October 2011

Motor Press Guild names five finalists for first-ever Vehicle of the Year Award

(October 4, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, today announced the top five finalists for its first Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Award.

Finalists were chosen by a panel of 18 MPG journalist members who drive and review new vehicles on a regular basis. All MPG journalist members will evaluate the final five vehicles and vote on the winner at the organization's annual Track Day event Oct. 11-12.

Large pickups, crossovers lead September sales gains

(October 3, 2011) While the industry focus is on building small cars, it was strong demand for large pickups and crossover vehicles that lifted September new-verhicle sales to a 10 percent gain over September 2010, according to manufacturers' sales figures released today.

Ford said its September sales climbed 9 percent, with strong demand for SUVs and trucks offsetting a 9 percent drop in car sales. Continued strong demand for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers helped GM last month. Equinox sales are now up 46 percent this year, and Terrain demand has jumped nearly 60 percent.

Sign of automotive recovery — Loan originations near pre-recession levels

(October 3, 2011) ATLANTA — Equifax' most recent national, monthly report on automotive consumer credit trends continues to indicate positive news for the industry, with January – June 2011 new auto loan originations up 15 percent over the same period in 2010.

At 1.7 million, June 2011 auto loan origination totals were slightly lower than March total of 1.8 million, which is the highest 2011 monthly total to date, but still represent an almost 11 percent increase over June 2010 levels.

GM signs memorandum with St. Petersburg, Russia, on auto technology

(October 3, 2011) ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — General Motors and the government of St. Petersburg have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on automotive technology to help sustain growth in the Russian auto industry.

The memorandum on industrial, engineering and research cooperation was signed within the framework of St. Petersburg International Innovation Forum IV.

Chrysler reports best September sales since 2007

(October 3, 2011) Chrysler Group today reported September sales of 127,334, a 27 percent increase compared with sales in September 2010 (100,077 units), and the best September since 2007.

Chrysler Group's 27 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 50 percent. Chrysler Group has beaten the average industry sales increase in eight of nine months this year.

VW cross up! probably most like production 5-door up!

(October 2, 2011) Visitors to last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show got the biggest clue yet as to the look of the production five-door up!, in the shape of the cross up!, one of six small car family concepts that were displayed alongside the three-door city car model.

Order books for the three-door up! will open this month in the UK with the first models arriving spring 2012. 

Barn find auction includes Indian motorcycles and parts, vintage Corvettes

(October 2, 2011) HAMILTON, Ohio — Penny Worley Auctioneers announces the ultimate barn find "estate auction of the century for Corvette and Indian motorcycle collectors", according to Jerry Jenkins.

"William L. King, Jr., was a super collector, and this is truly the mother of all barn finds for car enthusiasts," Jenkins said.

More than 600 V-6 engines recalled by Chrysler

(October 2, 2011) Chrysler is recalling certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles with the company’s 3.6-liter V6 engine because of manufacturing problems that could lead to engine failures, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

Nissan, GE to collaborate on electric vehicle charging infrastructure

(October 1, 2011) NISKAYUNA, N.Y. and FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—  Pressing the accelerator on the drive to electrified transportation, GE and Nissan have signed a two-year research collaboration to speed up the development of a reliable, robust smart charging infrastructure to fuel mass market adoption of electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.

GE and Nissan have identified two key focus areas for the research efforts. The first relates to the integration of electric vehicles with homes and buildings. The second looks at electric vehicle charging dynamics and the future impact on the grid once millions of electric cars are on the road.

Ford F-150 gets new FX appearance package for 2012

(October 1, 2011) DALLAS — The 2012 Ford F-150 is getting fine-tuned with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager.