March 2013

Toyota i-ROAD with 'Active Lean' to debut in Geneva

(March 4, 2013) Toyota’s new i-ROAD personal mobility vehicle (PMV) makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show this week, a new, flexible form of transport designed for city streets.

Seating two in tandem and under cover, i-ROAD is an electric vehicle with a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge. Using "Active Lean" technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.

BMW to show i3 Concept Coupe in Geneva

(March 4, 2013) The BMW i3 Concept Coupe makes its European premiere in Geneva, while the BMW i8 Concept Spyder also makes an appearance. These two concept models reflect the current status of the ongoing development process and illustrate the potential breadth of an extended BMW i (electric) portfolio.

GM puts Its stamp on Texas with massive press delivery

(March 3, 2013) PORT OF HOUSTON, Texas — The first shipment of massive equipment to stamp out components for General Motors’ new full-size SUVs arrived at the Arlington Stamping Plant last week.

The four presses, pit equipment and two press beds — weighing a total of 5 million pounds — are making their way 550 miles from the Port of Houston.

Mercedes-Benz has best-ever February sales in U.S.

(March 3, 2013) MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,051 units in February, a 22.2% increase over the 19,679 vehicles sold in February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9%.  On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2% increase.

Mini's second straight Dakar victory leads to special edition

(March 3, 2013) MUNICH — Success in motor sport can be measured not only in titles and trophies, but also in an extra spike in driving fun out on the road. At least that’s the message from the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013.

Mini and John Cooper Works have launched this special-edition model to celebrate their triumph in the Dakar Rally 2013, the French duo of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret piloting their Mini ALL4 Racing to overall victory in the world’s toughest rally event for the second year in a row. The special edition will be limited to just 11 units and sold only in France.

Volkswagen to show electric commercial van concept

(March 3, 2013) Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing a transporter concept vehicle: the e-Co-Motion at the Geneva auto show this week. Despite its large cargo capacity it is compact and maneuverable. It has a payload of 1,760 pounds, yet zero emissions on the road thanks to an electric drive system.

Chrysler again tops in sales in Canada

(March 2, 2013) WINDSOR, Ontario — Chrysler Canada today announced its 39th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, representing the longest sales streak in the company’s history. February 2013 sales were 16,832 compared with 16,536 vehicles sold in February, 2012, which represents a 2 per cent increase.

Ford all-wheel-drive retail sales up 72 percent since 2009

(March 2, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is capitalizing on the popularity of all-wheel-drive technology, with its AWD sales growing 72 percent since 2009, outpacing the industry growth rate of 53 percent. In 2012, more than 20 percent of the industry’s new car and utility vehicles were sold with AWD systems.
 

Cadillac sales jump 20 percent in February

(March 2, 2013) DETROIT — More than six of 10 Cadillac customers in February traded in something other than a prior model Cadillac, evidence the luxury brand is attracting new customers with its expanding product line.

Toyota to show convertible version of the Scion FR-S in Geneva

(March 1, 2013) GENEVA — Toyota will present its new FT-86 Open concept for the first time at the Geneva motor show, a car created to test the water for the possible introduction of a convertible version of its globally acclaimed GT86 sports coupe, sold in the U.S. as the Scion FR-S.