Inside the Industry

Lexus, USGA extend partnership

(January 31, 2011) ORLANDO, Fla. — Lexus and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced last week a multi-year renewal of their strategic partnership, ensuring that Lexus will remain the exclusive automotive partner of the USGA and the official car of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur.

Honda Odyssey scores top crash-test rating

(January 31, 2011) The 2011 Honda Odyssey has received an overall rating of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new crash-test rating system.

The Odyssey's overall composite score is composed of a five-star frontal, four-star rollover and a five-star rating for the combined side pole and barrier tests.

Mercedes to introduce small SUV, coupe in U.S.

(January 30, 2011) Mercedes-Benz will launch coupe and SUV versions of its new compact car family in the United States in the next three years and is considering a third variant — a convertible or a shooting brake — to help win younger customers to the brand, Automotive News reports.

Cadillac CTS Coupe in the flesh even made GM designer pause

(January 30, 2011) DETROIT — Bob Munson, design manager for the Cadillac CTS, admits even he was taken aback when he first saw the production version of 2011 CTS Coupe.

“I thought it looked like something from another planet,” Munson said. “It looked like a concept car driving down the road. The Coupe definitely has a shock value…but in a good way.”

BMW to bring new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

(January 29, 2011) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW announced the return of a four-cylinder engine to the U.S. BMW line-up for the first time in since 1999.

Like the company’s latest 3.0-liter turbo inline six, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine twin-scroll turbocharging with high-pressure direct-injection and BMW’s Valvetronic intake control.

GM's Arlington, Texas, plant providing Super Bowl courtesy vehicles

(January 29, 2011) ARLINGTON, Texas — All around North Texas, the products of GM’s Arlington Assembly Plant are ferrying special guests arriving for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6.

“The Arlington Community has worked very hard to be a good host to visitors from around the world attending the game,” plant manager Paul Graham said. “We are delighted to play a small part in that effort through our plant open house next week and by making the high-quality vehicles used as courtesy transportation for the NFL.”

Hyundai Sonata wins International Car of Year award

(January 29, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 01/25/2011 — Hyundai continues to break down barriers illustrating its consumer lifestyle compatibility with the 2011 International Car of the Year (ICOTY) win for the all-new Sonata. The ICOTY Awards honor vehicles based on lifestyle compatibility and the emotional connection between car and consumer.

Ford reports highest net income in more than 10 years

(January 28, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford today reported 2010 full year net income of $6.6 billion, or $1.66 per share, an increase of $3.8 billion, or 80 cents per share, from 2009. This was Ford’s highest net income in more than 10 years, as strong products and new investments fueled improvements in all of the company’s business operations around the world.

Chevrolet accelerates rollout of Volt

(January 28, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet is stepping up the national rollout of the Volt to match customer interest.

“We’re accelerating our launch plan to have Volts in all participating Chevrolet dealerships in every single state in the union by the end of this year,” said Rick Scheidt, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.

245,000 Lexus vehicles recalled in U.S.

(January 28, 2011) Toyota this week recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States.