April 2011

Michelin ranks highest in J.D. Power tire satisfaction study

(April 13, 2011) GREENVILLE, S.C. (PRNewswire) — Michelin tires have once again ranked highest in satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. The 2011 honors brings Michelin's lifetime total of J.D. Power and Associates awards to 66, more awards than any other tire manufacturer since the study launched in 1989.

Michelin received the industry's top honors in the Luxury, Passenger Car, Performance Sport and Truck/Utility segments, posting improvements over 2010 and scoring significantly above the industry average in each segment.

Kelley Blue Book online sets new traffic record in March

(April 13, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com today announced another traffic record in March 2011, shattering its previous best month and best day records. In addition, kbb.com has delivered its dealer partners a record number of used-car leads in the first quarter of 2011.

First U.S. multi-car electric vehicle charging system introduced

(April 12, 2011) MIAMI (PRNewswire) — Multi-level garages, automotive fleets and large-scale parking facilities can now be far greener and have a new source of revenue — thanks to Recharge Solutions. The company's goal is to provide electric vehicle charging systems to the millions of people who live and/or work in high rise buildings with multi-level garages, as well as to fleet operators and other large garage owners/operators such as airports, hospitals and universities.

All-New Subaru Impreza to get a '3-D' Reveal in N.Y.

(April 12, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — Demonstrating the outdoor, active lives of its customers, Subaru will debut the all-new Subaru Impreza at its New York International Auto Show news conference via 3-D video. 

Los Angeles motorists give new meaning to 'City of Angels'

(April 12, 2011) DETROIT — The bad news is that residents of Los Angeles County spend an estimated four days a year stuck in traffic. The good news is drivers are helping each other when they are in need. According to OnStar, the “City of Angels” ranked No. 1 in Good Samaritan calls last year, proving that L.A. drivers are living up to the city’s nickname.

Cadillac SRX to get bigger V-6 for 2012

(April 12, 2011) DETROIT — Cadillac will offer a new, more powerful engine for the 2012 SRX, providing buyers of the luxury crossover with improved acceleration both from a standstill and when passing.

The SRX will receive a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine projected to deliver 300 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, according to preliminary tests by Cadillac.

New-car transaction prices climbing, research company finds

(April 12, 2011) Getting a good deal on a new car is becoming harder to accomplish. That's the conclusion of a report by CNW Research.

CNW has found that automakers and dealers are getting the highest transaction prices in 15 years for vehicles sold in the United States, due to a high demand for a dwindling supply of new vehicles.

Ford calls for more open collaboration with automotive outsiders

(April 12, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — With the 60th anniversary of its U.S. research hub in the backdrop, Ford is ushering in a new era of collaboration, opening up its doors even wider to the possibility of more nontraditional automotive partnerships that can help create a better vehicle experience for customers.

Infiniti offering free roadside assistance app

(April 11, 2011) FRANKLIN, Tenn. (PRNewswire) — Consistent with Infiniti's commitment to offer luxury vehicles that inspire at every turn, Infiniti has collaborated with Cross Country Automotive Services to introduce a free Roadside Assistance app for iPhone, providing owners expanded access to summon help for roadside support.

Kia captures first racing victory in company history

(April 11, 2011) RVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — It was an historic weekend for Kia Motors' second-year motorsports program as Michael Galati and Nic Jonsson co-drove the No. 10 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup to the company's first-ever racing victory in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race in Birmingham, Ala.