Inside the Industry

245,000 Lexus vehicles recalled in U.S.

(January 28, 2011) Toyota this week recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States.

Subaru going to the dogs again on Super Bowl Sunday

(January 27, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — Subaru, while enjoying an epic "tail" of record sales, once more separates itself from the pack of Big Game advertisers with its "Dog Tested. Dog Approved." campaign and the new Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event.

Jeep: From war hero to rugged civilian work vehicle and off-roader

Jeep began as a military vehicle in 1940, produced by Willys-Overland. By the end of World War II more than 386,000 Jeeps were built for the war effort.

OnStar offers special service to Super Bowl attendees

(January 27, 2011) NORTH DALLAS, Texas — To alleviate confusion over road closures, Super Bowl organizers have asked fans to turn off GPS units and follow directions on their parking passes.

OnStar subscribers, however, will have special access to information on routes and road closures with a simple push of the blue button. 

Mercedes 'Official Vehicle' of Phoenix golf tournament

(January 26, 2011) PHOENIX, Ariz. —Mercedes-Benz is the "Official Vehicle" for the 2011 and 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament. The 2011 Phoenix Open is takes place next week, Feb. 3-6, at the TPC Scottsdale.

GM performance parts announces LSX Challenge

(January 26, 2011) GRAND BLANC, Mich. — GM Performance Parts (GMPP) announces the LSX Challenge Series. It is a four-race points drag racing series for the 2011 racing season, culminating with the 5th annual LSX Shootout, to be held in conjunction with the NMCA World Street Finals, Oct. 6-9, in Indianapolis.

Mazda to lease electric vehicles in Japan

(January 25, 2011) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation is independently developing an electric vehicle (EV) with plans to begin leasing in Japan in spring 2012. The new EV, based on its Demio subcompact (globaly known as the Mazda2), is expected to have a driving range of 120 miles and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

30 years of success — Audi is further expanding quattro technology

(January 25, 2011) The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system has been a successful technology for over 30 years and an Audi cornerstone. Now Audi is making it even better — with new models and new approaches to the technology.

Ford Transit Connect taxis hit Chicago streets in March

(January 25, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Transit Connect taxis will begin winding through the streets of the Windy City in March when a fleet of the alternative-fuel vehicles joins Yellow Cab Chicago.

Taxi Medallion Management purchased the 12 clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) Transit Connect Taxis for its fleet. The cabs will be affiliated with Yellow Cab Chicago and bear the company’s logo and color.

Chrysler kicks off ‘Blogger Game on Road Trip’

(January 25, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich.  — The Chrysler Brand has kicked off its “Blogger Game On Road Trip” when it handed over the keys to two new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedans to bloggers who drove the vehicles from Detroit to Pittsburgh, and over the next two weeks will drive across country to Dallas.