February 2015

Bugatti sells the last Veyron supercar

(February 24, 2015) GENEVA — Bugatti has sold the 450th and last Veyron supercar with its 16 cylinders, 1,200 horsepower, a maximum torque of 1,106 pound-feet of torque, 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and a world record speed of 267 miles per hour. These are the figures that describe the magic and uniqueness of the ultimate supercar of the modern era.

Nissan to unveil small European hatchback with new design language

(February 24, 2015) GENEVA — Innovative design and product planning gave birth to Nissan Qashqai and Juke, two of the biggest automotive success stories of recent years. What would happen if the company applied the same radical thinking and quality standards to one of the most important sectors in Europe: the small hatchback?

Ford trains thousands of additional workers to support F-150 production

(February 24, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Since May 2013, more than 8,000 skilled trades and production workers at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant have undergone an intensive training program to support production of the all-new Ford F-150.

The production training program was designed to support F-150’s innovative manufacturing process, which incorporates the latest in advanced materials including aluminum and forming and joining technologies, including a cutting-edge riveting operation system versus conventional welding.

Porsche Classic develops navigation radio for classic sports cars

(February 23, 2015) ATLANTA — Classic on the outside yet ultra-modern on the inside: with its newly developed navigation radio, Porsche is responding to the growing demand for a built-in device for classic sports cars. The purpose-built unit combines the style of yesteryear with the benefits of modern technology.

It fits perfectly into the DIN-1 slot that has been used in the sports cars for decades and is operated by means of two knobs, six discreetly integrated buttons and a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch display.

Nissan legend Mr. K dies at 105

(February 23, 2015) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Yutaka Katayama, known around the world as Mr. K, who was the first president of Nissan Motor Corporation USA, died on Feb. 20 at the age of 105.

Nissan issued the following statement upon his death: “Yutaka Katayama (Mr. ‘K’) was a passionate ambassador for the Datsun and Nissan brands and our condolences go out to his family and friends. His more than 80 years in the car business included an induction into both the American and Japanese Automotive Hall of Fames. He was a pioneer on both sides of the Pacific, and we are grateful for his service to Nissan and his passion for our brands.”

Third Chinese Qoros model to make debut at Geneva

(February 23, 2015) GENEVA — Qoros, the new Chinese car brand, will host the international premiere of its latest production model at the 85th annual Geneva International Motor Show on March 3.

Qoros officials say the new Qoros 3 City SUV is designed for a more premium metropolitan lifestyle, perfect for urban cruising and cou
ntry driving. And thanks to innovative connectivity, drivers can make the most of every journey.

Refreshed 2016 Range Rover Evoque to debut in Geneva

(February 23, 2015) MAHWAH, N.J. — Land Rover has strengthened its fastest-selling model globally, the Range Rover Evoque. The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new design features and technologies to reinforce its status in the market.

Chevrolet debuts all-new 2015 IndyCar aero package

(February 22, 2015) INDIANAPOLIS — Chevrolet-powered race cars in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series will feature Chevrolet-developed aero packages. Chevrolet introduced the road course/short oval body design last week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is distinguished from the previous race car with new front wing elements, sculpted side pods and a new rear wing.

A speedway configuration for the aero kit, designed for high-speed ovals, will be introduced ahead of its competitive debut at Indianapolis in May.

Ram engineers suit up for cold weather testing

(February 22, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Piles of snow and below-zero temperatures in Houghton, Mich., Bemidji, Minn., and other hostile winter areas are the cue for Ram Engineering to suit up and run severe cold weather and plow testing.

Chevrolet's winning NASCAR legacy celebrated in new ad

(February 21, 2015) DETROIT — Against a backdrop of recent and historic racing footage, Chevrolet’s dominance in NASCAR is highlighted in a new TV spot debuting during Sunday’s Daytona 500.

“Chevrolet was the most awarded brand in the past year and it’s the most successful brand in the history of NASCAR,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet.