March 2012

Subaru's latest invention, the XV Crosstrek, to be unveiled in New York

(March 23, 2012) Subaru today announced that it is expanding its line of award-winning crossover-type vehicles with the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The versatile, fun-to-drive SUV, which arrives this fall, combines bold five-door design with an expanded-capability chassis, high fuel economy and everyday comfort.

Volkswagen to add 800 jobs to Tennessee plant to build Passat

(March 23, 2012) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —Amid rising sales of the redesigned Passat, Volkswagen says it will add 800 jobs at its Tennessee plant to boost production of the mid-sized sedan.

The move will increase the factory's workforce to 3,500 by year end and push the automaker closer to its new goal of building more than 170,000 Passats annually in Chattanooga by 2013.

Attention shiftless drivers — Automatic transmission added to turbo Sonic

(March 23, 2012) DETROIT — The Chevrolet Sonic’s fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission, bringing the increased torque of turbocharging to drivers of automatics.

Scion announces starting price of $24,200 for FR-S sports car

(March 22, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Scion today announced pricing for its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car.  The FR-S starts with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $24,200 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $25,300 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology.

Volkswagen begins U.S. electric Golf pilot program

(March 22, 2012) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen announced this week that it will begin a pilot scheme to test 20 prototype E-Golf Battery Electric Vehicles over a nine-month period in select locations in the U.S. Twelve of these vehicles will be allocated to selected Volkswagen employees during the time period.

Chevrolet to debut all-new Impala, Traverse in New York

(March 22, 2012) DETROIT — The total transformation of the Chevrolet passenger car lineup advances with the debut of the all-new 2014 Impala full-size sedan at the New York International Auto Show next month. Chevrolet will also showcase a more-refined version of the family-friendly Traverse crossover utility vehicle for 2013.

Chevrolet Trailblazer lives as a new SUV revealed in Thailand

(March 21, 2012) BANGKOK — The Trailblazer names lives on. Last seen in the U.S. several years ago, a tough new “haul-anything, go-anywhere” body-on-frame Chevrolet Trailblazer made its world debut today at a special event ahead of The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand.

Eclectic mix helps engineers perfect sound stage in new Ford Escape

(March 21, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — What do Stevie Ray Vaughn’s tube amp, Suzanne Vega’s lip smack and Rihanna’s voice have in common? Recordings of these sounds were all used to help audio engineers set the sound stage inside the all-new Ford Escape.
 
The “buzz” in Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic “Little Wing” is from a single-coil pickup amplified by tubes. Ford audio engineers used this recording to evaluate tonal balance, ensure quality in the bass region, and to make sure there is a wide sound stage in the new Escape’s audio system.

Mercedes to discontinue R class wagon in U.S.

(March 21, 2012) Mercedes-Benz will drop the slow-selling R class wagon from its U.S. lineup after the 2012 model year.

Mercedes dealers sold 293 copies of the R class through the first two months of this year, one-third less than the number sold in the first two months of 2011.

Ford Mondeo is Britain's most-used car, Nissan Micra most underutilized

(March 20, 2012) The average Ford Mondeo covers more distance on UK roads than any other vehicle, racking up over 15,000 miles annually, nearly 600 more than the next most-used car, the Volvo S80.

Larger, more refined vehicles dominate Warranty Direct’s rundown of the nation’s top 10 mile-munchers according to analysis of its 50,000 live policies on 3-10 year old cars. The report reveals the nation’s lust for luxury during long journeys and provides a unique insight into vehicle usage.