News archive

November 2011

Ford vows 'faster, simpler, better' with MyFord Touch upgrade

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(November 7, 2011) Ford customers said MyFord Touch could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system — launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

Ford, stung by falling quality ratings because of its glitch-prone information system, said that it hopes the upgrades will fix the problems.

GM recalls Pontiac G8 over airbag issue

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(November 7, 2011) General Motors announced a recall Saturday of the Pontiac G8.

GM said it had recalled 2008-2009 Pontiac G8s to reprogram the front passenger air bag module because it might be out of compliance with the federal standard for head-injury protection.

Taking a ‘CUE’ from Cadillac

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(November 6, 2011) DETROIT — “’CUE’ [an acronym for Cadillac User Experience] will transform personal transportation by simply and efficiently integrating luxury design and instinctive technology with unparalleled levels of customized in-vehicle connectivity,” said Don Butler, Vice President of Cadillac Marketing.
 
That said, several car lines have their own versions of CUE-like technology but Cadillac’s seems to be more advanced, in this case CUE pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. Simply put, CUE allows you to customize your own instrument panel.

Chevrolet Traverse seeks sibling peace on long rides

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(November 6, 2011) DETROIT — In a family vehicle like the Chevrolet Traverse crossover, abundant storage can help keep the peace among young rear-seat passengers on long drives. General Motors designers and engineers used the latest 3D virtual reality technology and customer feedback to make it so.

Ford China sales up 9 percent

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(November 6, 2011) SHANGHAI, China — Despite challenging market conditions, Ford sales in China are up nine percent so far this year. Ford sold 426,814 wholesale vehicles from January to October, compared to 392,152 vehicles last year. In October, Ford sold 40,857 wholesale units, approximately the same amount as in October 2010.

Subaru returning to normal led by Outback, Legacy

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(November 5, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. —- Subaru of America announced October 2011 sales of 20,081 and sales of 216,334 year-to-date.

It was the best October ever for Subaru Legacy and Outback.  Impreza sales were affected by sell-down of the 2011 model ahead of the debut of the all-new 36 mpg Impreza that will begin to arrive in dealerships this month.

Volkswagen to show updated version of CC in Los Angeles

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(November 4, 2011) WOLFSBURG, Germany — When the Volkswagen CC debuted four years ago, it was the first affordably priced four-door coupe on sale in the U.S.

What looked at first like a niche has developed into a completely new segment: nearly 270,000 people around the world have bought Volkswagen’s sedan that has the looks and heart of a sports car. The CC mixes practicality with style and attainability.

The 'Hottest Trucks' at SEMA are Ford F-Series pickups

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(November 4, 2011) LAS VEGAS —  Once again, Ford F-Series pickups are officially the “Hottest Truck” at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas. The SEMA Award recognizes the most popular vehicles the organization’s members feature in their displays during the weeklong trade show.
 
Before this year’s show opened, SEMA officials walked the floor of the giant aftermarket expo and counted the number of trucks exhibited in booths. More Ford F-Series pickups are on display than any other truck — testament to the popularity and appeal of Ford F-Series trucks with the aftermarket.

Hyundai shatters yearly sales record with still two months left in 2011

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(November 4, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America earlier this week announced year-to-date sales figures of 545,316 shattering the full year sales record of 538,228 set in 2010. 

Retail sales were up 27 percent over last October with sales of 52,402 vehicles, a 23 percent total sales increase compared with the same period a year ago.

Chrysler to recall right-hand-drive Jeep Wranglers

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(November 4, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler is recalling approximately 5,334 right-hand-drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles to replace the airbag clockspring assembly that could turn on the airbag lamp, which indicates the airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash.