Inside the Industry

This time Subaru takes on the weatherman

(May 9, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — Subaru has done it again. In addition to building vehicles people want — Subaru sales have increased 19 out of 20 months over the the last couple of years — it also creates some of the best advertisements on television.

Mopar says swap your grille

(May 9, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Standing out from the luxury crowd with a notable presence just got easier for owners of the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300. Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand, will offer eight new custom grilles and six new wheel designs for Chrysler's flagship sedan.

Event commemorates Ford Model T scaling Scottish peak in 1911

(May 8, 2011) The last Model T built by Ford Motor Company and a star of the company's UK-based heritage collection, is heading to Scotland to help celebrate the Ford of Britain Centennial.

Britain's highest mountain will play host to the Ben Nevis Challenge Tour May 16-21. Organized by the Model T Register the event celebrates the 100th anniversary of a Ford Model T scaling the 4,406-foot peak.

Hyundai to unveil i40 sedan in Barcelona

(May 8, 2011) Hyundai has released the first rendering of its new i40 sedan, ahead of the world premiere at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show on May 12.

This debut follows the global reveal of the i40 wagon at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The i40 saloon will be the latest model to be unveiled under the company’s new brand slogan — "New Thinking. New Possibilities."

Stable even without gullwings

(May 8, 2011) MONTVALE, N.J. —  The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is undergoing endurance testing as its premiere nears for the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, according to Mercedes-Benz. The roadster, minus the soaring gullwing doors found on the coupe, should arrive on North American shores late this year as a 2012 model.

Breathing right helps Chevrolets get more from less

(May 8, 2011) PONTIAC, Mich. — Athletes understand that proper breathing is critical to maintaining peak performance under all conditions and so do Chevrolet powertrain engineers. Getting air in and exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber under all speeds and driving conditions is essential to outstanding drivability and fuel efficiency with low emissions.

The story of the Spirit of Ecstasy told in exhibition

(May 7, 2011) This year the famous Rolls-Royce mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, marks its 100th anniversary. To celebrate this icon of motoring history, and its connections with the Montagu family, a new exhibition was unveiled on May 5 in the family home of Palace House located in the South of England.

Telling the intriguing story behind the mascot’s creation, this exhibition explores the connections between motoring pioneer, John Montagu, his friend, the British artist and sculptor, Charles Sykes, and John’s London-based secretary and mistress, Eleanor Thornton.

When it comes to hybrids and electrics, Toyota is top choice in Europe

(May 7, 2011) When it comes to thinking about who to turn to when it comes to buying a hybrid or electric vehicle, Toyota is the top choice in Europe.

That’s one of the key findings of an independent European consumer study into how ready and willing motorists are to change to hybrid.

Nissan's Japanese factories gearing up for full production

(May 7, 2011) At Nissan factories across Japan, production is increasing as the automaker and country continue to recover. After the tragic events of March 11, Nissan's car output in Japan fell 52.4 percent and its exports fell 12.5 percent, although all factories are now back on line.

GM's China sales down in April, but up for year

(April 6, 2011) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures sold 203,367 vehicles in China in April. It was the third time in 2011 that GM’s monthly sales in the world’s largest vehicle market have exceeded 200,000 units.

But April sales were down 4.6 percent from April 2010, after the government scrapped some tax incentives in the world's largest auto market this year.