News 

Gov. Steve Beshear said he wants Kentucky to be as synonymous with the auto
industry as Detroit. The Democratic governor announced the formation of the
Kentucky Automotive Industry Association to promote Kentucky as an automotive hub. Beshear emphasized the association is not a state agency, but it will get some state money for marketing purposes. Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes will be the group's chairman. Board members include representatives from Toyota, Ford, General Motors, and various automotive supply companies. Beshear said Kentucky ranks third in the country in light vehicle production. Kentucky's automotive exports reached a record $5.5 billion last year.