July 2013

New technology for Ford Police Interceptor uses radar, backup camera

(July 22, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — A new technology available for Ford Police Interceptor will provide an additional measure of security for law enforcement officers by mitigating their risk of being snuck up on from the rear while working in their vehicles, especially at night.
 
The new surveillance mode technology works by using existing Ford driver-assist technologies – a backup camera, cross-traffic alert and reverse park assist – to give police officers added situational awareness and a first line of defense from potential assailants.

Iconic Corvette began 60 years ago

(July 22, 2013) BOWLING GREEN, Ky. —– Chevrolet has marked the 60th anniversary of the Corvette, an iconic American sports car. The first Corvette went into production in Flint, Mich. on June 30, 1953. Since then, Corvette has become an American icon that continues to offer the best in today’s technology and performance.

Chrysler recognizes 30 dealerships for environmentally friendly practices

(July 21, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Westgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Raleigh, N.C., is one of 30 dealerships that Chrysler Group has recognized for adopting environmentally-friendly business practices.

Westgate installed 420 solar panels on its service department roof to take advantage of central North Carolina’s abundant sunshine. This array of photovoltaic modules converts sunlight into usable electricity. But rather than using the energy in the dealership, Westgate sells it to the region’s electric power company at a fixed rate.

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: A new challenge

(July 21, 2013) LONDON — For the first time in its 117-year history, the 2013 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run will have a competitive element. It's is not a race, but it is certainly a challenge.
 
For the hundreds of hardy drivers at the wheel — or sometimes the tiller — of their pioneering motorcars, the only aim is to cover the 60 miles from London’s Hyde Park to Brighton’s Madeira Drive without mishap. For most participants, merely arriving at Brighton is sufficient reward.

The Italians continue to arrive — with the new Fiat 500L

(July 20, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Fiat brand is expanding the ports of entry for the introduction of the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L. The first Fiat 500L models arrived to America one month ago via the port of Baltimore, and now the Italian brand is adding the National City Port of San Diego, Calif., as another entry point into the American market.

Nissan Mexicana celebrates four million vehicles

(July 20, 2013) AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — Nissan Mexicana is celebrating the four-millionth car made at the company's plant in Aguascalientes. The model? The new Nissan Note, which went on sale in Mexico this summer.

Baltimore and the Fiat 500L

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(July 20, 2013) I was in Baltimore a few weeks ago to drive the all-new Fiat 500L. This marked my first stay in Maryland in several years. I don't think I'd been there since my "Discover America" days. I remember two shoots in particular.

Ford EcoSport records 30,000 bookings in just 17 days

(July 19, 2013) NEW DELHI, India — Indian consumers have recognized the value proposition the all-new Ford EcoSport offers them, resulting in the SUV attracting over 30,000 bookings in just 17 days of its launch. Having witnessed the growing order bank for the Ford EcoSport, Ford India is working hard to optimize deliveries and reduce the waiting time for delivery.
 

Acoustic foam formula contributes to weight-reduction in new Cherokee

(July 19, 2013) TOLEDO, Ohio — The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is all-new, inside and out, including a revolutionary body sealer that helps deliver a tranquil driving experience while contributing to weight-reduction, cost-savings and sustainability. The Toledo Assembly Complex, home to the all-new Jeep Cherokee, features special applicators that inject a unique acoustic foam into strategic locations of the vehicle’s body structure.

Fiat teams with McDonald's on Monopoly game contest

(July 19, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Monopoly game at McDonald’s is set to return this summer, and for the second year the Fiat brand is participating in the event. The Fiat brand is offering game players a chance to win one of three different Fiat 500 models including the all-new Fiat 500L, 500 Hatchback, and 500 Cabrio.