September 2011

Nissan expands U.S. market for Leaf adding several states

(September 30, 2011) On the heels of the 7,000th delivery in the United States, is expanding availability of Nissan Leaf, the world’s first all-electric car for the mass market.

Orders for the 2012 Nissan Leaf begin today in Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. Deliveries of the Leaf, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets by December.

New camera-based collision alert debuts on GMC Terrain

(September 30, 2011) DETROIT — The 2012 GMC Terrain features the industry’s first crash avoidance system that exclusively uses a single camera to help drivers avoid front-end and unsignalled lane departure crashes.

Terrain’s new active safety system uses a high-resolution digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror that looks for shapes of vehicles and lane markings.

Mercedes touts worldwide smart sales, but popularity of tiny car lags in U.S.

(September 30, 2011) Mercedes-Benz is touting the success of its tiny smart fortwo city car with worldwide sales rising to 69,073 for the first eight months of 2011. In addition, Mercedes says sales of the second-generation two-seater have reached a half million since its launch four years ago.

Texas fairgoers can vote for 'Truck of the Fair'

(September 30, 2011) CHICAGO — Cars.com in partnership with PickupTrucks.com today announced that Texans get to be the critics in the sites' "Truck of the Fair" competition at the upcoming State Fair of Texas.  To participate, fairgoers can text their vote to 35350 after seeing all the new models in the fair's Truck Zone. 

"As editor of PickupTrucks.com, I get a chance to share my thoughts on new trucks through reviews and articles on our website," says site editor, Mark Williams. 

Rally-ready Hyundai Veloster to be unveiled at SEMA Show

(September 29, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. —To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its innovative three-door coupe, Hyundai has teamed up with ARK Performance to transform the all-new Veloster into a sleek and sporty rally car.

Four-cylinder engine production begins at Toyota's Alabama plant

(September 29, 2011) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — State and local officials joined Toyota team members and executives today to mark the start of four-cylinder engine production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL). 

The addition of four-cylinder engine production boosts TMMAL's employment to almost 1,000 and total investment to $637 million.

GM introduces industry's first front center airbag

(September 29, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors will introduce the industry’s first front center air bag, an inflatable restraint designed to help protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

The front center air bag will be introduced on the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse midsize crossovers in the 2013 model year. This new safety feature will be standard on Acadia and Traverse with power seats and all Enclaves.

General Motors, UAW agree on contract terms

(September, 28, 2011) DETROIT — “The agreement is a win-win for our employees and our company,” said GM CEO Dan Akerson today after striking a labor agreement with the United Auto Workers.

“It underscores the alignment between the UAW and the new GM in our efforts to drive long-term success, and gives all of our employees a direct stake in the quality of our products and our performance.”

Volkswagen to open fifth regional sales office in U.S.

(September 28, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America today announced it will open a fifth regional sales office in the Dallas metropolitan area "to further strengthen the company's relationships with customers and dealers." 

As a vital part of Volkswagen's long-term commitment to the U.S. market, the expansion will help facilitate future growth and employment opportunities, while better serving the needs of its retail network in key markets.

GM touts new Sonic paint job 'eco-friendly'

(September 28, 2011) DETROIT — To many buyers, the shine and sparkle of their new car is a key purchase driver. With the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, the only subcompact car made in America, drivers can admire the gloss knowing the latest paint processes were applied in a new eco-friendly paint shop to ensure high quality with less environmental impact.

General Motors says it is the first automaker in the United States to use a unique water-based “three-wet” paint process.