August 2010

NADA likely to oppose federal new-car labeling proposals

(August 31, 2010) The National Automobile Dealers Association said today it would likely oppose a federal proposal to label new vehicles starting with a letter grade from A+ to D based on their fuel economy and emissions, according to Automotive News.

Chevy Volt arrives in China

(August 31, 2010) SHANGHAI — General Motors celebrated the arrival of the first drivable Chevrolet Volt in China today. China is one of the initial markets outside the United States to receive the Volt. GM’s landmark electric vehicle with extended-range capability will go on sale locally next year.

EPA proposes new fuel economy labels

(August 31, 2010) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced two proposed fuel economy labels  on Monday that would appear on the window stickers of new vehicles.

These new labels mark the biggest change in 30 years. "The old petroleum-centric labels just aren't good enough anymore," National Highway Traffic Safety Administration chief David Strickland said. The new labels are necessary because of the increasing number of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that are entering the marketplace. Since they use fuel more sparingly — or not at all new methods of calculating fuel economy are needed. 

Chrysler seeks 165 dealers for Fiat brand

(August 30, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler today hosted about 400 Chrysler Group dealers to outline the requirements to become a Fiat dealer in the United States.

The dealers met with the Chrysler Group team responsible for establishing a Fiat retail network by the end of this year. The company wants Fiat dealerships in about 165 locations, in metropolitan areas chosen for their high concentration of small-car registrations.

OnStar system has 192 patents on the books

(August 30, 2010) DETROIT — Every time OnStar sends one of 143 million e-mails monthly to report what’s happening with an OnStar-equipped vehicle, it’s worth remembering: There’s a patent for that.

In fact, there are 192 patents on the books for OnStar inventions that have helped make driving safer. And more are in the pipeline.

More than million Toyota vehicles recalled

(August 30, 2010) Just when we thought the worst was over for Toyota comes news last week of another massive recall.

This one affects more than a million Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles.

Ford recalling Windstar minivans for rear axle problem

(August 28, 2010) DETROIT — Ford said Friday it is recalling 575,000 Windstar minivans in the U.S. and Canada because rear axles may corrode and break.

The voluntary recall affects 1998 to 2003 model-year Windstars in areas where road salt is used in cold weather, according to a notice on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Web site.

2011 Nissan Murano features redesigned exterior, refinedi nterior

(August 28, 2010) Nissan has released information and photography of the new, refined 2011 Nissan Murano, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-October.

The second generation Nissan Murano, introduced just two years ago, now offers a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements — all intended to keep Murano’s visually distinctive styling fresh and exciting.

Special oil pump helps Chevy Cruze conserve fuel

(August 27, 2010) PONTIAC, Mich. — The oil pump in the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze takes a laid-back approach to its work, delivering the precise amount of oil needed during all driving conditions. That requires the engine to work less versus a conventional pump and ultimately saves fuel.

A standard feature in the Cruze’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, the variable displacement oil pump reduces the displacement during engine warm up and high speed conditions.

Ford Fiesta earns top safety pick

(August 27, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010.