Metaldyne (Plymouth, Mich.; http://www.metaldyne.com) launched phase-one production of fully machined powder metal connecting rod assemblies for Hyundai's new 3.3-liter Lambda engines. The engines are produced at Hyundai's new assembly plant in Montgomery, Ala. for the 2005 Sonata. The powder metallurgy (PM) connecting rods are forged and machined at Metaldyne's Sintered Products facility in North Vernon, Ind. In addition, Metaldyne North Vernon will begin phase two of production in November and will ship connecting rods directly to Korea for the 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter Lambda engines that will be produced at Hyundai's Asan plant.