Inside the Industry

2013 Audi Q5 gets first-ever hybrid and a diesel engine for the U.S.

(April 26, 2012) Audi has introduced an updated Q5 luxury compact sport utility with its first-ever hybrid powertrain. Also included in the 2013 lineup are a new diesel engine and two updated gasoline engine options. Audi's hybrid includes the brand's well-used turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Supplementing it is an electric motor good for 54 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque powered by a 1.3 kW-hr lithium-ion battery.

BMW offers lease protection program

(April 25, 2012) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. —  BMW Financial Services has taken the next step in offering its Ultimate Lease customer a smoother, less-stressful lease-end experience – and overall simpler leasing experience – with the introduction of its BMW Lease Protection Program.

Jaguar adds Meridian sound to XJ Ultimate

(April 25, 2012) Jaguar has chosen the 2012 Beijing Motor Show to unveil its new range-topping XJ Ultimate, fitted with an innovative Meridian Surround Sound System offering what Jaguar calls unrivaled music reproduction in a luxury designed sedan. Jaguar is the latest British premium car maker to partner with Meridian Audio, the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of high-end audio and video entertainment systems.

1,900 classic and modern Fords at annual California celebration

(April 25, 2012) BUENA PARK, Calif. — The 27th annual Fabulous Fords Forever! celebration was held at Knott's Berry Farm this past Sunday with exhibits of 1,900 classic and modern vehicles. An estimated 15,000 Ford owners and fans gathered to check out their favorite cars, meet with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the Ford Motor Company "Drive One" experience.

Ford sets new goal to build on success of cutting waste

(April 25, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich., — Ford plans to further reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfills by 10 percent per vehicle by the end of the year — building on existing efforts that have cut global waste by 100 million pounds (44 percent) in the last five years.
 

GM announces it will build all-new Cadillac XTS in China

(April 24, 2012) DETROIT — Cadillac announced at this week’s Beijing Auto Show that it will build the all-new XTS luxury sedan in China in conjunction with joint venture partner Shanghai General Motors (SGM). The production expansion for the Chinese market is a major landmark in the brand’s global growth.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition designed with Victoria Beckham

(April 24, 2012) BEIJING — Land Rover and Victoria Beckham have unveiled a new luxurious, hand-finished Range Rover Evoque Special Edition at the Beijng Auto Show.

The exclusively designed four-seat coupe is the result of collaboration with Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern, and Victoria Beckham, winner of the coveted Designer Brand of the Year award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards.

Chevrolet delivers record first-quarter global sales — 1.18 million

(April 24, 2012) DETROIT — Chevrolet sold 1.18 million vehicles worldwide in the first three months of 2012, a 6.5 percent increase over the first quarter of 2011, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of record-breaking sales for the brand.  In the last two calendar years, Chevrolet has grown faster than other high-volume global brands, bringing its global market share to 6.3 percent.

Nissan rolls out global sedan in China, says it will be basis for 2013 Sentra

(April 23, 2012) Nissan unveiled an all-new global sedan at the Beijing Motor Show today, the Sylphy, and Nissan North America announced that this new model will be the basis for an all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra. In conjunction with the announcement, Nissan released teaser video clips and images of the North American market's uniquely styled 2013 Sentra SR.

Rolls-Royce concept imparts a new level of sensory indulgence

(April 23, 2012) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has introduced the Ghost Six Senses concept, a luxury model that encapsulates the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence.

Approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. And the sense of surprise and delight continues as guests encounter the lavish use of soft, sumptuous leathers, finest veneer detailing and special enhancements.