November 2012

Volkswagen's nine-month sales up 11.2 percent worldwide

(November 14, 2012) WOLFSBURG, Germany — The Volkswagen passenger cars brand handed over 4.72 million vehicles to customers worldwide from January to October, an 11.2 percent increase over the same period in 2011. Volkswagen delivered 501,300 cars in October, a 16.3 percent increase over October 2011.

Toyota conducting two safety recalls of 670,000 Prius vehicles

(November 14, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will conduct two safety recalls in the United States  involving Prius vehicles as part of a recall announced today by Toyota Motor Corporation. Approximately 670,000 Prius vehicles are being recalled in the United States to inspect and in some cases replace the steering intermediate extension shaft. The recall affects 2.77 million vehicles worldwide.

Chevrolet to debut Spark EV at L.A. Auto Show

(November 13, 2012) DETROIT — Chevrolet will unveil the plug-in electric version of the brand’s popular new Spark mini car at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. The Spark EV is one of 13 new or significantly redesigned products that Chevrolet will be launching in 2013.

Nissan shows solid 10-month results in Europe

(November 13, 2012) ROLLE, Switzerland — Europe is a tough area in which to sell cars this year, but Nissan has bucked the headwinds. Nissan has announced an increase in year-to-date sales and market share versus October 2011 of 5.4%.

This performance was echoed regionally in some of Nissan's major markets. In Russia and the UK where Nissan has a strong industrial footprint, year-to-date market share was up 7.5% and 4.5% respectively. France also posted strong year-on-year market share gains with an increase of 15.1% versus this time last year.

Porsche to cut production of sports cars

(November 13, 2012) Porsche will halt weekend production of two-seater sports cars at its biggest plant next year as Europe's deepening debt crisis is eroding demand for luxury vehicles, company sources told Reuters.

Porsche will limit the working week to five days at its headquarters factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany, from January, the sources told Reuters. Porsche has been running eight extra shifts at the factory on Saturdays since September to clear orders for the revamped 911 model.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon to exceed 30 mpg

(November 13, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford today introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.
 

Roadster version of Lamborghini Aventador revealed

(November 12, 2012) — Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster — the most exciting series production Lamborghini ever built and the new benchmark in the world of open-top luxury super sports cars.

Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition honors military members

(November 12, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The new 2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition joins the previously announced Wrangler Freedom Edition as a tribute to United States military members past and present.

Available in red, white or blue with exclusive military-inspired features, this limited edition Patriot model – with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,445 — is on sale now at Jeep dealership in the United States.

Nearly 50 vehicle debuts confirmed for the 2012 L.A. Auto Show

(November 12, 2012) LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles Auto Show confirmed today that nearly 50 vehicles will debut at the show Nov. 28-29 when it opens for press days and Nov. 30-Dec. 9 for the public. Just two weeks away, the show will feature world debuts ranging from electric vehicles to performance and luxury designs from a global array of the world's top automakers.

Honda to reveal revised 2013 Civic sedan in Los Angeles

(November 12, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda endured massive criticism for its latest-generation Civic when it went on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model for its use of inferior interior materials and its failure to advance the popular brand.

In response, Honda has made the unusual decision to perform a major makeover after only 18 months on the market. The company today revealed the first look at the 2013 Honda Civic sedan in advance of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 29.