April 2013

Hertz expands presence in Chinese rental car market

(April 16, 2013) PARK RIDGE, N.J. — The Hertz Corporation and China Auto Rental (CAR) announced today that Hertz, the global car rental leader, has agreed to invest in CAR, China's domestic market leader in short and long-term car rentals.

New smart electric vehicle begins 11-city U.S. tour

(April 16, 2013) MONTVALE, N.J. — Smart, the iconic microcar, hits the road on an 11-city tour bringing the all-new smart electric drive to eco-minded urbanites across the country. Each stop on the tour offers an opportunity to drive the most affordable electric vehicle on the market, with an MSRP of $25,000 (additional federal, state and local subsidies may further reduce the cost of the car).

Honda is targeting record-breaking success at Pikes Peak Hill Climb

(April 15, 2013) Honda has taken limited sponsorship of the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 29-30 and will also campaign vehicles in multiple classes with an eye toward challenging for the overall victory, as well as setting a record for the number of classes entered by a single manufacturer.

Ford 'video snacks' bring vehicle features directly to consumers

(April 15, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is launching a new Vehicle Orientation program at dealerships nationwide this week that is designed to help bridge the gap between consumers and their cars by providing customers with access to a comprehensive online library of “video snacks” — short videos that explain how to use specific vehicle features like Remote Start Systems, MyKey and Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors.

Ford, GM to jointly develop nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions

(April 15, 20130 DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and General Motors have signed an agreement under which both companies will jointly develop an all-new generation of advanced-technology nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions for cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. The new transmissions, to be built in both front- and rear-wheel-drive variants, will improve vehicle performance and increase fuel economy.

Fiat helps make it easy to purchase or lease Fiat 500e electric

(April 14, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat North America is helping to make it easy for California residents to purchase or lease the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e when the electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale in the Golden State this summer.

The Fiat brand's 500e retail plan addresses concerns that have typically prevented some consumers from purchasing or leasing EVs in the past, including initial purchase price, driving ra
nge, and the unfamiliarity with charging and operating an EV.

MG urban SUV concept will be unveiled in Shanghai

(April 13, 2013) LONDON — The world premiere of a cutting-edge MG CS concept, designed to slot into the compact SUV sector, will be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show next week. The compact SUV segment is one of the fastest growing areas of the global automotive market.

It’s the latest result of a massive investment in the brand by MG’s owner, the SAIC Motor group, and previews MG’s first production urban SUV. It will be unveiled on the firm’s stand on April 20.

Volkswagen reports 5 percent first-quarter increase in worldwide sales

(April 13, 2013) The Volkswagen Group delivered 2.27 million vehicles from January to March, a 5 percent increase over 2012. The company handed over 864,400 vehicles in March, a 0.2 percent increase.

Fred Diaz leaves Chrysler to take top position at Nissan

(April 13, 2013) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan has announced that Fred M. Diaz has been named to the newly formed position of divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing. Diaz leaves Chrysler Group where he has served as president and chief executive officer of the Ram Truck brand since October 2009.

Paris Marathon runners get extra support from Nissan Leaf

(April 13, 2013) PARIS  — Participants in last Sunday's Paris Marathon had a chance to "prepare the race of tomorrow today," thanks to an innovative initiative by Nissan. As an official partner of the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, Nissan not only provided race organizers with a fleet of all-electric Nissan Leafs to accompany the runners. It also gave runners a chance to win a trip to the 2014 New York Marathon.