This vehicle, set to be produced at the Chattanooga VW plant, will be one of the main vehicles built in America for the American market. Cleverly, Volkswagen is calling the new vehicle the New Mid-Size Sedan (NMS). This could be the vehicle to move the brand firmly into the mid-size, near-premium segment. Already, the 2009 Volkswagen CC is preparing buyers for the idea of an expensive and more luxurious VW.

As for the name, we imagine NMS will get dropped in favor of some obscure wind. What about the VW Chinook? The strong lines and greenhouse suggest more Audi than VW and the kink in the C-pillar makes us wonder if they're not trying to hint at RWD or, instead, just carrying over a common VW design element. We'll certainly be following this car closely over the coming two years.

[WRCB-TV via AutoBlog]

Senator Corker, Republican of Tennessee, is not exactly popular around the Michigan area for saying controversial things about the American automotive industry. Today was no exception, with Corker saying Chrysler needs to merge or die, which is probably less of a command than a statement of reality.

Corker is famous, or infamous depending on where you are, for leading the charge against the rescue package in the Senate because of his request for a date-certain for when the Unions would be required to take action and drop wages. Eventually, President Bush passed a similar plan but without a date certain.

After speaking with GM executives (Maximum Lutz snuck out a side door when he arrived) and touring the Volt, Corker moved on to Volkswagen. Why VW? Because they're building a gigantic plant there. We asked, under the circumstances, if he'd be better referred to as a Volkswagen Republican. His reply in the video above.

Either way, it was a well-timed event for Corker has he was there on the day with the most reporters and the least to report on. Thus explaining the crazy cluster of journalists around him.

All five individuals where released from the hospital with minor injuries, and Lewis and Evans both went to jail for charges ranging from child endangerment and neglect to DUI, a charge which can be levied in Tennessee even if you aren't behind the wheel. After a performance like that, we sincerely hope nobody ever buys that dad a beer ever again. [WSBTV]

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES IT WILL PRODUCE CARS IN CHATTANOOGA; DECISION MARKS COMPANY'S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO NORTH AMERICAN MARKET

Company will invest $1 billion and bring about 2,000 direct jobs to tri-state area

HERNDON, Va. (July 15, 2008) - Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. The announcement is an important element of the company's overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its customers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the next decade.

"The U.S. market is an important part of our volume strategy and we are now very resolutely accessing that market," said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG. "Volkswagen will be extremely active there. This plant represents a milestone in Volkswagen's growth strategy. We will be selling 800,000 Volkswagens in the U.S. by 2018, and this new site will play a key role. This, along with our growth strategy, is a prerequisite for the economic success of the company in the dollar region. We look forward to establishing an important mainstay for ourselves when we become the biggest European carmaker there."

"This is a significant step forward in achieving our goals in the U.S. market and a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group's commitment to the North American consumer. Today's decision is a fundamental part of our new strategic direction in the U.S. and our five-pillar strategy," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "Chattanooga is an excellent fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life and a long manufacturing tradition."

The company will build the facility in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Chattanooga. The 1,350-acre site is 100 percent owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County and is certified as an industrial megasite by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Enterprise South is adjacent to Interstate 75. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.

"I'm enormously pleased by the announcement from Volkswagen Group of America and grateful for the company's investment in Chattanooga and in the people of Tennessee," said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. "I believe Volkswagen chose Tennessee because of our shared values, our commitment to innovation and our strong respect for the environment. This project will have a significant impact on the economy of Tennessee and the region for decades to come."

"I couldn't be more pleased that the spirit of partnership between the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and the government and business leadership of Chattanooga and Hamilton County has resulted in this significant investment in Enterprise South," said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "Volkswagen's investment in this community means the hard work and dedication demonstrated by people at the state and local level to create one of the best business climates in the country is paying off."

"We started with a vision of transforming an idle Army facility into the source of thousands of family-wage jobs," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Over the last 14 years, I've worked with four different city mayors as well as county commissioners, city councilmen and countless others in overcoming barriers and objections to that plan. Today, we stand with our new friends from Volkswagen to make a historic announcement that will create new opportunities for our community for years to come."

