While Chrysler and Fiat designers were working quietly behind the scenes to jointly develop

new models, transportation design students in Italy were doing the same.

The two final vehicles selected by the students to develop into models have been revealed. Perhaps Chrysler will hint at its work with Fiat next week when the American automaker rolls out its five-year plan.

The 37 students in their second year of the three-year car design course at IED Turin in Italy were given the assignment to design vehicles that combined the best technical know-how, the platforms and the values of the Fiat and Chrysler brands.Continue reading..

Surging Kia Motors America is planning to get more than auto assembly out of its new plant

in West Point, Georgia, that goes on stream next month to build the 2011 Sorento crossover: the West Point plant will feature prominently in Kia's pre-launch ad campaign to emphasize  the Sorento is made in America.

With the sourcing of all manner of consumer goods to low-cost countries being an increasingly persistent burr under many American consumers' saddles, "Built in American has turned into a positive," said Michael Sprague, KMA's vice president of marketing. Continue reading...