Inside the Industry

Detroit auto show attendance up

(January 17, 2011) DETROIT — The 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) continued to exceed attendance figures for the second consecutive day over the 2010 show.

Attendance was up nearly six percent for the first two public show days.

Chevy Volt equipped for winter driving

(January 17, 2011) DETROIT —  When the first Chevrolet Volts purchased by retail customers rolled off the delivery trucks in New Jersey recently, they were met with the season’s first major blast of winter weather. The new owners quickly found out the world’s first extended-range electric vehicle came fully winterized.

One of the goals in developing the Volt was to create a plug-in electric vehicle suitable for everyday use regardless of weather. 

Dodge has performance running shoes on again in 2011

(January 16, 2011) The Dodge brand announced it is keeping its performance running shoes on in 2011, continuing its partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series as the “Official Automotive Partner” and “Official Vehicle” of this year’s races.

European Ford sales down about 1 percent in 2010

(January 15, 2011) COLOGNE — Ford remained a strong sales leader in Europe in 2010, despite a volume and market share decrease compared to the previous year.

Maintaining its position as the No.2 passenger car brand in Europe for the third successive year, Ford's market share in its main 19 European markets was 8.4 per cent, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 2009.

Buy a Corvette, get free tuition to driving school

(January 15, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet announced this week that U.S. customers who purchase any model of a new Corvette through February 28 can receive free tuition at either of the two official Corvette driving schools.

This unique benefit marks the upcoming Corvette racing season in the American LeMans Series, and adds to an unmatched set of experiences available to Corvette owners.

GM expands recall of 2011 trucks to replace rear axle cross pin

(January 15, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors is expanding a recall of certain 2011 model year trucks to include additional full-size trucks and midsize pickup trucks to replace the rear axle cross pin that may have been improperly heat-treated and could fracture, causing the axle to lock while driving.

Ford Vertrek named top concept of Detroit show

(January 15, 2011) DETROIT — The AutoWeek editorial team has named Ford Vertrek the Best Concept of the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Vertrek concept rose above such contenders as the Mini Paceman, GMC Sierra All Terrain HD and Toyota Prius C to win the coveted award.

New Chrysler 200 convertible revealed

(January 14, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler Sebring convertible has been over the past decades one of the most popular drop tops in the country. So it stands to reason that the Sebring's replacement, the 200, would also come with an open-air configuration.

And so it does, Chrysler announced today.

Porsche 918 RSR wins auto show awards

(January 14, 2011) ATLANTA — The Porsche 918 RSR, which was unveiled for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show, received one of the show’s most respected automotive awards — the 2011 NAIAS AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Award for Best in Show.

Ford to offer removable charging station for electric Focus

(January 14, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. —The Ford Focus Electric offers breakthrough, customer-centered technology, and a home charging station that brings convenience and value to match. Jointly developed with Leviton, a leading North American producer of electrical devices, the unit offers a wide variety of benefits for Focus Electric customers.