June 2012

Government opens investigation into Ford Explorer, Chrysler 200 defects

(June 22, 2012) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is opening investigations into 170,000 2011 Ford Explorer and Chrysler 200 vehicles over complaints of steering problems and engine stalling.

NHTSA said it was opening two preliminary investigations.

30 more horsepower for the 911 Carrera S with enhancements

(June 22, 2012) ATLANTA — Porsche Exclusive has announced a new power enhancement kit developed for the 2013 911 Carrera S. Focusing specifically on the dynamic properties of the new, seventh-generation sports car, the new Powerkit boosts the power of the 3.8-liter boxer engine from 400 horsepower to 430 horsepower.

New optional V-6 takes 2013 GMC Terrain from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds

(June 22, 2012) DETROIT — When the 2013 GMC Terrain goes on sale later this year, its optional 3.6-liter V-6 will make it the quickest, most powerful iteration yet of GMC’s small SUV. After final testing, engineers confirm the new engine delivers 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

Londoners get free taxi rides in the Nissan Leaf

(June 21, 2012) LONDON — Professional taxi drivers will be swapping their current cars for Nissan Leaf electric cars this weekend. A fleet of zero-emission Nissan Leafs will be driving around London on June 23 and 24, offering free taxi rides.

To grab a ride, all a prospective passenger has to do is send a Tweet that incorporates the hashtag ‘#6XCHEAPER’ and their chosen destination. Nissan is also using the activity to gather consumer feedback on a potential taxi of the future.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu prices announced

(June 21, 2012) DETROIT — When the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan goes on sale this summer with an all-new 2.5-liter Ecotec engine and 10 standard air bags, it will carry a suggested retail price of $23,150, including a $760 destination charge.

Aston Martin reveals new Vanquish

(June 21, 2012) Aston Martin this week unveiled a stunning new luxury sports car — the Vanquish. Sitting at the top of the luxury British car maker’s sports car line-up, this breath-taking new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering.

GM's landfill-free facilities reach 100

(June 20, 2012) LANSING, Mich. — A single plastic bag of household garbage represents more trash going to a landfill than 100 General Motors facilities combined.

GM recently added its 100th landfill-free facility — a parts distribution center in Lansing, Mich. It is a milestone in the company’s ongoing waste-reduction efforts. No other automaker has as many facilities contributing zero waste to landfill.

Vehicle thefts continue to decline, insurance group reports

(June 20, 2012) DES PLAINS, Ill. — The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported today that 2011 is on track as yet another consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts. Four of the top 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) reported more thefts in 2011 (+925 collectively) while the remaining six posted fewer (-2,017 collectively).

Mitsubishi to show Outlander plug-in hybrid in Paris

(June 19, 2012) CIRENCESTER, UK — Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global and green new product generation with a series of premieres at the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show. The highlight will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.

The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or “PHEV”) will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced Outlander internal combustion engine versions.

Top Gear stunt team sets world record with double loop-the-loop on four wheels

(June 19, 2012) The history making Top Gear Live Stunt Team has set a world record by becoming the first to complete a spectacular double loop-the-loop on four wheels. The ground-breaking feat— dubbed the Deadly 720 — was the amazing finale to the first of four Top Gear Festival shows staged in front of a sell-out 15,000-plus live audience at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa on June 15-16.