Automotive Fleet - Vehicle Research News

Online Voting for 2009-MY Fleet Car & Truck of the Year Now Open

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:11:35 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Nominations for Automotive Fleet's 2009 Car & Truck of the Year is now open. Voting ends October 24.

Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant Starts Production of New 2009 F-150

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:53:12 PST

KANSAS CITY, MO – Ford Motor Company employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant recently celebrated the production of the new 2009 Ford F-150.

Chrysler Fleet Offers 'No Charge' Ship-Thru Transportation for 2009 Qualified Fleet Orders

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:48:05 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler Fleet has announced big savings with Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep "no-charge" ship-thru charges to upfitters for 2009-model-year qualified fleet orders.

Honda Insight Concept Hybrid Vehicle Revealed at Paris Motor Show

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:41:03 PST

PARIS – Honda's new Insight Concept shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and provides an early look at the highly anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

The New 2010 Volvo XC60 Redefines the Small Premium Crossover

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:04:35 PST

IRVINE, CA – This fall, Volvo will give customers a sneak peek at its safest car ever made — the Volvo XC60 with standard City Safety.

Automechanika: Audi Offers the Service of the Future

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:03:38 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – Audi is offering a glimpse into the future of the after-sales business at the 20th Automechanika. In Frankfurt, the brand with the four rings presented technical innovations such as the Audi Service Cam, the 3D service software SerVision, and the Audi Quick Ammeter.

Luxury Carmakers Are Making Deals

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:02:06 PST

TAMPA BAY, FL – Several major luxury brands, including BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Infiniti, are promoting discounted leases or other price-cutting deals to spur sales.

2008 BMW 650i Convertible Features Powerful Engine

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:00:57 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY – The 2008 BMW 650i convertible (and coupe) in 2008, with a new 4.8L, 32-valve V-8 with variable valve timing and electronic fuel injection, generates 360 horsepower and cranks out a like amount in pound-feet of torque for a sizable increase over its predecessors.

Five Models Give Volvo One of the Market’s Broadest Ranges of E-85 Models

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:59:58 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – Volvo Cars has one of the car market’s broadest ranges of E-85 models. All told, five models are on offer, each available with one or two Flexifuel engines.

Chrysler LLC Surges Forward With Production-Intent Electric Vehicles

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:53:50 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler LLC and its ENVI organization have new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicles for its Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands.

GM's 'Boost' in Efficient Four-Cylinders Includes More Turbos

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:49:34 PST

FLINT, MI – GM will double its global production of small four-cylinder engines (1.0L to 1.4L) by 2011, with more than half of the increase coming in North America.

Subaru Offering Free Vehicle Diagnostic Inspections in October

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:29:53 PST

CHERRY HILL, NJ – To celebrate the Car Care Council's Fall Car Care Month, participating Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections to Subaru owners in October.

11 Vehicles Earn Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highest Award

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:03:50 PST

ARLINGTON, VA – To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and must also be equipped with electronic stability control.

GM Announces $370M Investment for New Small Engine Manufacturing in North America

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:58:10 PST

FLINT, MI – GM's new plant will begin production in the U.S. in 2010, and will be the exclusive manufacturing facility in North America to produce the Chevrolet Volt's range-extending engine.

EPA Reports Increase in Avg. Fuel Efficiency for Cars and Light-Duty Trucks

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:50:21 PST

WASHINGTON – For the fourth consecutive year, the EPA is reporting an increase in the average fuel efficiency for cars and light-duty trucks, to a projected 20.8 miles per gallon for 2008.

GEM Introduces Peapod Neighborhood Electric Vehicle

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:33:47 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – GEM, a Chrysler LLC company, introduces the next generation of clean, gas-free, and emission-free, battery electric vehicles with the pod-like-shaped Peapod.

Uruguay Grants Land for ZAP Electric Vehicle Assembly Facility

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:27:23 PST

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – The government of Uruguay has set aside land for an electric-vehicle assembly plant expected to begin construction next month by U.S. electric car pioneer ZAP.

GE Fleet Services Hosts North Central NAFA Chapter Meeting on Hybrids and AFVs in Commercial Truck Fleet Applications

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:27:21 PST

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services hosted more than 100 NAFA members and guests at a recent North Central NAFA Chapter meeting.

