July 2011

Ford announces $1 billion investment in India

(July 29, 2011) GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT, India — As part of its aggressive global expansion, and to meet growing demand in India, Ford announced Thursday that it will build car and engine plants in northern India.
 
The investment has been set at $1 billion. The two facilities will include stamping, body, paint and assembly operations for vehicle manufacturing, as well as machining and assembly operations for engine manufacturing.

Cadillac SRX standard engine gets horsepower infusion

(July 28, 2011) DETROIT — The Cadillac SRX, a fast-rising favorite among midsize luxury crossovers, has received a significant upgrade for the 2012 model year. It arrives in August. A new 308-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine gives SRX the most standard power in its class, and includes a driver-selectable ECO mode for optimal fuel economy.

Ford brings the 2-liter EcoBoost to North America

(July 28, 2011)  Dearborn, Mich. – Ford’s Explorer is now the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger SUV on the market, delivering an EPA-certified 28 mpg on the highway with an all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine according to Ford. This is the first application of this advanced engine in North America.

Like magic, Dodge Journey turns into a Fiat Freemont, and success follows

(July 28, 2011) Take a freshened Dodge Journey, tweak the front and rear ends, toss in a diesel engine and pick up the pace at the plant in Toluca, Mexico with some overtime and what you get is a Freemont. A Fiat Freemont that is!

Audi develops hybrid version of new A6

(July 27, 2011) Audi has confirmed a hybrid version of its all-new A6 sedan will be brought to market in 2012 with the ability to derive as much as 37 mils per gallon in combined city and highway driving while having the necessary horsepower to move from 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds.

Maserati prices 2012 Gran Turismo MC for North America

(July 26, 2011) ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ —  Maserati North America announced pricing on the two newest members of its line-up: the 2012 GranTurismo MC coupe’ and the 2012 GranTurismo Convertible Sport.

In the United States the 2012 GranTurismo MC has a base MSRP of $139,900 and the 2012 GranTurismo Convertible Sport has a base MSRP of $142,800.

Honda reveals new 2012 CR-V

(July 26, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V set to go on sale in the United States before the end of the year. While early peeks at Honda vehicles are unusual Honda finds itself in an unusual place, playing catch-up, at least volume wise since March. Sources tell MotorwayAmerica.com that that pretty much what you see is what you’ll get when the CR-V hits the market.

New Volkswagen Crafter work van debuts Aug. 1 in Europe

(July 26, 2011) The second-generation Volkswagen Crafter officially launches on Aug. 1 in Europe when the first vehicles and test drive demonstrators arrive in Volkswagen Van Centre showrooms with an extensive advertising campaign highlighting how efficient the new model is with class-leading fuel economy of up to 38.7 mpg, lower running costs and emissions from 199 g/km. 

Cadillac-inspired ‘American Chopper’ auction ending

(July 26, 2011) DETROIT — As the auction for the two Cadillac design-inspired custom motorcycles from the “American Chopper” series comes to a close, one winner will be certain – CureDuchenne, the national non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne, the most progressive and lethal form of muscular dystrophy.

Tennessee plant to produce electric motors for Nissan Leaf

(July 26, 2011) Nissan has confirmed that, starting in early 2013, it will produce the electric motor for the Nissan Leaf all-electric vehicle at its Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant.

Preparation of the plant for electric motor production, facilitated by U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program loan funds, will include addition of a new assembly line and will create up to 90 new jobs.