February 2011

BMW to display mini version of its Mini

(February 23, 2011) German luxury carmaker BMW will display a mini version of its Mini car March 1 at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Rocketman, the two-door hatch is likely to appeal to fans of the original 1950s runabout famous for its cornering.

The Rocketman is as wide and tall as the current Mini but, at 11 feet 3 inches long, it's a foot shorter.

Subaru offers teaser of sports car to be shown in Geneva

(February 22, 2011) Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 will be the Subaru "Boxer Sports Car Architecture" concept, currently under joint development with Toyota. Subaru says its partnership with the world’s largest car manufacturer has "proved hugely successful in bringing the project to fruition in a timely and cost-effective manner."

Ferrari to reveal new FF on line prior to its Geneva appearance

(February 22, 2011) In the past few weeks Ferrari has revealed details of its new 12-cylinder FF, the company's most powerful and versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first four-wheel drive car.

The Ferrari FF — an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) — will be unveiled March 1 at the Geneva Motor Show, but will get its first official showing Wednesday (Feb. 23) on line at 6 p.m. (CET) at the Ferrari web site.

GMC uses noise-canceling technology to help improve gas mileage of Terrain

(February 22, 2011) DETROIT — The technology that makes high-end noise-canceling headphones coveted by frequent flyers and iPod audiophiles is helping GMC Terrain owners save gas.

Active noise cancellation does double duty on Terrain. The technology enables the crossover to deliver a segment-leading EPA-rated 32 mpg in highway driving while ensconcing the driver in one of the quietest interiors in its segment.

Jaguar Land Rover exploring partnership with Chinese automaker

(February 22, 2011) Jaguar Land Rover is in talks with top Chinese SUV maker Great Wall Motor Co. about a potential China partnership, two executives told Reuters News on Monday.

JLR, a unit of India's Tata Motors Ltd., is among a very few top-line global brands that do not have manufacturing arrangements in China, where rivals BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and others already have racked up stellar sales.

Jeep reaches social media milestone on Facebook

(February 22, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — This is the era of Facebook and the social media and Jeep claims some bragging rights as the most popular nameplate on Facebook.

Jeep officials announced last week that the Jeep brand reached an "unprecedented domestic automotive milestone" as fans on the brand’s Facebook page reached and surpassed the 1 million mark.

Toyota says it's first manufacturer to sell 3 million certified used vehicles

(February 22, 2011) Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. has announced that it is the first single line manufacturer to sell 3 million certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles within program history.  Toyota marked the event by giving away a 2008 Sienna to the 3 millionth CPO buyer.

Delphi creates sound for hybrid and electric vehicles

(February 22, 2011) PARIS — With two new vehicle sound generators, Delphi Automotive says it can help global vehicle manufacturers warn pedestrians of approaching hybrid and electric vehicles.  Designed to comply with worldwide legislation expected to mandate minimum sound levels for both hybrid and electric vehicles, these environmentally friendly sounders are not only robust, but compact, light weight and low cost. 

Ford to put Fiesta into India market this year

(February 22, 2011) NEW DELHI, India — Ford is starting a new push in India with the introduction of the Fiesta, which is sold is the world's major auto markets.

The Fiesta introduction marks the first in a series of eight new global products that Ford plans to introduce in India by the middle of this decade.

BMW unveils 'i' sub-brand; two cars, including a pure electric vehicle, are planned

(February 21, 2011) MUNICH — The new BMW sub-brand focused on developing sustainable mobility solutions has been launched.

BMW will launch its planned megacity vehicle under the new sub-brand "i" and it is setting up a venture-capital business for up to $100 million to ramp up mobility services such as car sharing or smart navigation systems, the German luxury-car maker said Monday.