September 2011

Zipcar, comedian Dan Levy, team up for 'One Crazy Day' video series

(September 20, 2011) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — In recognition of the never-ending to-do list and absurdly busy days that have become the norm, Zipcar is launching "One Crazy Day," a Facebook-based initiative to embrace the craziness in life and engage fans to crowd source the direction and content of its "One Crazy Day" video series.

GM, SAIC sign agreement for electric vehicle development in China

(September 20, 2011) SHANGHAI — SAIC Motor Corp Chairman Hu Maoyuan and General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson signed an agreement today in Shanghai for the co-development of a new electric vehicle architecture in China.

The agreement will leverage SAIC’s market knowledge and local expertise along with GM’s expertise in electric vehicle development and global know-how. It will ensure local input in the development of electric vehicle technology and the delivery of products developed in China.

What's new in cup holders? How about heated and cooled

(September 20, 2011) NORTHVILLE, Mich. — A heated and cooled cup holder is available as an option for the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 full-size luxury sedan.

Much like the seat system, the dual cup holder provides separate temperature settings in each holder allowing the driver and passenger to individually maintain the temperature in a heated and cooled beverage.

Chrysler touts 8-speed automatic in new 'Imported from Detroit' commercial

(September 19, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler brand is touting its new state-of-the-art eight-speed transmission and fuel-efficiency in its new television commercial for the 2012 Chrysler 300.

The new commercial continues the "Imported from Detroit" message and is filmed throughout Detroit and its neighboring cities and is comprised of local residents. The new 60-second commercial titled, "If You're Gonna," began airing on Friday on national and cable networks.

Ford jumps into urban mobility with electric bike concept

(September 19, 2011) FRANKFURT, Germany — Alongside the new vehicle and technology introductions on its stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford is also unveiling a rather surprising addition to its range — an E-Bike.

Designed to show how the company's design language can translate to a bicycle, the Ford E-Bike Concept also demonstrates the spectrum of Ford's electric mobility competence.

Chevrolet reveals new 30 mpg 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 190 horsepower

(September 19, 2011) MILFORD, Mich. — Chevrolet today revealed details of the all-new Ecotec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. More efficient, refined and powerful than its predecessor, the new power plant will be the standard engine in the 2013 Malibu.

The 2.-5 liter is expected to deliver an estimated 190 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque  — about 12 percent more horsepower and 16 percent more torque than the current Ecotec 2.4-liter, while offering estimated highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg (final fuel economy numbers are pending).

Tire jacks in 2004, 2005 Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey minivans being investigated

(September 18, 2011) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has opened an investigation of complaints regarding the alleged failure of service jacks in the spare-tire kits of certain 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans.

Hyundai recalling 205,233 SUVs over air bag issue

(September 17, 2011) Hyundai said on Friday that it is recalling 205,233 model year 2007 and 2008 Santa Fe and Veracruz sport utility vehicles in the U.S. because front air bags may not deploy when needed.

Hyundai said the electrical parts used to deploy air bags may not conduct current properly, causing them to not work in the event of a crash.

Toyota introduces Prius plug-in hybrid

(September 17, 2011) RICHMOND, Calif.  — Toyota introduced the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the annual Green Drive Expo here Friday, as the newest member of the Prius family.

Joining the popular third-generation Prius Liftback and the new Prius v, the new Prius Plug-in combines the benefits of the standard Prius model’s hybrid vehicle operation with extended electric vehicle (EV) driving and more affordable pricing than pure electric or range-extender type vehicles.

Ford names ROXIMITY winner of Ford SYNC App Developer Challenge

(September 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford, continuing to capitalize on interest from app developers to work with its SYNC connectivity system, has announced that ROXIMITY, a location-aware alert service, as the winner of the Ford SYNC App Developer Challenge held last weekend during the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in San Francisco.