June 2013

Toyota to unveil concept car at toy show

(June 11, 2013) TOKYO — Where better to unveil a car that’s all about bringing the family together than a toy show? Toyota is presenting the Camatte57s, a sporty, open-top family-focused concept car, in the colorful surroundings of the Kids’ Life Zone at this week’s Tokyo Toy Show.

Goodyear introduces new high-performance tire

(June 11, 2013) AKRON, Ohio — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which has long provided innovative products for sports car and motorsports enthusiasts, has introduced its newest performer, the Eagle Sport All-Season. Initial sizes of the new Eagle tire are available at thousands of retail outlets, with a full lineup of 47 sizes offered by the end of 2013.

DreamWorks, Ford partner; Mustang to be featured in 'Need for Speed'

(June 11, 2013) LOS ANGELES —Today, DreamWorks Studios’ Stacey Snider, partner and co-chair, and Ford’s Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service, have announced an exclusive partnership for the feature film “Need for Speed.”

Safety regulators investigating 2003-04 Honda Odyssey airbags

(June 10, 2013) U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating claims that the airbags in 2003-04 Honda Odyssey minivans can deploy without a crash, the Automotive News reported today. In a filing on its Web site, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it started a preliminary evaluation of the Odyssey on Thursday. The investigation affects an estimated 320,000 minivans.

2014 Buick lineup offers active safety suite

(June 10, 2013) DETROIT — Every 2014 Buick model — Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave — will be offered with a suite of available active safety systems that watch the front, side and rear of the vehicle to help prevent crashes.

Buick will be the only brand in the industry to offer Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, and a Rear Vision Camera on every vehicle.

Lexus tees it up at the U.S. Open

(June 10, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Pull out your clubs and polo shirts. As the exclusive automotive partner of the United States Golf Association, Lexus is returning as corporate partner of the 113th U.S. Open Championship.

This year's championship takes place this week at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., and for the first time, the USGA and Lexus will reach beyond the club's gates and into the City of Brotherly Love.

Volvo trucks to begin use of DME fuel in U.S.

(June 10, 2013) Volvo Trucks now takes yet another important step forward with vehicles running on alternative fuels. Within a couple of years, trucks running on DME — an energy-efficient fuel with low environmental impact — will be introduced in the North American market.

“It’s clear that DME technology shows great potential for North America and allows Volvo to further its commitment to both our customers and the environment,” says Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing.

Mia-Electric powers up for UK launch

(June 10, 2013) LONDON — A brand new electric vehicle is coming to the UK fleet market from this summer, thanks to a new, official import deal struck for the Mia-Electric range of electric vehicles manufactured in France.

Driving the Hyundai Santa Fe and living the good (Southern) life

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(June 10, 2013) One of the two cars in my driveway this week is the totally redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe. I was on the press launch for this crossover a few weeks ago, and just didn't get around to blogging about it at the time. Yes, shame on me.

Chrysler recalling late-model Jeep Wranglers to fix transmission line

(June 9, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group will recall approximately 181,000 2012 and 2013 Jeep Wrangler SUVs in the U.S. and another 21,700 in Canada and Mexico to prevent premature wear to a transmission oil cooler line.

A power-steering component may rub against the line and compromise transmission function. The issue was discovered during routine testing.