Inside the Industry

First U.S. multi-car electric vehicle charging system introduced

(April 12, 2011) MIAMI (PRNewswire) — Multi-level garages, automotive fleets and large-scale parking facilities can now be far greener and have a new source of revenue — thanks to Recharge Solutions. The company's goal is to provide electric vehicle charging systems to the millions of people who live and/or work in high rise buildings with multi-level garages, as well as to fleet operators and other large garage owners/operators such as airports, hospitals and universities.

All-New Subaru Impreza to get a '3-D' Reveal in N.Y.

(April 12, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — Demonstrating the outdoor, active lives of its customers, Subaru will debut the all-new Subaru Impreza at its New York International Auto Show news conference via 3-D video. 

Los Angeles motorists give new meaning to 'City of Angels'

(April 12, 2011) DETROIT — The bad news is that residents of Los Angeles County spend an estimated four days a year stuck in traffic. The good news is drivers are helping each other when they are in need. According to OnStar, the “City of Angels” ranked No. 1 in Good Samaritan calls last year, proving that L.A. drivers are living up to the city’s nickname.

Cadillac SRX to get bigger V-6 for 2012

(April 12, 2011) DETROIT — Cadillac will offer a new, more powerful engine for the 2012 SRX, providing buyers of the luxury crossover with improved acceleration both from a standstill and when passing.

The SRX will receive a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine projected to deliver 300 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, according to preliminary tests by Cadillac.

New-car transaction prices climbing, research company finds

(April 12, 2011) Getting a good deal on a new car is becoming harder to accomplish. That's the conclusion of a report by CNW Research.

CNW has found that automakers and dealers are getting the highest transaction prices in 15 years for vehicles sold in the United States, due to a high demand for a dwindling supply of new vehicles.

Ford calls for more open collaboration with automotive outsiders

(April 12, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — With the 60th anniversary of its U.S. research hub in the backdrop, Ford is ushering in a new era of collaboration, opening up its doors even wider to the possibility of more nontraditional automotive partnerships that can help create a better vehicle experience for customers.

Infiniti offering free roadside assistance app

(April 11, 2011) FRANKLIN, Tenn. (PRNewswire) — Consistent with Infiniti's commitment to offer luxury vehicles that inspire at every turn, Infiniti has collaborated with Cross Country Automotive Services to introduce a free Roadside Assistance app for iPhone, providing owners expanded access to summon help for roadside support.

Kia captures first racing victory in company history

(April 11, 2011) RVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — It was an historic weekend for Kia Motors' second-year motorsports program as Michael Galati and Nic Jonsson co-drove the No. 10 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup to the company's first-ever racing victory in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race in Birmingham, Ala. 

GM gets off to fast 2011 start in China

(April 10, 2011) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures in China set new domestic sales records for March and the first quarter of the year.

GM sales in China during March totaled 233,014 units. This took its first quarter sales to 685,583 units, which was up 10 percent from a strong first quarter in 2010 and ahead of estimated industry sales growth.

Trump named pace car driver for Indy 500

(April 10, 2011) INDIANAPOLIS (PRNewswire) — Global business icon Donald J. Trump will drive the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Pace Car to lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500, "The Most Important Race in History," starts at noon and will be televised on ABC for the 47th consecutive year.