"Volkswagen and Chattanooga have a lot in common," said Chattanooga City Mayor Ron Littlefield. "Both are serious about environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing."

Environmental responsibility is a core value of the Volkswagen Group. The company's focus on sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing are right in line with Chattanooga's strong environmental commitment. As an expression of this shared commitment, the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and Chattanooga-area organizations are partnering to distribute two saplings for every tree displaced by the project. The new trees will be planted by local school children.

According to United States Sen. Bob Corker, who was mayor of Chattanooga when the city and Hamilton County acquired the land and established Enterprise South as an industrial park, the Volkswagen announcement represents a new chapter in Chattanooga's success story. "Through twists and turns, our community has maintained focus, invested wisely and exercised tremendous effort and energy in recruiting a major employer to Enterprise South. The breaking of this final barrier and the realization of the vision to which we have held true will take us to levels we can only begin to imagine," said Corker.

He continued, "Volkswagen is the very best manufacturer and partner we could possibly have in terms of our shared values, and as a result of their enormous investment, not only will Chattanooga be forever changed, but our entire state will reap great benefits from the new suppliers that this facility will attract to the region. I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team that has worked seamlessly on this effort and celebrate this outstanding achievement for our city and our state."

United States Sen. Lamar Alexander praised Volkswagen's decision to locate at Enterprise South, saying, "Volkswagen and Chattanooga, the ideal marriage: one of the world's most admired companies and one of America's most livable cities. This decision keeps Tennessee on the road to becoming the No. 1 state in auto jobs. Congratulations especially to Gov. Bredesen, Sen. Corker and Mayors Ramsey and Littlefield for their leadership," Alexander concluded.

"Over the past seven months, more than 100 Tennesseans at the local, state and federal level have worked odd hours on short deadlines to help us reach this day," said Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. "From this day forward, we dedicate ourselves to partnering with Volkswagen to move from construction to production as quickly as possible. We will unify our team with Volkwagen's to ensure long-term success for the company, our community and the state of Tennessee."

With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area, and will add a significant number of jobs in related sectors. It is expected that these jobs will come from the tri-state area, pulling from the labor force of Tennessee as well as Georgia and Alabama. Volkswagen of America received an attractive, comprehensive package of incentives for the new facility from Gov. Bredesen's office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The statutory incentives are tied to job creation and capital investment. Additional support includes assistance for public infrastructure and job training, each designed to ensure the local economy best leverages Volkswagen's investment to benefit the local work force and ensure the facility's success.

"This area has a deep base of well-trained labor, with excellent engineering and manufacturing programs at the universities and technical colleges," added Jacoby. "Thanks to the visionary leaders and people of Chattanooga, we're confident that the values of this area are compatible with our own, and we envision a long and productive partnership."

Last year, Volkswagen outlined a new strategic direction in the U.S. based on five pillars: product, brand positioning, dealer network, organization and local production. As it moved forward to assess the potential for local production, the company considered many other site options and earlier this year had narrowed its search to Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee.

"We reviewed three excellent sites, all of which had the specific qualities necessary to build a plant in the United States," said Jacoby. "Both Gov. Granholm and Gov. Riley were strong advocates on behalf of their states and the citizens they represent. This was a difficult decision, but we look forward to continuing our relationships with both states. I thank both governors and their staffs."

[Source: VW]

Everyone was okay, but the man and woman who were lucky enough to sit inside the car were arrested over what looks like a shitty television anyways. If only these idiots read books. Oh well, at least the sheriff seemed to get a good laugh out of it. Bonnie and Cylde were actually ratted out by a relative who saw the event unfolding. If that may seem cold just remember that most people in Tennessee are related. [WSMV]

Some of the significant and awesome features include a lighting system that adjusts on the fly based on how much sunlight is entering the building. It also has below-ground air conditioning and heating. Instead of building massive parking lots, Nissan decided to preserve a natural Tennessee wetlands in place and build a parking garage instead.

