News archive

December 2013

All-new Lexus RC set to launch 'in the red'

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(December 26, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Not even Rudolph’s nose can compare to the striking red paint on the all-new RC Coupe. A more dynamic red exterior paint color is made brighter and with more contrast thanks to an entirely new painting process, using a two-color base of both silver and red.  The shiny and bright RC coupe is set to launch in 2014.

Pothole problem — There's an app for that (at least in the UK)

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(December 25, 2013) The British government has given £30,000 to back the development of an innovative smartphone application to report potholes, Roads Minister Robert Goodwill announced on Dec. 24.

The Department for Transport (DfT) pledged the cash to enable CTC, the National Cycling Charity, to revamp its Fill that hole website and develop a new app compatible with smartphones running Android software.

Honda's Rose Parade float measures an unprecedented 274 feet long

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(December 24, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will lead the 125th annual Tournament of Roses Parade with the "Keeping Dreams on Track" historic-meets-futuristic train-themed float, powered by a specially-configured Honda hybrid engine. The premier float of the 2014 Rose Parade, will measure an unprecedented 274 feet in length, and is set to break the record as the longest Rose Parade float, currently held by Honda's 2005 Rose Parade float entry (207 feet).

Hyundai, Kia agree to resolve litigation over fuel economy ratings

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(December 24, 2013) LOS ANGELES — Hyundai and Kia have agreed to pay up to nearly $400 million to settle consumer lawsuits related to overstated fuel economy ratings on some 900,000 vehicles sold by the companies in the U.S. market.

The value of Hyundai Motor America's proposed settlement totals about $210 million, while Kia Motors America agreed to pay up to $185 million, according to statements issued by the companies.

Wheel time with the 2015 Subaru WRX

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By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(December 24, 2013) In the future, I will think of this December as the “month of the performance car.” It began with the Chevrolet performance-car drive in Palm Springs, Calif. where I drove the all-new Chevrolet SS sedan, the redesigned Corvette Convertible and the Camaro SS Convertible. Currently one of the cars in my driveway is a Porsche Boxster S Cabrio. And just a few days ago, I drove the redesigned 2015 Subaru WRX around Northern California.

Nissan launches 'Full-Throttle Action' for 2014 Rogue marketing campaign

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(December 23, 2013) NASHVILLE — December is the month traditionally reserved for big cinematic debuts. Add to the list the latest work from Nissan and TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, helmed by feature film director F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job, Law Abiding Citizen). The track accompanying the spots is "Y.A.L.A." from global artist M.I.A.'s latest album Matangi.

GM Manufacturing drives Global Month of Giving

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(December 25, 2013) DETROIT — From making kimchee in South Korea to collecting toys in Texas, General Motors’ Global Manufacturing, Warehousing & Distribution teams and union partners are helping meet critical needs and brighten holidays in the communities where they live and work.

Voters tell Ford to build the Hackmobile Transit Connect

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(December 23, 2013) The Hackmobile has been selected as the winning design of Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge, a contest presented by Ford Motor Company and MAKE magazine that featured 10 teams competing to create the ultimate Ford Transit Connect Wagon for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Chrysler Foundation, employees, dealers welcome season of giving

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(December 23, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Hundreds of Chrysler Group elves (a.k.a.. employees and dealers), with the support of The Chrysler Foundation, have been working overtime to make the holiday season brighter for children and their families through toy drives and other charitable initiatives.

GM using digital tools to dissect the competition

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(December 23, 2013) DETROIT — Precision not patriotism is the focus of red, white and blue light scanning used by General Motors’ Competitive Benchmarking team to surgically dissect competitor vehicles. The high-tech search for what is good and bad is conducted about three dozen times a year globally with models strategically selected that are all-new or feature industry-first systems and technologies.