July 2011

Renault unveils electric work/family vehicle — the Frendzy

(July 7, 2011) PARIS — Ahead of the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, Renault today revealed details of its latest concept vehicle, Frendzy.

The Frendzy concept is an electric commercial vehicle that takes its inspiration from unconventionally shaped aircraft and appears to target the Ford Transit Connect Electric.

Infiniti releases teaser photo of new luxury crossover

(July 7, 2011) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Infiniti released a teaser photo of the Infiniti JX Concept today, giving the first official glimpse at a new luxury crossover that will join the Infiniti line next spring. Reinforcing the vehicle's seven-passenger seating, the photo was launched at exactly 7:07 am.

Global sales increase 64 percent for Rolls-Royce

(July 7, 2011) Rolls-Royce, builder of some of the most expensive cars in the world, reports record sales for the first half of 2011. The company said today its sales increased by 64 per cent worldwide compared with the same period in 2010, delivering 1,592 cars in the first six months.

Audi sets sales record for Chinese market

(July 7, 2011) Audi set another sales record on the Chinese market in the first six months of 2011. With 140,699 vehicles delivered in China and Hong Kong, the company increased sales by 28 percent versus the first six months of 2010.

Audi sold 27,658 automobiles in June, more than in any month previously. This makes China the largest sales market for Audi AG worldwide.

Subaru forecasts big growth in U.S. over next five years

(July 6, 2011) — Subaru has been on a roll in the United States with stead month over month and year over year improved sales. The Japanese company sold a record 264,000 vehicles in the United States last year.

It expects its recent success to continue, today forecasting that it sees sales rising to 380,000 units in the U.S. over the next five years.

Ford reports six-month gains in China sales

(July 6, 2011) SHANGHAI, China — Ford Motor China announced sales of 274,510 units for the first half of 2011, a 14 percent increase from the same period last year. In June, Ford sold 44,442 units, an 11 percent increase from June 2010.

Nissan wins a 'green car' award in the UK

(July 6, 2011) Nissan has won an honor in the UK, winning the Green-Car-Guide’s Greenest Manufacturer of the Year Award for showing real commitment and leadership with the launch of the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

Green-Car-Guide.com presents its Greenest Manufacturer Award every year with the aim of recognizing manufacturers that have made a special contribution by offering motorists more efficient, lower carbon vehicles — as long as they are also great to drive.

Raleigh, N.C., plans plug-in night

(July 6, 2011) RALEIGH, N.C. (PRNewswire) — With major automakers bringing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to market, the public is invited to visit the Plug-In 2011 Conference & Exposition Public Night on July 19 to get a first-hand look at the latest plug-in technology innovations, including a variety of cleaner and greener cars that can lower fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on oil.

Daimler to put seven electric cars in Silvretta rally

(July 6, 2011) STUTTGART — Following last year's successful debut, Daimler AG is competing in the annual Silvretta electric car rally in Austria this week with seven electric cars of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.

Suit filed over Chevrolet Impala rear spindle rods

(July 6, 2011) A class action lawsuit was filed in Detroit last week alleging General Motors fixed defective spindle rods in the police version of the 2007 and 2008 model Chevrolet Impalas, but did not offer to correct the problem in 423,000 Impala models sold to civilian owners.