Inside the Industry

Another Chrysler recall: Occupant restraint control module

(February 16, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler will launch a recall to supplement a previous campaign that addressed a potential for inadvertent air bag and/or pretensioner deployment.

Affected are 4,278 model-year 2003-2004 Dodge Viper sports cars. The initial campaign had implications for 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty and 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.

Ford strengthens presence in India

(February 16, 2013) GANGTOK, India — Ford India has inaugurated its first-ever dealership in Sikkim, Saharsh Ford in the capital city of Gangtok. With the launch of two brand new dealerships at Gangtok and Himmatnagar, Gujarat, in the same week, the company reaffirms its strong commitment to push further into tier II and III towns of India making its services and offerings more accessible.
 

Coming this fall: 2014 Chevrolet SS performance sedan with 415 horsepower

(February 16, 2013) DAYTONA, Fla. — As Chevrolet’s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new Chevrolet SS is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway as the SS racecar makes its NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500.

Cadillac CTS adds colorful limited edition models

(February 16, 2013) DETROIT — A pair of new performance-inspired, limited-edition models featuring custom paint will join the Cadillac CTS Coupe and V-Series product lines this year.

The Silver Frost Edition will be a special run of 100 CTS-V Coupes featuring a special low-gloss matte paint finish. The Stealth Blue Edition is a vibrant new color in a more traditional metallic finish and will appear on the CTS Coupe and the high-performance CTS-V in Coupe, Sedan and Wagon body styles.

2014 Acura flagship RLX gets 310 horsepower V-6

(February 15, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura has announced that the all-new 2014 RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced sedan introduced by the luxury brand.

Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, and featuring an array of Acura signature technologies, including Precision All-Wheel Steer, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and the next generation of the AcuraLink connected car system, the RLX delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, comfort and convenience in Acura's flagship sedan.

Chinese automaker Qoros will unveil its first sedan in Geneva

(February 15, 2013) At its global debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, new automotive brand Qoros presents the world premiere of its first series production vehicle, a compact (C-segment) car with the official international model designation, the Qoros 3 Sedan.

Qoros is a Chinese company and its first sedan was developed and will be built in China.

GM calendar-year net income $4.9 billion; down from 2011

(February 15, 2013) DETROIT — General Motors has announced 2012 calendar-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $4.9 billion, or $2.92 per fully diluted share, down from $7.6 billion, or $4.58 per fully diluted share in 2011, due primarily to unfavorable special items.

Chrysler recalling pickups over fastener problem

(February 15, 2013) Chrysler said on Thursday it was recalling 370,297 pickup trucks and SUVs globally because a loose fastener could cause the rear axle to lock up and make a driver lose control. The recall, which expands on another recall announced last fall, affects 278,222 vehicles in the United States, 63,321 in Canada, 23,767 in Mexico and 4,987 in the rest of the world, Chrysler said.

Harley-Davidson's 2012 charitable contributions top $4.5 million

(February 15, 2013) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson's charitable giving topped $4.5 million in 2012, highlighted by a $200,000 grant to Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity for its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative focused on the Washington Park area. The grant will help fund neighborhood improvements through an expanded array of housing projects.

Ram to offer industry’s only light-duty diesel pickup

(February 15, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Beginning in the third-quarter this year, Ram will become the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.