January 2013

Audi vehicles to get new 3D sound experience

(January 9, 2013) LAS VEGAS — Bang & Olufsen has developed a 3D sound technology in the car-audio segment together with Audi and Fraunhofer IIS, the main inventor of mp3 and a renowned source for advanced audio technologies.

Under the partnership, the 3D audio solution has been introduced in an Audi Q7 Concept Car, which will be unveiled at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in the Audi booth.

New Ram Heavy Duty to claim 30,000-pound towing capacity

(January 9, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., — In the quest to build the most capable trucks available, Ram officially released class-leading towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks.

The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and other significant driveline upgrades.

Nissan top growing brand in Brazil in 2012

(January 9, 2013) RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Nissan do Brasil reached a new milestone in 2012. In addition to being the top growing automaker for the third consecutive year, Nissan do Brasil has for the first time exceeded 100,000 units sold in the domestic market.

Audi SQ5 now with gas engine and 354 dynamic horsepower

(January 9, 2013) The new Audi SQ5 to be shown at the Detroit Auto Show is the first ever to be powered by a gasoline engine — in this case one producing 354 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. The new top-of-the-line model, which was designed specifically for markets such as the United States, Canada and China, uses a 3.0 TFSI engine with forced induction.

Camouflaged Cadillac ELR photographed in testing

(January 8, 2013) DETROIT — The Cadillac ELR electric vehicle with extended range, to be revealed Jan. 15 at the North American International Auto Show, was photographed driving through the mountains of Southern California during development testing.

Ford, Eaton, SunPower, Whirlpool team up for electric energy initiative

(January 8, 2013) LAS VEGAS — Ford today announced a strategic collaboration that will demonstrate how a typical American family can significantly reduce their electricity bills by integrating home appliance technology with a plug-in vehicle to achieve an energy-efficient lifestyle.
 

Hyundai becomes first Korean brand to make top 10 in sales in UK

(January 8, 2013) HIGH WYCOMBE, UK — Hyundai starts the 2013 as one of the top 10 best-selling auto manufacturers in the UK — the first time for any Korean car brand — after recording best-ever sales of 74,285 vehicles.

Hyundai UK outperformed the car market by more than three times increasing sales over 2011 by 18.1% and it secured a record market share of 3.63%. It also became the fastest-growing manufacturer in the Fleet sector with an impressive 40% increase in fleet sales versus 2011.

Toyota launches refreshed 2013 Yaris for the UK

(January 8, 2012) The 2013 Yaris Trend, which broke cover at the Paris motor show in September, will replace the outgoing 2012 Trend grade in the United Kingdom. With its exterior styling elements and dedicated interior finishes, textures and colors, it’s aimed at younger customers for whom fashionable design is a priority.

Ford China delivers another record sales month in December

(January 8, 2012) SHANGHAI, China — Ford China set an annual sales record in 2012, selling 626,616 wholesale vehicles, up 21 percent from 519,390 wholesales in 2011. For the fourth month in a row Ford also set a monthly sales record, with 70,510 wholesale vehicles sold in December, up 43 percent from 49,238 a year earlier.
 

Oregon State University installs handicapped parking space sensors

(January 8, 2013) CORVALLIS, Ore. — Visitors, students and staff at Oregon State University  looking for handicapped accessible parking spaces on campus can now use their mobile devices to check for space availability.