GM begins Chevrolet Sonic production at suburban Detroit plant

General Motors Co. today launched production of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact at its Orion Township assembly plant in suburban Detroit. The Sonic will be available in dealerships this fall.

Volkswagen to reveal new electric car concept

Volkswagen is due to reveal a one-seat electric car concept in early September as the manufacturer explores its greener future. Part of the on-going project to cut its average fleet emissions  Volkswagen has designed the concept vehicle for limited journeys, with the vehicle due to be unveiled on September 8 in Berlin. There's no word yet as to whether it will appear at the Frankfurt motor show just a few days later, but we'd be surprised not to see it there.

Ford Motor Company design chief J Mays to be based in London

J Mays, Ford Motor Company group vice president for design, will be moving from the US to London in February and adding a new title: Chief Creative Officer. The new posting will allow Mays to work more closely with designers at Ford's Premier Automotive Group, including Ian Callum at Jaguar, Geoff Upex at Land Rover and Volvo's next design head. He will spend about 10 days a month in Dearborn with the North American design team.