November 2013

First compressed natural gas-capable Ford F-150 rolls off the line

(November 22, 2013) Ford began production of the 2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine is available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, and pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

Chevrolet introduces two new sedans to Sonic family

(November 22, 2013) LOS ANGELES — Chevrolet has announced two new sedan options to the Sonic lineup in 2014 — the performance-inspired RS and the stylish Dusk — further demonstrating the brand’s commitment to the subcompact segment and to offering younger buyers expressive options at affordable prices.

Ford and the Mustang Club of America to mark 50 years of Mustang

(November 22, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The celebration of 50 years of Ford Mustang will be so large Ford Motor Company and the Mustang Club of America plan to simultaneously hold it at two locations from April 16 through April 20, 2014. Open to everyone, not just Mustang owners and MCA members, the event will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas.

Infiniti shows the future with Q30 Concept

(November 22, 2013) LOS ANGELES — The Infiniti Q30 Concept, the next step in Infiniti's strategy to expand into new premium segments, made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be on display at the Infiniti booth at the show, which runs through Dec. 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Kia unveils its first rear-drive sedan, the K900

(November 21, 2013) LOS ANGELES — The highly anticipated K900 rear-drive sedan — the company's new flagship vehicle — has been introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The all-new 2015 K900 is poised to challenge the full-size rear-drive luxury sedan segment with an extensive list of standard equipment, world-class accommodations and stunning design that will redefine consumer perception and expectations of the Kia brand.

Performance-oriented Hyundai Elantra Sport added to lineup

(November 21, 2013) LOS ANGELES — The award-winning Hyundai Elantra returns for 2014 with extensive design upgrades and a more powerful GDI engine in the new Sport trim. A host of new features have also been added. The all-new 2014 Elantra Sport and the rest of the Elantra line up was introduced at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru introduces all-new 2015 WRX in Los Angeles

(November 21, 2013) LOS ANGELES — Subaru on Nov. 20 introduced the 2015 WRX, a more powerful and better handling version of the brand’s iconic high-performance model, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX debuts the model’s first six-speed manual transmission and a new, optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic CVT with two manual modes.

All-new 2014 Toyota Highlander to start at under $30 grand

(November 21, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Families dig value.  The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV adds more standard features and technologies, providing an excellent all-around value, starting under $30,000.   

Toyota says the all-new Highlander is a no-compromise mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety.  Its exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, and complements a totally redesigned interior that will raise the bar in its segment.

Toyota seeks to combat driver distraction

(November 21, 2013) LOS ANGELES — What if we could reduce driver distraction before ever putting a key in the ignition? That’s the focus of the Driver Awareness Research Vehicle (DAR-V) that Toyota unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“At Toyota, our focus is not only on protecting people in case of an accident, but also on preventing that accident from happening in the first place,” said Chuck Gulash, director of Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC). 

Nissan Juke NISMO RS offers more power, handling and equipment

(November 21, 2013) LOS ANGELES — To understand the difference between the Nissan Juke sports crossover, the recently introduced Juke NISMO and the new Juke NISMO RS — which made its North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show – the one word is all that's needed: More.