July 2013

Chevrolet’s iconic bowtie celebrates 100th anniversary

(July 19, 2013) DETROIT — Chevrolet’s globally recognized bowtie celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with 25 product launches helping the symbol find new roads around the world despite an origin that is still uncertain.

In 1913, Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant introduced the signature Chevy bowtie on the 1914 Chevrolet H-2 Royal Mail and the H-4 Baby Grand, centered at the front of both models.

Infiniti launches new vehicles, new names for 2014

(July 18, 2013) With the introduction of a new vehicle nomenclature for the 2014 model year and the launch of the all-new Q50 sports sedan, the stage has been set for a new generation of Infiniti vehicles and the Infiniti brand itself. Many additional new products and drivetrains, including more hybrids, have already been announced, along with a commitment to Infiniti's continued design, performance and technology leadership.

Ford provides energy-efficient technology to an American home

(July 18, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — The winners of the Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle Retrofit contest — designed to showcase how a typical American family can affordably move to an energy-efficient lifestyle — are Lindsay and Ben Sattler of Parker, Colo.
 

DC Entertainment kicks off Comic-Con with one-of-a-kind Sorento

(July 18, 2013) SAN DIEGO — DC Entertainment (DCE) opened San Diego Comic-Con Wednesday with a blend of artistry and giving, unveiling the JUSTICE LEAGUE-inspired Kia Sorento, the eighth and final custom vehicle built in partnership with Kia Motors America.

App developers geeked to engage with GM

(July 18, 2013) DETROIT — The idea was so simple that even the judges in a hackathon couldn’t believe no one had thought of it before: Why not have a built-in vehicle application with two buttons — one reading Personal and one Business — that a driver could choose from when starting a trip? The Business button would track mileage and fuel consumption for work-related trips that could be used for expenses or tax reporting.

TopGear and Honda unleash the Stig on a 130 mph riding lawnmower

(July 18, 2013) LONDON — In response to an as yet untapped requirement for extreme lawn-care equipment, TopGear Magazine has teamed up with Honda to produce just that — the MeanMower.

Loosely based on the Honda HF2620 ride-on, the MeanMower was stripped and re-built by Honda's British Touring Car experts at Team Dynamics, adding a space-frame chassis, a 1000cc Honda VTR Firestorm motorbike engine, bespoke suspension and tires from a racing ATV.

Aston Martin continues centenary year celebrations at Pebble Beach

(July 17, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — Aston Martin's new Vanquish Volante and V12 Vantage S are set for premieres at the 2013 Pebble Beach Automotive Week alongside the CC100 Speedster Concept, capping a trio of unveilings in the British brand's centenary year.

As the company continues its centennial celebrations around the world, the 2014 Vanquish Volante makes a global debut while the 2015 V12 Vantage S and CC100 Speedster Concept make their first appearances in the United States.

McQueen's last ride to be auctioned off by Mecum Auctions

(July 17, 2013) LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Mecum Auctions have announced they will be auctioning off the legendary late actor Steve McQueen's last known personal vehicle at the Mecum Celebrity Items Auction: Celebrating the Legendary History of Hollywood at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., July 26-27.

Renault-Nissan confirms new vehicle program tailored for growth markets

(July 17, 2013) CHENNAI, India — CEO and Chairman Carlos Ghosn confirmed today that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing all-new vehicles to meet the specific demands of new car buyers in the world's fastest growing economies.

Ford taking action to improve on-road hybrid fuel economy

(July 17, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — As Ford’s share of the U.S. electrified vehicle market has quadrupled in the past year, the company is announcing improvements to the on-road fuel economy performance of its hybrid vehicles, hiring new engineers, and expanding its research facilities for expected continued growth.