July 2012

Chevrolet touts Camaro with 1LE handling package

(July 31, 2012) DETROIT — The 2013 road-racing inspired Chevrolet Camaro 1LE, with Camaro engineer Aaron Link behind the wheel, lapped the famed Virginia International Raceway (VIR) “Grand Course” in 2:58.34 — a time previously accomplished by only the upper echelon of performance cars.

Lexus unveils fifth-generation flagship LS

(July 31, 2012) Lexus has revealed its new 2013 LS model range, comprising the LS 460, LS 600h hybrid and, for the first time in its history, an F Sport version of its flagship model.

The new LS, now in its fifth generation, continues Lexus’s development of its model line-up, following on from the recent introduction of the new GS. It displays an even greater refinement and an evolution of the advanced technologies and superior quality that have been integral to each generation of the vehicle since the original model was launched in 1989.

Chrysler's quarterly income increases 49 percent

(July 30, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported its preliminary second-quarter financial results, including net income of $436 million, an $806 million improvement from the $370 million net loss in the same quarter last year, which had included a $551 million charge related to repayment of its government loans.

23,000 kilometers from Melbourne to St. Petersburg

(July 30, 2012) WOLFSBURG — Long distance driving veteran Rainer Zietlow and his team have set off on a new record-breaking trip: the long-distance adventurer is aiming to do 23,000 kilometers (14,291 miles) from Melbourne to St. Petersburg in a Touareg powered by the standard engine.

Joel Ewanick, GM global marketing chief, dismissed

(July 30, 2012) DETROIT — General Motors has dismissed global marketing chief Joel Ewanick two years after hiring him, Automotive News reported today. "He failed to meet the expectations the company has of an employee," spokesman Greg Martin said Sunday, without elaborating.

Signature design cues connect 60 years of Corvettes

(July 30, 2012) DETROIT — The first Chevrolet Corvette, the XP-122 Motorama concept car, and the latest model, the 2013 Corvette 427 Collector Edition convertible, are separated by 60 years of automotive development and advancement. They do not share a single common component, yet the visual connection between the first and sixth generations is obvious.

Kia revives hamsters in new Soul ads

(July 29, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Get ready to see more hamsters riding around in the Kia Soul. The automaker is launching the fourth iteration of its popular rodent-centric marketing campaign, which includes TV spots starring animated hamsters — often wearing hip-hop gear— driving the hatchback, reports Advertising Age.

GM developing wireless pedestrian detection technology

(July 28, 2012) DETROIT — General Motors researchers are developing a promising driver assistance feature potentially capable of detecting pedestrians and bicyclists on congested streets or in poor visibility conditions before the driver notices them.

The feature relies on Wi-Fi Direct, the peer-to-peer wireless standard that allows devices like some smartphones to communicate directly with each other rather than through a shared access point like a cell phone tower.

Goodyear pledges to hire 1,000 veterans over next three years

(July 27, 2012) AKRON, Ohio — Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear Tire Company's North American unit, announced today that Goodyear will hire 1,000 veterans over the next three years through its partnership with the United States Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes program.

Ford EcoBoost going worldwide in motorsport promotion in August

(July 27, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — EcoBoost is taking over the world — at least when it comes to Ford Motor Company’s motorsports program in the month of August.
 
Ford’s latest engine technology, which provides increased fuel efficiency and decreased emissions without sacrificing power, has been a major hit with consumers worldwide. Beginning with the first weekend in August, motorsports fans will get a heavy dose of Ford EcoBoost highlighted through a unique livery on selected racing vehicles around the world.