Inside the Industry

SAE International releases new book on hybrid vehicle design

(March 15, 2011) WARRENDALE, Pa. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — With more than 20 different hybrid cars available from most major automakers, hybrid vehicles are a crucial and growing market segment. Additionally, with several high profile plug-in hybrids coming out now or within the next year, innovation and development of hybrid vehicles is continuing at an ever-growing pace.

Land Rover supports explorer's effort to set speed record to North Pole

(March 15, 2011) British explorer, Ben Saunders, today announced his second attempt to become the fastest person ever to reach the geographic North Pole. Only two people in history have reached the North Pole solo and unsupported, the most recent being eight years ago.

Land Rover is supporting the expedition.

Ford's European sales stable in February

(March 15, 2011) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford's overall European sales in its 50 markets remained stable in February. As in January, sales were particularly strong in the growth markets of Turkey, Russia and Eastern Europe.

Ford's sales in these markets were 104,700 units, unchanged versus February 2010.

Shipment of 600 Nissan Leaf electric cars should arrive on schedule

(March 15, 2011) Nissan reports that six facilities in Japan reported damage to buildings or equipment from the Japanese earthquake. But several plants are expected to resume operation later this week.

If you are awaiting the arrival of your Nissan Leaf electric car, Nissan says a shipment of more than 600 Leafs destined for the U.S. left port in Japan on March 10, just prior to the earthquake, and will arrive as scheduled.

Honda sees no near-term impact on North American operations

(March 15, 2011) Honda said on Monday that there would be no immediate impact on its operations in North America where it makes most of its vehicles for the U.S. market.

However, many of Honda's Japanese plants will be closed at least through March 20 following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hits portions of Japan.

GM Foundation donates $500,000 to Red Cross relief fund

(March 14, 2011) DETROIT — The General Motors Foundation today approved an immediate $500,000 contribution to the American Red Cross relief fund to help earthquake-stricken Japan. GM also has provided a direct web-link that employees can conveniently access from their desktop work stations to contribute personally to the Red Cross disaster fund. 

Automotive leasing rebounds in the U.S.

(March 14, 2010) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (PRNewswire) — Automotive leasing in the United States in 2010 represented nearly 19 percent of overall vehicle transactions, according to Polk. This represents a 5.8 percentage point increase over 2009 leasing penetration rates of just 13.1 percent during the economic crisis as several OEMs were pulling away from leasing.

Operations suspended at several Nissan plants in Japan

(March 14, 2011) Nissan in Japan announced today that several of its plants will suspend operations for several more days and will contribute to the earthquake relief efforts.

The Tochigi pant and the Iwaki pant are suspending operations until Friday; and the Oppama, Kyushu, Nissan Shatai, and Yokohama plants will reopen on Wednesday.

Caterham Cars expands sales in Europe

(March 14, 2011) British sports car maker, Caterham Cars, is set to further expand its international influence, after a record year of export sales in 2010.

The achievement of meeting the EU5 emissions standards means that Caterham has pan-European approval to sell a stunning range of cars that includes the Roadsport, Superlight R300, SV and CSR powered by Ford Sigma and Duratec engines.

Mercedes-Benz shows historic cars at Amelia Island

(March 13, 2011) AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (PRNewswire) — Mercedes-Benz celebrates the 125 year anniversary of the invention of the automobile at the 16th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance this weekend, which features nearly 250 rare vehicles and benefits Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

A prominent display situated on the golf course at the Ritz Carlton is featuring four symbolic Mercedes-Benz vehicles that showcase a piece of the Company's fascinating 125 year history and its contributions made to the automobile industry: