January 2012

Bentley's sales up 37 percent in 2011

(January 3, 2012) CREWE,  England — Bentley bounced back to pre-recession levels of demand during 2011, with strong growth in all major markets. Globally, sales were up 37 percent to 7,003 with sales accelerating as the year progressed.

December sales were 1,059 — up 69 percent on the same month in 2010 — the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever.

Fisker: Most battery packs replaced


(January 2, 2012) ANAHEIM, Calif.Fisker Automotive announced today that a majority of all customer cars and dealer-held vehicles affected by the recall involving A123-supplied battery packs have already had brand new battery packs fitted or the confirmed repair to the hose clamp assembly undertaken and are back in service — just 2 weeks after Fisker was first made aware of the issue.

Chrysler 200 gets Mopar appearance package for 2012

(January 2, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler's Mopar brand has set its sights on the 2012 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar is a rolling showcase for the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012. The car will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

“The Super S is Mopar’s interpretation of the Chrysler 200,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar parts and customer-care brand. “The extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200.”

Ford Fusion first mainstream car to get lane departure technology

(January 2, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Drowsiness can easily creep up when behind the wheel for long periods of time. That’s why the all-new Ford Fusion will offer a Lane Keeping System (LKS) to help drivers stay between the lines.

The new Ford Fusion, which will debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, is the first mainstream midsize sedan in North America to offer this technology. Ford will roll out the Lane Keeping System to a wide range of its vehicles over the next several years. In addition to the new Fusion, the Ford Explorer also will offer the feature in 2012.