October 2013

Ford, University of Michigan create new kind of battery lab

(October 14, 2013) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A new $8 million battery lab opened today at the University of Michigan that will help Ford develop batteries that are smaller, lighter and less expensive to produce. The work could accelerate development of battery-powered vehicles that are more efficient and affordable than today’s models and that go farther on a single charge.

Ram dominates annual Texas Truck Rodeo

(October 14, 2013) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Once again, Ram Truck, Jeep and Dodge brand vehicles have taken top honors at the annual Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo.

More than 40 TAWA members cast their votes this weekend after a two-day competition involving on- and off-road vehicle evaluations. While capability is an important element considered by the auto group,
the organization also pays close attention to design, utility, value and technology.

Popular Mechanics honors GM's 'Super Cruise'

(October 13, 2013) DETROIT — Popular Mechanics has named General Motors’ Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology for Cadillac a winner of its ninth annual Breakthrough Awards that recognize innovators and products that advance the fields of technology, medicine, space exploration, automotive design, and more.

BMW announces the all-new 4-Series convertible

(October 13, 2013) Hot on the heels of the BMW 4-Series introduction comes the next installment — the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible representing the latest chapter in the modern history of BMW convertibles which dates back to 1987 and the first BMW 3 Series convertible. 

Hyundai unveils fan-designed Zombie Survival Machine at N.Y. Comic Con

(October 12, 2013) NEW YORK — When Anson Kuo set out to build the ultimate Zombie Survival Machine, he first looked to his driveway for inspiration. After recently purchasing an all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kuo decided to design his “zombie-mobile” based on his own new car.

Cadillac ELR sales to begin in January; starting price — $75,995

(October 12, 2013) DETROIT — Initial sales of the 2014 Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe will begin in January in all major U.S. metropolitan areas featuring provocative design and extended range electric vehicle technology. Designed for a new generation of technology-driven luxury buyers, the 2014 ELR has a starting price of $75,995, including a $995 destination charge.

NADA finds used vehicle prices fall 2.6% in September

(October 11, 2013) McLEAN, Va. — The average price of used cars and light trucks up to eight model years in age fell 2.6% in September, marking the highest rate of decline recorded since the 2.9% tumble in October 2012, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Used Car Guide.

September ended a three-month period with depreciation averaging an unusually low rate of 1.2%.

Chrysler confirms investments of $1.24 billion in two Mexico facilities

(October 11, 2013) Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed investments totaling $1.249 billion in two Saltillo, Mexico, facilities and the creation of 1,570 jobs during a dedication event at the new Van Assembly Plant on Oct. 10. Of the total investment, $1.085 billion was invested in the construction of the new Van Assembly Plant to produce the Ram ProMaster commercial vehicle.

Toyota uses automated driving technologies to support safer driving

(October 11, 2013) TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota has announced that it has developed a next-generation advanced driving support system, Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA), which uses automated driving technologies to support safer highway driving.

Ford EcoBoost V6 engine sets new speed records at Daytona

(October 10, 2013) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After 26 years, there’s a new King of Speed at Daytona International Speedway.  Colin Braun drove a Riley Technologies Daytona Prototype race car, powered by the new 3.5-liter, V-6 Ford EcoBoost race engine, to a new Daytona single lap speed record of 222.971 mph during a special record run attempt, topping the 26-year-old speed record of 210.364 mph set by Bill Elliott in a Ford Thunderbird during qualifying for the 1987 Daytona 500.