February 2011

First Saab 9-4X crossover rolls off assembly line

(February 15, 2011) The first Saab 9-4X crossover to be commercially produced has now rolled off the assembly line at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Saab Automobile President & CEO Jan Åke Jonsson was on hand to see regular production begin, just three months after the 9-4X was unveiled last November at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

European VW diesel crosses U.S. for $192 in fuel

(February 15, 2011) The Golf BlueMotion is one of the most efficient and low CO2 emitting cars currently on sale in Europe. To test just how efficient, European CAR Magazine recently embarked on a unique road trip, taking the Golf BlueMotion out of its normal environment.

Kankkunen sets ice speed record in Bentley Continental Supersports convertible

(February 15, 2011) OULU, Finland — Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, at a breathtaking 205.48 mph to set a new world speed record on ice.

Consumers, bloggers to meet in Madrid for Focus test drives

(February 15, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Anticipation is building among Focus Global Test Drive participants — bloggers and consumers, hailing from 13 countries where the all-new Ford Focus will soon be available — as they prepare to convene in Madrid later this week.

These cause-minded consumers — many of whom will receive $10,000  to be donated to their favorite charity — will be the first members of the public to test drive the new Ford Focus, in exercises and dynamic driving challenges that highlight features and attributes of the newest car from Ford, which will eventually be sold in 122 counties.

Dorel recalls nearly 800,000 car seats

(February 14, 2011) A company is recalling nearly 800,000 car seats because a faulty release button can loosen the harness, putting children at greater risk of injury in a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today.



London's flagship Fiat dealership features international art exhibition

(February 14, 2011) LONDON — A collection of huge bionic eyes forms the centrepiece of a stunning new international art exhibition which opened last week at Fiat’s London flagship dealer.

Fiat Marylebone was once again chosen as a venue for this leading art showcase thanks to its unique design and space. It was created in 2008 with art and fashion shows in mind as well as the ability to display cars, and has proved the perfect site for previews and receptions.

Ponzi scheme felon's cars to be auctioned on March 1

(February 14, 2011) Auto Remarketing reports today on the government auction of 17 vehicles belonging to Byron Keith Brown, convicted recently of a huge Ponzi scheme.

Working on behalf of the U.S. Treasury, VSE Corp. — a federal services company — is holding a public auction next month to sell the seized and forfeited vehicles owned by Brown.

Infiniti releases pictures of ETHEREA concept sedan

(February 14, 2011) Infiniti today released the first images of its concept car for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Called ETHEREA, it is a compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look.

The pictures show an evolving Infiniti identity along with a profile distinctly different from anything currently available in the premium compact class.

Deck plate honing to be used on Camaro ZL1 cylinder block

(February 14, 2011) DETROIT — Deck plate honing a cylinder block, a precision-machining process typically reserved for high-performance engines, will be used on the Camaro ZL1 6.2L supercharged V8, helping maximize engine life, reduce friction between engine parts and increase horsepower.

Nissan to show off electric sports car hot rod

(February 14, 2011) — It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it’s possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving.

It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.