March 2012

Mazda keeps sales momentum going

(March 2, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda has reported strong February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, representing an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994. 

On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent.  Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year, with 49,647 vehicles sold.

Ford Focus Electric certified at 110 miles per gallon equivalent

(March 2, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford’s all-new Focus Electric is now officially America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger car with a certified 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 99 MPGe on the highway.
 
Focus Electric also has been certified by the EPA to offer 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while offering more motor power and more standard features. Focus Electric’s 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf.

New Chevy ad spots to feature 30-second 'mini series'

(March 2, 2012) DETROIT — Chevrolet is breaking ranks with the stale tradition of local advertising and opting for some entertainment via a TV show built around likable but quirky characters who work in a Chevy dealership. The story, however, is told in a series of 30-second commercials.

The fastest Ferrari ever built

(March 1, 2012) MARANELLO — The on-line unveiling Wednesday of the F12 Berlinetta ushers in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics.

Hyundai sets February sales record in U.S.

(March 1, 2012) COSTA MESA, Calif.— Hyundai today announced all-time record February sales of 51,151 units, up 18 percent versus 2011. "February business was surprisingly strong for Hyundai," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president, national sales. 

Chrysler leads auto industry surge in February

(March 1, 2012) Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 133,521 units, a 40 percent increase compared with sales in February 2011 (95,102 units), and the group's best February sales since 2008 leading a 16 percent overall auto industry gain, its strongest showing in four years.

Jaguar goes into wagon mode with new XF Sportbrake

(March 1, 2012) The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show and promises to be the most versatile Jaguar ever created.

Sharing its underpinnings with the XF sedan, the Sportbrake's overall length grows by less than an inch, its weight by about 154 pounds and its chassis structure matches the strength of the conventional XF. These characteristics mean the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF sedan yet offers a large and highly practical load space.