Inside the Industry

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.

Chrysler bringing vehicles to shopping malls for test drives

(April 10, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler is bringing its vehicles directly to consumers in an effort to generate awareness about the brand's new 2011 vehicle lineup. The brand has launched a new test drive campaign at local malls across the country that will offer consumers an opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the changes first-hand.

For the second year, Tesla Roadster beats all at Monaco race

(April 9, 2011) MONACO (PRNewswire-FirstCall) — The Tesla Roadster has reconfirmed its supremacy in the world of the alternative fuel vehicles, beating more than 100 competitors last week during an exciting Monte Carlo Rally.

Driven by former F1 driver Erik Comas, the Artic White Roadster also scored a definitive victory in the Electric Vehicles Cup.

BMW Group has record sales month worldwide in March

(April 9, 2011) MUNICH — The BMW Group sold more vehicles in March than ever before in a month. The company sold 165,842 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles, not only significantly exceeding the figure for March of last year (141,717 units) but also the previous sales high of 152,721 vehicles recorded in December 2007. The BMW and MINI brands also set new monthly records.