Inside the Industry

Hot Wheels Classic: Ford Mustang among most stolen cars over decades

(January 31, 2012) DES PLAINES, Ill. — For over 25 years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has published Hot Wheels, an annual report of America's 10 most stolen vehicles. While popular expectations have been that newer, more expensive vehicles would top the list, the data has repeatedly shown quite the opposite, with older, less flashy models topping the list.

Subaru driver David Higgins dominates Sno*Drift Rally

(January 30, 2012) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru's defending 2011 Rally America National Champion David Higgins launched his 2012 title defense with Subaru Rally Team USA with a decisive victory this past weekend at the Sno*Drift Rally. 

Higgins, driving a 5-door 2012 Subaru WRX STI rally car, dominated the rally leading from the start and winning 15 of the event's 24 competitive stages.

Mazda recalls 2001-2002 Tributes over fire risk

(January 30, 2012) Mazda said Saturday it is recalling 52,390 model year 2001-02 Tribute SUVs over fire risks, and is warning owners not to park them in garages until the company gets replacement parts.

The announcement follows the recall earlier this month by Ford of nearly 275,000 model-year 2001-02 Ford Escapes for the same fire risks.

Buick, GMC showrooms getting upgrades around the country

(January 30, 2012) DETROIT — Buick and GMC customers nationwide are discovering how a more welcoming dealership atmosphere enhances the experience of buying a new car or servicing a vehicle. More than 1,900 dealers, many in major markets, are showing the way.

The ongoing dealership image enhancement program includes a new exterior façade with updated signage, a bright and airy showroom featuring a customer greeting station, and a customer lounge with free Wi-Fi. In some cases, a café or salon is part of the experience.

Provocative Alfa Romeo 'Test Me' commercial launches in Europe

(January 29, 2012) Sometime in this decade Alfa Romeo vehicles are likely to be sold in North America, but for now the Chrysler/Fiat brand is still confined to Europe. Alfa Romeo's latest television commercial, "Test Me,'" launched this month in a year-long marketing campaign focused on highlighting the "rational reasons" why people should buy an Alfa Romeo.

Buick eAssist smartphone games raise MPG awareness

(January 28, 2012) DETROIT — In 2011 alone, the Apple App Store reported more than 100 million downloads to phones and iPads. Just as consumers embrace hand-held technology, studies show they want the same smart technology in their vehicles. Buick’s new eAssist Fuel Efficiency smartphone games seek to connect the two.

One million Chrysler Pentastar V-6 engines produced in 18 months

(January 28, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Just 18 months following the start of production as the standard engine for the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the one millionth Pentastar V-6 engine was assembled Jan. 27 at the Chrysler Group’s Trenton (Mich.) Engine Assembly Plant.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming it products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, vice president, head of Powertrain Manufacturing.

Suzuki heads north for its Super Bowl commercial

(January 27, 2012) BREA, Calif. — Suzuki has released its 2012 Super Bowl commercial — "Sled" — on the automaker's Facebook and YouTube pages.

The commercial that highlights the all-wheel-drive version of the Suzuki Kizashi Sport. This is the second consecutive winter-themed Super Bowl commercial for Suzuki. Last year, the Kizashi battled "wicked weather" snowmen inspired by the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes."

Aston Martin V12 Zagato to appear at Kuwait Concours d' Elegance

(January 27, 2012) GAYDON, England — Aston Martin will debut the first production V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance Feb. 15-18.

The Kuwait Concours d’Elegance, in its third successive year, is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries.  Having gone from strength to strength in the past two years, this event has become the earliest of its type in what is considered by car connoisseurs as "the season."

Ford picks up 'Truck of Texas' trophy at Houston Auto Show

(January 26, 2012) HOUSTON — The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) on Wednesday presented Ford truck team members with the prestigious Truck of Texas trophy at an awards luncheon inside Reliant Center — home of the 2012 Houston Auto Show. TAWA named the 2012 Ford F-150 Truck of Texas after the annual Truck Rodeo in October.