March 2013

Honda leads industry with four vehicles eligible for California carpool lanes

(March 20, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda offers four vehicles eligible for single-occupant access to California's high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes, the most of any full line automaker. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid, the Civic Natural Gas , the Fit EV all-electric vehicle and FCX Clarity fuel cell-electric vehicles provide drivers with the opportunity for single-occupancy carpool lane access with little-to-no tailpipe emissions at an already-reduced fuel cost.

New Ford Fusion minimizes pollen and ‘touch’ allergens

(March 20, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — As spring arrives and more Americans prepare to face allergies, the new 2013 Ford Fusion can help combat common airborne and touch-based allergens, while monitoring possible irritants in areas where customers are driving or planning to visit.
 

Kia says 2014 Forte to start at $15,900; top trim level at $19,400

(March 20, 2013 IRVINE, Calif. — Value has long been a hallmark of the Kia brand, and the all-new 2014 Forte sedan is no exception with a starting MSRP of $15,900, plus $800 in destination charges. The lower, longer and wider Forte will offer a sportier feel, a more upscale design, better performance, greater interior space and a wider array of premium amenities than its predecessor when it goes on sale within the next 30 days. 

Tales of a Jaguar from the garden of good and evil

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(March 20, 2013) SAVANNAH, Ga. — Since first visiting my college buddy in Savannah early last year, I’ve made two more trips to what is arguably the most beautiful city in the south.  I was there this month for the traditional greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park, saw Lady Chablis perform at Club One, drank coffee at Gallery, and ate my favorite shrimp n’ grits at Pirates House.  It’s divine.

First-ever Rolls-Royce exhibition opens at BMW Museum

(March 20, 2013) MUNICH — The first ever Rolls-Royce Motor Cars exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich officially opens today. The unique exhibition, entitled "Strive for Perfection," celebrates the 10th year of the renaissance of the Rolls‑Royce marque under BMW Group ownership.

2013 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD — Coming up short

THE VIRTUAL DRIVER
By Christopher A. Sawyer

(March 19, 2013) The Ford Explorer is built on a shortened version of the same platform as the Flex, a vehicle designed to replace both the Freestyle/Taurus X crossovers and the Freestar minivan with a single vehicle built off a stretched version of Volvo’s D4 platform. That is, the same platform used by the unloved Freestyle/Taurus X.

Bentley reports strong growth in 2012

(March 19, 2013) LONDON — Bentley Motors today reported a significantly increased operating profit of 100.5 million Euros ($129 million) compared to $10.3 million in 2011. Bentley boosted its total turnover by 29.9% to $1.87 billion and its profit margin increased to 7%.

Electric vehicle company revitalizes iconic Detroit Electric brand

(March 19, 2013) DETROIT — After an absence of over 70 years, Detroit Electric, the innovative electric car manufacturer, has returned to the Motor City promising job creation and a range of 100% electric vehicles for the mass market.

The last 78 production Saabs up for auction in Sweden

(March 19, 2013) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The last unique Saabs are now going to auction at KVD ' s marketplace. Among the lots are cars that were built in very limited numbers and a number of car models that Saab Automobile AB started to produce but that never came to the market. The auction, which features 78 Saabs, starts today (March 19) and concludes on April 3.

BMW wins four design competition awards

(March 19, 2013) MUNICH — The BMW Group can add another chapter to its successful history in the red dot awards, with BMW Group Design taking home four of the internationally renowned distinctions in the red dot award: product design 2013 competition.