Inside the Industry

GM opens new diesel engine plant in Thailand

(September 12, 2011) RAYONG, Thailand — General Motors last week opened a new state-of-the-art diesel engine plant in Rayong, Thailand. The $200 million facility, which is adjacent to the automaker’s vehicle manufacturing plant, represents GM’s most significant powertrain investment in Southeast Asia.

The new 178,000-square-foot facility, GM’s first diesel engine plant in the region, is the first-in-the-world to produce the all-new family of Duramax four-cylinder diesel engines.

Subaru recalls Outback, Legacy vehicles over wiper issue

(September 12, 2011) Subaru is recalling certain Outback and Legacy cars from the 2010 and 2011 model years because of potential problems with their windshield wipers.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car maker, a unit of Fuji Heavy Industries, said the recall affects about 195,0080 vehicles built from Jan. 7, 2010, through May 20, 2011.

First CNG-powered Ford Transit Connect taxis in Los Angeles

(September 11, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — California’s first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis hit the greater Los Angeles area today, giving taxi owners, drivers and passengers a chance to help the environment one small trip at a time.

California Yellow Cab of Orange County put its first 10 Transit Connect Taxis into service – marked by an event celebrating the increased presence of CNG use in California. Clean Energy, which owns and operates CNG filling stations, also participated in the event.

Science of sound saves Chevy Equinox owners at the pump

(September 11, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors engineers borrowed from stereo headphone technology to help give the Chevrolet Equinox segment-leading fuel economy.

Noise and Vibration Development Engineer Jim Vallance and his colleagues at GM’s Milford Proving Ground were tasked with pushing the 2011 Equinox to get 32 mpg on the highway, four mpg better than segment competitors Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape — all rated at 28 mpg.

Mitsubishi announces price increase for 2012 electric vehicle

(September 10, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. — Due to unforeseen changes in market conditions, Mitsubishi Motors North America has decided to make a pricing adjustment of $1,135 to the 2012 Mitsubishi i 100% electric-powered vehicle.

Volkswagen car sales continue to grow worldwide

(September 10, 2011) WOLFSBURG — The sale of Volkswagen cars reached more than 3.34 million worldwide from January through August, a 12.1 percent increase over 2010, Volkswagen reported on Friday.

For August, the brand delivered 389,500 cars, a 9.5 percent gain over August 2010.

New British company to reveal 620-horsepower SUV

(September 10, 2011) LONDON — A new British car company, Eterniti Motors, has released full images of the prototype of its first model, which will be shown at next week’s Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The Hemera, called the world’s first Super-SUV, will bring new levels of luxury and performance to the SUV segment when production starts in 2012. Hand-built in London, it will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin electric reclining seats, iPads and a drinks chiller, giving customers the option of being chauffeured as well as driving.

Honda recalling 310,773 Pilots to inspect seat belts

(September 9, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will voluntarily recall 310,773 Pilot vehicles from the 2009 through 2011 model years in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seat belt.

Honda initiated this voluntary recall due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing.

Kia Optima wins recognition from Esquire magazine

(September 9, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Esquire magazine likes the Kia Optima. This week the men's lifestyle magazine named the mid-sized Optima the "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K."

Along with the recognition, Optima is one of nine finalists in "The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards" after editors applauded its "clean and inspiring" design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value.

580 horsepower — 2012 ZL1 most powerful Camaro in history

(September 9, 2011) DETROIT — The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2-liter engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.

The ZL1’s record-setting power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.