Inside the Industry

New Ford Focus to feature airbag enhancements

(September 16, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The all-new 2012 Ford Focus will launch exclusive airbag technologies that enhance protection for front seat occupants in the most common frontal and side crashes.
 
The suite of new innovations includes Ford’s next-generation driver-front airbag with enhanced chest protection technology.

GM joint venture begins building new 'business vehicle' for China

(September 15, 2010) SHANGHAI — GM’s SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture has begun sales of the Wuling Hong Guang, China’s first compact business vehicle. Nine Hong Guang models priced from RMB 44,800 ($6,600) to RMB 60,800 ($9,000) are available at selected Wuling dealers.

Chrysler restyles the Sebring, renames it the 200

(September 15, 2010) DETROIT — Chrysler has released information on its 2011 lineup and one of the standout changes for new model year is a revised mid-sized Chrysler Sebring, which has been renamed the 200.

Audi to bring TT RS to U.S.

(September 15, 2010) HERNDON, Va. — Audi announced Tuesday that it is bringing the 360-horsepower Audi TT RS coupe to the U.S. market by the third quarter of 2011.

The introduction of the Audi TT RS to the U.S. market has been under consideration for several months.

Ford, CenterPoint Energy to prepare Houston for electric vehicles

(September 15, 2010) HOUSTON — Ford and CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s electric transmission and distribution subsidiary have announced a collaboration to help prepare the Houston area for the operation of electric vehicles.

Honda to recall some Crosstour models to inspect passenger airbag

(September 15, 2010) TORRANCE, Calif. —  Honda will recall 3,336 2010 model year Accord Crosstour vehicles in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the front passenger airbag.

OnStar to become connected to Facebook

(September 15, 2010) General Motors' OnStar telecommunications service plans to expand from a safety and security feature into a system that also includes entertainment features and will provide new ways to link its 6 million subscribers to their cars.

Nissan advises customers of Garmin portable GPS recall

(September 14, 2010) Nissan is alerting customers who purchased a Garmin portable GPS unit with their vehicle or as an accessory that Garmin is conducting a Voluntary Recall Campaign on the nuvi brand portable automotive GPS units. Nissan is encouraging customers to go to the Garmin website to check if their nuvi 750 GPS unit is affected, and follow the remedy instructions.

Toyota will show all-electric vehicle at L.A. Auto Show

(September 14, 2010) DETROIT — Toyota will show an all-electric vehicle — a RAV4 crossover — developed in partnership with Tesla Motors at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, according to Toyota Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada, who spoke to reporters here this morning.

Production of Chevrolet Cruze begins in Lordstown

(September 14, 2010) LORDSTOWN, Ohio — Production of the much-anticipated 2011 Chevrolet Cruze was celebrated today with red, white and blue models symbolically declaring that a world-class small car can be assembled in America by a domestic company.