December 2010

Chevrolet Volt components created from Gulf of Mexico oil-soaked booms

(December 20, 2010) DETROIT — Oil-soaked plastic boom material used to soak up oil in the Gulf of Mexico is finding new life as auto parts in the Chevrolet Volt.

General Motors has developed a method to convert an estimated 100 miles of the material off the Alabama and Louisiana coasts and keep it out of the nation’s landfills.

Ford C-Max small minivan coming to U.S.

(December 20, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford C-MAX is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

Nissan partners with Original Wraps for van graphics

(December 20, 2010) With the launch of the all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van just months away, Nissan has announced a partnership agreement with Original Wraps, Inc., Lakewood, Col., to provide vehicle graphics personalization technology to Nissan NV customers.

Honda marks 50th year in Rose parade

(December 19, 2010) Honda has revealed its 2011 Rose Parade float entry called "A World of Dreams," which will lead the 122nd Rose Parade and introduce this year's Parade theme, "Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories," on Saturday, Jan. 1.

The 2011 Rose Parade marks Honda's 50th year of collaboration with the Tournament of Roses.

Chevy Malibu continues racking up honors

(December 19, 2010) DETROIT — The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu sedan was recently named a 2011 Consumers Digest Automotive “Best Buy” and a Top Safety Pick for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The two awards add to Malibu’s growing list of more than 40 industry honors since it was launched all-new in 2007 as a 2008 model.

Road racing veteran to help host consumers at Focus test drive

(December 19, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford confirmed on Friday that consumers attending the Focus Global Test Drive in February in Madrid will be hosted and coached by road racing veteran Justin Bell. With a career stretching more than 20 years, Bell will bring a wealth of experiences and skills to the Global Test Drive program.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to start at $25,795

(December 19, 2010) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced pricing for its all-new Sonata Hybrid, featuring Hybrid Blue Drive technology and lithium-polymer batteries.

In keeping with Hyundai’s simplified approach to product packaging, the Sonata Hybrid comes in just two flavors from the factory — the very well-equipped Sonata Hybrid at $25,795, and the tech-feature-packed Premium version at $30,795. 

Chevy turns to ham radio geek for antenna solution

(December 18, 2010) DETROIT — When spy shots surfaced of the pre-production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, an outcry went up among Camaro enthusiasts over the AM/FM whip antenna positioned on the rear deck lid.

THINK delivers its first U.S.-built electric cars

(December 18, 2010) INDIANAPOLIS — THINK, a dedicated electric vehicle maker formerly owned by Ford Motor Company, has delivered its first U.S.-built cars to Indiana for use in its government fleet. The 15 vehicles, which were shipped from THINK’s manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Ind., will be the first electric passenger vehicles with American-made, Lithium-ion batteries used in an American fleet operation.

MINI gives young talents an extra push with lifestyle promotions

(December 18, 2010) MUNICH, Germany — The 2011 winter season will see MINI intensifying its involvement in lifestyle sporting events on snow and ice. As a cooperative partner to renowned snowboard manufacturer Burton, MINI will for the first time assist in the organization of the Burton Global Open Series.