Inside the Industry

Mazda launches next-generation technologies

(October 20, 2010) Mazda has announced the launch of its SKYACTIV next-generation technologies — including engines, transmissions, vehicle bodies and chassis — that will begin appearing in Mazda products from 2011.

SKYACTIV is a blanket term for Mazda's innovative next-generation technologies that are being developed under the company's long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.

Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles sell-out in three minutes

(October 20, 2010) DETROIT – In just three minutes earlier today, customers claimed all 100 of the special edition 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles prepared exclusively for the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. These new owners claimed their Neiman Marcus Edition cars via a special telephone reservation process, a few hours after the car appeared on NBC’s Today Show.

Chrysler begins awarding Fiat franchises

(October 20, 2010) Been anxious to get a first-hand look and perhaps a test drive in the small sub-compact Fiat 500, the first Fiat product to be sold in North America since the merger of Chrysler and Fiat last year?

Your wait will soon be over. Early versions of the basic model will arrive in showrooms sometime in December and dealers will build stock until the market launch.

Hyundai announces pricing for all-new Equus

(October 19, 2010) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new Equus luxury sedan. The lavishly contented Equus Signature will be priced at $58,900 and the top-of-the-line Equus Ultimate at $65,400 including destination charge.

The Equus will go on sale around Dec. 1.

First Fiat 500 limited edition auctioned at charity event

(October 19, 2010) The first of 500 Fiat 500 limited editions was auctioned Saturday night in Toronto during the 17th Annual Venetian Ball. The winning bid of CDN $85,000 ($83,718 U.S.) was part of a record-setting CDN $1.3 million raised to benefit Villa Charities.

Kia extends marketing ties with NBA

(October 19, 2010) NEW YORK — Basketball and Kia go together.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Kia Motors America have announced an extension and expansion of their marketing partnership through a new multiyear agreement.

Audi begins 'clean diesel' journey in California

(October 18, 2010) HERNDON, Va. — Audi TDI clean diesel technology— with its ability to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent and its 30 percent fuel-economy gains over comparable gasoline engines — has demonstrated it belongs in the conversation surrounding America’s pressing energy concerns.

Validation of that came last year when the Green Car Journal named the Audi A3 TDI as its 2010 Green Car of the Year, and into this year when U.S. consumer demand for Audi TDI models tripled original expectations.

Kia continues to grow in West Point

(October 18, 2010) WEST POINT, Ga. — Kia has been perhaps more of a boon for this aera southwest of Atlanta than first thought just a few years ago.

Kia this month launched a second shift of production at the new West Point facility hiring more than 600 new team members to prepare for the addition of the second production shift bringing the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 2,000.

Jaguar Land Rover will not close plant in England

(October 18, 2010) Jaguar Land Rover said Friday it no longer plans to close one of its three auto plants in England after reaching an agreement with trade unions.

JLR, which Ford Motor Co. sold to India's Tata Motors in 2008, said it would be significantly increasing the number of models in its range and creating thousands of jobs over the next decade.

The three faces of Explorer at SEMA

(October 17, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The all-new Ford Explorer has been turning heads with its eye-catching, modern design, and things will be no different when it hits the floor of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show this year, which will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas.