December 2011

Coming to U.S. soon, Ford C-MAX proves popular in Europe

(December 27, 2011) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford's new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX have proven a major success with European consumers with sales increasing by more than 100 per cent over the previous model and a high percentage of customers opting for new technology features.

New touring package models add to CTS lineup

(December 27, 2011) DETROIT — Cadillac is offering some of the performance elements of its V-series product line on standard 2012 CTS models through the new Touring Package Sedan, Coupe and Wagon starting at $2,065.

The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

GMC name turns 100 in 2012

(December 26, 2011) DETROIT — GMC is one of the longest-running brands in the General Motors portfolio, the second-largest of the four GM brands in U.S. sales, and a standard bearer for engineering in pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossover vehicles.

Designers create gowns from lights, buttons, gears and levers of Ford Focus

(December 26, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — At Ford, designers consider each new vehicle a work of art. Now the world of fashion can get a taste of that enthusiasm. Two young British designers have created haute couture — an elegant Edwardian dress and a showstopping necklace — comprised of parts from a 2012 Ford Focus.

Honda surpasses $75 million in Ohio philanthropy

(December 25, 2011) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — With its latest round of charitable giving announced last week, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. The total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.

Hyundai sets 2012 Sonata hybrid price at $26,610

(December 24, 2011) Hyundai is pricing its 2012 Sonata hybrid at $26,610, including shipping charges, the company said. That's a modest $55 increase from the 2011 model.

Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system will come standard on the hybrid. It includes all of the safety, service and infotainment options besides navigation, which is extra.

Stolen Chrysler 300 recovered with OnStar FMV

(December 24, 2011) DETROIT — OnStar advisors typically assist in the recovery of more than 500 stolen General Motors’ vehicles each month, but helping to recover a competitor's stolen vehicle is a new undertaking.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, OnStar subscriber Jean Franklin of Gresham, Ore., used OnStar to help facilitate the recovery of her stolen 2006 Chrysler 300. Franklin had purchased OnStar FMV, the company’s new aftermarket system, just two days before the incident.

Fans can win by sharing next Chevy Super Bowl ad

(December 23, 2011) DETROIT — Independent film makers from 32 countries are offering their interpretations of Chevrolet’s “Everyday Hero” for a chance to have their 30-second ad aired during the telecast of Super Bowl XLVI. Now, fans can cash in by sharing with their friends their favorite spot among the top 35 entries featured on ChevroletRoute66.MSN.com.

Kia introduces Korea's first electric car

(December 23, 2011) Kia Motors has introduced Korea's first electric vehicle with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV — a "city car" with an 86-mile range between charges.

The Ray won't make it to the U.S. This is a car only for South Korea, a clone of another small Kia model that's powered by a tiny 1-liter gas engine with the same name.

2013 Cadillac ATS gets shakedown time at Nürburgring

(December 23, 2011) DETROIT — The Cadillac ATS engineering team traveled to the world famous Nürburgring in Germany to give the cars an opportunity to perform in a strenuous, yet predictable environment. There, on the Nordschleife, or “North Loop,” the next chapter in the Cadillac ATS video series continues.