* Mazda RX-8 hits showrooms. The newest evolution of the Mazda RX-8 is now in many showrooms across the country. The 2009 model of the four-door, four-seat sports coupe has new exterior and interior designs, enhanced performance, a new eight-year/100,000 mile warranty, and a new R3 sport package for the enthusiast.
Exterior changes include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia, sporty front and rear lamps, larger exhaust pipes, and new five-spoke wheels featuring a sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine.
On the inside there is a redesigned center instrument panel, a variable red-zone has been added to the tachometer, a new steering wheel, and redesigned front and rear seats.
The R3 sport package features a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Also included are a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lamps, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with high-performance tires, Recaro sport seats, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and a 300-watt Bose audio system with surround-sound features.
* GM closes 4 plants. General Motors is closing four truck and SUV plants in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, affecting about 10,000 workers. CEO Rick Wagoner said on June 3 prior to the GM annual meeting in Delaware that plants in Oshawa, Ontario; Moraine, Ohio; Janesville, Wis.; and Toluca, Mexico will be idled. He also said the Hummer brand may be sold or revamped. Plant closures are in response to slumping sales of pickups and SUVs caused by high fuel prices. Wagoner said engine, transmission, and other parts operations will be consolidated over the next several months.
* VW Eos hailed by KBB. Kelly Blue Book (KKB) has named the Volkswagen Eos in its 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. "The coupe-sunroof-convertible makes the Eos a great vehicle for road trips no matter what the weather brings," said Mark Barnes, COO of Volkswagen Group of America. "And with the acclaimed 2.0T engine, drivers can have fun with 200 
horsepower while still saving money at the pump with 30 MPG in highway driving."
"The sporty and sleek Volkswagen Eos convertible landed on the list of best road-trip vehicles due to its sophisticated retractable hardtop and exceptionally wide sunroof that allows drivers to experience the open air without getting that wind-swept look," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB.
In selecting the 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles, kkb.com editors evaluated tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, including driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space, and fuel economy.
* Chinese e-cars coming to America? BYD Auto Co. of Shenzhen, China, is looking at U.S. markets to sell their hybrid and electric vehicles. BYD executives have visited West Coast cities, including Portland, recently and discussed their products with 
potential dealership owners. City and port officials in Portland also discussed the potential of importing BYD vehicles through that port facility when they begin arriving in 2009 or 2010. Portland ranked second to San Francisco on the Cars.com "Green Index" for hybrid new-car searches on the site.
Founded in 1995 with 20 people, BYD has had amazing growth. Today, it produces several F series models of vehicles plus related products at plants with more than 9 million square meters of space. It has become the world's second-largest rechargeable-battery manufacturer, in 2006 was named in the top 100 new enterprises in the world, and today employs more than 100,000 people.
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