May 2012

GM to double size of Korean global design center

(May 24, 2012) BUSAN, Korea — General Motors announced today that it will expand its global design center in Incheon, Korea, doubling the size of the facility to include new modeling studios, display spaces and areas for creative work.

By 2013, the enhanced design center will provide a state-of-the-art work environment for more than 200 employees responsible for a range of GM global vehicle programs.

Chrysler CEO returns to Belvidere Plant to celebrate Dodge Dart launch

(May 24, 2012) BELVIDERE, Ill. — Nearly four months after his first visit to the Belvidere Assembly Plant when he announced the addition of 1,800 new jobs, Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne returned to the plant to celebrate the launch of the all-new Dodge Dart with about 1,000 employees.

Malibu launches as Chevrolet's European flagship

(May 24, 2012) LONDON — Automotive News Europe reports that Chevrolet is rolling out the Malibu sedan in Europe as its flagship car as Chevrolet seeks to expand its product offerings in the region beyond low-priced small and minicars.

Kia wins Bronze Effie for Blake Griffin's slam dunk

(May 24, 2012) When Blake Griffin leaped over a Kia Optima to win the 2011 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk contest, footage of the dunk immediately went viral online and Kia Motors America captured the historic moment with a 30-second ad spot that began airing less than 72 hours later.

Chevrolet traces 82-year evolution of the car radio

(May 24, 2012) DETROIT — For 82 years, the automobile and the radio have been practically inseparable. Today, the experience is more than turning knobs to find a station and setting the volume. As in-car connectivity and infotainment systems evolve, the driver is both programmer and receiver. 

OnStar RemoteLink passes 14 million interactions

(May 23, 2012) DETROIT — More than 821,000 active users of OnStar's RemoteLink mobile app have checked their tire pressure, how much gas is in their tank and unlocked their doors as part of the more than 14 million interactions that have occurred since the auto industry-first mobile app debuted in 2010.

Nissan to build all-electric NV200 van in Spain

(May 23, 2012) BARCELONA, Spain — Nissan will begin building an all-electric compact van, the e-NV200, in Barcelona in the 2013, the company announced today. The new model will be based on the existing NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an i innovative addition to Nissan's global range of light commercial vehicles.

California Senate passes bill for self-driving cars

(May 23, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Jerry Hirsch of the Los Angeles Times reports a bill that would allow self-driving cars on California's roads has passed the California Senate.

The bill, SB1298, sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), establishes guidelines for "autonomous vehicles" to be tested and operated in California. The bill now goes to the Assembly for consideration next month.

Mazda, Fiat agree to co-develop new rear-wheel drive roadster

(May 23, 2012) Fiat and Mazda have agreed to develop and manufacture a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda’s next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The study calls for both Fiat and Mazda to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Alfa Romeo and Mazda variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.

Packing it with the Cadillac SRX

(May 22, 2012) DETROIT — The summer road trip season is near, meaning millions of drivers are planning getaways — with lots of stuff. The Cadillac SRX crossover’s Cargo Management System is designed as an ideal companion for long weekends and driving vacations.