December 2014

Ford expands Takata driver-side airbag inflator safety recall

(December 20, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — At the request of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford is expanding its recall on Takata driver-side airbag inflators. This recall includes approximately 502,489 vehicles, an addition of approximately 447,310 vehicles.

This brings the total number of Ford vehicles being recalled for Takata airbag inflators to approximately 538,977.

Special series Lamborghini celebrates collaboration of two brands

(December 20, 2014) Lamborghini has announced production of an exclusive new special series, the Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition, created to celebrate the long and ongoing history of collaboration with the Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli.

The partnership began back in 1963, the year the House of the Raging Bull was established, and since then all Lamborghini cars have been equipped with Pirelli tires. The two firms share not only their Italian origins but also, and above all, a constant quest for technological innovation.

Global production of Mazda6 reaches three million units

(December 19, 2014) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corp. has announced that total global production of the Mazda6 (known as Mazda Atenza in Japan) reached three million units at the end of November.

The milestone figure was reached in approximately 12 years and nine months after production of the first-generation Mazda6 began in February 2002 at Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi, Japan. It is the second fastest time for a Mazda model to reach three million units, following the Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan).

More Toyota coming to Michigan

(December 19, 2014) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Toyota announced Thursday that it is planning another expansion of its Southeast Michigan R&D campuses. This marks the third time in just over a year that Toyota has announced plans to increase employment and investment in Michigan.

Cadillac adds streaming video to enhance driver vision and safety

(December 19, 2014) DETROIT — Cadillac late next year will add high-resolution streaming video to the function of a traditional rearview mirror, removing obstructions of passengers, headrests and the vehicle’s roof and rear pillars. The streaming video mirror improves field of vision by an estimated 300 percent, or roughly four times greater than a standard rearview mirror.

Wagoneer living in retirement



This early 1980s Jeep Wagoneer lives in retirement in the weeds. The Wagoneer was built from 1963 through 1991, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) before the term was even coined. The wagon received only minor styling changes through the years. The Wagoneer was moved upmarket in its later years by AMC before Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987. The Wagoneer could be purchased with either a six-cylinder or V-8 engine in the early '80s and with a four-speed automatic transmission. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

New museum in Ohio showcases Honda history in North America

(December 18, 2014) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Honda Heritage Center in Marysville officially opened its doors today, offering the world a glimpse of the innovative history and growth the company has achieved in Ohio and North America during the past 55 years.

"The new Honda Heritage Center is a collection of Honda dreams in the form of products that are responsible for millions of customer relationships," said Takuji Yamada, chief operating officer of Honda's North American regional operations.

BMW unveils ConnectedDrive Store for U.S. customers

(December 18, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Today, BMW announced plans to allow customers in the U.S. to use an all-new ConnectedDrive Store while inside their BMW vehicle to purchase select ConnectedDrive services, intelligent services and apps that provide drivers with information and entertainment during a drive.

BMW is the first auto manufacturer to offer this convenience through the car in addition to sales channels at a dealership or via its BMW Assist call center.
 

Volvo buyers to receive four years of SiriusXM Traffic, weather

(December 18, 2014) NEW YORK — SiriusXM and Volvo Cars of North America today announced that Volvo customers will automatically receive a four-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and weather information when purchasing any new Model Year 2015.5 vehicle equipped with the latest generation of Volvo Sensus Connect, Volvo's connected car platform.

Volvo drivers and passengers will be able to access a suite of traffic and weather information through the Volvo Sensus Connect in-car display.

Acura NSX production model to make world debut in Detroit

(December 18, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. The model will reflect the production design and specifications of the mid-engine Acura supercar that is slated to launch in 2015.