September 2013

Chevy Spark EV Driving 101: How to get most out of electric car

(September 19, 2013) DETROIT – Car reviewers describe the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV as “fun,” “spunky” and a “hoot to drive.” With 130 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of instant torque, the all-electric mini-car can go from 0 to 60 in less than 7.6 seconds.

Chevrolet begins shipping 2014 Corvette Stingray


(September 19, 2013) BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Chevrolet has begun shipping the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe to dealers.

“It’s an amazing sight to see the transporters filled with Stingrays heading to customers in all corners of the country,” said Dave Tatman, plant manager of General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly plant. “The pride at Bowling Green is overwhelming and it shows in the tremendous quality and attention to detail going into each one of these new Corvettes.”

Fiat hits the open road with Instagram's #JJ Community

(September 18, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Fiat brand has partnered with one of Instagram's first and most active creator communities, #JJ, to commission its founder and top photographers to embark on a photo-documented open road adventure in the new Fiat 500L.

Ford police sedan with 2.0-liter EcoBoost expected to reduce fuel cost

(September 18, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — At the request of law enforcement agencies looking to reduce fuel costs, Ford is launching a non-pursuit-rated “special service police” sedan using the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

A new era dawns: BMW begins production of i3 electric car

(September 18, 2013) MUNICH — The BMW Group entered a new era in automotive construction today with the start of series production of the BMW i3.

The first BMW i3 off the line has been recruited as the lead car for the International Berlin Marathon on Sept. 29 and was handed over to German marathon runner Jan Fitschen. Deliveries of the BMW i3 to customers in Germany and other European countries will begin in November, with the car’s launch in the USA, China and other markets to follow in early 2014.

Toyota Texas produces one millionth truck

(September 18, 2013) SAN ANTONIO, Texas  — It’s been said that the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas. However, today in San Antonio, Toyota trucks are shining bright.
 
This morning, the 2,800 team members at Toyota Texas, on the city’s South Side, celebrated the milestone of assembling the plant’s one millionth truck — a Sunset Bronze Mica colored, 1794 Edition Tundra — with one thing in mind: satisfied customers.

All-New Alfa Romeo 4C goes on sale next month in Europe

(September 18, 2013) The lightweight sport coupe Alfa Romeo 4C will go on sale in Europe in October with first deliveries early in 2014. Alfa says the sports car is an uncompromised thoroughbred that will also be sold in the United States. Speculation is that 500 of the expected 3,500 model run for 2014 will reach North American shores.

Irv Gordon to reach three million mile mark in his Volvo P1800 today

(September 17, 2013) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Today, 74-year-old Long Island native and retired science teacher Irv Gordon will reach a milestone no other individual has accomplished in more than 100 years of automobile manufacturing: driving three million miles in the same vehicle – a shiny, cherry red 1966 Volvo P1800.

General Motors increases battery development expertise

(September 17, 2013) WARREN, Mich. — General Motors has nearly tripled the size of its Global Battery Systems Laboratory, cementing the lab’s stature as the largest battery lab in North America owned and operated by a major auto manufacturer.

Ford builds two millionth EcoBoost engine as demand grows

(September 17, 2013) Ford today celebrates a manufacturing milestone for its fuel-saving EcoBoost engines: Two million have been produced globally since the 2009 launch of the engine line. Growing customer demand for EcoBoost-powered vehicles in major markets worldwide is driving engine production higher. Factory output now averages more than 100,000 engines per month, up from 65,000 in 2012.