April 2013

Government to expand hybrid car fleet by up to 10,000 vehicles

(April 22, 2013) WASHINGTON — Ahead of Earth Day, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini announced a new GSA Fleet consolidation initiative to give federal agencies the opportunity to replace their aging fleet with hybrid vehicles. Through this initiative, GSA would expand the number of hybrid vehicles in the federal fleet by up to 10,000 vehicles, resulting in the reduction of approximately 1,000,000 gallons of fuel per year for the life of these vehicles.

Nissan, New York City launch Leaf electric vehicle taxi pilot

(April 22, 2013) NEW YORK — To celebrate Earth Day, Nissan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today launched a new electric vehicle taxi pilot with the world's best-selling electric car, Nissan Leaf. This pilot program, which puts six Leaf taxis into service beginning this spring, will help Nissan, the city, the taxi industry and the public understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets.

Ford unveils new Escort concept in Shanghai

(April 22, 2013) SHANGHAI — Continuing to deliver on its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 an exclusive look at its new generation of global vehicles and smart technologies.

Maserati unveils the Ghibli, its first mid-sized four-door sedan

(April 22, 2013)SHANGHAI, China — The Shanghai Motor Show marks three giant steps in Maserati’s march towards its goal of 50,000 cars a year. The Maserati momentum that began late last year with the all-new V8 and V6 Quattroporte continues in Shanghai with the all-new Ghibli — the first-ever mid-size four-door luxury sports sedan in Maserati’s history.

Hyundai unveils concept of what will become China-exclusive sedan

(April 22, 2013) SHANGHAI — Hyundai has unveiled a new concept vehicle at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, the Mistra concept that in production form will a mid-sized family sedan exclusive to the Chinese market. The new model will strengthen Hyundai’s efforts to establish itself as a leading brand in the world’s largest auto market.

Ed Whitcare's common touch, uncommon leadership at GM

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 22, 2013) It’s all about leadership. As Ed Whitacre points out in his new book, American Turnaround, only GM and Chrysler ended up in bankruptcy, despite facing no different market or economic forces than other major automakers. Yet, when he was named GM Chairman immediately after the implosion, executives were blaming almost everything but their leadership. 

Audi R8 e-tron joins red carpet event in London’s Leicester Square

(April 21, 2013) LONDON — The stars of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 movie were joined by a special guest at a VIP screening of the film in London’s Leicester Square on April 18: the Audi R8 e-tron.

The stunning all-electric prototype sports car is driven by Robert Downey Jr in the film.  It was shipped over rom Germany to be displayed on a specially erected plinth alongside the red carpet, where it was joined by the stars of the movie — a stellar cast including Robert Downey Jr, Rebecca Hall, Ben Kingsley and Don Cheadle.

Chinese automaker Geely shows concept sedan at Shanghai Auto Show

(April 21, 2013) SHANGHAI — Geely continued to push its range of technologies and car models here with the launch of a new concept sedan model that showcases Geely's advanced research and design capabilities.

The KC concept is a fastback-based sedan with its total length reaching 184 inches and a wheelbase of 113 inches.

New Buick Riviera concept vehicle makes global debut

(April 21, 2013) SHANGHAI — The new Buick Riviera concept vehicle made its global debut Friday in Shanghai. The coupe combines avant-garde aesthetics and advanced technology, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion, in a single package. It is the fourth global concept vehicle jointly developed by GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures in Shanghai.

Home Is where the hybrid is: KB Home features Ford’s MyEnergi Lifestyle

(April 20,2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and KB Home have announced that products from the Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle will be featured in the homebuilder’s ZeroHouse 2.0 model home in San Marcos, Calif., and potentially in additional KB Home markets.