January 2012

One million Chrysler Pentastar V-6 engines produced in 18 months

(January 28, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Just 18 months following the start of production as the standard engine for the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the one millionth Pentastar V-6 engine was assembled Jan. 27 at the Chrysler Group’s Trenton (Mich.) Engine Assembly Plant.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming it products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, vice president, head of Powertrain Manufacturing.

Suzuki heads north for its Super Bowl commercial

(January 27, 2012) BREA, Calif. — Suzuki has released its 2012 Super Bowl commercial — "Sled" — on the automaker's Facebook and YouTube pages.

The commercial that highlights the all-wheel-drive version of the Suzuki Kizashi Sport. This is the second consecutive winter-themed Super Bowl commercial for Suzuki. Last year, the Kizashi battled "wicked weather" snowmen inspired by the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes."

Aston Martin V12 Zagato to appear at Kuwait Concours d' Elegance

(January 27, 2012) GAYDON, England — Aston Martin will debut the first production V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance Feb. 15-18.

The Kuwait Concours d’Elegance, in its third successive year, is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries.  Having gone from strength to strength in the past two years, this event has become the earliest of its type in what is considered by car connoisseurs as "the season."

Ford picks up 'Truck of Texas' trophy at Houston Auto Show

(January 26, 2012) HOUSTON — The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) on Wednesday presented Ford truck team members with the prestigious Truck of Texas trophy at an awards luncheon inside Reliant Center — home of the 2012 Houston Auto Show. TAWA named the 2012 Ford F-150 Truck of Texas after the annual Truck Rodeo in October.

Vampires get a dose of Audi's LED headlights in new Super Bowl ad

(January 26, 2012) HERNDON, Va — Audi's 60-second TV spot set to air in the first break after kick-off of Super Bowl XLVI is now live on the brand's YouTube channel. The cinematic spot — which features a vampire theme and the new 2013 Audi S7 with the brand's signature LED headlight technology — has been pieced together by Facebook users who cracked the commercial with Audi's social media contest called 'Race the Light.' 

Through 'Race the Light," Audi released its upcoming ad as a 60-piece puzzle for fans to solve and share.

Bentley offers the thrill of racing on ice in Finland

(January 26, 2012) Whether you have a passion for speed and a desire to put your driving skills to the ultimate test — or you’re simply seeking an exclusive, luxury winter break with a twist — Bentley says its Power on Ice adventure will deliver.

2013 Ford Fusion being readied for 2013 NASCAR season

(January 25, 2012) CONCORD, N.C. — Manufacturer brand identity is back in NASCAR. The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, unveiled Tuesday as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour, was worked on by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport. The result is undeniable with the 2013 Sprint Cup car mirroring the recently unveiled 2013 Ford Fusion production car.

Nissan to build $2 billion manufacturing complex in Mexico

(January 25, 2012) Nissan today announced plans to invest up to $2 billion for a  manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to support the company’s Americas growth strategy. The facility, which will complement Nissan’s two existing Mexican factories, is scheduled to begin operations in late 2013.

Known as the Chevy Sonic in the U.S., it carries on as the Aveo in Europe

(January 25, 2012) Combining sleek looks, sporty handling, key safety features, fuel economy and versatility, the new Chevrolet Aveo is a small car that makes few compromises. You may recognize the car as the Chevrolet Sonic. And you are right. Chevrolet elected to stick with the Aveo name in Europe.

Chrysler opens World Class Manufacturing Academy

(January 24, 2012) WARREN, Mich. — With touch screens on the walls, iPads on table tops and plenty of hands-on laboratories, Chrysler Group’s new World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Academy looks more like a high-tech store than a training center. But training is exactly what will take place in the state-of-the-art facility that was officially dedicated today.