February 2014

Mini named 'Value Champion' for 10th straight time in Germany

(February 8, 2014) MUNICH — A new winner in a familiar story: for the 10th time in a row, the title of "Value Champion" goes to the British premium brand Mini. For the first time, it is the Mini Countryman that has been voted as the car with the highest value retention level its class on the German car market.

Honda wows Windy City with real-life custom Forza Civic Si Coupe

(February 7, 2014) CHICAGO — Honda teamed up with Forza Motorsport, the world's hottest racing game franchise, to unveil the winning entry of the Forza Motorsport Civic Si Design Contest at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Selected from nearly 170 entries, the winning 2014 Civic Si Coupe design was created by Forza gamer Tiffany Labedz of Phoenix, Az., and was selected as the top design by more than 17,000 members of the Xbox Forza community.

Power storage system made from discarded electric vehicle batteries

(February 7, 2014) TOKYO — Sumitomo Corporation has developed and installed the world's first large-scale power storage system which utilizes used batteries collected from electric vehicles (EV).  This commercial scale storage system, built on Yume-shima Island, Osaka, will begin operating in February.

Acura to debut 'Let The Race Begin' ad featuring TLX Prototype, NSX

(February 7, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura will debut a futuristic new television commercial in the top 14 U.S. media markets during prime time network sports programming this weekend, challenging drivers to seek out a new luxury-performance experience. Set against the backdrop of an otherworldly racetrack, the new Acura TV commercial opens with four robotic horses, representing traditional approaches to luxury performance, emerging from the starting gate and aggressively jostling for position.

Nissan touts Frontier Diesel Runner; unveils Versa Note SR in Chicago

(February 7, 2014) CHICAGO — Nissan has debuted two special vehicles that form the centerpiece for the brand's display at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show — the Frontier Diesel Runner Powered by Cummins and the latest addition to the popular Nissan Versa Note lineup, the sporty new 2015 Versa Note SR.

Both were revealed at a press conference by Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service and will be on display throughout the public days of the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 8 –17.

Chevrolet City Express unveiled in Chicago

(February 7, 2014) CHICAGO — Chevrolet’s all-new 2015 City Express matches maneuverability and cargo-hauling flexibility with efficiency, giving urban business owners and fleet managers value-driven capability with low operating costs. The City Express goes on sale this fall, offering 122.7 cubic feet of customizable cargo space, a tight turning diameter of only 36.7 feet and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Subaru introduces all-new 2015 Legacy sedan

(February 7, 2014) CHICAGO — Subaru has introduced the all-new 2015 Legacy, "delivering a more compelling blend of standout design, interior refinement, safety technology and higher fuel efficiency along with the largest interior passenger volume in the midsize sedan segment."

South Korean automaker SsangYong to show crossover concept

(February 6, 2014) SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean automaker SsangYong, which sells vehicles worldwide, will unveil its new XLV concept (eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle) at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show in March.

Soul EV lights up Chicago Auto Show

(February 6, 2014) CHICAGO — Set to the sounds of soulful electrified blues music, Kia today hosted the global unveiling of the 2015 Soul EV at the Chicago Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of 2014, the Soul EV will be Kia's first all-electric, zero-emissions car sold in the U.S.

Ford gets off to fast 2014 start in United Kingdom

(February 6, 2014) BRENTWOOD, Essex — Ford has accelerated into 2014, beating overall market growth and increasing sales and shares of its cars and commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom, compared with January 2013. Ford has also significantly extended its sales lead over its nearest rival, according to official sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).