2012 Nissan Maxima Key Fob on 2040-parts.com

Ram 2500 HD gets six-speed transmission

Chrysler's Ram truck brand announced today that it is adding a six-speed automatic transmission to its 2012 2500 Heavy Duty trucks. The Ram 2500 HD and 3500 HD will be available with diesel and gasoline engines. The six-speed transmission replaces the five-speed 545RFE transmission in the 2500 HD, the automaker said in a statement.

V6 dropped for redesigned Mazda 6 sedan

Mazda will drop the V6 engine from the Mazda 6 lineup, the company told Automotive News. Instead, the redesigned Mazda 6 will use powertrains from Mazda's Skyactiv technology bin, including direct-injection four-cylinder engines and ultra-efficient transmissions. “We believe that the balance of fuel economy and power that Skyactiv offers is what customers want,” a Mazda spokesman said.

GM to keep GMC, Pontiac, exec says

A senior General Motors executive today denied reports that President Barack Obama's automotive task force has pressured the automaker to dump GMC and Pontiac. Company sales chief Mark LaNeve also denied rumors that GM plans to terminate the franchise agreements of poorly performing dealers before June 1 to accelerate its dealership consolidation campaign. "The strategy we laid out for you [in February] is still the strategy," LaNeve, GM's vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, said today in an interview with Automotive News.