Inside the Industry

Chrysler touts 8-speed automatic in new 'Imported from Detroit' commercial

(September 19, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler brand is touting its new state-of-the-art eight-speed transmission and fuel-efficiency in its new television commercial for the 2012 Chrysler 300.

The new commercial continues the "Imported from Detroit" message and is filmed throughout Detroit and its neighboring cities and is comprised of local residents. The new 60-second commercial titled, "If You're Gonna," began airing on Friday on national and cable networks.

Ford jumps into urban mobility with electric bike concept

(September 19, 2011) FRANKFURT, Germany — Alongside the new vehicle and technology introductions on its stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford is also unveiling a rather surprising addition to its range — an E-Bike.

Designed to show how the company's design language can translate to a bicycle, the Ford E-Bike Concept also demonstrates the spectrum of Ford's electric mobility competence.

Chevrolet reveals new 30 mpg 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 190 horsepower

(September 19, 2011) MILFORD, Mich. — Chevrolet today revealed details of the all-new Ecotec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. More efficient, refined and powerful than its predecessor, the new power plant will be the standard engine in the 2013 Malibu.

The 2.-5 liter is expected to deliver an estimated 190 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque  — about 12 percent more horsepower and 16 percent more torque than the current Ecotec 2.4-liter, while offering estimated highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg (final fuel economy numbers are pending).

Tire jacks in 2004, 2005 Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey minivans being investigated

(September 18, 2011) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has opened an investigation of complaints regarding the alleged failure of service jacks in the spare-tire kits of certain 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans.

Hyundai recalling 205,233 SUVs over air bag issue

(September 17, 2011) Hyundai said on Friday that it is recalling 205,233 model year 2007 and 2008 Santa Fe and Veracruz sport utility vehicles in the U.S. because front air bags may not deploy when needed.

Hyundai said the electrical parts used to deploy air bags may not conduct current properly, causing them to not work in the event of a crash.

Toyota introduces Prius plug-in hybrid

(September 17, 2011) RICHMOND, Calif.  — Toyota introduced the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the annual Green Drive Expo here Friday, as the newest member of the Prius family.

Joining the popular third-generation Prius Liftback and the new Prius v, the new Prius Plug-in combines the benefits of the standard Prius model’s hybrid vehicle operation with extended electric vehicle (EV) driving and more affordable pricing than pure electric or range-extender type vehicles.

Ford names ROXIMITY winner of Ford SYNC App Developer Challenge

(September 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford, continuing to capitalize on interest from app developers to work with its SYNC connectivity system, has announced that ROXIMITY, a location-aware alert service, as the winner of the Ford SYNC App Developer Challenge held last weekend during the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in San Francisco.

GM, UAW reach tentative contract agreement

(September 17, 2011) DETROIT — The UAW and General Motors agreed late Friday on a tentative, four-year labor agreement covering wages and benefits for about 48,000 workers.

Specific terms of the deal were not immediately available, but the union said it "successfully fought back efforts to make major changes — and weaken — our retirement plan."

VW says it will invest $86 billion in bid to become world's largest automaker

(September 16, 2011) It's full steam ahead for Volkswagen. Today the company announced a huge five-year investment plan to become the world's biggest automaker. The German automotive giant will invest $86 billion over the next five years as it seeks to supplant General Motors and Toyota at the top of the industry.

VW's 20-member board today approved the spending on plants, vehicles and research and development for VW's nine brands, including Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley and the core VW marque, from 2012 through 2016, according to press reports.

Create your own Mustang — Dream something up for your pony car

(September 16, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is putting design in the hands of enthusiasts with a new customizer website that features the 2012 Mustang.

Ford launched the site at www.ford.com/cars/mustang to let Mustang enthusiasts take advantage of the classic design with limitless possibilities.