Inside the Industry

Range-extending engine makes Chevy Volt one of a kind

(October 10, 2010) DETROIT — Chevrolet today introduced the all-new 2011 Volt electric vehicle with extended range, establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market.

The five-door, four-passenger Volt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with other electric vehicles in the market.

Honda wins fifth consecutive 'greenest automaker' honor

(October 9, 2010)  Honda has been named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions.

Cruze selling well in Australia

(October 9, 2010) The Holden Cruze notched up 2,432 sales in September, making it the fifth highest-selling vehicle in Australia last month, according to figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

The strong Cruze sales saw Holden occupy two spots in the top five for September, with Commodore retaining its title as the number one car in the country, selling 4,038 units, up 4.7 per cent on the same month last year.

Mitsubishi to host unique online test drive

(October 9, 2010) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi Motors will host the World's First Online Test Drive of an actual vehicle utilizing interactive remote control of the company's latest automotive creation, the all-new 2011 Outlander Sport. The test drive will begin on Nov. 2 and run through Nov. 10.

70 mpg Honda Fit goes on sale in Japan

(October 8, 2010) TOKYO, Japan — Honda has begun sales in Japan of a newly refreshed Fit model together with the all-new Fit Hybrid, a new addition to the Fit lineup.

The newly-added Fit Hybrid will be offered at the starting price of 1.59 million yen ($19,312), making it the most affordable of all Honda hybrid vehicles.

First Look -- 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel interior

(October 8, 2010) The interior of the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango has been revealed.

The Durango’s all-new interior created by the same interior design studio that designed the interior in the Ram trucks and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, show use of luxurious materials and thoughtful touches.

LaHood would like to see cell phones banned from vehicles

(October 8, 2010) A ban on all cell phone use in vehicles including hands-free devices?

That seems to be the way U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is leaning. It may lessen distracted-driving accidents, but a total ban seems an impossible goal, and one that would not sit well with a majority of drivers.

GM to build new small Buick at Lake Orion

(October 8, 2010) LAKE ORION Mich. — General Motors will invest $145 million at the Orion Assembly Center, GM North American President Mark Reuss said today. Orion will be the home to Chevrolet’s new small car and Buick’s future compact sedan — the all-new Verano. 

"Verano will bring premium styling, performance and content to Buick buyers wanting a smaller car than Regal," said Reuss.

Ford Fiesta to be front and center at SEMA

(October 8, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — People love to modify small cars, so it’s no surprise that consumers and aftermarket companies are eager to get their hands on Ford’s hot-selling Fiesta, set to debut at this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5.

“The Fiesta is one of those vehicles that resonates with everybody — especially with the younger market. Whatever you’re into, it works,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. “It lends itself to a lot of different themes. It’s a perfect fit for the aftermarket and for customers who want to express their personality.”

2012 Volkeswagen Eos to be unveiled in Los Angeles

(October 8, 2010) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen today released the first images of its enhanced 2012 Eos hard top convertible.

The vehicle features an updated design and has numerous new features.