May 2010

Suzuki scraps plans for hybrid, V-6 engine in Kizashi

(March 31, 2010) Suzuki has scrapped plans to offer hybrid and V-6 engine versions of its new Kizashi sedan, Automotive News reports.

That's because those versions were meant to use technology borrowed from General Motors, which sold its 20 percent stake in Suzuki in 2008. In December, Volkswagen became Suzuki's biggest shareholder by taking a 19.9 percent stake.

Ford launches production of new transmission to go into 2011 Fiesta

(March 29, 2010) Helping deliver on Ford Motor Company’s commitment to class-leading fuel economy and exceptional driving quality, production is launching today of the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission for the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

The new dual-clutch automatic – the first six-speed transmission in the segment – will help the stylish Fiesta to deliver an expected best-in-class fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg on the highway with the convenience of fully automatic shifting.
 

Ford enters agreement to sell Volvo to Geely Holding Company

(March 28, 2010) Ford today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
 

General Motors ramping up production of Equinox, Terrain

(March 26, 2010) In order to meet growing customer demand for hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models, General Motors is implementing a unique plan to add a third shift at its award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant to support new Equinox production there.

Ford attracting more customers trading in competing brands

(March 26, 2010) Ford  is increasingly attracting customers who are trading in vehicles from competing brands, one of the keys to Ford’s recent market share gains in U.S.

For the Ford brand, the rate of customers who traded in competitive brand vehicles rose 18 percent from 2005 to 2009. The conquest rate for Lincoln rose 61 percent, while Mercury saw a 12 percent increase from 2005 to 2009.

Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now standard in Buick LaCrosse

(March 26, 2010) A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine is now the standard engine in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combination delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

The LaCrosse CX with the Ecotec 2.4L has an MSRP of $26,995. Buick expects about 25 percent of LaCrosse customers will opt for it.

GM and Shanghai partner develop two-person around-town electric vehicle

(March 24, 2010) SHANGHAI — By 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion people.  This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.

Ford SYNC system hits 2 million installations

(March 22, 2010) The popular Ford SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system has been winning over buyers at its fastest pace ever, with Ford announcing SYNC has now been installed on more than 2 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

Ford to invest $2.25 billion in its United Kingdom facilities

(March 21, 2010) Ford is preparing to invest £1.5 billion ($2.25 billion) in its four United Kingdom facilities over the next five years after securing a £360 million ($540 million) Government loan guarantee.

Baby boomers making unexpected car buying choices

(March 20, 2010) Baby boomers comprise about a third of the United States' driving population and purchase almost half of all new cars sold, but automakers are somewhat surprised about the choices they are making today, according Edmunds.com.