News archive

July 2010

Subaru offering Internet option on 2011 Outback

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(July 18, 2010) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru has annpunced that it is now offering Wi-Fi connectivity for the 2011 Outback crossover SUV model. The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the Outback giving internet access to 10 or more users for up to 150 feet around the vehicle.

Supply disruption from Mexico forces GM plant closings

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(July 17, 2010) General Motors Friday idled production at three more U.S. assembly plants, bringing to six the number of plant production stoppages this week caused by a shortage of parts from Mexico, Automotive News reported.

One-day Fiesta Rally Experience to teach racing fundamentals

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(July 17, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Last year, 100 European-spec Ford Fiestas arrived in North America for the Fiesta Movement. This summer, 43 of the Fiestas will receive a second life as Ford Racing teams up with Team O’Neil Rally School to create the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience in Dalton, N.H.

The Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience is the only rally experience offered by a manufacturer in North America and will provide aspiring rally drivers with the opportunity to learn how to drive on a rally course in a Fiesta.

Study shows auto brands have reached something close to parity

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(July 2010) It is officially a truism — if such a thing is possible — that auto brands have reached something close to parity when it comes to short and long-term vehicle quality.

Studies from the likes of J.D. Power & Associates have shown that while automakers play musical chairs from year to year on who gets a trophy, it's a photo finish; the actual differences between competitive brands is basically razor-thin at this point.

Tesla, Toyota to build electric version of the Toyota RAV4

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(July 16, 2010) Tesla Motors and Toyota today announced that the two companies have signed an agreement to initiate the development of an electric version of the Toyota RAV4.

With an aim to market the EV in the United States in 2012, prototypes will be made combining the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain.

Chevy Volt gets a bath

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(July 16, 2010) It’s the question many people ask about an electric vehicle: What happens if the battery gets wet? Chevrolet Volt battery engineers answered that recently by putting the Volt through a bath at the Milford Proving Ground.

Domestic models outperform imports in vehicle appeal

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(July 15, 2010) For the first time since 1997, domestic auto brands, collectively, have surpassed import brands as a whole in vehicle appeal, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today.

In the study, Ford received five segment-level awards, and Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen two each.

Customers exhausting supply of 2011 Shelby GT500

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(July 15, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Customer demand for Ford’s new 2011 Shelby GT500 is growing nearly as fast as the world’s fastest production pony car. More than 3,300 orders have been placed for the new Shelby GT500. To ensure exclusivity, U.S. sales of the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be limited to 5,500 units.

 “We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for the 2011 Shelby GT500,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “The car continues to be popular with sports car enthusiasts and collectors who are blown away by the increase in horsepower and performance. The limited production of the 2011 should make this year even more desirable.”

Volkswagen plans to double capacity in China

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(July 15, 2010) Volkswagen said today it plans to build an assembly plant in eastern China as part of an effort to double capacity in the world's biggest auto market within four years, according to Bloomberg News.

The factory in Yizheng, Jiansu province, will have a capacity to build 300,000 vehicles and will begin production in 2013, Volkswagen said in a statement.

Ford announces appointments; Jim Farley gets expanded role

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(July 15, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford today announced key executive appointments to further sharpen its senior leadership team’s focus on the “One Ford” plan and to support the company’s growth around the world.
 
The changes affect Ford’s Global Manufacturing & Labor Affairs, Ford of Europe, Global Marketing, Sales and Service, and Latin American operations.