Inside the Industry

Kia says its concept sedan signals company's design direction

(November 20, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Kia is the fastest growing car company in the U.S., and the brand, which has recently undergone a design-led transformation, continued to turn heads at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the North American introduction of the striking Kia GT concept vehicle.

The forward-looking Kia GT concept — originally shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show — signals the company's distinctive new design direction with graceful yet confident styling and is the first rear-wheel-drive concept in Kia's history.

Small but wicked — Fiat 500 Abarth introduced to U.S.

(November 19, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth arrives to America with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks — world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume.

Toyota celebrates opening of Corolla plant in Mississippi

(November 18, 2011) BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. — Toyota celebrated the opening of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi on Thursday, the company’s new $800 million plant outside of Tupelo that assembles the compact Corolla.

Joining the celebration were Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

Porsche unveils plans for a West Coast 'experience center'

(November 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Porsche has again offered proof of the company's strong commitment to the U.S. market with the announcement of a new Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, to be built in nearby Carson, Calif.
The new center will cover 51 acres.

The new West Coast location will be situated near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, the 405 and 110 Freeways, is just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and is basically in the heart of Southern California, Porsche's largest market in the United States. Groundbreaking is anticipated for summer 2012.

Volkswagen sees all-electric van concept as delivery vehicle of the future

(November 18, 2011) WOLFSBURG/POTSDAM, Germany — Volkswagen has introduced the eT! Concept — an all-electric van created as a research project into the viability of electric-only transport and logistics.

The Volkswagen eT! Concept is powered by electric wheel-hub motors that maximize space for the cabin. But the distinguishing design feature of the eT! Concept is the passenger side sliding door that covers access to the front passenger seat as well.

2013 Mustang gets styling tweaks, more V-8 horsepower

(November 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Ford Mustang gets even more street swagger for 2013 with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
 
“The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V-6 and pushes the refinement to the next level,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience.”

Sons reunite father with his '65 Chevy after two decades

(November 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Herb Younger thought his cherished 1965 Impala SS was out of his life forever when he sold it in the 1980s to pay for his children’s education. Now his car is back with him, an emotional reunion captured on video for all to see.

Chevrolet, keeping with its theme of showcasing authentic moments, created a 60-second TV spot and long-form online version of the real-life homecoming.

L.A. Auto Show loaded with new vehicles, new technologies

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — As a bright spot in the overall economy, the auto industry continues its momentum at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show, highlighted by more than 50 vehicle manufacturer debuts including more than 20 world debuts.

The auto show runs from Nov. 18 through Nov. 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Honda Civic Natural Gas named Green Car of the Year

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas — the only factory-built, CNG-powered car produced in America — was named 2012 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show today.

The award was presented to Honda by the editors of Green Car Journal representing a diverse panel of environmental experts and automotive enthusiasts who annually select a single vehicle for its outstanding environmental performance.

Mitsubishi i ranked most fuel efficient in the EPA's annual Fuel Economy Guide

(November 17, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi has announced that the company's 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicle has scored first-place honors on the EPA's list of "Fuel Economy Leaders: 2012 Model Year" in the governmental agency's annual Fuel Economy Guide.  It is EPA-rated 112 combined/126 city/99 highway MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).