March 2013

Audi has record 2012, continues its sales growth in U.S. in 2013

(March 17, 2013) The Audi Group surpassed its targets for 2012, and despite the significant effects of the debt crisis in some countries and a contracting overall market in Europe, the company posted record figures for production, shipments, revenue and earnings.

BMW Spartanburg upgrades hydrogen fuel-cell material handling

(March 16, 2013) SPARTANBURG, S.C. — BMW Manufacturing has announced the successful expansion of the company’s hydrogen fuel-cell material handling equipment across its 4-million square foot production facility.  In 2010, BMW completed the installation of a hydrogen storage and distribution area near the plant’s Energy Center to power about 100 pieces of fuel cell material handling equipment.

Toyota issues recall of 209,000 FJ Cruisers for seatbelt problem

(March 16, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 209,000 FJ Cruiser vehicles. The problem involves seatbelt retractors for the driver and front passenger seat belts that are mounted in the rear access doors of the vehicle. 

Experience Buick attracts new customers in first year

(March 16, 2013) DETROIT — Experience Buick leasing — a two-year term with a single monthly payment that includes entertainment, safety and maintenance features — has led Buick to double its leasing business as a share of total sales over the last 12 months.

Volkswagen considers expanding U.S. production with a new SUV

(March 15, 2013) DETROIT — Volkswagen is considering expanding its production capacity in the United States to build a full-sized sport utility vehicle, the Detroit News reported today. Like the Passat sedan built in Chattanooga, Tenn., the SUV would be designed specifically for the U.S. market.

Ford Ranger — not sold in U.S. — leads Ford sales in Thailand

(March 15, 2013) BANGKOK, Thailand — Ford Thailand has announced that its momentum from a strong start to the year continued last month with its best-ever February performance. Overall retail sales for the month rose 32 percent year-over-year to 4,493 units.

New Porsche 911 GT3 — 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds

(March 15, 2013) ATLANTA — The new Porsche 911 GT3, which premiered earlier this week at the Geneva International Motor Show, can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 195 mph. The completely-redeveloped fifth generation of the 911 GT3 occupies the top position among Porsche sports cars with naturally-aspirated engines.

Nissan saves enough energy to power Leaf 750 million miles

(March 15, 2013) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan remains a leader in energy performance with three new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR accolades on the shelf, including the 2013 Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award, the highest honor given to select organizations that are dedicated to protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

Now it's The Fatherhood for the Fiat 500L

(March 15, 2013) LONDON — Following in the footsteps of The Motherhood, and after popular demand, Fiat has launched a new YouTube film in Europe that tells the no-holds-barred truth about life as a new Dad. Welcome to The Fatherhood.

Set in the dead of night, The Fatherhood follows a weary Dad-of-two trying to get his screaming babies to sleep by driving them around the neighborhood. As he drives, he starts to sing about his long-lost youth and questions how he’s gone from Jack the Lad to Jack the Dad.

Honda recalling 250,000 vehicles for brake problem

(March 14, 2013) Honda is recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles globally, including some Acura MDX crossover SUVs, due to braking problems, the automaker said today. The stability assist system in the vehicles being recalled may malfunction and the brake could operate even when the driver is not pressing the pedal, said spokeswoman Tomoko Takemori.