February 2013

Audi reports strong start to 2013

(February 19, 2013) Following the record-breaking year of 2012, Audi posted a successful start to 2013. In January, the company sold 111,750 automobiles worldwide, an increase of 16.3 percent over January 2012 and testimony to clear growth in all regions of the world.

Cadillac XTS brings its best to livery industry

(February 19, 2013) DETROIT — Cadillac is now selling more than nine of 10 all-new XTS models to individual luxury buyers, but the new luxury sedan is also outfitted with a special package that  redefines how fleet and car service operators transport their more than 400 million customers.

Rolls-Royce continues to tease the Wraith

(February 19, 2013) Rolls-Royce continues to tease its newest model, the Wraith, with a third official image, this time an interior shot. The car will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. The newest model in the pinnacle car maker’s range features a luxurious, contemporary interior to complement the dynamic poise of its exterior styling.

Driving the new Toyota RAV4: Where's there's smoke, there's fire

CLANGING BELL
By Russ Heaps

(February 19, 2013) I read where an auto journalist compared being on the new-car-launch circuit as being in the TV series "The Amazing Race" only without any women. That's about as accurate a description as I've heard. There are a few women; however, the majority of them work for the car companies.

Renault-Nissan Alliance opens bigger Silicon Valley Research center

(February 18, 2013) SUNNYVALE, Calif. — The Renault-Nissan Alliance has expanded its presence in Silicon Valley with the opening of a new advanced research center initially specializing in autonomous driving and connected cars.

Today marks the official opening of the Nissan Research Center Silicon Valley (NRC-SV), which will enhance Nissan's global research capability through collaborative partnerships with companies and research institutions in this global technology hub.

Mitsubishi to show concepts in Geneva showing off new technologies

(February 18, 2013) Mitsubishi Motors will give the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV1 and MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV2 concept models their global debut at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show next month. The two show models highlight MMC's next-generation advanced technologies.

Ferrari reports 2012 best year in its history

(February 18, 2013) MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari posted record results in 2012, its best ever trading period in the company's 66-year history. This fact was confirmed when the Ferrari board of directors met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the company's end-of-year results.

All the main economic indicators exceeded the previous records set in 2008 despite a much poorer world economic backdrop.

European Nissan Note to be unveiled in Geneva

(February 18, 2013) Signaling the start of a wave of new models from Nissan, the all-new Note for Europe will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show March 5. A version of the Note will be sold in the U.S. later this year as the 2014 Versa Hatchback.

Nissan says its "commitment to innovation, style and excitement has produced some of the most talked-about cars in recent years. And now, following in the tracks of the ground-breaking Qashqai and Juke, the new Note sets the standard for advanced, relevant technology in an affordable small car package.

'QuietTuning' meets exhaust tuning with Buick Verano Turbo

(February 18, 2013) DETROIT — When the 250-horsepower Buick Verano Turbo luxury sedan was introduced late last year, engineers knew an aggressive exhaust note was essential for a car capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in an estimated 6.2 seconds.

Yet that had to be balanced with delivering a quiet, comfortable driving experience — a core objective in the development of every new Buick model.

Ford boosts chassis, engine capacity to meet demand for motorhomes

(February 18, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is increasing production capacity by approximately 35 percent to meet renewed recreational vehicle demand in the United States. At the same time, Ford is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V10 engine that powers its motorhome chassis lineup.