Inside the Industry

GM's two-wheeled electric city concept wins award in China

(March 2, 2011) SHANGHAI —The EN-V two-wheeled concept car, inspired by the movement patterns inside beehives and ant colonies, and a possible solution for traffic congestion in megacities, continues to receive accolades in China where it was a star attraction at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Ford touts 12 vehicles that lead segments in fuel mileage

(March 2, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, Ford and Lincoln customers have reason to smile — 12 cars, trucks and utilities that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four with EPA-certified ratings of 40 mpg or more.

Shanghai OnStar breaks the 200,000 subscriber mark

(March 2, 2011) SHANGHAI — Shanghai OnStar Telematics more than doubled its subscriber base in the last three months to surpass 200,000, a positive sign for OnStar and the China telematics industry as well.

Toyota introduces new mini-MPV to European market

(March 1, 2011) Although North America has never been blessed with so many small, fuel efficient vehicles as the present — vehicles that possess quality build and creature comforts — but if gas prices continue their upward trend through $4 and into $5 territory we may see even more choices popping up in auto stores.

Ford SYNC — Now in 19 languages

(March 1, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is expanding the reach of Ford SYNC globally with the European launch of its popular voice-controlled connectivity system, with the capability of now offering 19 languages.

Promise not to text and drive and get hockey tickets

(March 1, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — In order to promote safe driving in the Denver area, Subaru of America has announced it will provide two complimentary Colorado Avalanche hockey tickets to any Colorado driver who takes the pledge NOT to Text and Drive.

Geneva Motor Show opens Thursday

(February 28, 2011) The 81st Geneva Motor Show opens to the public Thursday (March 3) offering a huge assortment of new and concept sheet metal. It has been estimated that more than 170 world and European premieres will be on the show floor. That's twice the number than a year ago.

Ford explains new Focus technologies using advertising

(February 28, 2011) NEW YORK — The new Focus is the highest-tech and most globally integrated car Ford has ever produced. The way the company is introducing the new product to worldwide consumers is a first of its kind, too.

Daimler to recruit 10,000 people worldwide this year including 1,300 in U.S.

(February 28, 2011) STUTTGART, Germany (PRNewswire) — Daimler plans to recruit more than 10,000 people worldwide in 2011, 4,000 in Germany alone. 6,700 skilled workers and approximately 700 graduates will be recruited directly all over the world.

Kia to have expanded presence at Homestead-Miami Speedway

(February 28, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Just five weeks after capturing its first podium finish at Daytona, Kia Motors will have an expanded presence both on and off the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway as the title sponsor of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race on March 5.