Inside the Industry

Saab nears end of the road, files for bankruptcy

(December 19, 2011) Saab Automobile filed for bankruptcy today and is on the brink of shutting for good after former owner General Motors rejected a rescue plan.

Saab CEO Victor Muller personally handed in the bankruptcy application to a court in southwestern Sweden, ending his two-year struggle to revive the more than six-decades-old car maker, known for its rounded sedans and quirky design features.

New VW Super Bowl ad to feature 2012 Beetle

(December 19, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen announced today it will advertise during the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year. Following the success of last year's two 30- second spots, Volkswagen will premiere one 60-second spot at the beginning of the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

Mercedes-Benz rolls out all-new 2013 SL roadster

(December 18, 2011) Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a new SL roadster this spring as a 2013 model. The two-seat SL, a longtime flagship for the German luxury car maker, grew out of the company’s sports-car racing program of the early 1950s.

The all-new SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort — infused with groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor.

Stunt driver successfully 'kick flips' Chevrolet Sonic

(December 18, 2011)  VALENCIA, Calif. — MTV-reality and action sports-star Rob Dyrdek successfully performed a kick flip in the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic on Saturday.

A kick flip — a 360-degree rotation in mid-air — is a common stunt on a skateboard. Not so much in a vehicle. But Dyrdek, host of MTV’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, and the Chevy Sonic are up for trying firsts.

2012 Honda CR-V base price set at $22,295

(December 17, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V crossover, which was recently named a finalist for 2012 North American Truck of the Year, is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (ranging from $22,295 for the CR-V LX 2WD to $28,295 for the luxurious CR-V EX-L AWD.

Nissan Pathfinder concept to debut in Detroit

(December 17, 2011) The worldwide debut of two concept vehicles will highlight Nissan’s presence at the upcoming 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. An all electric van concept, which underscores Nissan’s leadership in zero emissions vehicles and the Nissan Pathfinder preview concept, which provides a sneak peek at the next generation of one of Nissan’s longest running nameplates in the U.S., will be unveiled during the NAIAS press preview days, beginning Monday, Jan. 9.

2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists announced

(December 16, 2011) DETROIT — Fifty automotive journalists have selected the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat as the three finalists for the 2012 North American Car of the Year.

The finalists for the 2012 North American Truck of the Year are the BMW X3, the Honda CR-V and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Realty game app takes consumers on tour of new Ford Fusion

(December 16, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Consumers looking for a fun and engaging way to take part in the reveal of the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion need look no further: An augmented reality game app is debuted this week with virtual images of the new car. Users of the app will drive a new Fusion through a series of “worlds” that unlock to reveal the car.

270-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder to debut in Cadillac ATS

(December 16, 2011) DETROIT — A new high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will debut in the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan, which will be revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in January.

The Cadillac-tuned, direct-injected engine will produce an estimated 270 horsepower. At 135 horsepower per liter, it will be one of the most power-dense automotive engines, besting the highest-performing engines from luxury competitors such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Bentley to show new Continental V8 models in Detroit

(December 15, 2011) CREWE, England — Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 9. The new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.