February 2012

Chrysler issues voluntary safety recall of Dodge police vehicles

(February 14, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 9,688 2011-2012 Dodge Charger Police vehicles to fix a headlight problem.

Chrysler will change and relocate the ABS/ESC fuse and replace the headlamp jumper harness. Chrysler says some police vehicles were built with front headlamps that could experience a loss of low beam operation as a result of an overheated bulb harness connector, while other may experience a loss of ABS/ESC as a result of an overheated power distribution module.

Study finds Cadillac ATS Super Bowl commercial most watched

(February 13, 2012) DETROIT — Cadillac’s 30-second preview of the upcoming 2013 ATS compact sport sedan shown in Sunday’s Super Bowl XLVI broadcast was the most-viewed single advertising spot in U.S. television history, according to a study released last week.

Zipcar expands nation's campus car-sharing program

(February 13, 2012) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Car-sharing network Zipcar reports that it has added service to more than 45 college and university campuses since the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. Zipcar says it is the leading choice for campus car sharing programs among colleges and universities.

Kia reveals sketches of its upcoming luxury rear-drive sedan

(February 13, 2012) Korean car maker Kia has revealed sketches of its upcoming large flagship sedan. The company said it will launch the rear-wheel-drive luxury car in the Korean market in the first half of this year and plans to sell it around the world. No release dates outside of Korea including the the U.S. have been announced.

Suzuki hits 10 million sales in India

(February 12, 2012) Suzuki's presence in the U.S. has faded into niche vehicle status, but it is number one in India. Maruti Suzuki announced last week the sale of its 10 millionth vehicle in the Indian domestic market and is the only car manufacturer to achieve this milestone in India.

The 10 millionth Suzuki, a red Swift, was delivered this week to a customer in Coimbatore from the company’s Manesar plant near New Delhi.

Toyota will have big presence at Geneva Motor Show

(February 12, 2012) The rejuvenation of Toyota can be witnessed “in the metal” at the Geneva Motor Show next month with a display of future showroom and concept models shown in Europe for the first time.

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be shown for the first time in its production-ready form, ahead of going sale in June. Powered by a re-engineered Hybrid
Synergy Drive, it will be Europe’s first full hybrid supermini, opening up the technology to a new customer group.

Nissan shows NV200 compact cargo van, updated 370Z

(February 11, 2012) CHICAGO — Three key future Nissan vehicles — the all-new 2013 Nissan NV200 compact cargo van, the revised 2013 Nissan 370Z sports car and the Pathfinder Concept, a preview of the re-imagined 2013 Nissan Pathfinder — share the spotlight at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which runs Feb. 10 – 19 at McCormick Place.

Ford B-Max comes with unique door system

(February 11, 2012) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford has unveiled a unique door system that brings ease-of-access to the all-new B-MAX. Ford’s Easy Access Door System integrates the central body pillars into the doors of its multi-activity vehicle to create 1.5-meter wide unobstructed openings on either side of the car and reduce everyday motoring stress.

2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang convertible with 650 horsepower unveiled

(February 10, 2012) CHICAGO — The official launch of SVT came during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. Now Ford returns to Chicago to celebrate its past and look to the future with the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible.
 
In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles.

Bentley V8 Continental GT makes flying debut over Munich

(February 10, 2012) MUNICH — Bentley Motors celebrated the arrival of its new 4.0 liter V8 Continental GT coupe in Germany with a sensational flying debut above downtown Munich.