Inside the Industry

1,845,186 — BMW Group sets all-time sales record in 2012

(January 11, 2013) MUNICH — The BMW Group achieved its highest ever sales result in 2012, selling 1,845,186 BMW, MiniI and Rolls-Royce vehicles worldwide. It represents an increase of 10.6% over the previous record year in 2011 when 1,668,982 units were sold.

Nissan to show crossover concept in Detroit

(January 10, 2013) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Nissan Resonance Concept makes its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15. "The Resonance is the latest in a series of envelope-pushing crossover designs from Nissan, fusing bold, breakthrough styling with hybrid-electric powertrain technology," Nissan says.

Ford doubles quarterly dividend in 2013 first quarter

(January 10, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The board of directors of Ford declared a first-quarter dividend of 10 cents per share on the company’s outstanding Class B and common stock. This is double the level of dividend paid in each quarter of 2012. 
 

Detroit Auto Show app offers 'everything auto show'

(January 10, 2013) DETROIT — The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today unveiled the Official NAIAS 2013 Mobile App, its newest means of connectivity for "everything auto show." The app will be available for free download in both the iPhone and Android platforms.

GM to hire 1,000 workers to staff new IT center

(January 10, 2013) ROSWELL, Ga.  — General Motors will hire approximately 1,000 high-tech workers to staff a new Information Technology Innovation Center near Atlanta. The automaker needs software developers, project managers, database experts, business analysts and other IT professionals for the third of four centers in the United States.

Dodge expands sinister Blacktop Package to Durango, Grand Caravan

(January 10, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge will be ringing in the New Year with a host of new Blacktop packages to complete its lineup of factory-customized family vehicles at a great value. For the 2013 calendar year, the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, Durango seven-seat SUV and Journey mid-size crossover join the Challenger, Charger and Avenger to complete the Dodge brand’s offering of sinister-looking Blacktop packages.

Mercedes to debut new E63 AMG 4MATIC in Detroit

(January 10, 2013) MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-AMG continues to emphasize performance, dynamic purpose and efficiency with the new 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC featuring a redesigned, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment and available as an especially powerful S-Model with output of 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet  of torque.

Honda to build 2014 Accord Hybrid in Marysville, Ohio

(January 10, 2013) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Honda announced today that it will invest $23 million and hire approximately 50 new employees at its Marysville, Ohio, auto plant to add production of the new two-motor Accord Hybrid sedan, scheduled to go on sale nationwide this fall.

Rolls-Royce announces record sales in 2012

(January 10, 2013) WEST SUSSEX, England — Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed record sales results for 2012 with 3,575 cars sold globally. It represents the third consecutive record and the best sales result in the company's 108-year history. The record results were achieved despite a number of challenges. These included global business uncertainty and political unrest, preparations for the start of production of Phantom Series II and expansion works at the Home of Rolls-Royce in West Sussex to help the company satisfy increasing customer demand for personalization across the model range.

Lexus releases pictures of new IS prior to world debut in Detroit

(January 10, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Lexus has released pictures of the all-new 2014 Lexus IS compact sport sedan prior to its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The all-new IS model range will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets. F SPORT models will be available across the full range.