Inside the Industry

Ford Vertrek named top concept of Detroit show

(January 15, 2011) DETROIT — The AutoWeek editorial team has named Ford Vertrek the Best Concept of the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Vertrek concept rose above such contenders as the Mini Paceman, GMC Sierra All Terrain HD and Toyota Prius C to win the coveted award.

New Chrysler 200 convertible revealed

(January 14, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler Sebring convertible has been over the past decades one of the most popular drop tops in the country. So it stands to reason that the Sebring's replacement, the 200, would also come with an open-air configuration.

And so it does, Chrysler announced today.

Porsche 918 RSR wins auto show awards

(January 14, 2011) ATLANTA — The Porsche 918 RSR, which was unveiled for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show, received one of the show’s most respected automotive awards — the 2011 NAIAS AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Award for Best in Show.

Ford to offer removable charging station for electric Focus

(January 14, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. —The Ford Focus Electric offers breakthrough, customer-centered technology, and a home charging station that brings convenience and value to match. Jointly developed with Leviton, a leading North American producer of electrical devices, the unit offers a wide variety of benefits for Focus Electric customers.

Nearly 200 dealers drive off in 2011 Durangos

(January 14, 2011) More than 150 Dodge dealers Thursday picked up the keys to nearly 200 all-new 2011 Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles in Detroit as part of Chrysler's effort to keep up sales momentum in the new year.

Ford takes top honors in Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

(January 13, 2011) SOUTHFIELD, Mich.  — Ford Motor Company took top honors in the 15th annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, presented Tuesday at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit.

Kia wins most improved customer loyalty award

(January 13, 2011) DETROIT /PRNewswire/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) was honored by Polk as the "most improved" automotive brand in customer loyalty in 2010 during the 15th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards ceremony held at the Automotive News World Congress during the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Lexus clings to best-selling luxury brand title

(January 13, 2011) Lexus faced a stiff challenge to hold on to its best-selling luxury brand title in 2010, but managed to edge out rivals BMW and Mercedes to retain the sales crown for the 11th straight year.

Third-generation Mercedes SLK features transparent roof

(January 13, 2011) The all-new SLK-Class, one of the first of the modern retractable hard-top convertibles when it was introduced in 1996, has been completely redesigned for the 2012 model year.

The third-generation roadster will go on sale this summer.

Honda issues recall of 2,277 2010 Accord, CR-V models

(January 12, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will recall 2,277 model year 2010 Accord 4-cylinder and CR-V vehicles in the U.S. to replace an electrical wire harness coupler in the engine compartment.