuring the SS bagde was the fifth-generation Camaro. The new SS will be a derivative of the rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden's upcoming VF Commodore.

"As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale," said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. "The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it."

It also said that a lot of the production that would have raised revenue this year will be diverted to replace the potentially defective cells. The company said that recalling the battery packs would cost $66.8 million. The Obama administration had granted $249 million to A123 as part of a program to develop advanced batteries. A123 was a start-up at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It has announced that it is now resuming production at its suburban Detroit plant but this will be regulated.

Its first-quarter net loss grew to $125 million, or 87 cents per share, from the past year’s figure of $53.6 million, or 51 cents per share. Its revenue declined by 40% to $10.9 million. The previous biggest loss of the company had been $85 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, when it posted a revenue of $40.4 million. After having just reduced it last week, 123 reiterated its outlook for the full year. It now believes that its 2012 revenue would have a range of $145 million to $175 million, a drop from its previous forecast of $230 million to $300 million.

Monique Kumpis, senior manager of advertising for Hyundai Motor America, said that this is better than a TV ad since it raises awareness for the Veloster among Gen Y buyers (those born between the early 1980s and early 1990s), a group known to be "skeptical of marketers and ads in general." They’re very adept at skipping TV commercials with the use of their digital video recorders. Automakers have used 3-D projection mapping in Europe and Asia for years but it has only recently arrived in North America.

These creative projections generate a lot of buzz and this could result to viral marketing with images being shared with friends. Rick Mathieson, a brand consultant and author of The On-Demand Brand: 10 Rules for Digital Marketing Success in an Anytime, Everywhere World, said that automakers succeed in making their brands stand out when they use projection mapping. He further said that it offers a “spectacle unmatched in any other medium today" as it gets cited a lot in online videos and commentary. Lexus manager Teri Hill said that it’s effective in getting to consumers with a “younger mindset. [source: Autonews]

He said that the company will make an announcement on armed-forces incentives in other regions within the next few days. Chrysler is also offering a $1,000 discount on a new vehicle bought by active duty members, reserve personnel and veterans. The discount applies to a new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or Fiat vehicle purchased through May 31. Chrysler’s usual discount for military members is $500.

Meanwhile, General Motors is offering an "honor badge" to drivers who purchase a Chevrolet vehicle through its military discount program. GM’s discount program gives savings of $400 to $4,000. The circular badge, which is offered on request, features a yellow ribbon and is printed with the phrase "Honor and Valor." Furthermore, Chevrolet will donate $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for every vehicle sold via the honor badge program. Cell Phones for Soldiers enable troops who are overseas to call their families in the U.S. for free.

Lada sold 50,102 units last month, making it the top-selling brand in Russia. However, its volume declined by 11%. Renault is at No.2 with a 24% increase to 17,914, ahead of Kia’s third place with a 23% increase to 17,305 cars. A 10% increase was reported by General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet brand to 17,180 units to get fourth place, getting ahead of Hyundai at No. 5 with 15,734 units, a 6% hike.

Ford was one of the automakers that increased sales the most last April, increasing volume by 26% to 12,421 units, together with Volkswagen that boosted sales by 82% to 14,768. The Opel brand of GM also had a strong performance with a 23% increase in sales to 7,169 units. Ford sales increased by 8% to 11,479 units. According to AEB, 880,540 units were sold in the first four months of 2012, a hike of 18% year-on-year.

All the audio systems of Volkswagen can still pick up analogue radio signals of conventional AM or FM. They can also play audio CDs, including MP3 files. Every Volkswagen model comes with an aux-in socket in order to connect external audio devices like an MP3 player or iPod. Every automobile model from the Polo S upwards now has at least six speakers to make the most of the digital audio's higher quality. The majority of the models will have eight speakers.

These devices are connected to a standard RCD 310 audio unit or better. One of the options for upgrade includes the MDI multi-device interface, which enables easy connection of USB sticks or iPods. This can be operated through the vehicle's audio system. Other options are Bluetooth connection of compatible telephones; audiophile-pleasing speakers and amplifiers from Danish specialist Dynaudio; Bluetooth music playback; touchscreen satellite navigation systems, including with built-in HD memory; and higher-power audio systems with color touchscreen controls and an SD memory card slot. Moreover, buyers of the Beetle models could opt to have an audio system developed with famous guitar and amplifier manufacturer Fender.