September 2010

Audi film crew in helicopter incident on Pikes Peak

(September 18, 2010) MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. — A helicopter incident carrying an Audi film crew took place Friday morning near the 14,000-foot summit of Pikes Peak.

The film crew was shooting a test run of the “Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak,” a joint program involving Audi, the Electronic Research Laboratory in Palo Alto, Calif., and Stanford University. The goal of the project involves ascending Pikes Peak autonomously without a driver behind the wheel to demonstrate the capabilities of advanced driver assistance systems and GPS.

Ford data reveal customer tastes

(September 18, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — It may be no surprise that customers in sizzling Phoenix order the most Ford vehicles painted Molten Orange. Or that the most red-colored Ford cars are sold in Cincinnati – home of the Cincinnati Reds. But who knew that rainy and cool Seattle would be No.

483 jobs may return to the former home of Saturn

(September 17, 2010) SPRING HILL, Tenn. — General Motors will spend $483 million and add 483 jobs building current- and next-generation Ecotec four-cylinder engines at its powertrain complex here, assuming successful incentive negotiations with local and state officials, GM North America President Mark Reuss said today.

Spring Hill is the original home of the Saturn brand, which has been discontinued.

Toyota leads industry in brand value according to Interbrand's annual ranking

(September 17, 2010) NEW YORK — Ten automotive manufacturers finished among the world's top 100 brands according to the 11th annual ranking of the "Best Global Brands" ranked by Interbrand, a company formed in 1974 to create and manage brand value.

GM to test new 'infotainment' systems in advanced driving simulation lab

(September 17, 2010) WARREN, Mich. — As the path between consumer electronics and vehicle connectivity converge, General Motors is focused on making the drive safe, yet pleasurable, while offering access to a variety of smart in-vehicle "infotainment" technologies. 

Fatalities down on American highways

(September 17, 2010) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a record low fatality rate on U.S. highways in 2009, a 10-percent drop from 2008. The 1.13 fatalities per 100-million vehicle miles in 2009 is the lowest rate in U.S. history.
 

Bentley begins great American journey

(September 16, 2010) CREWE, England — An Anglo-American team from Bentley Motors has just kick-started a U.S. road trip with a difference. The trip will cover 8,000 miles and visit six states.

On this occasion, the famous British luxury carmaker won’t be crossing the continent with one of their renowned Grand Touring cars but will instead be accompanied by over 1,000 Heritage Parts and Accessories that have been specially shipped into the U.S. from the company’s manufacturing headquarters in the UK.

Hyundai to build new headquarters in Orange County

(September 16, 2010) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai announced today that it will build a new North American headquarters in Orange County — Hyundai’s home since its arrival in the United States in 1985.

Charlotte-area dealers bullish on Buick

(September 16, 2010) CHARLOTTE, N.C. — General Motors dealers in the Charlotte area are bullish on Buick — and General Motors. They say 2010 is turning into a blockbuster year for the brand.

The grassroots enthusiasm for GM products has to be good news for America's largest carmaker after emerging from Chapter 11 reorganization in July 2009.

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.