Strange enough, around these parts the Nissan posts relating to hybrids and other alternative energy vehicles is pretty slim pickings. I'm not trying to hint at anything, Nissan, but *ahem* priorities? [AP via Ecofriend]

The father of fifteen-year-old Scarlett Replogle — killed in the Selmer, Tennesee accident when Troy Critchley's Pro Mod got out of line during an exhibition burnout at the Cars for Kids charity event earlier this month — is suing for 2.5 million dollars in compensatory damages, on top of $7.5 mil in punitive damages. Bruce Replogle has named Cars for Kids, Critchley and car-owner AMS as defendants in the case. In other news pertaining to the tragedy, the Tennessee Department of State is checking into whether Cars for Kids was correctly licensed as a charitable organization under the state's tax code. – Davey G. Johnson

Father of teen killed in Selmer drag car accident sues [Houston Chronicle]

Related:
Troy Critchley and AMS Issue Statement On Weekend Pro-Mod Debacle [Internal]

A couple of Los Jalops have spent a fair amount of time covering drag racing or hanging out with drag racers (or in Bumbeck's case, actually wrenching on Fuel cars). While the signal-to-signal, station to station contest is the provenence of any teenage hoon in any part of the world, it's one motorsport whose apex is a truly American thing. Quarter-mile competition was invented here. And while we've seen all kinds of amazing motorsport between us, there truly is nothing quite like a top-rank dragster burnout. Fuel cars may stoke the sense the most, but anything from Pro Stock on up is still pretty mind-blowing. And we have to say, we've been on the barrier during NHRA Fuel burnouts snapping photos, and it's seriously an exercise in fight or flight. It's an absolutely exhilarating experience for those lucky enough to experience it. As impressive as it is from the stands, being ten feet from a car with that much power as it willfully chews rubber to get hot? And that in the back of one's mind that there's a remote possibility that a chunk of the engine's reciprocating mass may shoot right through one's skull, reminiscent of that one scene in Glory? Total, body-wide rush. It may have been irresponsible for the Cars for Kids people to allow people at the big end of the burnout. But at the same time, you also can't blame people for wanting to be close to it. It's sad when the awesome turns tragic. Critchley/AMS statement after the jump. – Davey G. Johnson

"The entire AMS Racing Team is in deep mourning over the losses and pain suffered this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and their families during this difficult time. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic accident, which is compounded by the fact that it occurred during a charitable event designed to raise money for disabled children. We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the individuals that were injured or perished in the accident.

The team was asked to attend a charity event in Selmer, Tenn. to help raise money for the Cars For Kids charity and was told the organization had staged a charity car show for the past 18 years in which the drivers performed burnouts. The team sent its racing team to the event to display two racing cars — a '93 Corvette and a '57 Chevy — and planned to have each vehicle perform an exhibition burnout.

A burnout is a demonstration in which the driver spins the tires to create smoke and noise to demonstrate the ability of the car. The driver involved in the accident, Troy Critchley, is an experienced professional driver who had performed more than a 1,000 exhibition burnouts without incident prior to Saturday.

The team arrived in Selmer on Friday June 15, 2007. On Saturday the team displayed two cars for the public to view, and, after displaying the cars, the crew was instructed to line up with other cars participating in the event. After the parade was completed, Selmer Police Officers blocked off the highway for the cars to perform the burnouts. The team understands that the Selmer Police Chief, Neal Burks, was present and in charge of crowd placement and blocking off the street.

The drivers understood that the roadway had been inspected and approved for the burnout exhibition. Before Mr. Critchley began the exhibition, two Selmer police cars traveled down the left and right of the roadway and instructed the crowd to move back. Mr. Critchley was signaled to start and he began to perform the burnout. After a straight start, the car skidded off the road. Mr. Critchley did everything humanly possible to keep the car on the road, but unfortunately, there was nothing he could do.

Mr. Critchley was taken to the Emergency Room and treated for injuries he sustained in the accident. He voluntarily submitted blood for testing to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and it was confirmed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system. The entire crew remained in Selmer on Sunday, June 17 to cooperate and provide information to Tennessee State authorities investigating the accident.

The team has agreed for the involved car to remain in the possession of the Tennessee Highway Patrol for examination. Mr. Critchley was not arrested nor has he been given any indication he will be charged with a criminal offense. The team is cooperating with the State of Tennessee and is currently investigating a number of factors that may have contributed to the accident including crowd control, safety precautions and the preparation and condition of the roadway."

