Inside the Industry

Owners warned of potential fire issue in some new Challengers

(March 18, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler is recalling approximately 2,500 model-year 2013 Dodge Challengers now in customer hands to address a potential short-circuit.

This condition could cause a wire harness to overheat and possibly lead to fire. Chrysler Group is aware of seven such incidents. None caused injury.

Countdown begins for Range Rover Sport reveal March 26 in Manhattan

(March 18, 2013) NEW YORK — Anticipation is building for the global premiere of the all-new Range Rover Sport on March 26.  The all-new Range Rover Sport will be driven through the streets of Manhattan in a ground-breaking live event which will preview the new vehicle’s transformed on-road dynamics and unrivaled breadth of capability.

All-new 2014 Acura MDX to be revealed in New York

(March 18, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — The production version of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX will be unveiled March 27, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, which will further cement the model's position as the benchmark in the three-row luxury SUV category.

California company adds charging stations to encourage electric cars

(March 17, 2013) REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Imagine you can cut your commute time to work in half, increase your productivity at home and in your job, all with a car that is almost free to lease. This now is reality for employees at Evernote in Redwood City, Calif.

Evernote is a company focused on building apps that help people remember things; it is also a company that is intent on retaining the best and brightest employees.

Ford to restart production at Belgium plant after workers accept plan

(March 17, 2013) GENK, Belgium — Ford Motor Company said Friday it plans to restart production at its Genk, Belgium, assembly plant after a majority of the plant’s hourly employees and supplier park hourly employees voted in favor of a social plan offer.

Porsche expands workforce in Leipzig for production of new SUV

(March 17, 2013) A few months before the first customer vehicle of the new compact entry-level Macon sport utility rolls off the assembly line, more than 1,000 new production workers will be hired at the Porsche plant in Leipzig.

The Macan is based on the popular compact Audi Q5.

Audi has record 2012, continues its sales growth in U.S. in 2013

(March 17, 2013) The Audi Group surpassed its targets for 2012, and despite the significant effects of the debt crisis in some countries and a contracting overall market in Europe, the company posted record figures for production, shipments, revenue and earnings.

BMW Spartanburg upgrades hydrogen fuel-cell material handling

(March 16, 2013) SPARTANBURG, S.C. — BMW Manufacturing has announced the successful expansion of the company’s hydrogen fuel-cell material handling equipment across its 4-million square foot production facility.  In 2010, BMW completed the installation of a hydrogen storage and distribution area near the plant’s Energy Center to power about 100 pieces of fuel cell material handling equipment.

Toyota issues recall of 209,000 FJ Cruisers for seatbelt problem

(March 16, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 209,000 FJ Cruiser vehicles. The problem involves seatbelt retractors for the driver and front passenger seat belts that are mounted in the rear access doors of the vehicle. 

Experience Buick attracts new customers in first year

(March 16, 2013) DETROIT — Experience Buick leasing — a two-year term with a single monthly payment that includes entertainment, safety and maintenance features — has led Buick to double its leasing business as a share of total sales over the last 12 months.