April 2011

U.S. cities preparing for arrival of electric vehicles

(April 14, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — While Ford is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012, cities around the country also are preparing for the arrival of new electric vehicles from a number of manufacturers in addition to Ford.

It pays to drive 'green' in central London

(April 14, 2011) Motorists who need to drive in to central London but who would prefer not to pay the £12 ($19) per day congestion charge now have a choice of over 200 eco-friendly cars which qualify for a 100 percent discount from charge under the Greener Vehicle Discount scheme.

To be exempt from the London Congestion Charge, cars must be Euro 5 compliant and produce less than or equal to 100g/km of CO2, owners then sign up with Transport for London and pay an annual £10 fee to take advantage of the Greener Vehicle Discount.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee racks up numerous honors, awards

(April 14, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (PRNewswire) — Since arriving in dealer showrooms last summer, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has captured 29 awards from an array of opinion-leading publications, television and on-line media outlets, journalist associations and industry organizations.

Chevrolet to unveil new Malibu Monday on video streamed over Internet

(April 14, 2011) When Chevrolet unveils the new Malibu in the United States on Monday night, people around the world will be able to watch in full-screen, high-definition video streamed live over the Internet. The timing of the Web reveal coincides with the April 19 auto show debut of the car in Shanghai.

Nissan shows big sales increase in Europe for year ending March 31

(April 14, 2011) Nissan has announced European sales of 607,000 vehicles for the 2010 Financial Year ending March 31st — an increase of nearly 100,000 units against 2009. This performance was supported by a very strong end to the year. March sales reached 80,085 securing a year-high 4.0 percent of the market, Nissan's best ever for March in Europe.

Mazda's new campaign asks, 'what do you drive?'

(April 13, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Mazda will today launch an all-new advertising campaign that centers around the question, "What do you drive?"

The campaign is built around the core brand belief that, "if it's not worth driving, it's not worth building," and it is this basic statement that defines Mazda. 

National average gas price moves toward $4

(April 13, 2011) Some have been predicting gas prices at $5 a gallon this year, and those predictions — which seemed a bit on the extreme side a couple months ago — now appear to be on the mark.

Some pump prices have moved into the $4 range based on AAA's daily national average. For instance, premium went to $4.06 Tuesday and diesel hit $4.11.

Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition, reworked 323-HP V-6 announced

(April 13, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet Camaro will introduce a new model and a new engine for the 2012 model year. Included is an improved version of its standard 3.6-liter  direct injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.



New Audi Q3 to be introduced in Shanghai

(April 13, 2011) A new compact Audi SUV that will be as comfortable within the confines of the city as it will be scaling hills or crossing continents makes its world debut next week at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show (April 21-28).

The Q3 wraps trademark Audi quality, 50-plus mpg efficiency and advanced technology in a rugged SUV body with dimensions that favor urban use, and underpins these with an agile chassis with increased ground clearance and the all-weather reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive.

A Mini inspired by the Rolls Royce design team to be shown in Shanghai

(April 13, 2011) A mini designed in collaboration with the Rolls Royce design team is perhaps a bit upscale for the typical Mini buyer. But that's the new limited-run model that will be shown at the Shanghai auto show next week.

The design team at the development center of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, has produced the special edition Mini, whose exterior and interior design is inspired by fine materials and the British luxury car marque's commitment to flawless workmanship.