Spokesman for driver in Selmer accident issues statement [Jackson Sun]

Related:
>Tennesee Street Drag Race Kills Six Spectators [Internal]

There's six dead and 18 injured in Selmer, Tennessee after the Aussie drag racer Troy Warren went out of control while doing a burnout for the fans at a charity event at a closed street event without guard rails. Warren then careened out of control into the crowd where a Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman says the fatalities include two 15-year-old girls and a 17-year-old girl. The accident injured 18 others, including a five-year-old boy. The accident occurred at a "Cars for Kids" charity event, an organization set up by a father after a biking accident ten years ago involving his son. The irony: his son survived. – Ray Wert

At Least Seven Dead in Tennessee Drag Racing Accident [Deadspin]

Related:
Thanks, Sheik: Legal Drag Racing at Umm al Qaywayn!; NHRA Sells Pro Division; more Drag Racing coverage [internal]

Sent on behalf of Carlos Ghosn, president & chief executive officer, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.

Today we are announcing the new global leadership team for 2007. These changes are a natural part of our management process in order to ensure that Nissan continues on its path of sustainable growth and profitability. Our financial results for 2006 have been for the first time in eight years below our forecast, and management needs to respond to this challenge.

Through the Nissan Way, we have put people at the center of our competitive advantage. Now, more than ever, it will be the power coming from inside the company that will make the difference between Nissan declining or renewing with healthy, profitable growth for the long term. The need to rebuild the integrity of our culture of commitments and rediscover the urgency and transparency that drove our revival is more important than ever.

Regarding my own role, I have decided that it is the right time to hand responsibility for MC-A to Hiroto Saikawa now that in the U.S. we have completed the transition of the HQ, the product offensive has started and a new team is in place. This will allow me to focus on the total Nissan business and on the Alliance.

We have also decided to expand the size of the executive committee, recognizing the importance and number of breakthroughs we need to deliver under Nissan Value-Up and beyond. This change will enable us to act with a deeper and broader insight into all the factors that drive our performance.

We have proved in the past that Nissan is capable of fast and decisive actions that deliver remarkable results. I am confident that these changes provide the leadership and focus needed to boost our short-term performance in 2007 and put the company back on track for delivering our true potential in the long term.

# # #

Related:
Go Figure: Carlos Ghosn Has A Hot Daughter; Carlos Ghosn Addresses His "Performance Crisis" While HQ Staff Go Bonus Bonkers [internal]

According to Automotive News, Toyota is building a $1 billion plant in the wilds of Memphis, Tennessee. At least, they're expected to, which means someone spilled the beans ahead of a local press conference to be held this morning in Blue Springs, Miss — a tiny town outside of big Memph Toupe. That's where the SUV plant will go online, reportedly by 2009, employing 2,100 at first. The company will require additional workers when it ramps up to build a yet unnamed Crossover. Engines will come from Toyota's expanding plant in Huntsville, Ala, according to AN. Music will be provided by a hybrid of Big and Rich. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Toyota Highlander [internal]

We just received this news from a tipster at Nissan NorAm's new HQ in out-of-the-way beautiful Tennessee. Apparently the man who made the move happen has decided to move on himself. Jim Morton's retiring from Nissan on April 1st, and we're wondering what he'll do afterward. Maybe some fishing? Some hiking? Some running for Governor, perhaps? – Ray Wert

From: N-COM US
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007
Subject: Internal E-News - Corporate - NNA Executive
Change

Nissan North America Executive Change

Nissan today announced a change to its senior leadership team in North America. Jim Morton, Vice Chairman for Nissan North America, has decided to retire, effective April 1, 2007. He will continue to serve the company as Senior Advisor for Government Affairs on a contract basis. Scott Becker, Vice President of Legal for Nissan North America, will take over Morton's responsibilities for government affairs. The Vice Chairman's position will be vacated.

Immediately prior to being named vice chairman on July 1, 2006, Morton was senior vice president, administration and finance for NNA. In this function, he oversaw all finance, legal, human resources, business strategy, corporate communications, captive finance, security, corporate aviation...

