March 2013

Small is big with first Buick Encore TV spot

(March 14, 2013) DETROIT — When the Buick Encore hits the airwaves with its first TV spot, it will make a big statement about being small. The new luxury small crossover commercial, called “Dinosaur,” debuts this weekend on ESPN.

In the spot, the nimble crossover makes its way through city streets crowded with the oversized “dinosaurs” traditionally perceived as the standard in the luxury segment. The maneuverable Encore has a turning circle of 36.7 feet — almost a foot and a half less than a Mini Countryman — but still seats five or offers as much as 48.4 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded.

Volkswagen unveils first all-electric vehicle — the e-Up

(March 14, 2013) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen is writing a new chapter in mobility in presenting its first fully electric production vehicle: the new e-Up. The four-seat car — which operates with nearly zero noise — is being shown at today’s Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg. The new e-Up, which is being built for the European market, impresses with its driving range of 93 miles and excellent everyday practicality.

All-new, technology-rich 2014 Acura RLX sedan on sale March 15

(March 14, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2014 RLX luxury flagship sedan goes on sale at Acura dealerships Friday, with a starting price of $48,450 and topping out at $60,450 for the technology-laden RLX with Advance package. The all-new 2014 Acura RLX — the first complete remake of the brand's flagship since 2005 — is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced sedan in the history of Acura.

Porsche worldwide sales up 18.2 percent in February

(March 14, 2013) ATLANTA — Porsche handed over 10,454 new vehicles to customers the world over in February 2013, an increase of 18.2 per cent in comparison to the same month last year. In the first two months of the 2013, Porsche sold 22,515 cars — a growth of more than one-fifth in comparison to the same period of the prior year.

Pre-war Austin 7 annual rally is July 7

(March 13, 2013) LONDON — The 51st National Rally of pre-war Austin 7 motor cars, organized by the 750 Motor Club, takes place in the parkland on the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire, on Sunday, July 7.

NADA reports used-vehicle prices up slightly in February

(March 13, 2013) MCLEAN, Va. — Wholesale prices for used cars and light trucks up to 8-years-old rose a modest 0.8% in February, well below the 3% increase for the month over the past two years, says the NADA Used Car Guide in its March edition of Guidelines .

"Price growth for used vehicles through early spring will be weaker than what is typically seen for the period," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide.

Dallas resident receives OnStar'sGood Samaritan of the Year award

(March 13, 2013) DETROIT — Have you ever noticed a stranded vehicle or witnessed a vehicle crash?  How did you react? Did you stop to help?

Every day, OnStar receives hundreds of calls from subscribers requesting emergency assistance on behalf of someone else in need of help. By simply pressing the red emergency button in the vehicle, subscribers are connected to a specially trained OnStar Emergency Advisor who can request emergency services and instruct on how to help before they arrive.

Nissan to use advanced high tensile steel in some 2017 models

(March 13, 2013) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan today announced its plan to expand the use of advanced high tensile strength steel (AHSS) in to up to 25 percent of the vehicle parts — measured by weight — installed in its new production models. Nissan will make use of advanced high tensile strength steel starting in 2017 as one of its initiatives to help reduce vehicle weight.

2015 Volkswagen Golf to be unveiled in New York

(March 13, 2013) The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is bigger inside and out, lighter, more fuel efficient, and safer than the vehicle it replaces. The seventh-generation Golf is the first Volkswagen to use the new MQB components matrix and will offer new safety features-such as collision avoidance and lane departure systems-as well as new engines and infotainment options.

250,000th ground-breaking Mini Countryman comes off the line

(March 13, 2013) MUNICH — The launch of the Mini Countryman in 2010 as a 2011 model saw the British premium brand make the move into a new segment and write a new chapter in its successful history. And today the 250,000th Mini Countryman rolled off the assembly line at production and development partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.