December 2012

2013 Ram 1500 named Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year'

(December 6, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The editors of Motor Trend today named the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 the magazine’s 2013 Truck of the Year.

“The new Ram 1500 makes a powerful statement about our company and the Ram Truck Brand,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO Ram Truck brand. “Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year is an amazing honor; truly one of the most prestigious awards an automaker can achieve. It reaffirms the fact that Ram has the best truck on the road today. Bar none.”

Honda builds 1 millionth automobile for export from U.S.

(December 6, 2012) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Twenty-five years after the first U.S.-made Honda automobile was exported to overseas markets, associates at the company's Marysville Auto Plant marked production of the 1 millionth Honda automobile to be exported from the U.S. The silver 2013 Honda Accord EX-L Sedan will be shipped to South Korea.

Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition wins 'Four Wheeler of Year' honor

(December 6, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The new 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Moab Edition is the winner of the respected “Four Wheeler of the Year” award from the editors of Four Wheeler magazine. Paying homage to Jeep enthusiasts’ favorite off-roading destination, the Wrangler Unlimited Moab includes Goodyear Silent Armor off-road tires, winch-capable steel bumpers, and an available locking rear differential for increased capability.

Chevy Volt owners surpass 100 million electric miles

(December 6, 2012) DETROIT — Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the vehicle went on sale two years ago this month. The average Volt owner travels more than 65 percent of the time in pure electric mode as the car was designed — only using the gasoline-powered generator for longer trips.

Hyundai breaks all-time U.S. sales record before year end

(December 6, 2012) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai announced Wednesday that it surpassed its all-time full-year sales record of 645,691 vehicles in the U.S., breaking a record it set in 2011, with still most of December left.

BMW to take 3-Series coupe, convertible upscale as 4-Series

(December 6, 2012) In a bold move to take the iconic 3-Series upscale, BMW has announced that it is spinning off its 3-Series coupe and convertible into a new category, the 4-Series. The sedan will remain a 3-Series. BMW will show a new 4-Series concept coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, and expect the production coupe to go on sale in mid-2013.

Downsized V-8 in new Audi RS 6 Avant under 4 seconds 0-60

(December 5, 2012) LONDON — The all-new third-generation Audi RS 6 Avant will need just 3.9 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph to dispel any doubt that its ultra-efficient new downsized V8 TFSI engine has compromised on muscle for the sake of miles-per-gallon. The latest super Avant will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor with an exceptional sub-four-second sprint time.

Forty winters of Subaru all-wheel drive in the UK

(December 5, 2012) LONDON — With ice and snow returning to cause chaos on British roads once again, Subaru UK is this month celebrating the 40th anniversary of its antidote to hazardous winter driving conditions — the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system — which has allowed Subaru owners to go almost anywhere since its introduction in 1972.

Ford continues as Canada's top-selling automaker

(December 5, 2012) OAKVILLE, Ont. — Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited continued to be Canada’s top selling automaker in November and year-to-date. This marks Ford of Canada’s best November since 2001 with sales driven by both cars with a 14 per cent increase, and trucks with a rise of 6 per cent.
 

Jetta Hybrid earns EPA 48 mpg giving VW seven models at 40 mpg

(December 5, 2012) HERNDON, VA. — With EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg on the highway, 42 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 45 mpg, the Jetta Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup and the seventh model capable of more than 40 mpg on the highway.