January 2013

Chrysler shows big gains in minivan sales in 2012

(January 11, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler rang in the new year taking the sales lead in the segment it created back in 1983. Dodge Grand Caravan was the best-selling minivan in the United States in 2012 with 141,648 units sold, a 28 percent increase from 2011. America's most awarded minivan, the Chrysler Town & Country, also saw a significant 18 percent increase in sales to 111,744 units.

Volvo plant celebrates five-million-car milestone

(January 11, 2013) Volvo Car Group's plant in Ghent, Belgium, has now built five million cars since it started operating in 1965. "This is a milestone for the entire Volvo Car Group. Five million cars is a landmark achievement," says Lars Wrebo, senior vice president manufacturing.

BMW's Spartanburg plant sets production record in 2012

(January 11, 2013) SPARTANBURG, S.C. — BMW Manufacturing achieved another record production year with an annual output of 301,519 vehicles making 2012 the highest production volume in the South Carolina plant’s 19-year history.

This represents a 9% increase over the production volume for 2011. Since 2010, the plant’s production output has increased by 90%.

Hyundai's full connectivity concept to be revealed at Geneva Motor Show

(January 10, 2013) Hyundai will reveal its vision of a more connected future by demonstrating how the heightened integration of smartphones and Hyundai vehicles can benefit owners and drivers at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March.

For this innovative connectivity concept, run in partnership with LG, Hyundai is using a New Generation i30 three-door model to show how its vehicles will use smartphones as an integral component, delivering a more practical, personalized and enjoyable motoring experience.

Ford to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. this year

(January 11, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. this year — the largest increase in new salaried workers in more than a decade — to support the continued aggressive pace of new Ford product introductions.
 
The hiring is in addition to the more than 8,100 combined hourly and salaried jobs Ford added in the U.S. in 2012, as the company increased production capacity and expanded engineering, manufacturing and other areas to meet the growing demand for its fuel-efficient, high-tech vehicles.

Lexus creates unique display at Detroit Auto Show

(January 11, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Lexus has revamped all of its global models with new lines and design cues including its spindle grille and signature headlamps and taillights. Now, that commitment to design will be reflected in Lexus display at the North American International Auto Show.

1,845,186 — BMW Group sets all-time sales record in 2012

(January 11, 2013) MUNICH — The BMW Group achieved its highest ever sales result in 2012, selling 1,845,186 BMW, MiniI and Rolls-Royce vehicles worldwide. It represents an increase of 10.6% over the previous record year in 2011 when 1,668,982 units were sold.

Nissan to show crossover concept in Detroit

(January 10, 2013) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Nissan Resonance Concept makes its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15. "The Resonance is the latest in a series of envelope-pushing crossover designs from Nissan, fusing bold, breakthrough styling with hybrid-electric powertrain technology," Nissan says.

Ford doubles quarterly dividend in 2013 first quarter

(January 10, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The board of directors of Ford declared a first-quarter dividend of 10 cents per share on the company’s outstanding Class B and common stock. This is double the level of dividend paid in each quarter of 2012. 
 

Detroit Auto Show app offers 'everything auto show'

(January 10, 2013) DETROIT — The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today unveiled the Official NAIAS 2013 Mobile App, its newest means of connectivity for "everything auto show." The app will be available for free download in both the iPhone and Android platforms.