News archive

October 2011

Technology race will be on display at the L.A. Auto Show

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(October 24, 2011) LOS ANGELES — New technologies are dramatically changing what consumers expect from cars and are becoming a primary influencer in purchase decisions. The competition to deliver the most advanced, user-friendly vehicles is certain to heat up on the L.A. Auto Show floor next month as automakers acknowledge that high-tech systems are one of the most important features of the car itself.

Nissan announces partnership with design museum

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(October 23, 2011) NEW YORK — Nissan Americas has announced that it established partnerships with Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution and the Design Trust for Public Space.

Nissan's announcement coincided with National Design Week (Oct. 15-23), Cooper-Hewitt's educational program aimed at drawing national attention to the ways in which design enriches everyday life.

Ram expands Power Wagon model range

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(October 23, 2011) SAN ANTONIO — Ram Truck announced Friday at the annual Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo that the reigning Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas, the Ram Power Wagon, will now be available in two additional models — ST and Laramie.

The new Ram Power Wagon ST will offer off-road enthusiasts all of the Power Wagon’s legendary capability in a value-oriented package. The Power Wagon Laramie will offer more comfort and luxury features. Each of the three Ram Power Wagon models will have its own distinctive look.

GM announces $325 million plant investment in Michigan

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(October 23, 2011) WARREN, Mich. — General Motors said Friday it will invest $325 million in tools and equipment to support production of future electric vehicle components, creating or retaining 418 jobs.

Timing for the project was not disclosed. The plant in suburban Detroit has 679 total employees, most of whom produce transmissions for the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia crossovers and the Chevrolet Malibu sedan.

Holden restores its first concept — a 1969 Hurricane

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(October 22, 2011) MELBOURNE — Holden has gone back to the future, restoring its first concept car — the 1969 Holden Hurricane.

The futuristic research vehicle described as an experiment “to study design trend, propulsion systems and other long-range developments” has been restored to its former glory as a labor of love by a dedicated group of Holden designers and engineers.

First Mercedes-Benz teen driving school in U.S. set to open

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(October 22, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is gearing up to take on its "freshman class" of teen driver students this fall through its first training center located in the U.S. in Los Angeles.

Working in tandem with an independent team of professionals in transit and driver education, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is finalizing both its facility and curriculum — presenting a new approach to driver education while meeting and exceeding California DMV requirements.

GM develops mobile technology that watches road ahead

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(October 22, 2011) DETROIT — New technology being developed by General Motors researchers could alert drivers of potentially dangerous driving situations in advance by using small, portable devices to create a wireless safety net.

These portable devices are designed to gather information from other vehicles and infrastructure to warn drivers about slowed or stalled vehicles, hard-braking drivers, slippery roads, sharp curves and upcoming stop signs and intersections.

2012 Fiat 500 named top safety pick

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(October 21 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The tiny 2012 Fiat 500 has been named a “Top Safety Pick” for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The new Fiat 500 joins eight Chrysler Group models that are Top Safety Picks by the IIHS for 2011.

The IIHS recognizes vehicles that demonstrate “good” performance in front, side, rollover and rear crash test evaluations performed at its Vehicle Research Center.

Ford wins Popular Mechanics award for rear inflatable seat belts

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(October 21, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — What do Ford’s latest safety innovation and director/filmmaker James Cameron have in common? Both are about to receive a prestigious technology award from Popular Mechanics.

Ford’s innovative, industry-first rear inflatable seat belts have been named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine’s seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

Huge building wrap touts high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8

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(October 20, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep vehicle ever has made its way on to Chrysler Group's headquarters building.

Workers have put the finishing touches on a massive building wrap featuring an image of the all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The wrap covers 10 floors on the front of the company’s world headquarters building.