Inside the Industry

Latest at Nissan — Sockets sign happy birthday to Leaf

(December 12, 2011) As the Nissan Leaf turns one year old, electricity is having a celebration. In a new commercial, Nissan journeys in and out of a home to all different types of electrical sockets singing away to wish the first and only mass produced electric car a very happy first birthday.

Nissan says, "Join us as we celebrate over 19,000 Nissan Leaf owners who've given the world over 32 million gas-free miles."

Honda Accord Coupe concept to reveal profile of all-new 2013 Accord

(December 12, 2011) TORRANCE — A concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 10, Honda announced today.

The Accord Coupe Concept will convey the dynamic and aggressive profile of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord set to go on sale in the fall of 2012.

Acura to show three new vehicles in Detroit including the next NSX supercar

(December 12, 2011) Acura has announced it will unveil three all-new vehicles at the Detroit auto show next month including an all-new compact sports sedan called ILX, a redesigned RDX crossover sport utility vehicle, and a concept version of the next generation Acura NSX super car.

The NSX sports car will be small, high-tech and eco-friendly, they say. That would be a change of direction from the Acura Advance Sports Car Concept that appeared at major auto shows four years ago, a V-10-powered beast.

First Mitsubishi electric car delivered in U.S.

(December 11, 2011) SAN FRANCISCO — Mitsubishi Motors' United States subsidiary announced that it has begun the delivery of i-MiEV next-generation electric vehicle in the United States.

Representatives from Mitsubishi, along with San Rafael Mitsubishi, conducted the first fleet delivery of the all-new 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i to the California Bay Area's City CarShare in a special ceremony held at the Green Vehicle Showcase located in front of San Francisco City Hall Plaza on Thursday.

Ford recalling nearly 130,000 Fusions, Milans over bad wheel studs

(December 10, 2011) Ford is recalling nearly 130,000 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans over concerns that the wheel studs could crack and cause the wheels to fall off.

The recall covers 128,616 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milans with 17-inch steel wheels.
Ford is also recalling 2,940 steel wheels that were sold to dealers and used as replacement parts.

Ford displays its large fleet of commercial vehicles

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 10, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — One of the nice things about shopping at a “big box” store like Best Buy or Wal-Mart is that everything they sell is on display for all to see and compare. The other day a group of us auto journalists were given a similar opportunity when Ford Motor Company displayed its entire line of commercial vehicles at its Dearborn Proving Ground.

Want a Smart? Need hauling capacity? Check out Smart For-us

(December 10, 2011) Smart is turning the automotive world upside down once again and challenging ideas about what an urban pickup should look like. In a tongue-in-cheek manner the for-us signals that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart with active lives who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space.

Smart has revealed a series of sketches depicting a compact, zero-emissions pickup concept that will make its public debut at next month's Detroit auto show.

Ford Racing Performance parts expands crate engine lineup

(December 9, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Racing is expanding its range of crate engines for 2012 that are designed to fit nearly every performance application and budget.

Enthusiasts who may be seeking the 2.0-liter engine from the 2012 Ford Focus will now be able to buy one from Ford Racing's crate-engine program. Ford is also adding a pair of pushrod V-8s to the crate-engine lineup for 2012.

George Harrison's Aston Martin sells for £350,000

(December 9, 2011) LONDON — An Aston Martin ordered by George Harrison in 1965 sold at auction in London on Wednesday for £350,000 ($546,000) after fierce bidding from around the world.

Manufactured in late 1964, the DB5/1896/R was supplied new on Jan. 1,1965 through Brydor Cars of Brooklands in Surrey to the famous Beatle and had created huge interest when it was put up for sale at the COYS True Greats Auction held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster.

Nissan's electric Leaf named Car of the Year in Japan

(December 9, 2011) Nissan's electric Leaf has won the Car of the Year Japan 2011-2012 award.

This is the 32nd year that the Car of the Year Japan awards has been held, and it is the first time in its long history that an electric vehicle has won this prestigious award.