March 2014

2014 Chevy trucks park atop fountain in Comerica Park

(March 28, 2014) DETROIT — It is a rite of spring even if the weather is only beginning to cooperate. A Blue Topaz Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup and a Crystal Red Metallic Equinox small SUV settled into their parking spaces atop the Chevrolet Fountain behind centerfield in Comerica Park on Thursday. Reaching their perches involved gingerly lifting each vehicle into place by crane — a three-hour process. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel named 'Winter Vehicle of New England'

(March 28, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — For the fourth straight year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named the “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA).
 
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee has now taken the overall Winter Vehicle honor every year since 2011,” said Craig Fitzgerald, NEMPA president. “This unprecedented fourth consecutive win is due to the EcoDiesel engine and eight-speed transmission – new features that put Grand Cherokee at the top of both the power-with-efficiency and value curves.
 

Ford invests $500 million in engine plant to built 2.7-liter EcoBoost for F-150

(March 28, 2014) LIMA, Ohio — Ford will invest $500 million to upgrade its Lima Engine Plant and add 300 new jobs to support production of the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost specifically engineered for the next-generation 2015 Ford F-150.

The high-output, twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop features an entirely new design that delivers power and performance in a stronger, smarter package.

Celebration concludes third year of Toyota's '100 Cars for Good'

(March 27, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Nine nonprofits ready to serve their communities will gather today to celebrate the 2013 100 Cars for Good philanthropy program. The charities will use their nine vehicles (seven Siennas and two Tundras) won through the program’s public voting to transport people, food and even musical instruments.

Those same instruments will help veterans and at-risk youth find confidence and friendship through music education and performances, thanks to The Rock Club and Rock for Vets.

Fuel economy ratings published for all-new Chrysler 200

(March 27, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The 2015 Chrysler 200 has fuel economy of up to 36 miles per gallon for the 4-cylinder engine according to new EPA figures released today.

"With fuel economy ratings of up to 36 miles per gallon and features typically found on more expensive luxury vehicles, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers the premium features customers want at a price they can afford," said Al Gardner, president and CEO — Chrysler Brand.

Nissan to recall nearly 1 million vehicles over airbag concern

(March 27, 2014) Nissan has announced that it will recall 989,701 vehicles including its latest Altima sedans in North America to fix a software problem that could deactivate the airbags. The software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by Nissan.

New Mustang incorporates iconic design with aerodynamic technology

(March 27, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — The bold, muscular form of the all-new Ford Mustang reimagines the iconic sports car shape in a way that retains the character that fans expect from the brand while incorporating aerodynamic technology that improves fuel efficiency and performance.

Honda Smart Home US offers vision for zero carbon living and mobility

(March 26, 2014) TORRANCE, CALIF. — Honda this week marked the opening of Honda Smart Home US, showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation. The home, located on the West Village campus of the University of California, Davis, is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting.

Dario Franchitti to drive Camaro Z/28 Indy 500 pace car

(March 26, 2014) NEW YORK — Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will drive a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 to pace the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

It’s the eighth time a Camaro has been the pace car, starting in 1967 — and the 25th time a Chevrolet has paced the race.

Toyota i-Road hits the streets in first public trials

(March 26, 2014) TOKYO — Toyota has launched the first public trials of its ultra-compact i-Road electric three-wheeled “personal mobility vehicle” to find out how it shapes up in the cut-and-thrust of real-world urban driving. Consumer testing in Tokyo is set to run from March 24 through to early June, with 10 of the single-seater vehicles taking to the city streets.