March 2012

Land Rover Range Rover celebrates 25 years in U.S.

(March 20, 2012) MAHWAH, N.J. — The iconic Land Rover Range Rover was officially introduced to the United States 25 years ago this year in 1987. To celebrate this milestone, Land Rover will host a special celebration in conjunction with the New York Auto Show and will invite consumers to an urban off-road adventure where they will drive 2012 model year vehicles at a custom-made course in the heart of New York City's meatpacking district.

All-new Ford Tourneo goes on sale this year in Europe

(March 20, 2012) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford on Monday announced the new Tourneo Custom van will go on sale in Europe as well as other global markets later this year.

The stylish people-mover that won admirers as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show marks the first step in Ford’s commitment to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014. The production version of the Tourneo Custom will be unveiled at the 2012 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

Mercedes SL 65 AMG with 630-horsepower V-12 announced

(March 20, 2012) Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the roadster season in inimitably dynamic style following on from the recent launch of the SL 63 AMG, the top eight-cylinder model, there now comes the presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the V12 roadster in the line-up from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.

Dodge Durango Special Service reporting for duty

(March 19, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Following the successful debut of the Dodge Charger Pursuit, Dodge will begin offering a Durango Special Service model for fleet use. The Dodge Durango Special Service SUV is specially designed to handle the rigors of everyday use by police and fire departments and fleet customers.

Chevrolet Corvette inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

(March 19, 2012) DETROIT — The Chevrolet’s Corvette, the best-selling luxury performance car in the U.S., was inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame during the weekend.

Corvette first competed at Sebring in 1956 and since that year, 231 Corvettes have competed in the Twelve Hours of Sebring race, 24 of them scoring class or category victories in this legendary contest.

Kia suspends operations at Georgia plant for two days

(March 19, 2012) South Korean carmaker Kia Motors said it has suspended production at its U.S. plant in Georgia today and Tuesday (March 19-20). No reason was given. Local media reported on Sunday that a fire had struck a Georgia factory operated by Daehan Solution, an unlisted South Korean parts supplier for Kia.

Creating feng shui for a clam, organized vehicle environment

(March 18, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — With rising gas prices, fuel economy is becoming increasingly important. But what if there was a way to keep good energy flowing inside the car as well?
 
It’s called feng shui — the words sound exotic, mysterious. But in truth, feng shui is simply the art of placement. Originating in China more than 3,000 years ago, it’s considered a way to bring harmony as well as organization into your environment – whether that’s a home or a vehicle.

VW Passat wagon gets SUV treatment for Europe

(March 18, 2012) The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack — a more capable version of the Passat wagon — is not for U.S. consumption. But Volkswagen says that in the UK, the Passat wagon's raised ride height, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and rugged body enhancements, has everything you need to venture off the beaten track. The new model goes on sale May 28.

AAA adds EV charging station locations to digital mapping tools

(March 17, 2012) ORLANDO, Fla. — To help early 1900s motorists plan their fuel stops, AAA marked gas station locations on early strip maps. Jump ahead a century and, today, AAA helps ease range anxiety for EV drivers by identifying charging station locations in its digital mapping tools.

Subcompact Toyota Prius c hatchback opens with strong sales

(March 17, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota's subcompact Prius c five-door hatchback, the newest member of the Prius family of hybrid vehicles, is off to a quick start since going on sale March 12.

In its first three days on the market, it sold 1,201 units, making it one Toyota's fastest-selling vehicles and eclipsing Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf sales for the entire month of February.