December 2011

Cadillac enhances 2012 Escalade security features

(December 31, 2011) DETROIT — Just underneath the surface of the 2012 Cadillac Escalade are new security enhancements developed to combat thieves who have pushed and towed the segment-leading luxury SUV to the top of annual most-stolen vehicle lists.

Ford brand sales top 2 million for first time since 2007

(December 31, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — U.S. sales of the Ford brand this week topped 2 million vehicles for the first time since 2007. The milestone makes Ford the best selling brand in America and the first automotive brand to hit the 2 million mark since 2007.

GM recalling more than 4,000 Sonics over brake pad issue

(December 30, 2011) General Motors said today that it is recalling nearly 4,296 new Chevrolet Sonic subcompacts in the U.S. to inspect for a possible missing brake pad. It is recalling an additional 577 cars in Canada.

A GM spokesman said there are no known crashes or injuries resulting from the condition. Based on GM analysis, the condition is expected to exist in very few cars.

Ford targets 30 percent water reduction in manufacturer of each vehicle

(December 30, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford enters 2012 with plans to further reduce the amount of water used to make vehicles and continue showing efficiency is not only inherent in its vehicle lineup, but also in its manufacturing practices.

A new goal calls for Ford to cut the amount of water used to make each vehicle 30 percent globally by 2015, compared with the amount of water used per vehicle in 2009.

Volkswagen sets environmental impact goal for its plants

(December 29, 2011) WOLFSBURG, Germany — As part of its "Think Blue. Factory" initiative, the Volkswagen passenger cars brand has set itself clear targets for the environmentally sustainable positioning of all its plants.

By 2018, the environmental impact of all Volkswagen plants is to be reduced by 25 per cent. This applies especially to energy consumption, waste volumes, air-borne emissions, water consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Nissan's Frontier mountain commercial is worth a look

(December 29, 2011) The third and final spot in the Nissan Frontier series has debuted, and it presents a "how did they do that" moment. "Mountain Ride" features the Nissan Frontier traveling down a large snow covered mountain in a manner similar to a snowboarder run.

This fantastical commercial focuses on the Frontier's Pro-4X Off-Road capability. Once again, the spot appropriately concludes with the line "Innovation for Doers, Innovation for All."

Nissan recalls 14,718 vehicles due to faulty engine bolts

(December 29, 2011) Nissan is recalling 14,718 model-year 2011 and 2012 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles due to faulty engine bolts, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced earlier this week. The recall affects the 2011 Infiniti FX, 2012 Infiniti M, 2011-12 Nissan Frontier, 2011-12 Nissan Xterra, 2011-12 Nissan Pathfinder and 2012 Nissan NV.

Fusion's sales success continues for Ford

(December 29, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — In five years since introduction, Ford Fusion sales are expected to reach 240,000 by year-end, making 2011 its best-selling year ever and Fusion Ford’s best-selling car.
 
“Since launching in the 2006 model year, Fusion has reinforced Ford’s commitment to the midsize sedan market,” said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. “Recognized as a Best Buy every year since launch, Fusion is a key contributor to Ford’s car renaissance.”

Chrysler 300 gets luxury version with upgraded interior

(December 28, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather — once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars — with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with the Pentastar V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.

Government investigating rust issues on older GM vans, Ford minivans

(December 28, 2011) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents posted on its website Tuesday that it has opened investigations into rust issues on older vans and minivans built by General Motors and Ford.

Preliminary investigations are underway into 17,165 model year 2003 Chevrolet Express vans over fuel leaks and into 63,000 model year 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans over severe corrosion in rear wheel wells.