March 2011

Jaguar XK wins 'most stylish' award in Geneva

(March 7, 2011) The Jaguar XK has won the "Most Stylish" honor in the inaugural CarBuyer Awards presented by the carbuyer.co.uk web site.

On-hand to collect the award, presented at the Geneva Motor Show by Motoring and Digital Editor Dan Strong was Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars and Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars.

Chrysler celebrates launch of Fiat 500 at Mexican plant

(March 7, 2011) MEXICO CITY — Together with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon, Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne celebrated the launch of the all-new 2012 Fiat 500 today at Los Pinos, the official residence and office of Mexico’s President.

The Fiat 500 is one of 16 all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles and one of two new nameplates Chrysler Group launched in 2010.

Chevrolet releases teaser photo of next-generation Colorado

(March 7, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet today offered a sneak peek at its Colorado show truck that will be unveiled prior to the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show, which begins on March 25.  

New Ford Police Interceptors challenge competition

(March 7, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford, the leader in the police vehicle market, is putting the company’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan and utility up against the competition in six action-packed webisodes that debut today.

Cameras rolling, Ford turns its all-new Police Interceptors, which debut later this year, over to the authorities for a series of competitive driving exercises against the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit, proving that Ford’s Police Interceptors are up for any challenge.

February vehicle sales fall in China; first decline in 16 months

(March 7, 2011) SHANGHAI — China's car market has been hit with higher fuel prices and higher taxes.

Sales fell in February for the first time in at least 16 months after fuel prices rose and the government ended incentives that supported vehicle sales, the China Passenger Car Association said today.

Porsche museum opens special limited-time exhibit

(March 6, 2011) STUTTGART/ATLANTA — Twenty five years ago, Porsche became the world's first car manufacturer to create a special personal customization department at its factory. The program, called Porsche Exclusive, allows Porsche customers to fulfill their unique wishes and get a car from the factory with just about any personal detail and refinement they want.

Chrysler to recall 20,000 Jeep Wranglers over potential steering problem

(March 6, 2011) Chrysler said Saturday it is recalling more than 20,000 model year 2010-2011 Jeep Wranglers over potential steering problems, the Detroit News reported on Saturday.

Outlander Sport leads improved Mitsubishi sales figures

(March 5, 2011) It's not much in the grand scheme of February vehicle sales in the U.S., but its 6,893 vehicles sold during the 28-day month is a big deal for Mitsubishi. It represents a whopping 71 percent increase over February 2010 when the Japanese company sold only 4,019 vehicles.

It was the highest monthly sales since October 2008.

New car models taking back seat to a bus at Cleveland show

(March 5, 2011) CLEVELAND (PRNewswire) — Many new car models from Ford, Toyota, Honda and other automakers are taking a back seat to a bus at this year's Cleveland Auto Show. 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) 45-foot motor coach is in the spotlight as gas prices continue to rise past $3.60 a gallon.

Suzuki Swift hits 2 million in worldwide sales

(March 5, 2011) When Suzuki launched the Swift six years ago it brought a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics to the compact car segment.

Those attributes are still as strong today and Suzuki says that global sales recently passed the two million mark.