News archive

November 2011

Chrysler leads Detroit 3 with 27 percent increase in sales in October

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(November 1, 2011) Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 114,512, a 27 percent increase compared with sales in October 2010 (90,137 units), and the best October sales since 2007.

Chrysler Group’s 27 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 40 percent in October. Chrysler has beaten the average industry sales increase in nine of 10 months this year.

Toyota announces plans to export U.S.-built Sienna to South Korea

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(November 1, 2011) NEW YORK — Toyota today announced plans to begin exporting U.S.-built Sienna minivan to distributors in South Korea. 

The Sienna is produced at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Princeton, Ind.  A top seller in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, this is the first time the vehicle will be exported outside of North America. Shipments are scheduled to begin in early November.

Hands free — A gentle kick opens new Ford Escape liftgate

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(November 1, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology — similar to that found in video games — to open the rear liftgate.

Volkswagen enjoys sales surge in October

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(November 1, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America today reported 28,028 units sold in October 2011, a 39.6 percent increase over prior year sales. Year-to-date sales are up 23.8 percent.

"As the all-new Passat and Beetle start to enter the market place, demand for Volkswagen vehicles has already exceeded last year's annual volume in the first 10 months of the year," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 

Chrysler, Dodge minivans named top safety picks by IIHS

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(November 1, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The newest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models have been named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2012. In addition to receiving top scores in rollover tests, both minivans achieved Good ratings in the areas of frontal, side and rear crash protection.