Inside the Industry

Ford hits $5 million in donations to U.S. high schools

(March 5, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford kicked off its popular Drive One 4 UR School program Friday and enters 2011 with more than $5 million in funds donated to high schools nationwide since the program's inception in 2007. The program is Ford's most successful test-drive initiative ever executed.

Nissan achieves record 9.3 percent market share in February

(March 4, 2011) Nissan North America reported a record U.S. market share of 9.3 percent in February — the highest share ever achieved in any month in the company’s history.

These gains add to the company’s continued string of U.S. market share advances, including a gain of 0.4 percentage points in 2010 calendar year when NNA placed amongst the top three fastest growing automotive manufacturers in the U.S.

Cars of Captain America dazzle at action-packed sale in the UK

(March 4, 2011) An opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of automotive and movie history drew a vast capacity crowd to Brooklands on March 3, with Historics achieving a "white glove sale" (all lots sold) of the blockbusting collection of vehicles from the forthcoming Marvel Studios movie, Captain America — "The First Avenger," at its first sale of 2011.

Turbocharged model added to Kia Sportage lineup

(March 4, 2011) Kia today announced the launch of the all-new turbocharged 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. 

The Sportage SX joins the 2011 Optima Turbo as Kia's second vehicle in the U.S. to feature the powerful Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine and adds unique exterior and interior features and luxury appointments to provide consumers a high performance and high value crossover. 

General Motors' China sales continue to grow

(March 4, 2011) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures sold 184,498 vehicles in in February, setting a new record for the month. Shanghai GM had all-time February domestic sales of 78,207 vehicles, with year-on-year growth of 34.4 percent.

Focus leads Ford to sales gains in China

(March 4, 2011) SHANGHAI, China — Ford Motor China sold 31,934 vehicles in February, an 11 percent increase from February 2010. Ford's sales in China are up 16 percent so far this year, compared to January-February last year, with 85,274 vehicles sold.

Chrysler recalls 248,000 vehicles for key defect

(March 3, 2011) DETROIT — Chrysler today recalled more than 248,000 crossover wagons and minivans because of a defect that could allow the key to slip while driving, causing the engine to shut down without warning.

Subaru has 12th straight record sales month

(March 3, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru keeps racking up sales records. The latest example of the Japanese company's success came in February with sales up almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. 

Kia Optima gets five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA

(March 3, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) —The all-new 2011 Kia Optima mid-size sedan has achieved an overall five-star crash safety rating — the highest possible score — after attaining five stars in each of the overall ratings categories in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Buick Regal turbo manual rewards with top gas mileage

(March 3, 2011) DETROIT — Brad and Cathy French of Chicago have always driven cars with manual transmissions, including imports from Audi and BMW. Now the clothing industry sales and marketing reps drive a six-speed manual 2011 Buick Regal Turbo.

For the Frenchs, driving a “stick” is all about fun, fuel-efficiency and being alert in traffic.