March 2014

GM introduces three new modular small-displacement Ecotec engines

(March 20, 2014) DETROIT — A new generation of Ecotec small-displacement engines streamlines General Motors’ global powertrain portfolio with a modular architecture that broadens its adaptability to global markets and reduces manufacturing complexity while offering customers leading-edge efficiency, refinement and durability.

2015 Ford F-150 is first truck to offer brighter, more efficient LED headlamps

(March 19, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — When the assignment is to reinvent the Ford F-150 while maintaining its heritage of being Built Ford Tough, even the headlamps matter.

Until now, headlamps often needed to be replaced long before the end of a vehicle’s life. For the all-new 2015 Ford F-150, Ford wanted durable headlamps that would last as long, or longer, than the truck. Ford lighting expert John Teodecki and his team found the answer in technology they believe could change truck lighting forever — light-emitting diodes, or LEDs.

GM announces new position of global vehicle safety

(March 19, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors CEO Mary Barra today named a new vehicle safety leader whose first priority will be to quickly identify and resolve product safety issues. The move came after GM's botched recall of hundreds of thousands of vehicles for an ignition switch problem. Jeff Boyer, has been named to the newly created position of Vice President, Global Vehicle Safety, effective immediately.

Volkswagen to bring new diesel engine to U.S. in second half of 2014

(March 19, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Volkswagen has confirmed that its newest and most fuel-efficient TDI Clean Diesel engine will arrive in the U.S. during the second half of 2014 powering the 2015 Golf, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat and Jetta. Douglas Skorupski, manager of the Technical Strategy division, made the announcement during a presentation at the Automotive World Megatrends USA conference on March 18.

Porsche to replace engines of current 911 GT3 models

(March 19, 2014) ATLANTA — Sports car manufacturer Porsche will be replacing the engines of all 2014 model year 911 GT3 vehicles. Porsche said this is the corrective action derived from intensive internal analyses that were initiated in response to two engine fires.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that engine damage resulted from a loosened fastener on the connecting rod. The loose connecting rod damaged the crankcase, which in both cases led to leakage of oil which then ignited.

New Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe revealed

(March 19, 2014) The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe was revealed in Geneva earlier this month, and now Mercedes has released details of the ultimate version of the new coupe, the S63 AMG 4MATIC. It will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April.

Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle makes Hollywood film debut

(March 18, 2014) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson and Marvel hosted a surprise, one hour "for the fans" engagement at Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie premiere in Hollywood on March 13, following the close of the red carpet.

Fans at the event were spontaneously selected to walk and experience the official red carpet and to check out a new Street 750 motorcycle along with the stars of the film, who autographed the bike for charity.

Acura's multi-city 'Driven by Passion' tour showcases 2014 RLX

(March 18, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura has kicked off a multi-city cross-country tour called "Driven by Passion" to showcase the automaker's new flagship luxury-performance sedan, the 2014 Acura RLX. The new experiential marketing campaign will occur alongside local cultural events in busy city-center locations while supporting local organizations and philanthropic causes along the way.

Audi debuts new ad campaign for all-new Audi A3

(March 18, 2014) Audi has debuted a new advertising campaign for the all-new 2015 Audi A3 sedan. The campaign kicks off with a 60-second television commercial called “Dues” starring comedian Ricky Gervais, celebrity chef David Chang, internationally-acclaimed photojournalist Lynsey Addario, comedian Kristen Schaal, gold medal winning boxer Claressa Shields, street artists Cyrcle, and inner city church choir Voices of Destiny.