November 2012

Spark EV delivers exceptional power, fast-charge capability

(November 16, 2012) SAN FRANCISCO — The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will set a benchmark for urban electric vehicles when it arrives in California dealer showrooms next summer by offering industry-leading EV power, outstanding driving range, and exceptional fast-charge capability, according to Chevrolet.

2014 Corvette optimized for performance

(November 16, 2012) DETROIT — The precisely sculpted design of the all-new 2014 Corvette delivers more than just stunning good looks — every line, vent, inlet and surface has been optimized for performance.

“The all-new Corvette integrates more high-performance aerodynamic features than ever before, many taken directly from Corvette Racing,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.

Mercedes Ener-G-Force — Off-road for tomorrow

(November 16, 2012) MONTVALE, N.J. — Is it possible that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will still be around in 2025? A cool design study from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates how the genes of the classic off-roader from 1979 may still assert themselves far into the future. It is based on the concept of a future police car developed for the Los Angeles Design Challenge.

The Los Angeles Design Challenge 2012, a part of the Los Angeles Auto Show, looks far ahead with a quest for the "Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025."

Twenty-eight Mini fans cram into the record books

(November 15, 2012) LONDON — A team of gym members from East Sussex, England, have today smashed two Guinness world records for the number of people inside both a classic Mini and a 2012 Mini.

Chrysler adds 1,250 jobs at Detroit-area facilities

(November 15, 2012) DETROIT — Chrysler announced today that it will invest nearly $240 million to increase engine capacity and add about 1,250 new jobs at several Michigan facilities, reaffirming the company’s commitment to growing its operations in southeast Michigan.

Ram launches partnership with Latin music superstar Juanes

(November 15, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Multi-platinum Latin music superstar Juanes, a Grammy and 17-time Latin Grammy award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, is partnering with the Ram Truck brand in a new “A Todo, Con Todo” (“to everything, with everything”) bilingual advertising campaign for the new 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck.

GM plans 500,000 vehicles with electrification by 2017

(November 15, 2012) DETROIT — General Motors will have up to 500,000 vehicles on the road with some form of electrification by 2017 with a focus on plug-in technology, the company’s top product development executive said Wednesday.

“The plug-in offers a unique opportunity to change the way people commute,” Mary Barra, senior vice president of Global Product Development told media attending the GM Electrification Experience in San Francisco. “Plug-based solutions will play a significant role in our technology portfolio going forward.”

Ford Fusion interior takes cues from fashion trends

(November 15, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Today’s fashion is expressive, sculpted, three-dimensional — rife with patterns and textures that create depth and visual interest. These runway trends are very similar to the creative new interiors appearing in vehicles like the all-new Ford Fusion.
 

40 years of Porsche Design on display at Porsche Museum

(November 15, 2012) STUTTGART, Germany — The world’s first black timepiece, the legendary exclusive eyeglasses and the Porsche 911 — for decades, each of these products has stood as a unique design by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. In 1972, he founded the Porsche Design Studio in Stuttgart, which was relocated to Zell am See in Austria in 1974.

Hyundai Santa Fe named 'Utility Vehicle of the Show' in Miami

(November 14, 2012) MIAMI — The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was named "Utility Vehicle of the Show" by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) at the 42nd annual Miami International Auto Show. 

Determined by a panel of judges consisting of industry-leading automotive journalists, the accolade took into consideration a full range of utility vehicles from SUVs, pickup trucks and crossovers.