(December 13, 2012) COVENTRY, U.K. — Jaguar Land Rover sold 29,893 vehicles in November, an increase of 14% versus the same period last year. During the first 11 months of the year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 324,184 vehicles, up 32%.

November sales increased in almost every major market with sales up in China (43%), Asia Pacific (26%), the UK (15%) and Europe (12%). In North America, sales were down 7%, reflecting model year changeover effects and increased competitive conditions.

(December 13, 2012) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — With two years of Nissan Leaf sales just completed, the company has announced the launch of the United States' largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant in Smyrna, Tenn. The facility — which is making battery components for the ramp-up of production of the all-electric, zero-emission 2013 Nissan Leaf early next year — is one of three of its kind in the world operated by a major automaker.

(December 13, 2012) BERLIN — Six German automotive companies — the passenger car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, and the supplier Bosch — are starting their first ever joint information campaign for "clean diesels" in the U.S.

Under the slogan "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." they will publicize the advantages of modern diesel passenger car technology over gasoline engines in terms of cleanliness, consumption and performance.

(December 12, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Can the trim around a window switch save thousands of gallons of fuel? It can if it was specified by Ford engineers.
 
The window switch surround in the new Ford Fusion saves 2,700 gallons of diesel fuel usage and nearly 60,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.