News archive

July 2013

Opel Insignia wagon would make a great Buick

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By Casey Williams
MyCarData

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson told Automotive News he would like to see the European Opel Cascada convertible and Opel Adam micro car in domestic Buick showrooms. It is also known the GM North America president Mark Reuss wants a flagship product for the near-luxury brand — something like a modern day Riviera.  In the meantime, I’m advocating for the Opel Insignia Country Tourer.

Nickelodeon, Toyota create SpongeBob-inspired Highlander

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(July 14, 2013) NEW YORK — Nickelodeon and Toyota are making this the best summer ever for SpongeBob fans with the creation of the first SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired vehicle. The SpongeBob 2014 Toyota Highlander will feature a custom SpongeBob-themed exterior and an interior design that captures all of the beloved character’s high-octane energy. 

Nissan announces new mobility assist program

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(July 14, 2013) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan has announced the introduction of Nissan Mobility Assist, which aims to support the mobility needs of physically disabled customers. Nissan will offer up to a $1,000 reimbursement to have qualifying adaptive equipment installed on new Nissan vehicles to accommodate a physically disabled driver or passenger.

BMW's new i3 electric car packed with technology

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 14, 2013) The i3 is BMW’s first ground-up electric vehicle for public sale. Whether or not it will be a commercial success is something that the future will decide. However, the level of technology to be found in this rear-engine/rear-drive EV surpasses anything on the road, and brings structural carbon fiber to volume automotive production in concert with both aluminum and magnesium.

General Motors sets June and first half 2013 sales records in China

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(July 13, 2013) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures had record sales in June and during the first half of the year in China. GM’s sales in China in the initial six months of 2013 rose 10.6 percent from last year’s previous record for the period to 1,567,392 units. GM’s domestic sales in June were also up 10.6 percent from last year’s previous June high to 236,207 units.

Nissan installs three fast-chargers at Goodwood

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(July 12, 2013) WEST SUSSEX, England — The world-famous Goodwood Estate in West Sussex is to benefit from the addition of three rapid chargers for electric vehicles — donated by carmaker Nissan. And the Estate is also looking to take on a pair of all-electric, British-built Nissan Leafs, the new version of which is now on sale in the UK.

Mercedes takes to the Hill at Goodwood

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(July 12, 2013) WEST SUSSEX, England — In front of crowds estimated in excess of 50,000 people, Mercedes-Benz cars both old and new took on the notorious 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill at the 20th running of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Jaguar Land Rover up 14 percent worldwide in first six months of 2013

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(July 12, 2013) WHITLEY, COVENTRY, UK — Jaguar Land Rover reports that it sold 210,190 vehicles during the first six months of 2013, an increase of 14% versus the same period last year. This result was supported by a positive performance in June with sales up 7% globally.

2013 Toyota RAV4 earns poor rating in small overlap front crash test

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(July 12, 2013) ARLINGTON, Va. — The 2013 Toyota RAV4, a small SUV, was given a poor rating for performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small overlap front crash test. Toyota redesigned the RAV4 for the 2013 model year.

Kia's Georgia facility celebrates one millionth vehicle

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(July 12, 2013) WEST POINT, Ga — Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia celebrated the manufacture of its one millionth vehicle — a snow white pearl 2014 Sorento SXL — that rolled off the assembly line at the West Point, Ga. plant on July 11.