October 2013

Ford Focus extends streak as best-selling vehicle nameplate worldwide

(October 24, 2013) Ford Focus, the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world in 2012, retains the title for the first half of 2013. In addition, Ford Fiesta ranks as the fourth best-selling vehicle — making Ford the only brand to have two nameplates among the global top five best-sellers, according to Ford analysis of Polk global vehicle registration data.

All-new 2015 C-Class Mercedes gets new interior, upgraded safety

(October 23, 2013) Mercedes-Benz is writing the next chapter of success with the all-new C-Class, which goes on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2014.  "An interior with an exciting, high-class ambience, touchpad and head-up display, the lightest bodyshell in the segment, extensive safety features, a new agile and comfortable suspension as well as GPS-sensitive air conditioning underscore the inner values of the new C-Class," Mercedes says.

Jeep introduces new Wrangler Polar Edition for U.S. market

(October 23, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Jeep Wrangler is legendary for its go-anywhere capability, no matter what challenges the weather or seasons may bring. To celebrate the upcoming winter season, the Jeep brand is bringing its new Wrangler Polar Edition — which made its debut at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show — to U.S. showrooms in November.
 

Major commitments being secured for NAIAS in Detroit

(October 23, 2013) DETROIT—  With a full three months prior to show time, Detroit's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has secured dozens of worldwide vehicle introductions. The products will debut in nearly all vehicle categories, including concepts, luxury, sports/performance, crossovers, trucks, SUVs, and alternative fuel technologies.

Nationwide survey finds parents in denial about teens driving distracted

(October 23, 2013) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From texting and checking social media to changing music and talking with friends, teens admit to driving distracted at a much higher rate than their parents realize, a recent nationwide survey shows.

The study, commissioned by Bridgestone Americas, found that parents significantly underestimated the driving distractions in which their teen engages.

Horses of a different color through 50 years

(October 23, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The world has changed dramatically in the past 50 years and the favored color choices of Ford Mustang drivers have shifted as well. As television transitioned from black-and-white to color, Mustang reflected the incoming fashion trends with a palate of vibrant colors.

In the five decades since, color shifts to more muted browns and yellows and back to today’s bolder hues have given Mustang a different tint from many other cars.

Fuel cell Chevy Equinox tops 100,000 miles in real-world driving

(October 22, 2013) DETROIT — One of General Motors’ fuel cell research vehicles recently passed a milestone for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, topping 100,000 miles of real-world driving. By using renewable hydrogen, this vehicle has saved 5,260 gallons of gasoline. At $3.50 per gallon, that’s more than $18,000 in fuel cost savings.

Mazda sells 10-millionth vehicle in U.S. since 1970

(October 22, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it recently sold its 10-millionth vehicle in the United States, since starting U.S. sales operations in 1970. The 10-millionth vehicle, a 2013 Mazda3, was sold from Continental Mazda of Naperville, Ill., to Lauren Carter of Glen Ellyn, Ill. 

Mazda to exhibit all-new Mazda3 powertrain derivatives at Tokyo show

(October 22, 2013) TOKYO — Mazda will showcase the recently launched Mazda3 with a variety of engine types at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The latest model is now offered as a "multi-solution" in response to diversifying fuel types.

Beside news on the already released SKYACTIV gasoline, hybrid (for Japan only) and diesel-engine models, the Japanese carmaker will present for the first time a Mazda3 SKYACTIV-CNG Concept, which runs on compressed natural gas. Alongside new-generation models, the displays show Mazda’s most recent technologies and hint at the direction of future models.

Bentley recognized for water use reduction

(October 22, 2013) CREWE, England — Bentley has become the first automotive manufacturer, and among the first 10 organizations in the world, to achieve the Carbon Trust Water Standard. This comes after the company reduced its water usage by 35.7 per cent over the previous year at its headquarters in Crewe.