March 2011

Chrysler unveils 'Imported from Detroit' merchandise

(March 17, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler brand has introduced the new "Imported from Detroit" merchandise today on the brand's website. The new collection features an array of products with the "Imported from Detroit" logo which represents the hardworking spirit captured and celebrated in the Chrysler brand's Super Bowl commercial, "Born of Fire."

Stricter licensing standards sought for beginning drivers

(March 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES (PRNewswire) — A group of U.S. senators and representatives have introduced legislation to the new Congress that would establish federal driver's licensing standards for a high risk auto insurance group: beginning drivers.

Statistics show that teenagers are four times more likely to get into a crash than older drivers, and car insurance companies routinely charge younger drivers more for coverage in order to compensate for the increased risk. 

Ford six-speed PowerShift automatic cuts fuel use by up to 10 percent

(March 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — With gasoline already more than $4 per gallon in some American cities, the new fuel-saving dual dry-clutch Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic is the right transmission at the right time.

Porsche to build new Cajun crossover in Leipzig, Germany

(March 17, 2011) Porsche’s board has selected its Leipzig plant to build its new junior crossover, the Cajun. The new vehicle will be based on the Audi Q5, and will become the cheapest new Porsche on sale when it arrives in 2013.

The decision was made by the supervisory board. The monitoring body authorized the board of management to finalize plans for the plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the Cajun, including body assembly line and paint shop.

Buick teams with NCAA to celebrate human achievement

(March 17, 2011) DETROIT — Winners in college sports are well documented, but the victories earned by campus champions away from the game are often more impactful, yet rarely get the same attention. That’s why, as part of a new corporate partnership, Buick, NCAA, Turner Sports and CBS Sports will shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of former student-athletes making a difference in their communities.

Ford receives two patents for helping drivers maximize their fuel economy

(March 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has received two patents related to SmartGauge with EcoGuide, an innovative instrument cluster for hybrid owners. The technology provides real-time information to help change driving behaviors and help maximize fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet finds consumers moving to fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines

(March 16, 2011) DETROIT — Consumer demand for fuel efficiency and advancements in engine technology have moved four-cylinder models to the top of consumers’ shopping lists. 

In 2007, four-cylinder models represented 23 percent of Chevrolet retail sales in the United States, less than either V-6 or V-8 equipped models. So far this year that number has increased to 46 percent, making fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines the top choice in the Chevrolet lineup. 

Eco-friendly parts help Terrain’s fuel efficiency

(March 16, 2011) DETROIT — With gas prices rising, GMC Terrain owners can take solace in the compact crossover’s segment-leading EPA-rated 32 highway mpg, achieved in part by the use of lightweight eco-friendly parts.

Two Minnesota Audi owners celebrate 300,000 miles driven

(March 17, 2011) HERNDON, Va. (PRNewswire) — Two Minnesota Audi owners on March 14  celebrated 300,000 miles driven on their Audi vehicles.  Don deChambeau, 63, of St. Cloud, Minn., and Don Nygaard, 74 of Roseville, Minn., bought their Audi cars at the Maplewood Audi dealership near the Twin Cities, Minn., and have driven their Audi vehicles for more than 10 years.

Hybrid vehicles dominate list of most fuel efficient vehicles

(March 16, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. (PRNewswire) — February was the first time since September 2010 that cars out sold trucks as rising gas prices helped shift what consumers buy. 

TrueCar.com has compiled a list of the top ten most fuel-efficient hybrid and non-hybrid cars currently being sold, based on fuel economy and cost of gas, per 15,000 miles driven annually.