...and audit for Nissan's North American operations.

He is a member of the NNA Board of Directors;
Management Committee Americas (MC-A), the key decision
making body for Nissan in North, Central and South
America; and the U.S. Management Committee (MC-US).

He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the
National Urban League, Chairman of the Association of
International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), a
member of the Advisory Committee for the Trent Lott
Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi
and the Advisory Committee for the Hollings Cancer
Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. He
will keep an active role with the National Urban
League and the two advisory committees.

Morton joined Nissan in May 2000. Prior to that, he
held a variety of positions with Michelin North
America, Inc., which he joined in 1976. From 1996
until his departure, he held the position of vice
president, public relations and government affairs.
Before that, he served as executive director of
external relations and held other positions in the
company's public relations, governmental affairs and
legal operations.

While at Michelin, Morton's external activities
included serving as vice chairman, South Carolina
Ports Authority; chairman of the South Carolina
Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

Prior to joining Michelin, Morton worked for Arthur
Andersen & Company and General Dynamics Corporation in
various tax accounting and legal positions.

Morton holds an undergraduate degree in economics from
Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri,
and was awarded his juris doctorate at the University
of Missouri - Columbia. He received an
Alumni Achievement Award from Westminster College in
2003.

"I appreciate Jim's hard work, commitment and
significant contributions to Nissan's organization
during his years of service, and we're looking forward
to his continued contributions in his new
role," said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan
Motor Co., Ltd. "I know that everyone at
Nissan wishes him and his family the best in the
future."

# # #

Related:
Breaking! Nissan Offers "Voluntary" Buyouts To Tennessee Hourly Workers; Carlos Ghosn Addresses His "Performance Crisis" While HQ Staff Go Bonus Bonkers [internal]

Nissan announces Voluntary Transition Program to Tennessee manufacturing hourly workers

Nissan North America, Inc. announced today a Voluntary Transition Program for its hourly production and maintenance technicians at manufacturing plants in Smyrna and Decherd, Tenn. The program includes a $45,000 lump sum payment and an additional $500 for each year of service. The program will not be offered to employees at other Nissan manufacturing locations in North America .

Nissan's productivity in Tennessee plants has always been high and gains continue to outpace low employee attrition levels. Also, higher demand for passenger cars, such as the Altima and soon to be released Altima Coupe, combined with lower demand for trucks and sport utility vehicles results in a manufacturing mix that is less labor-intensive to build and that requires fewer assembly workers. Through this program, employment levels can be reduced in a way that benefits both the hourly employees and the company's assembly requirements.

Because the program is offered on a voluntary basis, overall acceptance rates will depend on individual employee decisions. Employees will have until March 13 to decide whether they want to participate, and if they so choose, will resign or retire from the company before June 30.

Nissan will provide hourly employees with as much information as they need to make an informed decision, and expect around 300 will accept the program.

Nissan employs 5,200 hourly employees at its vehicle assembly plant in Smyrna, and 1,000 hourly employees at its powertrain assembly plant in Decherd.

# # #

Related:
Carlos Ghosn Addresses His "Performance Crisis" While HQ Staff Go Bonus Bonkers [internal]

Last weekend, I drove for 32 hours and more than 1,700 miles in the process of making an increasingly popular vehicular pilgrimage. No, not Bowling Green, nor Indy, nor Pebble nor Laguna. There was no factory tour waiting for me at the end of my journey. No concours of priceless Italian bella macchina. Just a $59/night motel and some of the best damn driving roads in the US of A.

I'm talking about the Tail of the Dragon, US 129 across Deal's Gap — at the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Three hundred eighteen turns in a little over 11 miles. A bunch of Se7eners are meeting up here next July (on 07/07/07, get it?) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lotus Super Seven Series 1, and this late fall trip was the initial recon for the organizers. We wanted to see if the hotel we selected looked as nice as it did online (it did!), and of course, to come face to face with one of America's premier touge courses.

I have no idea from where I heard about the road first, but I've been intrigued by the TotD for about two years. Every week, I've checked out the eponymous Web site run by locals Ron and Nancy Johnson (updated every Monday or Tuesday) as well as the photoblog of the dean of Dragon photogs, Darryl "Killboy" Cannon (updated every Wednesday).

