rorty:::tort: DAILY: Ford, Ford Credit raised to investment grade by Fitch | Next GM CEO should come from within, Akerson says | U.S. extends comment period on proposed distracted driving regs

DAILY NEWSLETTER

April 24, 2012

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Ford, Ford Credit raised to investment grade by Fitch
Automaker takes key step toward reclaiming blue oval trademark

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Fitch Ratings today upgraded Ford Motor Co. to investment grade, marking a key step that brings the automaker closer to reclaiming its Blue Oval trademark.
Fitch upgraded Ford and its captive finance arm to "BBB-" from "BB+" to ... >> story Published: Apr 24 9:04 am U.S. Eastern time / UPDATED: 4/24/12 4:03 pm ET -- adds more detail [REG]

Subaru CMO & CIO Headlining
TLS Auto Customer Centricity Summit


	Creating and Leveraging Brand Advocates – The most elusive CRM goal is utilizing intelligent interactions to create passionate brand advocates.
Dean Evans - SVP & CMO and Brian Simmermon – VP & CIO at Subaru will discuss the creative & technical tools they utilize to create and empower advocates and they will share key achievements.
Early registration ends 4/27! Visit www.tlsummits.com today.

2012 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS CHINA CONFERENCE
Next GM CEO should come from within, Akerson says

BEIJING -- General Motors Co. CEO Dan Akerson says he's not talking succession with the board, but that he prefers it tap an internal candidate when it is time for him to move on.
"My preference would be for it to be an internal candidate just ... >> story Published: Apr 24 7:29 am U.S. Eastern time / UPDATED: 4/24/12 11:04 am ET - more detailed coverage

U.S. extends comment period on proposed distracted driving regs
DETROIT -- U.S. regulators have decided to extend the comment period on distracted driving guidelines by 24 days after an auto industry trade association asked for more time to review the feds’ proposal, according to a notice to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register.
>> story Published: Apr 24 2:04 pm U.S. Eastern time

Follow Automotive News

... Ford rises slightly after Fitch hikes rating to investment grade ... VW, Denso post biggest gains ... Tenneco, Asbury lead decliners ...

	Price	Daily change	52-week high / low
General Motors	22.89	-0.26%	33.47 / 19.00
Ford	11.40	+0.44%	16.18 / 9.05
Top Performers	Price	Daily change	52-week high / low
Volkswagen*	29.61	+2.39%	39.43 / 21.88
Denso*	15.95	+1.98%	18.72 / 12.86
Toyota*	80.76	+1.67%	87.15 / 60.37
Honda*	35.50	+1.43%	41.23 / 27.52
Nissan*	20.51	+1.23%	22.23 / 16.18
Bottom Performers	Price	Daily change	52-week high / low
Tenneco	33.45	-2.39%	46.80 / 22.47
Asbury	25.86	-1.86%	28.90 / 14.96
Magna	44.38	-1.31%	54.44 / 30.03
Lear	41.94	-0.97%	54.90 / 35.60
Johnson Controls	31.04	-0.86%	42.92 / 24.29

» Check the latest automotive stock listings

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PHOTO GALLERY
Kia Grand VQ-R
The VQ-R is Kia's China-market version of its stretched Carnival multipurpose vehicle. >> Photo Gallery

PHOTO GALLERY
Honda Concept C
The "C" in "Concept C" apparently stands for "cool," "challenge" and "China." Honda claims that the Concept C's design was inspired by a dragon. Aimed at the Chinese middle class, the Concept C's production variant will see daylight next year. >> Photo Gallery

PHOTO GALLERY
Honda Concept S
While developed mainly for the Chinese market, Honda notes that the Concept S mass-market people carrier will be a global model. It's unclear if the model will reach the United States. The Concept S has a hybrid powertrain. >> Photo Gallery

MORE HEADLINES

Jim Press: U.S. dealers to tap China retail market

Automakers, suppliers propose strategy to replace key resin

Akerson: Opel will take time to turn profit, end '4-alarm fire'

Senators question U.S. loan to Fisker Automotive

Ford to reduce output at Fiesta plant in Germany

Coda, Great Wall to co-develop EV for sale in 2014

Chrysler, USA Basketball to launch marketing partnership

GE CEO Immelt says electric car disappointment will fade

China's luxury market will remain a bright spot despite slower growth

Delphi says investment grade rating may come within 12 months

Federal-Mogul 1st-quarter profit falls on higher costs

Honda debuts two production-intent concepts

Nissan cruises in China as Japan rivals play catch-up

Richard Johnson is managing editor of Automotive News
In China, Mercedes styling aims to go deep and intellectual with technology
Olivier Boulay has been Mercedes' design guru in Asia for 15 years. First it was in Japan and now he is among the first wave of western designers carving out a modern look for Chinese vehicles. ...

Read the blog Published: Apr 23 9:51 pm U.S. Eastern time

Jason Stein is editor of Automotive News
For Volvo, Knicks star is priceless Lin-vestment across China
If you think 6-foot-3 New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is popular in the United States, you can't believe his star appeal in China. For Volvo, he's simply a ringing Lin-dorsement here. ...

Read the blog Published: Apr 23 8:33 pm U.S. Eastern time

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