Inside the Industry

GM pours first concrete for second global data center

(May 27, 2013) MILFORD, Mich. — General Motors poured the first concrete Friday on a $100 million companion to its new Enterprise Data Center in Warren, Mich. The two replace a network of 23 data centers operated by GM and three information technology suppliers around the world.

Batman Juke rolls into hands of Welsh contest winner

(May 27, 2013) CARMARTHEN, Wales, UK — Some Hollywood glitz and glamour were sprinkled onto a corner of Wales recently, when Nissan handed over a very special one-off Batman-inspired Juke NISMO to its lucky new owner.

Carmarthen residents were amazed to see the famous Tumbler drive through their town with Nissan's Dark Knight Rises Juke NISMO following just behind it. Bringing some big screen drama to west Wales, the two cars then took pride of place in front of Carmarthen Castle where the keys to the unique Juke were given to competition winner, Adam Williams.

Ford to show smarter way to get there at Computex 2013

(May 26, 2013) TAIPEI, Taiwan — Ford will show the "Smarter Way to Get There" at Computex 2013 with the most advanced class-leading technologies to further enhance the driving experience for customers.
 
Ford will be the only automaker at Asia’s biggest computer exhibition from June 4-8 where it will make several major announcements for both Taiwan and Asia Pacific.
 

Honda pledges $100,000 and donates generators for tornado relief

(May 26, 2013) Honda has announced a donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross - Disaster Relief Fund, for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by the recent tornadoes in the Midwest. In addition, the company will donate Honda portable generators to local relief agencies to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Chevrolet revs up Dreamworks Animation's 'Turbo'

(May 25, 2013) DETROIT — Chevrolet will help power a little snail named Turbo in the upcoming DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. feature film bearing his name. The collaboration between Chevrolet and DreamWorks Animation will engage fans in the U.S. and select international markets and serve to enhance the film’s authentic racing environment.

Road trip! Add a GM plant tour to summer sightseeing

(May 25, 2013) DETROIT — From the first roll of steel all the way to the first time a car is started and drives off the assembly line, auto plant tours can be fun, educational — and free. With summer vacation season near, sightseeing trips can include a couple hours learning how General Motors is playing a role in America’s manufacturing recovery.

All-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the brand’s product lineup

(May 25, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for nearly 57 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics and a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with two fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions.

Volkswagen Chattanooga builds 250,000th Passat sedan

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —  Volkswagen Chattanooga announced that its workforce has produced the 250,000th Passat midsized sedan. The car, produced in Volkswagen’s LEED Platinum-certified factory, is Night Blue with black leather interior.

It is powered by Volkswagen’s high-mileage TDI clean-diesel engine and features navigation, a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. It also offers the amazing sonic experience provided by the Volkswagen Fender premium audio system.

Cadillac Design: How fashion Influenced XTS Interior

(May 24, 2013) DETROIT — The 2013 Cadillac XTS offers the first look at the next generation of interior design for the brand. Yet, designers of the large luxury sedan looked to the fast-paced and often-changing fashion and home furnishings industries for inspiration when conceptualizing the car’s interior finishes.

Anniversary editions of 12C and 12C Spider to mark 50 years of McLaren

(May 24, 20113) As part of the continued celebrations for the 50th anniversary of McLaren, a commemorative model is to be produced, celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and expertise of the British brand. Production of the McLaren 50 12C will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider.