January 2011

Canton plant expanded for Nissan NV van production

(January 22, 2011) Nissan on Friday officially launched production of its all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van with Job One ceremonies at its expanded Canton, Miss., assembly facility.

The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, underwent a two-year, $118 million expansion to accommodate production of the new Nissan NV, including:

Chrysler to test hydraulic hybrid minivan

(January 21, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Chrysler and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this week announced a partnership to determine the possibility of adapting a hydraulic hybrid system for large passenger cars and light-duty vehicles.

Chevy Camaro convertible to pace Indy 500

(January 21, 2011) DETROIT — A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.

Dodge, Mopar introduce vehicle information smartphone applications

(January 20, 2011) AUBURN HILLS —The Dodge brand and Mopar are making it easier than ever for owners to connect with their vehicles, giving electronic information at their fingertips with a free, new smartphone application.

Whole Foods dedicates parking spaces at Austin store for car2go users

(January 20, 2011) AUSTIN, Texas —  Car2go and Whole Foods Market announced today that four car2go dedicated parking spots are now available at the natural and organic food retailer’s flagship store at 525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin.

Whole Foods Market shoppers and who are car2go members will now have the convenience of parking and sharing car2go vehicles.

Mitsubishi to revitalize lineup in U.S. by 2014

(January 20, 2011) Mitsubishi is going to get a completely new look in the United States.

According to press reports today, the Japanese automaker is going to kill off its current lineup of U.S.-made vehicles, including the Eclipse sports car, Endeavor crossover and mid-sized Galant sedan, over the next three years and switch to producing global vehicles at its U.S. plant in Illinois.

It's easy to be green with Ford Focus electric

(January 20, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — The environmentally friendly reach of the Ford Focus Electric goes beyond its zero-emissions motor. Focus Electric combines recycled and renewable materials, green technologies and innovative manufacturing processes to make the car green from bumper to bumper.

GM Daewoo vehicles in South Korea will get Chevrolet nameplate

(January 20, 2011) SEOUL — In a move designed to enhance its presence in Korea and to bolster its domestic sales operations, GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. (GM Daewoo) announced today that it is replacing the current GM Daewoo nameplate with the world’s fastest-growing automotive brand, Chevrolet.

The Hard Way — Five Lexus vehicles suspended over runway

(January 20, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — There’s the easy way, and there’s the Lexus way. A lone crane slowly lifts the front end of a Lexus LS, then a second vehicle is attached using cables and stretch bars, then another and another and finally, a fifth Lexus vehicle is suspended in midair from the crane, using no support other than the strength of the LS.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe hits the track at Sebring

(January 19, 2011) SEBRING, Fla. — The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe race car hit the track for the first time on Monday, driven by Johnny O’Connell and Andy Pilgrim, for tests at Sebring International Raceway.

Cadillac is reentering the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series this year, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25-27.