JEFFERSONVILLE, IN—Auto parts supplier Tenneco Inc. has begun constructing a new assembly plant here. The company anticipates having about 250 workers by 2017.

RENO, NV—Tesla Motors has chosen Nevada as the site for a massive, $5 billion factory that will pump out batteries for a new generation of less expensive electric cars. Four other states—California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico—were vying for the project and the estimated 6,500 jobs it will bring.

SPRING HILL, TN—Magna International Inc. has started construction on a new, state-of-the-art assembly plant here to make seat assemblies for GM. The new facility is expected to employ approximately 75 people when it begins production next year.

If it rolls, floats or flies, light weight is always good. Just ask anyone who’s ever been in a Pinewood Derby competition.

MALTA, NY—General Electric has opened a new fuel cell manufacturing facility here.

Every summer since 1998, teams of college students from around the world have come to the United Kingdom to participate in the international Formula Student (FS) racing competition.

SPRING HILL, TN—GM is planning to invest $185 million to produce small gas engines at its assembly plant here. The new engine will be used in 27 models across five of brands by 2017.

MEXICO CITY—South Korean carmaker Kia is planning to build a $1 billion assembly plant in Mexico.

OAK RIDGE, TN—Recycled tires could see new life in lithium-ion batteries that provide power to plug-in electric vehicles and store energy produced by wind turbines and solar panels, say researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

LOUISVILLE, KY—Ford will invest $129 million in its assembly plant here to fast track the production of the 2015 Lincon MKC. The carmaker will also be hiring 300 new employees.