February 2013

2010 Lexus RX highest-ranked vehicle in J.D. Power dependability study

(February 14, 2013) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — The long-term dependability of three-year-old vehicles has improved year-over-year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released Wednesday.

Driving performance in a small package — the Mercedes A 45 AMG

(February 13, 2013) The A 45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era — for the first time offering a high-performance vehicle in the compact class. The A 45 AMG is representative of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy for the future, which is to run up to the 50th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 2017.

Unfortunately, the hot hatch will probably not make it to North American shores.

Nissan retains European market share in January

(February 13, 2013) ROLLE, Switzerland — Nissan has announced it held onto its market share of 3.9% in January with solid monthly and fiscal year-to-date sales in some of Nissan's major European markets. This contributed to the 47,449 units sold during the month versus 55,098 units sold in January 2012.

Honda, Acura rank highest in ALG's Canadian Residual Value Awards

(February 13, 2013) TORONTO — ALG, the industry benchmark for vehicle values and a provider of automotive insights, today announced the results of its 5th annual Residual Value Awards for Canada, with Honda and Acura earning the awards for top Mainstream and Premium brands, respectively.

'Cars and Coffee' and Corvette at the Amelia Island Concours

(February 13, 2013) The latest must-see event at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is the duPont REGISTRY CARS & COFFEE AT THE CONCOURS. The Saturday morning, March 9, event is sponsored by Heacock Classic Car Insurance and is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 18th fairway of the Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, S.C.

Coming to the U.S. this fall, Fiat-Chrysler unveils the Alfa Romeo 4C

(February 13, 2013) Fiat-Chrysler has unveiled the production version of the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C — a sexy supercar that will spearhead the brand's return to the United States later this year. The curvaceous mid-engine coupe will debut at the International Motor Show in Geneva next month.

Honda expands Fit EV leasing to select East Coast markets

(February 12, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif — The all-electric 2013 Honda Fit EV, first launched in California and Oregon in July 2012, is coming to select East Coast markets later this month, American Honda announced today.  The Fit EV will be available for lease at Honda dealerships in selected markets in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. Customers will be able to lease the ultra-efficient, spacious and fun-to-drive Fit EV for a period of three years at a cost of $389 per month.

Out of Africa — Fiat Panda completes 10,000-mile journey

(February 12, 2013) LONDON — The outright world record for driving non-stop from Cape Town to London was smashed Monday by two very daring British drivers and one very reliable Fiat Panda.

Adventurers Philip Young and Paul Brace set off on the grueling 10,300-mile trek on Feb. 1 with the intention of raising money for the charity Farm Africa, and drove relentlessly through 13 countries and two continents in the almost standard Panda.

Honda offering 'meet ASIMO' Disneyland trip

(February 12, 2013) Honda is giving ASIMO's fans the opportunity to win a trip to meet ASIMO at its Southern California home at Disneyland in a new social media contest, "Meet ASIMO," that begins today on Facebook. 

Ford dealers give tens of millions to U.S. nonprofits

(February 12, 2013) DEARBORN — Ford and Lincoln dealers contribute between $35.1 million and $84.6 million to charities and nonprofits in their communities across the U.S. per year, according to the results of a Ford Motor Company survey.

Ford's Dealer Giving study, the first of its kind, was administered by Ford to its dealers and was conducted in association with the 13th annual Salute to Dealers awards ceremony which took place on Feb. 8, in tandem with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention in Orlando, Fla.