Inside the Industry

Chevy Trailblazer lives — at Dubai auto show

(November 10, 2011) DUBAI — Chevrolet’s toughest, most- refined midsize sport utility vehicle, the TrailBlazer, made its global debut today at the opening of the Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East.

The robust seven-seat show vehicle previews Chevrolet’s latest mid-sized SUV offering, which will be sold around the world, beginning with Thailand in early 2012 as a 2013 model.

New compact 2013 Mazda CX-5 to be shown in Los Angeles

(November 9, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda will unveil the all-new 2013 CX-5 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show next week. The compact SUV will be Mazda's first vehicle to fully encompass SKYACTIV Technology, the brand's ground-breaking engineering and leading-edge technology toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency. 

Automobile magazine names Audi A7 '2012 Automobile of the Year'

(November 9, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Audi today announced that Automobile Magazine selected the Audi A7 as its 2012 Automobile of the Year.

Automobile editors selected the A7 for its embodiment of everything a luxury buyer would want in a car — design, performance, and technology. Automobile Magazine President and Editor-In-Chief Jean Jennings will present the award during the Los Angeles International Auto Show next week.

Toyota initiates recall on defective crankshaft pulley that can affect steering

(November 9, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving 420,200 vehicles — 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus — to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V-6 engine.

There is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light.

Nissan says Pivo 3 is a look into the near future of transportation

(November 9, 2011) It all started in 2005 as a 360-degree rotating three-seat urban concept vehicle. Since featuring Pivo 1 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has introduced six other EV concepts, all demonstrating Nissan’s dedication to creating exciting and innovative zero emission mobility solutions.

Nissan says the real thing may be just around the corner and can be seen at the upcoming 42nd Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan goes head-to-head with Ford, Chevy with new passenger van

(November 9, 2011) DETROIT — There’s an old saying about anybody who’s up for a challenge that goes, “he never backed away from a fight.” That's a tribute to Nissan North American which just announced the introduction of an all-new addition to its NV commercial van series.

The new entrant is the 2012 NV3500 HD Passenger Van. It’s set to debut in the spring of 2012.
What’s significant about this vehicle is the competitive arena it’s chosen to declare war; it will be going up a trio of stalwarts in this segment — Ford’s Econoline, GMC’s Savana and Chevrolet’s Express.

Ram truck gets police duty package with Hemi V-8

(November 9, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Starting this month, Ram Truck will be offering a new Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 Special Service package for law enforcement and other emergency agencies through Chrysler Group Fleet sales. The newest Ram model features a selection of severe-duty-adapted equipment available on the 2012 Ram 1500 and several unique features.

Special edition Volvo C70 to debut in Los Angeles

(November 8, 2011) Volvo has announced the arrival of the new Inscription edition of the C70 — at launch in 2006, the world's first four-seater convertible car with a three-piece folding hard top as standard.

The new Inscription edition, to be shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, blends distinctive exterior details such as the painted grille and black 18-inch wheels with exclusive interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery and a leather-covered dashboard.

Volkswagen passenger cars brand reports 12.1 percent rise year to date

(November 8, 2011) WOLFSBURG, Germany — The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand started the fourth quarter with strong sales. A total of 4.24 million vehicles were sold from January to October 2011, representing an increase of 12.1 percent.

For October, the brand delivered 430,800 compared to October 2010 when 390,300 units were delivered.

Ford announces 2013 upgrades for slow-selling Flex

(November 8, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has announced upgrades for the slow-selling Flex for the 2013 model year. There has been talk that the Flex may be dropped from the lineup although Ford officials say there are no such plans.

The Flex was introduced in 2008 and filled the gap left when Ford abandoned the minivan segment. But the seven-passenger family vehicle — part wagon, minivan and crossover — has failed to excite buyers.