July 2013

Toyota leads all automakers in 2012 U.S. patents issued

(July 6, 2013) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued more patents to Toyota’s designers and engineers in 2012 than to any other automaker, according to a recently-released survey by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO). 

Ford top seller in Canada for first six months of 2013

(July 6, 2013) OAKVILLE, Ont. — Ford of Canada sales are up three per cent year to date, helping to maintain sales leadership for 2013. Ford of Canada was also the top-selling automaker for June. Last month, trucks sales were up one per cent compared to the same month last year and up six per cent year to date.

500,000th Porsche Cayenne leaves Leipzig plant

(July 6, 2013) ATLANTA — When the first Porsche Cayenne rolled off the assembly line at the Leipzig, Germany, plant in 2002, nobody could foresee how very successful the sports-car SUV would be.

Mazda says new Mazda6 will achieve 40 mpg with i-ELOOP

(July 6, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced updated pricing of its all-new 2014 Mazda6 midsize sedan, now featuring the ground-breaking regenerative engine braking system known as i-ELOOP. 

Saleen 351 Mustang underway for production

(July 5, 2013) CORONA, Calif. —  Saleen Automotive Inc. has created s buzz with its flagship Mustang offering, the Saleen 351, which is now underway for production.

In true Saleen style, the 351 completes the trifecta of Speed, Science, and Style. Pounding out 700 horsepower and 655 foot-pounds of torque on a supercharged 351 cubic inch V8, the Saleen 351 is rounded out by its distinct Saleen aerodynamics and Red Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction system.

Volvo reveals safety and support features to be introduced in new XC90

(July 5, 2013) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Volvo Car Group has revealed a number of user-friendly safety and support technologies that will be introduced in the all-new Volvo XC90 at the end of 2014.

"We are introducing the first Volvos with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor Volvo Car Group.

Bentley state limousine to appear at Coronation Festival

(July 5, 2013) CREWE, England — Visitors to the Coronation Festival July 11-14 will get the rare opportunity to see one of the most recognizable and elegant cars in the world, Her Majesty The Queen’s State Limousine.

This unique Bentley, presented to The Queen in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne, will be the centerpiece of a collection of Bentleys on display in Buckingham Palace Gardens throughout the celebrations.

Thunderbirds Edition Mustang celebrates team’s 60th anniversary

(July 5, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The engineering and design teams at Ford have produced a unique U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition 2014 Ford Mustang GT. This car will be donated by Ford to be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on Aug. 1 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 — the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

Four separate Chrysler recalls involve 560,286 vehicles worldwide

(July 4, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler on Wednesday announced four separate recalls affecting 560,286 vehicles worldwide. In the largest action Chrysler said it will recall approximately 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

2014 Callaway high performance Silverado, Sierra trucks — In progress

(July 3, 2013) OLD LYME, Conn. — Callaway engineers are hard at work developing the company’s latest high performance supercharged versions of 2014 GM SportTrucks, after receiving their first 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks this past week.