April 2012

BMW 7-Series rollaway incidents investigated

(April 17, 2012) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its investigation into 122,000 BMW 7-series cars to an engineering analysis — a step closer to a recall — after receiving 50 complaints of unattended vehicle movement or rollaway, including 16 crashes and five injuries.

Companies develop 'target' for testing pedestrian detection systems

(April 17, 2012) A technology collaboration between innovITS ADVANCE and TRL has led to the creation of an advanced form of pedestrian detection target which will help those specifying and developing automotive safety systems based on pedestrian recognition to test and certify their products in a more flexible, accurate and repeatable manner.

Prices set for 2013 Dodge Dart

(April 16, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The all-new compact 2013 Dodge Dart sedan will start at $16,790. “The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car, offering features and benefits never before found in a compact car,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO, Dodge.

Ward's picks 10 best interiors for 2012

(April 16, 2012) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — WardsAuto Magazine has released its annual Ward's 10 Best Interiors list, and the selection for 2012 show great variety — four luxury vehicles, three compact cars priced below $22,000, a functional cross/utility vehicle and a fresh take on a German icon.

Rock bands Linkin Park, Incubus to headline Honda Civic Tour

(April 16, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda announced today that multi-platinum alternative rock bands Linkin Park and Incubus will be co-headlining the 2012 Honda Civic Tour. The tour will kick off August 11th in Bristow, Va., at the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheatre. In addition to the two headliners, the Civic Tour will also feature the Grammy-nominated electrorock band Mutemath.

Ford makes NASCAR history with first all-electric pace car

(April 16, 2012) DEARBORN — Ford is again making NASCAR history this month as the all-new Focus Electric becomes the first all-electric pace car to ever lead the field for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond 400.

The all-new Focus Electric will perform all pace care duties at Richmond International Raceway on April 28.

Volvo sets starting price of all-new V40 hatch — for Europe only

(April 15, 2012) Will the 2013 luxury hatchback Volvo V40 find its way to the U.S.? Perhaps, but for now the newest Volvo will be sold exclusively in Europe, and last week Volvo Car UK announced the pricing for premium five-door, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last month.

It is expected to go on sale in Europe in September.

Chevrolet collector goes for Guinness world record

(April 15, 2012) DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. — Charlie Mallon has been acquiring Chevrolet items for 40 years — Chevrolet signs, racing flags, coffee table books, soda cans, hats, belts, shirts, playing cards, drinking glasses, posters, tractor trailers, a biplane and miniature cars — lots of miniature cars.

The 54-year-old auto dealership consultant hopes to soon add a Guinness World Records title to his collection.

Buick Verano owners seeing red

(April 14, 2012) DETROIT — Buick Verano sales continue to trend upward, with nearly 2,500 sold in March, the luxury sedan’s best month yet. Early trends show the Verano is bringing new types of customers to the Buick brand.

For one thing, Verano customers have a thing for red. One quarter of all Veranos sold have worn the most colorful hue offered, Crystal Red Tintcoat. According to paint supplier PPG, red was only the fifth most-popular color across the industry last year.

GM breaks ground on $200 million Texas facility

(April 14, 2012) ARLINGTON, Texas  — General Motors broke ground Friday on a new $200 million stamping facility that could add 180 jobs to its Arlington manufacturing complex. As part of the event, GM, GM Foundation and United Auto Workers leaders announced $82,000 in contributions to local charities from the GM Foundation.