Inside the Industry

Nissan Mexicana celebrates four million vehicles

(July 20, 2013) AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — Nissan Mexicana is celebrating the four-millionth car made at the company's plant in Aguascalientes. The model? The new Nissan Note, which went on sale in Mexico this summer.

Ford EcoSport records 30,000 bookings in just 17 days

(July 19, 2013) NEW DELHI, India — Indian consumers have recognized the value proposition the all-new Ford EcoSport offers them, resulting in the SUV attracting over 30,000 bookings in just 17 days of its launch. Having witnessed the growing order bank for the Ford EcoSport, Ford India is working hard to optimize deliveries and reduce the waiting time for delivery.
 

Acoustic foam formula contributes to weight-reduction in new Cherokee

(July 19, 2013) TOLEDO, Ohio — The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is all-new, inside and out, including a revolutionary body sealer that helps deliver a tranquil driving experience while contributing to weight-reduction, cost-savings and sustainability. The Toledo Assembly Complex, home to the all-new Jeep Cherokee, features special applicators that inject a unique acoustic foam into strategic locations of the vehicle’s body structure.

Fiat teams with McDonald's on Monopoly game contest

(July 19, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Monopoly game at McDonald’s is set to return this summer, and for the second year the Fiat brand is participating in the event. The Fiat brand is offering game players a chance to win one of three different Fiat 500 models including the all-new Fiat 500L, 500 Hatchback, and 500 Cabrio.

Chevrolet’s iconic bowtie celebrates 100th anniversary

(July 19, 2013) DETROIT — Chevrolet’s globally recognized bowtie celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with 25 product launches helping the symbol find new roads around the world despite an origin that is still uncertain.

In 1913, Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant introduced the signature Chevy bowtie on the 1914 Chevrolet H-2 Royal Mail and the H-4 Baby Grand, centered at the front of both models.

Infiniti launches new vehicles, new names for 2014

(July 18, 2013) With the introduction of a new vehicle nomenclature for the 2014 model year and the launch of the all-new Q50 sports sedan, the stage has been set for a new generation of Infiniti vehicles and the Infiniti brand itself. Many additional new products and drivetrains, including more hybrids, have already been announced, along with a commitment to Infiniti's continued design, performance and technology leadership.

Ford provides energy-efficient technology to an American home

(July 18, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The winners of the Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle Retrofit contest — designed to showcase how a typical American family can affordably move to an energy-efficient lifestyle — are Lindsay and Ben Sattler of Parker, Colo.
 

DC Entertainment kicks off Comic-Con with one-of-a-kind Sorento

(July 18, 2013) SAN DIEGO — DC Entertainment (DCE) opened San Diego Comic-Con Wednesday with a blend of artistry and giving, unveiling the JUSTICE LEAGUE-inspired Kia Sorento, the eighth and final custom vehicle built in partnership with Kia Motors America.

App developers geeked to engage with GM

(July 18, 2013) DETROIT — The idea was so simple that even the judges in a hackathon couldn’t believe no one had thought of it before: Why not have a built-in vehicle application with two buttons — one reading Personal and one Business — that a driver could choose from when starting a trip? The Business button would track mileage and fuel consumption for work-related trips that could be used for expenses or tax reporting.

TopGear and Honda unleash the Stig on a 130 mph riding lawnmower

(July 18, 2013) LONDON — In response to an as yet untapped requirement for extreme lawn-care equipment, TopGear Magazine has teamed up with Honda to produce just that — the MeanMower.

Loosely based on the Honda HF2620 ride-on, the MeanMower was stripped and re-built by Honda's British Touring Car experts at Team Dynamics, adding a space-frame chassis, a 1000cc Honda VTR Firestorm motorbike engine, bespoke suspension and tires from a racing ATV.