January 2014

Ford uses high-strength aluminum alloys in all-new 2015 F-150

(January 13, 2014) DETROIT — Ford says that the all-new Ford F-150 brings a new meaning to Built Ford Tough, with cutting-edge materials and an industry-first frame design, making the truck tougher and more efficient than ever.

Starting with the signature fully boxed frame, Ford engineers increased the use of high-strength 70,000-psi steel — from 23 percent to 77 percent of the frame — to improve stiffness and durability while reducing weight. The new frame is up to 60 pounds lighter than the current frame.

Stryker Green debuts on 2014 SRT Viper at Detroit auto show

(January 13, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The newest, high-impact exterior paint color for the SRT Viper is being shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand introduced “Stryker Green,” an evolution of the iconic Snakeskin Green exterior color that first appeared in 2008, which features enhanced green and yellow pigments and a “liquid mercury” appearance.

Jaguar Land Rover delivers best-ever full year global sales performance

(January 12, 2014) DETROIT — Jaguar Land Rover, the UK's leading manufacturer of premium luxury vehicles, has delivered its strongest ever full year global sales performance thanks to the introduction of a series of multi-award winning new vehicles in 2013. Full year retail sales stood at 425,006, up 19%, with strong growth in all major regions.

Audi to introduce allroad shooting brake concept crossover

(January 12, 2014) DETROIT — Sporty, compact and versatile: It is with these attributes that the Audi allroad shooting brake makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. The two-door car is a crossover and so it is not limited to paved roads.

Its high level of functionality makes it ideal for recreational sports. Its hybrid drive, which is as powerful as it is efficient, makes a new form of quattro drive possible — the e-tron quattro.

All-new 2015 GMC Canyon midsized pickup revealed

(January 12, 2014) DETROIT — GMC revealed the 2015 Canyon today, an all-new midsize truck that "redefines the segment and raises the bar for everything from horsepower and efficiency to quietness and refinement."

GM applying more patented technologies to cars and trucks

(January 11, 2013) DETROIT — A patent for an industry-first aluminum welding process used on the    2014 Corvette Stingray is one example of how General Motors is driving more of its inventions into making and equipping cars and trucks on the road.

GM recalling more than 300,000 2014 pickups for potential fire problem

(January 11, 2014) General Motors announced on Friday that it will recall 303,000 model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks sold in the U.S. to reprogram software to prevent fires in the engine compartment. Another 67,000 models sold in Canada and Mexico have also been recalled.

Redesigned 2015 Audi A8 to make North American debut in Detroit

(January 11, 2014) The newly redesigned Audi A8 sedan, which will make its North American debut at the Detroit auto show next week, has received a more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence.

NADA predicts 16.4 million U.S. light vehicles sales in 2014

(January 10, 2013) McLEAN, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association predicts 16.4 million new cars and light trucks will be purchased or leased in the U.S. this year, a 5.1 percent increase from 2013.

Toyota North American vehicle production sets record in 2013

(January 10, 2014) ERLANGER, Ky. — There’s a reason you might be seeing more Toyotas on the road.  The automaker of the best-selling car in America, the Toyota Camry, produced at record levels in 2013 surpassing 2012 production volumes. Toyota built 1,857,695 vehicles, a 5 percent increase and 1,715,709 engines, a 3 percent increase from 2012 at its 14 manufacturing facilities in North America.