January 2011

Volvo to reveal turbodiesel hybrid in Geneva

(January 31, 2011) Volvo Cars will unveil the V60 Plug-in Turbodiesel Hybrid — a virtually production-ready car — at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show on March 1.

In 2012, Volvo Cars will be the first manufacturer on the market with this new breed of hybrid — which is the result of close cooperation with the Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

Ford Focus Electric permanently plugs in at Peterson Automotive Museum

(January, 31, 2011) LOS ANGELES — You might remember seeing the bright orange Ford Focus Electric prototype running around a track and being driven by your favorite celebrities during the Green Car Challenge on “The Jay Leno Show” last year. Now, you will be able to see the same vehicle permanently plugged in at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Lexus, USGA extend partnership

(January 31, 2011) ORLANDO, Fla. — Lexus and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced last week a multi-year renewal of their strategic partnership, ensuring that Lexus will remain the exclusive automotive partner of the USGA and the official car of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur.

Honda Odyssey scores top crash-test rating

(January 31, 2011) The 2011 Honda Odyssey has received an overall rating of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new crash-test rating system.

The Odyssey's overall composite score is composed of a five-star frontal, four-star rollover and a five-star rating for the combined side pole and barrier tests.

2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible

SAN DIEGO — Several months ago Chrysler unveiled its new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan. Now the company has added a convertible to the Chrysler 200 family that replaces its former Chrysler Sebring convertible. It’s unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible.

Mercedes to introduce small SUV, coupe in U.S.

(January 30, 2011) Mercedes-Benz will launch coupe and SUV versions of its new compact car family in the United States in the next three years and is considering a third variant — a convertible or a shooting brake — to help win younger customers to the brand, Automotive News reports.

Cadillac CTS Coupe in the flesh even made GM designer pause

(January 30, 2011) DETROIT — Bob Munson, design manager for the Cadillac CTS, admits even he was taken aback when he first saw the production version of 2011 CTS Coupe.

“I thought it looked like something from another planet,” Munson said. “It looked like a concept car driving down the road. The Coupe definitely has a shock value…but in a good way.”

BMW to bring new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

(January 29, 2011) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW announced the return of a four-cylinder engine to the U.S. BMW line-up for the first time in since 1999.

Like the company’s latest 3.0-liter turbo inline six, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine twin-scroll turbocharging with high-pressure direct-injection and BMW’s Valvetronic intake control.

GM's Arlington, Texas, plant providing Super Bowl courtesy vehicles

(January 29, 2011) ARLINGTON, Texas — All around North Texas, the products of GM’s Arlington Assembly Plant are ferrying special guests arriving for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6.

“The Arlington Community has worked very hard to be a good host to visitors from around the world attending the game,” plant manager Paul Graham said. “We are delighted to play a small part in that effort through our plant open house next week and by making the high-quality vehicles used as courtesy transportation for the NFL.”

Hyundai Sonata wins International Car of Year award

(January 29, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 01/25/2011 — Hyundai continues to break down barriers illustrating its consumer lifestyle compatibility with the 2011 International Car of the Year (ICOTY) win for the all-new Sonata. The ICOTY Awards honor vehicles based on lifestyle compatibility and the emotional connection between car and consumer.