April 2012

TRW's electric park brake technology gains momentum

(April 19, 2012) LIVONIA, Mich. —- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. has been awarded new business for its next-generation Electric Park Brake (EPB) technology with two major North American based vehicle manufacturers. The EPB system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking.

New Porsche high-performance accessories include Porsche city bikes

(April 19, 2012) ATLANTA — Porsche has announced the debut of the Porsche Design Driver's Selection spring collection. Presented under the theme of The Speed of Sports, highlights of the collection include two new Porsche city bicycles, the Bike RS and S, along with new MARTINI RACING accessories and apparel.

Mercedes-Benz to unveil new small van for Europe

(April 19, 2012) STUTTGART — Powerful yet with compact dimensions making it especially suitable for city use — for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz portfolio of vans features a vehicle specifically for the urban environment. The Mercedes-Benz Citan will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.

Higher oil costs to speed up use of 'green' materials at Ford

(April 19, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Rising oil prices have Ford upping the ante in its push to reduce petroleum dependence and use more sustainable materials — including retired U.S. paper currency — to make parts.
 
A wide range of alternatives to products now made with petroleum are under review for potential application in Ford vehicles from shredded retired currency to cellulose from trees, Indian grass, sugar cane, dandelions, corn and coconuts.

Clean diesel car sales up 35 percent in 1st quarter; more choices coming

(April 18, 2012) WASHINGTON — Clean diesel automobile sales in the United States increased an impressive 35 percent during the first quarter of 2012 continuing the strong gains in diesel car purchases in 2011, according to new sales information compiled by HybridCars.Com and Baum and Associates.

The U.S. sales of clean diesel autos increased 39.6 percent in March 2012 over March 2011, 42.9 percent in February, and 21.2 percent in January.

Buick hosts world’s-largest game of ‘Knockout’

(April 18, 2012) NEW ORLEANS — As the nation’s top men’s basketball teams competed for an NCAA title earlier this month, participants in the Buick Arena at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans were shooting for a different record book. A total of 422 basketball fans completed the world’s largest game of “Knockout.”

Knockout is a basketball game involving participants lined up behind the free throw line. After the first player begins shooting, the next player is allowed to take a shot as well. If the second player makes a basket first, the earlier shooter is “knocked out” and the game continues until just one winner remains.

Fiat facility in Serbia to produce 500L

(April 18, 2012) Mirko Cvetkovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, together with Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat SpA, on Monday inaugurated the new Fiat car production facility in Kragujevac.

In welcoming the Prime Minister, Marchionne paid tribute to Serbia’s significant program of modernization which has created “a dynamic environment that is attractive to foreign investors. It is a great privilege for Fiat to be able to participate in the country’s future growth.”

Mustang may get an all-new look for 2014

(April 18, 2012) The retro-styled Mustang is being abandoned at Ford in favor of a modern look with the next-generation pony car set for the 2014 model year, according to reports. The new Mustang will closely resemble that of the Evos concept car that Ford showed in September at the Frankfurt auto show, according to the Wall Street Journal, quoting Ford sources.

GM sets price on new bi-fuel heavy duty pickups

(April 17, 2012) DETROIT— Chevrolet and GMC extended cab heavy-duty pickup trucks with a bi-fuel option will sell for $11,000 above the suggested base-vehicle price.  Fleet and retail customers can place orders for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD beginning April 19.

Ford Transit van helps ferry a flock of swans

(April 17, 2012) BRENTWOOD, England — A Ford Transit is set to become a regular sight cruising around Somerset this summer, ferrying a flock of giant swan sculptures in and around the city of Wells as a boost for tourism and charity.

The “Swans of Wells 2012” public art initiative, in celebration of the Queen’s diamond jubilee, will see the 5-foot tall swans, each individually decorated by local artists, sited around Wells between the end of May and September. Each of the 60 swans will be sponsored by local businesses.