Inside the Industry

New Aston Martin Rapide S — More power, more beauty, same soul

(January 23, 2013) The stunning new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut with yet more luxury and yet more power on offer in its quintessentially elegant four-door silhouette. Aston Martin says the new luxury GT "four-door sports car" has been sympathetically redesigned and painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world’s most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car.

Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid earn top vehicle safety rating from NHTSA

(January 23, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2013 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid received a top vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Fusion and Fusion Hybrid received a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Rolls-Royce hints at Wraith with silhouette shot

(January 23, 2013) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today published the first official image of its new model Wraith, which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The graceful silhouette gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury car. Flowing lines hint at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, yet also highlight design cues that can be traced through the model generations.

Lexus design direction will be on full display in Chicago

(January 23, 2013) CHICAGO — Don’t call it a comeback. After Lexus saw its 2012 sales jump 31 percent over the previous year, the luxury car manufacturer expects an even brighter 2013. This confidence will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show in February, as Lexus showcases a heavily revamped lineup and special vehicles evoking a new direction in design.

Ford's big 2012 push in Russia

(January 22, 2013) MOSCOW, Russia — Ford Sollers has confirmed that Ford vehicle sales in Russia increased by 11 per cent in 2012, with 130,815 units sold in total led by the Ford Focus, sales of which were up by 12 per cent last year, making it the best-selling model in the C-segment segment.

New Volvo FH truck subjected to grueling quality tests

(January 22, 2013) The new Volvo FH heavy truck range has been subjected to a range of grueling quality tests in Europe. It has been cooled and heated. It has been shaken and thrown around. It has been driven for mile after mile in extreme environments. It has taken the punishment – and come out on top.

Hyundai HCD-14 named best concept at Detroit by Autoweek editors

(January 22, 2013) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Autoweek editors have recognized the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept as the “Best Concept” in its 2013 North American International Auto Show Editors' Choice Awards. HCD-14 beat out the BMW 4-series and Ford Atlas in the Autoweek voting process.

VW's 'The Force' named one of top 10 auto ads of past 25 years

(January 22, 2013) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America was honored by The One Club at the North American International Auto Show in recognition of three of its advertisements, including 2011’s “The Force,” being named within the “Top 10” list of the best automobile commercials from the past 25 years.

Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale in N.Y., California

(January 22, 2013) The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, rated by the EPA at 115 MPGe1 in all electric mode, went on-sale at select New York and California Honda dealers on Jan. 15 with an MSRP of $39,7802 and a monthly lease price of $429.

Corvette shines in the Big Apple

(January 22, 2013) NEW YORK – Sixty years ago — Jan. 17, 1953 — spectators lined New York City’s posh Park Avenue waiting to get a glimpse of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Corvette on display at the General Motors’ Motorama show. Last week the Corvette was back in The Big Apple, marking the historic milestone with the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.