November 2010

Audi's compact hot hatch won't be offered in U.S.

(November 24, 2010) INGOLSTADT, Germany —  Blazing performance, compact size. Audi has added a new model to its dynamic RS series: the RS 3 Sportback.

In the great tradition of the brand, its engine boasts five cylinders and turbocharging technology. From a displacement of 2.5 liters come 340 horsepowerand 331 pound-feet of torque, with an average fuel consumption of about 26 mpg.

Chrysler to invest $1.1 billion in Indiana plants

(November 23, 2010) KOKOMO, Ind. — Employees at Chrysler's Indiana Transmission Plant II welcomed President Obama and Vice President Biden today as they toured the Kokomo facility to celebrate the company’s recent announcements that it would invest more than $1.1 billion locally for the production of future transmissions and retain nearly 3,500 Indiana jobs.

Honda, GM get two vehicles each on Top 10 list

(November 23, 2010) Honda and General Motors each landed two cars on Car and Driver's annual 10 Best Cars of 2011 released today.

Honda's subcompact Fit and top-selling mid-sized Accord were named to the list. The Chevrolet Volt, which is gobbling up awards at a frantic pace, and the Cadillac CTS-V also made the list.

Volkswagen official sees 7 million sales by end of year

(Novembr 23, 2010) Volkswagen AG expects to sell more than 7 million vehicles for the first time this year, the German carmaker's CEO, Martin Winterkorn, said today.

"The Volkswagen Group is benefiting disproportionately from the upswing in the most important car markets," Winterkorn told the Reuters News Service.

EPA rates all-electric Nissan Leaf at 99 mpg

(November 23, 2010) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its fuel-economy label for the 100-percent electric Nissan Leaf, rating the vehicle to be “best” in the midsize vehicle class for fuel efficiency and “best” for the environment.

The new label shows a best-in-class 99 miles-per-gallon (MPG) equivalent (combined city/highway). The MPG equivalency rating was developed by the EPA as a way to provide a standard so consumers can compare vehicles across the spectrum and make an educated purchase.

Turning over a new Leaf

(November 22, 2010) The first copies of the all-electric Nissan Leaf will start showing up in suburban driveways in a few weeks. It's an historic time. The first mass-produced electric vehicle has become a reality.

Nissan says the entire 2011 supply has been sold. But, if you have decided to "go electric" the automaker will ramp up production for 2012 and supply should equal demand.

GM joint venture Baojun 630 sedan begins production

(November 22, 2010) The first Baojun 630 passenger car from SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), one of GM China’s main joint ventures, rolled off the production line today in Liuzhou, Guangxi.

Baojun is SGMW’s new brand of affordable passenger vehicles that will be sold across China. The initial model, the Baojun 630, goes on sale in early 2011 through a new network of dedicated Baojun dealers.

Driverless Audi completes Pikes Peak climb in 27 minutes

(November 22, 2010) HERNDON, Va. — The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research car achieved its initial goal of completing the 12.42-mile course of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado without stopping and without a driver behind the wheel.

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid features audible pedestrian warning system

(November 22, 2010) The new 2012 Infiniti M35h is not only the first-ever Infiniti Hybrid, it is the word’s first hybrid to feature a standard audible pedestrian warning system. The new Infiniti M Hybrid is set to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in early 2011.

With its advanced Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system, which includes a unique 1-motor, 2-clutch, powertrain with compact Lithium-ion battery, the Infiniti M35h is capable of traveling faster and farther on electric-only mode than conventional hybrid designs.

Toyota outlines hybrid, electric vehicle strategy

(November 22, 2010) TOKY0, Japan — Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced details of its plans for “eco-car” development and launch dates, and of progress in next-generation secondary-battery research — both part of environmental technology efforts aimed at limiting oil consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the use of electricity and other alternative energies.