February 2012

Chevrolet Cruze diesel being developed for U.S. market

(February 22, 2011) DETROIT — When it comes to developing a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze for the U.S. market to be introduced in 2013, General Motors powertrain engineers have been there and done that — half a million times last year alone.

The Cruze diesel will leverage global powertrain expertise that has helped make GM’s fuel-efficient diesel engines popular options around the world.

Volkswagen reports best January in U.S. since 1974

(February 21, 2012) WOLFSBURG, Germany — The Volkswagen Group began 2012 with a rise in deliveries over January 2011 with 652,500 vehicles sold compared the last year at 644,200. New-found sales success was particularly noteworthy in the U.S. where January sales were up 39.5 percent over 2011 with sales of 36,700.

First 2013 Infiniti JX rolls off Tennessee assembly line

(February 21, 2012) SMYRNA, Tenn. — The first luxury vehicle produced in the state of Tennessee, an Infiniti JX luxury crossover in Emerald Green, rolled off the production line during a special ceremony Monday at Nissan's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant. The all-new, 7-passenger 2013 Infiniti JX, the latest addition to the Infiniti Inspired Performance lineup, goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in March.

Upgrades to Ford simulator will help in developing future safety technology

(February 20, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Upgrades to Ford’s full-motion virtual test track will help the automaker continue to develop and test active safety and driver aid technologies that warn drivers of imminent collision, drowsiness and other potentially dangerous scenarios behind the wheel.
 

Toyota Camry Hybrid — For people who hate gas stations

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By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

Trick question: What do you get when you cross a 2012 Toyota Camry with a hybrid engine? You don’t need a Cray SuperComputer to tell you the answer is one of the world’s best-selling mid-size automobiles that will get 40 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg highway.

Toyota recently introduced its all-new seventh-generation Camry, American’s best-selling car for nine years running and 13 of the past 14 years. Among the various models is the all-new Hybrid that debuts with a highly-revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which includes a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Honda expands recall over side curtain airbags

(February 18, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda has voluntarily expanded its Jan. 31 recall of 347 model-year 2012 Honda Accord and Honda Crosstour vehicles in the U.S. to replace a side curtain airbag assembly to include additional Accord and Crosstour vehicles and to add certain model year 2012 Honda Civic and Acura MDX vehicles, increasing the total recall size to 974 affected vehicles.

Survey finds Cadillac most desired auto brand in U.S.

(February 18, 2012) DETROIT — Cadillac is the most-desired automotive brand in the United States by men, according to results of a market research test by a company that studies emotional connections.

The 2012 “Most Desired Brands in the U.S.” survey was conducted by the global strategic neuro-insight firm Buyology Inc and uSamp, which measured personal and emotional connections to 220 well-known brands across 10 industries.

Chrysler's 'It's Halftime in America' top automotive video in YouTube's Ad Blitz contest

(February 18, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The votes have been tallied and Chrysler Group has secured the top automotive ranking and second place overall in YouTube's Ad Blitz 2012 contest. In its fifth year, the YouTube Ad Blitz program is one of the largest consumer polls of Super Bowl ads. Its online and interactive gallery of Super Bowl commercials allows users to view and vote on their favorite ads.

BMW to unveil new 6 Series Gran Coupe in Geneva

(February 17, 2012) The world premiere of the sleek 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will occur next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show while at the same time signaling its advance into a new vehicle segment.

Despite the name, the Gran Coupe has four doors and is technically a sedan. But the Gran Coupe's sultry looks and low, sloping roofline instantly distinguish it from a traditional sedan design.

Ferrari reports record-breaking year in 2011

(February 17, 2012) MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari has reported "extremely positive results" for 2011 with revenues at an all time high and record sales worldwide.

Revenues exceeded the 2 billion euro threshold for the first time, reaching 2.251 billion euro, a 17.3 percent increase over 2010. A record 7,195 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 9.5 per cent on the previous year’s figure.