October 2010

Dodge Avenger gets styling tweaks, more horsepower

(October 31, 2010) ABURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge has introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the “fun” in functional.

A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge’s fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

Suzuki recalling SX4 for side mirror issue

(October 30, 2010) Suzuki is recalling 69,587 SX4 hatchbacks and sedans for defective side mirrors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The three screws that hold each mirror in place can loosen over time due to vibration, leading to the mirrors falling off completely.

2011 Dodge Caravan gets refreshed look, new attitude

(October 30, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge continues its product onslaught with the reveal of the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan — and a little bit of attitude.

Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn’t mean that the experience has to be boring.

Ohio Honda plant produces 4 millionth vehicle

(October 29, 2010) EAST LIBERY, Ohio — Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant reached a milestone Friday with production of its 4 millionth vehicle, a 2011 Honda CR-V.

Since starting local auto production in 1989, seven years after Honda began auto production in the U.S. at the Marysville Auto Plant, the East Liberty Auto Plant has manufactured a wide range of passenger cars and light trucks over the years, including the Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe, Civic GX compressed natural gas vehicle, Acura CL Coupe and Accord Sedan. The plant currently produces the Accord Crosstour and Element, as well as the CR-V models.

Mustang goes wild at Las Vegas show

(October 29, 2010) The wild side of Mustang can be seen at the 2010 SEAMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2 - Nov. 5.

Ford will showcase nine customized versions of Mustang, displaying the vehicles alongside the new Mustang Boss 302.

Honda raises profit forecast

(October 29, 2010) TOKYO — Honda has raised its profit forecast as surging sales in Asia outweigh the impact of a stronger yen. Honda expects net income of 500 billion yen ($6.2 billion) in the year ending March, compared with an earlier estimate of 455 billion yen, the company said in a statement today.

Sales may rise to 9 trillion yen from 8.6 trillion yen, the automaker said.

Nissan recalling vehicles due to ignition switch problem

(October 29, 2010) Nissan, is recalling 2.14 million vehicles worldwide, including 762,000 sold in North America, due to an ignition switch problem that could lead to engine stalling.

The third-largest recall ever for the Japanese automaker, the service action involves much of the company’s line-up, from the March minicar up to the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56.

GM to build small Cadillac sedan at Lansing plant

(October 29, 2010) LANSING, Mich. — General Motors on Thursday announced a $190 million investment in its Lansing Grand River assembly plant for the production of a new Cadillac model. The investment will create 600 jobs and result in the addition of a second shift.

General Motors is taking aim at BMW and Mercedes-Benz with a new, small Cadillac sedan.

Ford reports net income of $1.7 billion

(Octobr 29, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has reported third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or 43 cents per share, a $690 million improvement from third quarter 2009, as strong products, momentum in North America and continued success at Ford Credit fueled growth amid still-challenging business conditions.

GM's joint China venture to build first Baojun-brand passenger car

(October 27, 2010) SHANGHAI — SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) has announced that the first passenger car sold under its new Baojun brand will be called the Baojun 630. The first Baojun 630 will roll off the production line at the joint venture’s manufacturing facility in Liuzhou, Guangxi, on Nov. 18.