News archive

April 2011

Absolutely emission-free — a Mini on two wheels

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(April 24, 2011) MUNICH — Mini has devised an eco-friendly solution to the parking space problem in city centers. The brand is celebrating the comeback of the folding bike with a modern version of the practical means of locomotion.

The special gimmick — when folded, the Mini Folding Bike fits into the boot of almost every vehicle — and most definitely into the Mini.

Buick adding new level of infotainment options in 2012

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(April 24, 2011) NEW YORK — To keep up with the automotive competition, Buick will bring a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customizable infotainment options to its 2012 Verano, Regal and LaCrosse models.

A new system called IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7- or 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio.

Chevrolet Volt declared World Green Car

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(APRIL 24, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — The Chevrolet Volt has been named the 2011 World Green Car. The award was sponsored by the Bridgestone Corporation — Japan.

The Volt was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 10, then three finalists: the Chevrolet Volt, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the Nissan Leaf.

Kia Optima to be built in Georgia plant

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(April 24, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — Kia Motors has announced plans to build the mid-sized Kia Optima sedan at its Georgia manufacturing plant beginning in the third quarter of 2011.

The plant at West Point, Ga., near the Alabama-Georgia state line and about an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta opened two years ago and is currently building the popular Sorento crossover vehicle.

2012 Kia Soul fine tuned, gets 160 horsepower from 2.0-liter

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(April 23, 2011) The car that kicked-off Kia’s design-led transformation has been given a fresh and updated look with more power but keeping the same funky style. Kia Motors America revealed the face-lifted Soul at the New York International Auto Show.

The Soul has been fine-tuned with technology and powertrain enhancements to deliver more power and improved fuel efficiency.

Mitsubishi all-electric car comes in at under 16 grand in Hawaii

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(April 23, 2011) HONOLULU (PRNewswire) — Mitsubishi says it will launch its electric car, the i Mitsubishi, in  Hawaii. Production of the EV will begin in November.

The small car will be very affordable in Hawaii. Subtracted from the retail price of $27,990 will be a $7,500 federal tax credit and a Hawaii clean energy rebate of $4,500 bringing the car's real cost down to $15,900.

Going pump free: Chevy Volt owners pass by the high prices

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(April 23, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet Volt owners made fewer trips to the gas station in March, going an average of 30 days — or nearly a month — between fill-ups. In fact, some Volt owners say they are challenging themselves to see how fuel-efficient they can be by tracking how far and how long they can go without buying gasoline.

Full production at least six months off at Toyota

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(April 22, 2011) NEW YORK — Toyota said today it would be November or December before production on all models in North America returns to normal.

After an in-depth analysis of its suppliers affected by the earthquake and tsunami, Toyota announced today that global production will begin to ramp up as soon as July in Japan and August in North America.

Hyundai offering guaranteed trade-in value

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(April 22, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced a new Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee. Hyundai says the guarantee is a direct result of Hyundai’s sensitivity to consumer preferences and is made possible by the strength of Hyundai’s residual values, now among the highest in the industry.