Here's an actual quote from me while driving the Tail of the Dragon: "If you put a wheel off here, you could really f-yourself." And here's a composite of quotes from my passenger, a fellow Se7en owner: "It's like an autocross, except with elevation changes and traffic coming the other way."

The long and short of it is, if you live within roadtripping distance and call yourself a driving enthusiast, you must visit the Tail. Even if it didn't exist, there are dozens of roads in the area that will make your local favorite twisty bit seem downright mundane. And when you go, don't drive like an idiot and ruin it for future generations. I'll leave you with two pieces of advice: A) DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. EVER; and B) you may want to take Dramamine before viewing the video above.

Peace, love, and Colin Chapman,

Al Navarro

[Submit Jalopnik Road Trip Reports to tips@jalopnik.com]

Related:
Hey Killboy: Can You Shoot StarQuests On the Tail of the Dragon? [internal]

Buddy Frazier, Jr., owner of of Chattanooga, TN's Absolute Towing and Recovery, has been busted on numerous counts of auto theft as well as charges relating to running "a shady business," according to Chattanooga authorities. Frankly, every tow yard we've ever dealt with seemed like a shady business to us. We hope they convict you and throw away the key, Frazier. It's punks like you who've ruined it for reputable, fair and decent tow-yard operators everywhere. Then again, we've never met one of those, so we're not quite sure they exist.

More Claims Of "Wrecker Rip-Offs" Surface [WTVC]

Related:
D'oh! Fake 'No Parking' Sign Punks Residents and Cops Alike [Internal]

If one Sheriff R.P. Coltrane ever finally runs permanently afoul of a certain Jefferson Davis Hogg, it would behoove him to look for employment in one of the cities listed after the jump.

1. Detroit, Michigan suburbs
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Colorado Springs, Colorado
5. Houston, Texas
6. Virginia Beach, Virginia
7. Austin, Texas
8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
9. Nashville, Tennessee
10. Fresno, California

Top Ten US Speedtrap Cities [TheNewspaper via TransportTrends]

Related:
My Hoopty Rollin', Speed-Camera Evadin' [Internal]

According to a mysterious man known only as El Tonito, every year, especially around the time of the Honda Hoot, motorists and motorcyclists converge on the Tail of the Dragon, a section of US 129 south of Knoxville that features 300 turns in 11 miles, no doubt in search of the ultimate in brake and tire burnination, and possibly leaving a beefy arm or two on the side of the road. We feel like the only way to truly enjoy this section of road is on a consummate V-twin while smoking cigarettes hand-rolled from loose-leaf and sparked up by a BMW lighter. And the Trogdor comes in the NIIIIIIIIGHT!

Tail of the Dragon

Related:
Honda Throws a Hoot, Everyone Shows Up [Internal]

Bikes of all sortsa stripes have descended upon Knoxville, TN for the Honda Hoot, a rally that's flooded the street and side roads with all manner of motorcycles from ring-dings to rumblers. The Honda people even set up a showing of On Any Sunday, the 1972 film that had tons of kids off popping wheelies on Stingrays, and is often credited with inspiring the invention of BMX. We wish we had a Mini-Trail 50 right about now. Man oh man, do we ever. [Thanks to CTE for the tip]

Hoot Riders Park for Movie [KnoxNews]

Related:
Vintage Bike Radness Happens in Pedro [Internal]

Carlist's got a bit up on Nissan's new Nashville headquarters. While many critics of Mr. Bean Ghosn are decrying the move, and 60% of the company's California employees have decided they'd rather switch than fight, the Volunteer State's bullish on the move, saying that for every new headquaters job at the French-controlled automaker, 10 new jobs will be created downstream. Still, while Gardena's no Pedro, at least it's close to Pedro. And we'll take the home of the Minutemen over the home of hackneyed pop-country any day of the week. Cue "Three Car Jam" and drop the hammer.

Nissan headquarters in Nashville [Carlist]

Related:
Meat For Ticket-Dismissal Scandal Rocks Tennessee Highway Patrol [Internal]