September 2012

Completing a lease return — Nissan has an app for that

(September 17, 2012) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Turning in a leased car is about to get easier, quicker and more convenient for customers of two Japanese brands.  Nissan and Infiniti dealers now have a new app called RPM Mobile. It allows dealers to complete a lease return simply by using a cell phone or tablet.

Ford begins building 1.0-liter EcoBoost C-MAX models in Spain

(September 17, 2012) VALENCIA, Spain — The first Ford C-MAX and seven-seat Ford Grand C-MAX models powered by the 1.0-liter EcoBoost began rolling off the production line last week at Ford’s plant in Valencia.

Both the 99 horsepower and 123 horsepower versions of the 1.0-liter engine-equipped C-MAX and Grand C-MAX achieve best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Toyota to show special European edition of Yaris

(September 17, 2012) Toyota will show its special European Yaris Trend edition for 2013 at the Paris Motor Show on Sept. 27. Toyota says that with its exterior styling elements and dedicated interior finishes, textures and colors, it’s aimed at younger customers for who make fashionable design a priority.

Lexus LF-CC displays brand's design direction

(September 17, 2012) Lexus will unveil the LF-CC for the first time at the Paris motor show, a new mid-size coupe concept that presents design and technology ideas that will influence future models.

It follows on from the LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept which debuted at the Detroit show earlier this year as a more compact model with rear-wheel drive and full hybrid power. It shares design cues with the earlier show car and demonstrates how Lexus is using its concept studies to influence future production models, in this case cars for the compact executive car market — the D-segment.

Hyundai launches all new compact hatchback for Brazil market

(September 16, 2012) PIRACICABA, Brazil — Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, has launched its long-awaited Brazil-exclusive model, officially entering the biggest and most competitive segment in the country's auto market.

New Ford Police Interceptor rated at 25 mpg with 3.7-liter V-6

(September 16, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.
 

Hyundai reveals third version of its European i30

(September 15, 2012) Ahead of its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the Hyundai has revealed the third member of its New Generation i30 family, a three-door hatchback. It joins the five-door hatchback and the Tourer to extend the broad appeal of Hyundai’s "made for Europe" C-segment range to an even wider audience.

BMW to show plug-in electric hybrid family vehicle in Paris

(September 15, 2012) — BMW will present its BMW Concept Active Tourer, a plug-in hybrid that has the ability to travel 18 miles on the batteries, at the Paris Motor Show in two weeks. BMW says the front-wheel drive vehicle is the first in the premium compact segment vehicle to combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and style.

Audi SQ5 TDI concept limited edition headed to Paris show

(September 14, 2012) The Audi SQ5 TDI is the new top model in the Q5 model series and also the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine. Now an extra dash of exclusivity has been added to its potent formula as the SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept — a limited edition version created by high performance division quattro GmbH — is readied for its Paris Show debut.

Setting a new pace — The all-new Mini Paceman

(September 14, 2012) A sporty new exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior – feast your eyes on the all-new Mini Paceman. It will launch in Europe this spring, and should follow in the U.S.