March 2011

Special pressure-sealed gas tank used on Chevy Volt

(March 11, 20110 WARREN, Mich. — Ben Short isn't complaining about the rising price of gasoline. In fact, the Pittsford, N.Y., Chevrolet Volt owner doesn't pay attention to the rising prices since he's only used about a half a tank of gas in the last three weeks.

Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV to be held on West Coast

(March 11, 2011) ATLANTA  — Porsche Cars North America and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca have announced that Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV will take place at the famed California racetrack the weekend of Oct. 14 – 16.

Rennsport Reunion IV brings together an unprecedented gathering of significant Porsche vintage and current race cars, as well those who have driven them to victory in the world’s most famous sports car races.

Volkswagen adding shifts to keep up with demand

(March 11, 2011) Volkswagen sales are up worldwide in 2011, and Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said Thursday he is adding extra shifts at several factories to keep up with rising demand from customers.

"Our group is expecting a strong first quarter on all fronts," Winterkorn said at VW's annual investors and press conference in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Non-subscription emergency service available in 2 million Ford vehicles

(March 11, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — By the time Paul Bedewi thought to call 911, paramedics were already at the scene of the major accident he was in thanks to Ford SYNC 911 Assist.
 
Bedewi is one of the 2 million owners of Ford Motor Company vehicles so far that are equipped with SYNC technology that includes SYNC 911 Assist capability. A SYNC feature available since late 2009, it is the only vehicle-based, no-cost, non-subscription call-for-help system.

Fiat begins delivering Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models to Fiat enthusiasts

(March 10, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat North America has begun delivering the first Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models to customers throughout the United States this week.

These limited-edition 2012 Fiat 500 models were offered to Fiat enthusiasts in the U.S. as a reward for their years of steadfast loyalty to the Fiat brand. The 500 special-edition models represent the first Fiat vehicles to be sold in the U.S. since 1984.

General Motors CFO Chris Liddell leaving the company

(March 10, 2011) DETROIT — More upheaval at General Motors. General Motors Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell today announced that he will leave the company April 1, having completed the largest public offering in history and stabilizing the company’s financial operations. 

Production of small Nissan March begins in Mexico

(March 10, 2011) AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — Nissan cranked up production of its worldwide compact March at the Aguascalientes plant in Mexico this week. The small hatchback, which is sold worldwide — excluding North America — is now built at four locations.

The ceremony was presided by Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico, who, after a tour of the plant, gave the starting signal for cars to come off the line.

UK frets over £6 ($9.70) a gallon diesel

(March 10, 2011) As gas and diesel prices push toward a $4-a-gallon average in the U.S., Americans are concerned at not only the increased cost of driving, but the cost of nearly every product, most of which are affected by hauling costs.

But wait, if misery loves company, there's considerably more misery in the UK where the price of diesel fuel has just hit an all-time high of six pounds. That translates into $9.70 in the U.S.

Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX recalled for window defrosting issue

(March 9, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors is recalling 2011 model year Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles due to a software defect that could disable the driver's ability to adjust the heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Current-generation Ford Fiesta hits one million sales in Europe

(March 9, 2011) BRENTWOOD, Essex — Sales of the latest-generation Ford Fiesta have reached one million in Europe. The landmark was achieved just 28 months after the stylish small car went on sale in Ford dealerships.

UK drivers have snapped up almost a quarter of the new Fiesta models, with sales since launch totaling 239,742.