November 2011

All-new compact crossover Mazda CX-5 revealed in Los Angeles

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Mazda today unveiled its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The North American debut is the first Mazda to fully encompass SKYACTIV Technology, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency.

The segment newcomer also offers best-in-class fuel economy. Mazda says the CX-5 embodies the perfect balance between the best of all worlds: captivating design, dynamic handling, unexpected efficiency, flexible functionality and first-class safety, with a dash of Zoom-Zoom.

Chevy Cruze named 'car of year' by NADAGuides

(November 16, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com today announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has been awarded the NADAguides "Car of the Year." 

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze beat out 10 other strong contenders that were eligible for this award based upon performance, impressive styling and design, fuel ratings, safety features and cost of ownership all at a very competitive price point.

Cadillac introduces its new full-sized sedan, the XTS

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Cadillac today unveiled its flagship sedan, the 2013 XTS, the newest addition to the Cadillac luxury sedan lineup. It arrives in showrooms in U.S. and Canadian showrooms in the spring of 2012 as the most technologically advanced production car in the brand’s history.

Toyota to show three concept cars in Tokyo

(November 16, 2011) Toyota is using the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show to reinforce its position as an environmental technology leader with three concept cars, one near future, one mid term and one way out there.

Near Future…

Based on the Toyota iQ, the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) is a 4-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips.  

Ford abandons conservative for flashy with new 2013 Escape

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling SUV, will raise the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.

With the 2013 Escape, Ford is making a major break from the conservative formula that has made it a best-seller with a sleeker, more aerodynamic design that takes its cues from the Ford Focus.

GM opens engine plant in Uzbekistan

(November 15, 2011) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — General Motors and its local joint venture partner UzAvtosanoat today opened a new state-of-the-art engine plant in Tashkent, 250 miles from the automakers’ vehicle manufacturing facility in Asaka.  It represents GM’s most significant powertrain investment in Central Asia.

GM has a 52 percent stake in GM Powertrain Uzbekistan and its partner has a 48-percent stake.

Honda to invest $84 million and add 100 jobs at Alabama plant

(November 15, 2011) LINCOLN, Ala. — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) marked its 10th anniversary of the start of production by announcing today that it would invest an additional $84 million, hire 100 new full-time associates and increase annual production capacity to 340,000 vehicles and engines.

Nissan celebrates 3.6 million Altima deliveries with 20th anniversary package

(November 15, 2011) In celebration of the Nissan Altima’s sales success over the past two decades, Nissan today announced a special “20th Anniversary Package” for its 2012 Nissan Altima sedan. Total Altima sales in the United States have topped 3.6 million since its introduction in September 1992, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in Nissan history.

Obsure British car maker Atalanta Motors being revived

(November 15, 2011) UNITED KINGDOM — Staffordshire-based motoring enthusiast Martyn Corfield has embarked upon his most ambitious project yet — the revival of an obscure car company that has been described as "the most innovative and stylish pre-war British car manufacturer."

Atalanta Motors, founded in 1936, produced only 21 cars between 1937 and 1939 before World War II but an end to the company.

2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 has most powerful production V-8 in the world

(November 15, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance with the introduction of the new 2013 model that goes on sale next year delivering 650 horsepower and a top speed of more than 200 mph.

"SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights," said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.