January 2012

Production version of Acura ILX, new RDX to be shown in Chicago

(January 31, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — The production versions of the all-new Acura ILX and the completely redesigned Acura RDX will make their world debuts at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 8, Acura announced today.

The 2013 Acura ILX luxury compact sedan is an all-new model positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. Sleek and sporty, the ILX will feature three distinct powertrains, including Acura's first ever hybrid.

Seinfeld, Leno in first-ever Acura Super Bowl commercial (view video)

(January 31, 2012) Acura, for the first time, will run a commercial during the Super Bowl championship game to capitalize on communicating with the more than 100 million viewers. Designed to strengthen Acura brand awareness and leverage Acura's announcement in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month, a 60-second commercial featuring the iconic talent of Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno coupled with the highly anticipated NSX supercar concept will air during the third quarter.

Toyota reinvents more than the Camry in Super Bowl spot (view video)

(January 31, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota today announced the premiere of the extended version of its Super Bowl XLVI commercial. The spot takes a cue from the marketing campaign promoting the striking reinvention of the 2012 Camry, America’s best-selling car for 10 consecutive years.

Hot Wheels Classic: Ford Mustang among most stolen cars over decades

(January 31, 2012) DES PLAINES, Ill. — For over 25 years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has published Hot Wheels, an annual report of America's 10 most stolen vehicles. While popular expectations have been that newer, more expensive vehicles would top the list, the data has repeatedly shown quite the opposite, with older, less flashy models topping the list.

Subaru driver David Higgins dominates Sno*Drift Rally

(January 30, 2012) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru's defending 2011 Rally America National Champion David Higgins launched his 2012 title defense with Subaru Rally Team USA with a decisive victory this past weekend at the Sno*Drift Rally. 

Higgins, driving a 5-door 2012 Subaru WRX STI rally car, dominated the rally leading from the start and winning 15 of the event's 24 competitive stages.

Mazda recalls 2001-2002 Tributes over fire risk

(January 30, 2012) Mazda said Saturday it is recalling 52,390 model year 2001-02 Tribute SUVs over fire risks, and is warning owners not to park them in garages until the company gets replacement parts.

The announcement follows the recall earlier this month by Ford of nearly 275,000 model-year 2001-02 Ford Escapes for the same fire risks.

Buick, GMC showrooms getting upgrades around the country

(January 30, 2012) DETROIT — Buick and GMC customers nationwide are discovering how a more welcoming dealership atmosphere enhances the experience of buying a new car or servicing a vehicle. More than 1,900 dealers, many in major markets, are showing the way.

The ongoing dealership image enhancement program includes a new exterior façade with updated signage, a bright and airy showroom featuring a customer greeting station, and a customer lounge with free Wi-Fi. In some cases, a café or salon is part of the experience.

Survey finds new-car dealers most satisfied with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus

(January 30, 2012) McLEAN, Va. — New-car dealer satisfaction with their respective auto manufacturers continued to increase in 2011, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) latest Dealer Attitude Survey.

The survey, conducted twice a year, measures dealer sentiment in three key areas: franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker’s field staff who visit dealerships. Nearly 54 percent of new-car dealers nationwide, representing more than 14,700 franchises, responded to the 2011 summer survey.

Provocative Alfa Romeo 'Test Me' commercial launches in Europe

(January 29, 2012) Sometime in this decade Alfa Romeo vehicles are likely to be sold in North America, but for now the Chrysler/Fiat brand is still confined to Europe. Alfa Romeo's latest television commercial, "Test Me,'" launched this month in a year-long marketing campaign focused on highlighting the "rational reasons" why people should buy an Alfa Romeo.

Buick eAssist smartphone games raise MPG awareness

(January 28, 2012) DETROIT — In 2011 alone, the Apple App Store reported more than 100 million downloads to phones and iPads. Just as consumers embrace hand-held technology, studies show they want the same smart technology in their vehicles. Buick’s new eAssist Fuel Efficiency smartphone games seek to connect the two.