General Motors, fighting to survive and stave off bankruptcy, says on April 27, 2009, that it will phase out Pontiac -- a brand once synonymous with performance, speed and sex appeal -- by 2010.

The Acura Concept TL debuts at the 2003 New York auto show on April 16, 2003, previewing the third-generation, 2004 TL sedan. The Concept TL was several inches shorter and smaller than the outgoing TL production model to generate a sportier sedan with a tighter package.

Chevrolet plans to unwrap the next-generation Corvette, featuring a midengine layout for the first time, in July. GM President Mark Reuss, who also heads the automaker's global product development programs, posted an image of the eighth-generation Corvette -- the C8 -- on his Facebook page late Thursday.

Mitsubishi Motors' SST Spyder open air concept sports car -- hinting at the next-generation Eclipse -- makes its world debut April 9, 1998, at the New York auto show.

The auto industry headed into the key spring selling season on a down note, with U.S. sales falling 3.1 percent in March. But there was one big green shoot: The SAAR came in at 17.42 million, well above forecasts and up sharply from February's 16.61 million rate.

Jaguar's XK8 convertible makes its world debut April 4, 1996, at the New York auto show. The XK8 coupe was introduced a few weeks earlier at the 1996 Geneva auto show. Billed as "a new breed of Jaguar" -- under a new owner, Ford Motor Co. -- the XK8 replaced the aging XJS, the British company's longest-running and best-selling sports car at the time.

Nissan introduces the Frontier pickup at the New York auto show on March 26, 1997.

The Datsun brand returns March 19, 2014, when Nissan Motor Co. launches sales of the Datsun Go in India. The Go was the first Datsun car sold in the 21st century and heralded the return of the brand that made car ownership mainstream in Japan and numerous other countries.

Mercedes-Benz introduces the 300 SL race car to the press on March 12, 1952, in Germany. The sleek, round body, gull-wing doors and detachable steering wheel made the 300 SL one of the most noteworthy sports cars of the decade.

BMW and Rover introduce two Mini concepts March 5, 1997, at the Geneva auto show. The Spiritual and the larger Spiritual Too were introduced as studies for the modern Mini, launched in 2001, that would pay homage to Alec Issigonis, creator of the original Mini.

In redesigning the steadfast compact for 2020, Toyota is showing its commitment to the segment, offering more content and trim levels, including the first Corolla hybrid.

U.S. light-vehicle sales fell 2.9 percent in February as severe winter weather, lingering effects of the temporary U.S. government shutdown and anxiety over federal tax refunds curtailed showroom traffic. And in the latest sign the market downturn may be gaining speed, the seasonally adjusted, annualized sales rate – 16.61 million – dropped below 17 million for the second straight month.

The X-Type, Jaguar's bid to draw entry-level luxury buyers, is introduced Feb. 27, 2001, at the Geneva auto show. It was engineered and developed on a modified platform shared with the Ford Mondeo sold in Europe.

The higher prices reflect additional standard and optional safety equipment, as well as a carryover engine and available new engine that deliver more horsepower and better fuel economy.

Hudson Motor Car Co. is formed by a group of eight Detroit businessmen, led by Roy Chapin, on Feb. 20, 1909, to produce a car that would sell for less than $1,000.