March 2013

GM Fairfax breaks ground on all-new paint shop

(March 12, 2013) KANSAS CITY, Kan. — General Motors broke ground and began construction today on an all-new, 450,000-square-foot, bi-level paint shop at the Fairfax Assembly and Stamping Plant. The paint shop is part of a $600-million investment in the plant, which builds the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu.

Amphicar to be auctioned at Cruisin' Nocona (Texas)

(March 12, 2013) HARVEY, La. —The Amphicar is one of the most unusual collectible vehicles in the world, and with less than 4,000 created before production ceased in 1965, it's rare to have a chance to see one up close.

But the folks behind Cruisin' Nocona are making that opportunity a reality, as the inaugural automotive experience will feature the amphibious automobile and other collectible classic and muscle cars during the two-day car show, Classic Car Poker Run and auction on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20.

Nissan's goal: Be top Asian car brand in Europe

(March 12, 2013) ROLLE, Switzerland — Nissan today announced it recorded market share growth in Europe in February, increasing by 0.3 percentage points to 4.2%. This was spearheaded by strong fiscal year-to-date market share in 21 of Nissan's major European markets, contributing to the 49,114 units sold during the month.

Buick says front center air bag helps Enclave achieve five-star safety

(March 12, 2013) DETROIT — The 2013 Buick Enclave, equipped  with a standard front center air bag, has received the highest possible five-star overall vehicle score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

Previously, the luxury crossover SUV was also named a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Sergio Marchionne's Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be auctioned for charity

(March 12, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne’s customized 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and Mopar’s latest HEMI V-8 crate engine will be auctioned with all proceeds going to United Way for Southeastern Michigan . The auction will take place during the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Fla., April 4-6.

Ford Fiesta GT is company's fastest small production car

(March 11, 2013) BRENTWOOD, Essex —  Ford says its new European Fiesta ST is the company's fastest and most dynamic small production performance car ever, employing a precision-tuned and driver-focused powertrain and chassis to deliver the ultimate Fiesta driving experience.

Hertz expands supercar rentals in Europe

(March 11, 2013) LONDON — The Hertz Corporation has expanded its Supercar offerings in Europe to cater to the international and local market demand. Providing the opportunity to drive high end marques that would normally retail at six figure prices, Hertz Supercars are now available for rental in France, Italy and, as of April, in the Netherlands.

Ford Focus ST becomes Europe's top-selling hot hatch

(March 11, 2013) COLOGNE, Germany — The Ford Focus ST was the best-selling hot hatch in Europe in the last three months of 2012 according to figures from automotive data intelligence provider Polk, accounting for 44 per cent of all sales during this period, ahead of VW Golf GTI with 33 per cent and Renault Megane Sport with 12 per cent.
 

Nissan opens its house to engage future female engineers

(March 11, 2013) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Jennifer Hill is a former Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators cheerleader. She is also a process engineer and manager at Nissan Motor Company.
 
"I wanted to dance and I also wanted to pursue a career in technology, and I decided to do both," said Hill, during a keynote address at a DigiGirlz event hosted at Nissan Americas.

All-new Range Rover Sport to be revealed in New York

(March 11, 2013) MAHWAH, N.J. — The all-new Range Rover Sport will make its global premiere in a ground breaking live drive through Manhattan, on March 26. Land Rover's fastest, most responsive and most agile vehicle to date will be revealed to audiences around the world on the eve of the 2013 New York Auto Show.