Inside the Industry

Volkswagen gives away three Jettas in a blink of an eye in support of charity

(December 22, 2010) Using Gilt.com as a conduit to reach a target of young, social media users, Volkswagen literally gave away three new Jettas that turned into a charitable gift during this season of giving.

Magical hands-free tailgate available on Ford C-Max

(December 22, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich.  — Gesture or motion technology employed in today’s video game systems is coming to the new seven-passenger Ford C-MAX crossover, designed with families in mind.

Largest used car retailer reports $82 million profit


(December 21, 2010) DETROIT — CarMax Inc.has reported that its third-quarter profits improved by 10 percent over the same quarter last year because of stronger wholesale vehicle sales.

The nation's largest used car retailer, which competes with America's Car-Mart Inc., said it expects to open five superstores in 2012.

Navy takes delivery of GM fuel cell vehicle

(December 21, 2010) HONOLULU — The U.S.  Navy is among the first customers to take delivery of a GM fuel cell vehicle as part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative,  which aims to integrate hydrogen as an essential building block for a sustainable energy ecosystem in the Aloha State.

Toyota agrees to pay $32.4 million in government fines

(December 21, 2010) Toyota announced Monday that it has reached two settlement agreements with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration related to the timeliness of recalls conducted by the company in 2005 to address potential concerns with steering relay rods and from 2007 to early 2010 to address the potential for pedal entrapment by unsecured, incompatible or improperly installed floor mats. 

Laurence Fishburne to be voice of Cadillac

(December 20, 2010) DETROIT — Award-winning stage and screen actor Laurence Fishburne will lend his voice to television advertising for Cadillac. Advertising will launch in the Rose Bowl game telecast on Jan. 1.

Chevrolet Volt components created from Gulf of Mexico oil-soaked booms

(December 20, 2010) DETROIT — Oil-soaked plastic boom material used to soak up oil in the Gulf of Mexico is finding new life as auto parts in the Chevrolet Volt.

General Motors has developed a method to convert an estimated 100 miles of the material off the Alabama and Louisiana coasts and keep it out of the nation’s landfills.

Ford C-Max small minivan coming to U.S.

(December 20, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford C-MAX is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

Nissan partners with Original Wraps for van graphics

(December 20, 2010) With the launch of the all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van just months away, Nissan has announced a partnership agreement with Original Wraps, Inc., Lakewood, Col., to provide vehicle graphics personalization technology to Nissan NV customers.

Honda marks 50th year in Rose parade

(December 19, 2010) Honda has revealed its 2011 Rose Parade float entry called "A World of Dreams," which will lead the 122nd Rose Parade and introduce this year's Parade theme, "Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories," on Saturday, Jan. 1.

The 2011 Rose Parade marks Honda's 50th year of collaboration with the Tournament of Roses.