January 2013

Nissan announces major price reduction on electric Leaf

(January 15, 2013) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Nissan has announced that U.S. pricing for the new 2013 Nissan Leaf will start at  $28,800 for the newly-added S grade, making it the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States.

Depending on location, some consumers may purchase the vehicle for as low as $18,800 with qualifying federal and state tax credits, putting the Leaf on par with gas-powered vehicles of its size.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept hints at styling of next-generation Corolla

(January 15, 2013) DETROIT — Toyota revealed the Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday hinting at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla.  The concept represents an exterior styling study by Toyota designers, and it builds on the brand’s product development priority to develop more dramatic, expressively designed vehicles.

Hyundai unveils Genesis premium concept with rear-hinged door

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — Having finished 2012 with five-straight years of premium segment sales growth with its Genesis and Equus vehicle lines, Hyundai today unveiled its design direction for future premium vehicles with its HCD-14 Genesis concept at the North American International Auto Show.

Honda 'Urban SUV Concept' hints at small crossover coming in 2014

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show hinting at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014.

Chevrolet brand sets global sales record in 2012

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — Chevrolet, the world’s-fastest growing major automotive brand, sold more than 4.95 million vehicles in 2012, setting a global sales record and driving General Motors Co. global sales to more than 9.2 million vehicles, a 2.9 percent gain compared with 2011.

Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 win North American car, truck of year

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — The Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500 were named 2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year today by a panel of 49 automotive journalists. The awards were announced this morning at the North American International Auto Show.

The ATS faced the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord in the finals for 2013 North American Car of the Year, while the Ram 1500 was up against the Ford C-Max and Mazda CX-5 in the truck/utility finals.

Volkswagen shows plug-in diesel hybrid SUV

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT, Mich. — The versatile CrossBlue SUV concept that is made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show was developed specifically for the U.S. and Canada. If it goes into production, the CrossBlue would flesh out the Volkswagen SUV lineup with a seven-seat midsize crossover that slots in above the Tiguan and below the premium Touareg.

Kia completes historic year with U.S. sales record

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — Over the course of the last several years, the Kia brand has matured and grown dramatically in the U.S. market while capturing the attention of a wide variety of consumers, and no other year in Kia Motors America's history has been as successful as 2012 with the company reaching an all-time high sales total of 557,599 units. 

Infiniti unveils all-new 2014 Q50 sedan

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — Infiniti today unveiled the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 luxury sports sedan at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The dramatically styled Q50 will go on sale at Infiniti retailers in the United States and Canada this summer.

Jeep Grand Cherokee gets V-6 diesel engine option for 2014

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee will deliver a best-in-class 30 miles per gallon highway courtesy of a new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine for North America and a new eight-speed transmission. The new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.