December 2012

Nissan to offer Leaf owners warranty for battery capacity loss

(December 31, 2012) Nissan said last week it will replace some poorly performing batteries in its electric Leaf and will offer expanded warranty coverage to address battery issues for 18,000 U.S. owners.

Some Leaf owners in hot-weather climates have complained of poor performance and battery capacity loss in the Leaf's lithium-ion battery, the Detroit News reported.

Ford a major player in digital revolution

(December 31, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — In Ford’s Silicon Valley Lab, Dave Evans creates a custom vehicle gauge and emails the 3D design to Zac Nelson in Dearborn. Nelson uses the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic at his workstation and prints up a physical prototype. The future of research and development is happening right here and now at the desks of these Ford engineers.

Trio of new EcoTec3 engines powers 2014 Silverado and Sierra

(December 31, 2012) DETROIT — The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 will deliver more power, more torque and improved fuel efficiency, thanks in part to a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines designed specifically for the needs of full-size truck customers. The new engine family includes a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8.

Ford only brand to top 2 million sales in U.S. for 2012

(December 30, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford brand is on track to top 2 million U.S. vehicle sales in 2012 for the second straight year — the only auto brand to do so in America this year.
 
In addition, the Ford Focus is on track to become this year’s best-selling global nameplate, while the Ford Fiesta is on pace to be this year’s best-selling global B-Car, giving Ford the best-selling B and C-Car in the world, based on the latest Polk global industry data through September.

Honda's 'Follow Your Dreams' float to lead 2013 Rose Parade

(December 30, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — The Honda 2013 Rose Parade float entry, "Follow Your Dreams," will be the first float in the 124th Rose Parade, themed "Oh, the Places You'll Go!," on Tuesday. The float's design captures the theme through its imaginative depiction of innovative Honda technologies and Dr. Seuss-inspired features.

Two Lincolns used in 'The Godfather' to be auctioned

(December 29, 2012) Two rare 1941 Lincoln vehicles used in the 1972 movie "The Godfather" will be sold at The Bonhams Scottsdale (Arizona) auction Jan. 17 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

The two cars used in Francis Ford Coppola's epic movie are a 1941 Lincoln Custom limousine and a 1941 Lincoln Continental coupe.

Video leads up to debut of the Infiniti Q50

(December 29, 2012) NASHVILLE — Infiniti reached one million Facebook fans today and as a thank you to its loyal fan-base, released a first glimpse of the Infiniti Q50 — the all-new luxury sports sedan to be released Jan. 14, at the brand's North American International Auto Show press conference, following a special performance by Cirque du Soleil.

Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid rated up to 108 MPGe city

(December 29, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2013 Ford Fusion — recently voted Green Car of the Year — just got greener as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified the new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid at up to 108 MPGe, making it America’s most fuel-efficient sedan.
 

Kia appoints first non-Korean president

(December 28, 2012) Peter Schreyer, chief design officer at Kia Motors and the man who has led the company’s design transformation, has been appointed President — the first non-Korean to hold that title in the company’s history.

Schreyer, 59, joined Kia in 2006 from the Volkswagen Group to create a new design-led product strategy for the brand and quickly became known for his “Tiger-nose” family look.

Hyundai Sonata breaks all-time yearly sales record

(December 28, 2012) COSTA MESA, Calif. —  Hyundai's benchmark-setting mid-size Sonata broke its all-time yearly sales record this week, surpassing the 225,961 sales it logged in its record-setting performance last year. Sonata joins the Elantra, Veloster, Genesis, and Equus in setting all-time sales records for Hyundai in 2012.