Inside the Industry

Handling packages to be available on new Ford Focus

(October 26, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The all-new Ford Focus will take dynamic driving to new levels with optionally available handling packages on SE and range-topping Titanium model.

Driving dynamics and responsive handling have been elevated across the entire all-new Focus range for 2012.

R2 packed and ready to blast into space

(October 26, 2010) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Robonaut 2, better known as R2, is packed and ready to blast into outer space next week aboard the space shuttle Discovery  for his first real work assignment at the International Space Station (ISS). R2 is the product of an advanced robotics partnership between NASA and General Motors that began in 2007.

Ram Laramie Longhorn named 'Truck of Texas'

(October 25, 2010) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Chrysler and Ford shared top honors at the annual Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo at a ranch near here this past weekend.

Chrysler products won six awards including Truck of Texas, the Ram Laramie Longhorn, a new luxury truck introduced for the 2011 model year.

Large trucks must cut emissions by as much as 20 percent under proposed standards

(October 25, 2010) WASHINGTON — Large trucks in the U.S. must cut emissions as much as 20 percent by 2018 under the first standards proposed for work vehicles, the Obama administration said today, according to Bloomberg News.

GM to invest $37 million Lansing assembly plant

(October 25, 2010) LANSING, Mich. — General Motors today announced a $37 million investment in its Lansing Delta Township assembly plant earmarked for tooling and equipment to enhance the plant’s manufacturing capabilities.

“This investment is the result of the commitment from the employees and leadership at Lansing Delta Township,” said GM Manufacturing Manager Gerald Johnson. “Their dedication to building high-quality products competitively is why we are investing in their future.”

Honda issues voluntary recall of 471,800 vehicles over brake problem

(October 25, 2010) Honda has announced a voluntary safety recall of 471,820 model year 2005 to 2007 Acura RL and model year 2005 to early 2007 Honda Odyssey vehicles to replace a seal in the brake master cylinder.



Dodge Journey gets Pentastar V-6 engine for 2011

(October 24, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich.  — The Dodge Journey has been one of Chrysler Group's attractions amid otherwise slim product pickings, offering a comfortable and stylish family crossover.

Dodge has announced some Journey upgrades for the 2011 model year that should make an already attractive mid-sized CUV even better.

GM offers green options for business fleets

(October 24, 2010) SAN DIEGO — The first public showing this week of the industry’s only fully integrated compressed natural gas cargo van leads General Motors’ commitment to helping commercial customers decrease the environmental impact of their fleets.

The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana CNG vans, as well as all other vehicles in GM’s fuel-efficient lineup, are on display at the Green Fleet Conference in San Diego.

Ford, Dominion Virginia Power to prepare state for electric vehicles

(October 24, 2010) RICHMOND, Va. — Ford and Dominion Virginia Power have announced they are coordinating efforts to help prepare Virginia for the operation of electric vehicles. Ford and Dominion will work together to develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support the necessary demand. 

Aston-Martin Rapide borders on exotic

By Chris Jackson
MyCarData

(October 23, 2010) Aston Martins have always been deceptive exotics. The word "exotic car" conjures images of svelte Italian sports cars wailing sonorously along the high banks of race tracks and burbling through high-dollar neighborhoods.