August 2011

Automakers eke out 1 percent gain over July 2010

(August 2, 2011) Automakers managed to eke out a 1 percent gain over July 2010 with the Detroit Three posting decent sales increases while the two top Japanese automakers — Toyota and Honda — fell off dramatically as they continue to recover from the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Overall, sales climbed 1 percent over July 2010 to 1.059 million units. Sales were virtually dead even with last month, up a slight 6,325 units over June's 1.053 million sales.

Volkswagen continues strong sales growth in U.S.

(August 2, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — So far this year Volkswagen of America is winning its bet that U.S. sales will dramatically increase in 2011. July sales results, which shows a 22.2 percent gain over last July and a 21.7 percent gain over the first seven months of 2010, back up the company's predictions.

Ford Edge gets 4-cylinder EcoBoost, 30 mpg

(August 2, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Edge crossover, the latest vehicle to receive the company’s EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is now certified by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg highway. This complements the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy to give utility customers expanded fuel efficient choices.

 “Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.”

Industry transaction prices reach record highs

(August 2, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. (PRNewswire) — TrueCar.com estimated today that the average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $29,761 in July 2011, up $582 (2.0 percent) from July 2010 and up $102 (0.3 percent) from June 2011.

Swiss artist Dante to display Aston Martin DB5 sculpture at Pebble Beach

(August 2, 2011) BERN, Switzerland (PRNewswire) — Artist and creator Dante will display a limited-edition 24-karat Aston Martin DB5 sculpture during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Aug. 18-21.

Mazda Tribute replacement, the CX-5, will make debut in Frankfurt

(August 2, 2011) Mazda will hold the world premiere of its all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on Sept. 13. The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the new design theme, "KODO – Soul of Motion."

190 new California homes to be pre-wired for electric vehicle chargers

(August 2, 2011) Nissan and City Ventures — a California builder of affordable, eco-friendly homes in urban locations — announced on Monday a cooperative project to pre-wire 190 Southern California townhomes currently under construction for electric vehicle chargers.

Ford recalls 1.1 million trucks over corroded fuel tank straps

(August 1, 2011) WASHINGTON  — Ford is recalling more than 1 million trucks, including the F-150, the top-selling U.S. vehicle, because straps that secure fuel tanks to the vehicles may corrode and cause the tanks to fall. The trucks are older model pickups ranging from 1997 to 2004 models.

Ford drops price of hands-free SYNC system by $100

(August 1, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is dropping the price on its hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity by a $100. Ford has also expanded availability of Ford SYNC by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.

The new pricing will be available first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge base models.

Chevrolet harnessing the sun to power Volts

(August 1, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet is harnessing the power of the sun to install solar-powered electric charging stations for its Volts at dealerships in North America. The Green Zone initiative will generate electricity equivalent to 12 full vehicle charges per day and excess electricity created will help supplement the dealership’s power needs.