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Which car companies are creating new jobs in America?

Since January, automakers have announced investments totaling $9.5 billion in U.S. plants, creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs. Some of those companies have yet to announce just how many jobs will be created given their investments, with the location of many of those jobs still to be determined. Specifically, the 4,000-job Toyota-Mazda joint venture plant still hasn't announced its location, with numerous states jockeying for it. Hyundai has plans to invest $1 billion but has not announced a jobs number yet. And likewise Ford is investing $1.2 billion in Michigan without specifying a number of jobs. Volvo this week announced plans to add a second line to its factory under construction in South Carolina, spending another $500 million and adding 2,500 jobs to the 2,000 it was already trying to fill. Then Thursday, Daimler announced a $1 billion expansion to its facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to produce EV batteries and electric SUVs, a move that will add 600 jobs to its hiring this year. Above, we've created a handy pie chart showing you which companies have announced new jobs and how many there will be. Reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit News Source: Reuters Plants/Manufacturing BMW Chrysler Ford GM Honda Hyundai Mazda Mercedes-Benz Toyota Volvo jobs

Toyota to show Camry and Corolla Special Editions, updated Avalon in Chicago

Toyota has quite the party ready for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of some colorful Special Edition versions the Camry and Corolla to go along with the biggest piece of news, a refresh for the Avalon. The company didn't announce any specific info about the updated sedan but did release this dark teaser image, which we lightened (pictured right) to show off more detail. The stylists seemingly tweaked the higher portion of the grille, while giving the lower section a wide-open mouth. After the Camry's 2015 refresh, the popular sedan now has sharper, somewhat more aggressive styling, and this Special Edition based on the SE trim leans into that demeanor even more. Limited to 12,000 units starting in August, power still comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed automatic, but Toyota tries make it look a meaner, including 18-inch wheels with black highlights, smoked taillights and a choice of either Blizzard Pearl or Blue Streak Metallic paint. The interior changes are more thorough, with black bolsters and blue centers for the seats, plus matching cerulean highlights for the instruments and trim. Buyers also get a few luxuries inside with an Entune Audio Plus stereo, push-button start and moonroof. Navigation is optional. Where the Camry has a blue theme, the Corolla Special Edition goes crimson for its limit of 8,000 units beginning in August. Based on the S Plus trim, exterior upgrades are limited to a set of gloss black 17-inch wheels and a choice of Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl or Super White paint. There are a few more updates inside, with red stitching and accents for the seats, dashboard and door trim. These models also get push-button start, but an improved audio system with navigation and power moonroof are optional. View 8 Photos TOYOTA TO CREATE TURBULANCE IN WINDY CITY WITH SPORTY CAMRY AND COROLLA SPECIAL EDITIONS Camry and Corolla to Create Excitement With Special Edition Debuts Limited Production Models Equipped With Unique Sport-Themed Features Refreshed Avalon to be Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2015 - - Winds of change will be blowing into the Chicago Auto Show. Toyota's Camry mid-size sedan, the best-selling car in America for the past 13 years, and Corolla compact sedan, the world's best-selling car of all time, will debut special edition models at next week's Chicago Auto Show.

Toyota recalling 800k Camry, Avalon and Venza models for AC issue

Toyota has announced plans to voluntarily recall 803,000 vehicles from model years 2012 and 2013, over concerns with the air conditioning condenser housing. The recall covers the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid and Venza, although the exact split between affected models wasn't available.
According to Toyota, the condenser can leak onto an airbag control module, which in turn could cause a short circuit. In most cases, this will just lead to an airbag warning light, but in rarer instances, the airbags could fail to deploy or pop out of their own accord. There's also a concern over a loss of power steering if the airbag control module develops a short.
It's unclear if there have been any injuries or crashes relating to the defects. Toyota will begin informing owners of affected vehicles via first class mail, and will ask them to report to dealerships for recall work, involving the installation of a cover on the condenser housing.