February 2013

Free mobile phone app offers instant protection to motorcyclists

(February 12, 2013) PRESTON, England — Bikers Friend provides an effortless way to document motorcycle accidents instantly from your mobile device, collecting evidence that can be used to protect bikers, and offers immediate guidance and other support just when a motorcyclist needs it the most. Created by an innovative media company, Bikers Friend is currently available for Android and Apple devices.

Chevrolet debuts lightweight ‘smart material’ on Corvette

(February 12, 2013) DETROIT — From its fiberglass body in 1953 to its aluminum chassis for 2014, Chevrolet Corvette has a six-decade track record for introducing lightweight materials that improve vehicle performance. With the 2014 Corvette weighing in 99 pounds lighter than its predecessor, that trend continues.

SsangYong to show crossover concept in Geneva

(February 11, 2013) South Korean automaker SsangYong has announced that it will unveil its new SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) concept model at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show in March. 

SsangYong says the SIV-1 is a "multi interface mid-premium CUV (crossover utility vehicle) concept" that defines the brand’s new design philosophy.

Carfax database surpasses 11 billion records

(February 11, 2013) ORLANDO, Fla. — Carfax has announced its industry-leading database of vehicle history information now exceeds 11 billion records. In addition, the database comprises information from more than 75,000 sources, such as U.S. and Canadian motor vehicle departments, service and repair facilities, insurance companies and police departments.

ATD names Kenworth T680 Commercial Truck of the Year

(February 11, 2013) ORLANDO, Fla. — The American Truck Dealers (ATD) announced today the winners of the 2013 ATD Commercial Truck of the Year, an award recognizing the top truck entries in the heavy- and medium-duty categories.

New car dealers ride the 'momentum' into NADA Convention

(February 10, 2013) ORLANDO — The U.S. economy is gaining momentum and new-car and -truck sales are leading the way. In fact, “Momentum” is the theme of the 96th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo now underway in Orlando running through Monday, Feb. 11.

China roars ahead as Porsche's fastest-growing region

(February 10, 2013) SHANGHAI —  In 2013, Porsche China expects to continue building upon its spectacular successes from the past year and further establish its position as the leading luxury sports car maker in the market.

The marque set another sales record in 2012, delivering a total of 31,205 cars across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, realizing a growth rate of 28.2 percent year-on-year, driven primarily by the sales performance of the Panamera and Cayenne models.

Chicago in the winter — Media days at its 2013 auto show

CLANGING BELL
By Russ Heaps

(February 10, 2013) CHICAGO — I am writing this from my hotel in Chicago. Nissan flew me in and put me up for two nights to attend media days for the auto show where it showed off Nismo editions of its Juke and 370Z.

It's back to Plum Crazy for Dodge Challenger

(February 9, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T and track-ready Challenger SRT8 392 models deliver exactly what modern muscle car enthusiasts want — two powerful HEMI V-8 engine choices with up to 470 horsepower, iconic and functional muscle-car styling and a world-class performance suspension designed for maximum grip — all executed with quality and precision.

Ford China passenger car sales more than double in January

(February 9, 2013) SHANGHAI, China — Ford China had its best-ever January, selling more than double the number of passenger cars it did in January 2012. Ford China sold 44,439 passenger cars — including imported vehicles — last month, a 135 percent increase year-over-year, and achieved combined passenger car and commercial vehicle sales of 61,475 wholesale vehicles, a 98 percent increase from January 2012.