Volvo Cars Turns to Locust Swarms for Future Safety Solutions

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:27:39 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – For Volvo Cars, nature is a wonderful laboratory. The manufacturer recently learned of Dr. Claire Rind´s, Newcastle University, UK, studies into the migratory locust, the African Locust, which tend to avoid bumping into each other during flights.

Audi Unveils Updated Multi Media Interface Loaded With New Features

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:19:19 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – Audi has revealed details surrounding its latest Multi Media Interface system. The biggest change to the system is the addition of a 40-gigabyte hard drive, with 10-gigabytes of that dedicated exclusively to a new “jukebox” feature.

Volvo Group Introduces Fourth-Generation Hybrid Solution

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:10:59 PST

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – The Volvo Group is now introducing the fourth-generation hybrid solution on a broad front in buses, trucks, and construction equipment.

2009 Audi A3 Details and Pricing Revealed

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:09:36 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – Audi has released information on the refreshed North American model, including small design tweaks such as a front fascia similar to the 2009 A4, new wheel designs, and Audi’s trademark LED daytime running lamps.

The New Volvo C30, S40, and V50 1.6D DRIVe

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:08:16 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – At the Paris Motor Show in early October, Volvo Cars will present economical new diesel variants of the C30, S40, and V50 models with fuel consumption of just 4.4L/100 km (C30) or 4.5L/100 km (S40 and V50).

EnWin Utilities Gets Plugged Into Volt

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:53:35 PST

CANADA – EnWin Utilities is one of four hydro companies in Canada — and the first in Ontario — selected for a General Motors program to get ready for the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt.

Pontiac Announces New Small Car for U.S. Market

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:45:26 PST

DETROIT – Pontiac has announced plans to bring the sporty, five-door hatchback G3 to U.S. showrooms early next year, making it one of four GM vehicles capable of more than 30 mpg on the highway.

Mascoma Names GM Executive to Scientific Advisory Board

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:41:24 PST

BOSTON – Dr. Andreas Lippert, director of Global Energy Systems for General Motors, will expand its involvement with Mascoma as it moves closer to commercial production of cellulosic fuels.

Mitsubishi Signs Deal to Fleet-Test i MiEV Electric Car with Iceland Government Fleet

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:36:46 PST

ICELAND – Mitsubishi Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the company to begin fleet-testing its i MiEV electric concept car with Iceland's Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Tourism.

Automakers Ready ‘Clean Diesel’ Push in U.S.

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:06:28 PST

DETROIT – Heading to the United States is a new breed of clean and quiet engines that can meet even strict emissions standards in California and New York.

BMW to Build Low-Emissions Car by 2012

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:04:26 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY – According to an article in the German newspaper, Der Zeit, BMW’s CEO, Norbert Reithofer, confirmed the German automaker’s plan to manufacture a super fuel-efficient model in order to comply with California emission regulations in 2012

Audi to Debut Four-Door A1 Concept at Paris Auto Show

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:03:02 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – After exciting enthusiasts with its A1 Metroproject Quattro concept in Tokyo last fall, Audi will show a new four-door version of the A1 concept at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Volvo XC60 Recommended for Allergy Sufferers

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:01:26 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – The Volvo XC60 has now been added to the list of cars recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association for its good interior air quality.

Audi RS6 Not Coming to United States; RS5 Will Debut in Detroit

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:59:50 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – According to Audi RS6 project manager Jens Koch, the twin-turbocharged V-10 sedan won’t be coming to the United States in its current iteration.

"Green Fleet Conference" Draws 350 Fleet Professionals

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:35:29 PST

CHICAGO – The first-time Green Fleet Conference, held last Monday-Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, drew 350 attendees, including private and public sector fleet professionals.

First Look at GM's Chevrolet Volt Revealed

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:26:43 PST

DETROIT – General Motors launched its next 100 years by unveiling the production version of the Chevrolet Volt — a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline and emissions-free electric driving.

Con Edison of New York Orders Hybrid Electric Trucks from Azure Dynamics

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:56:13 PST

OAK PARK, MI – Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, has received an initial order for three units from Con Edison of New York for its Balance Hybrid Electric system integrated on Ford’s E-450 chassis.

Ford Uses Virtual Lab to Deliver Increased Comfort, Visibility, and Quality

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:27:12 PST

DEARBORN, MI – With an exclusive suite of virtual design tools, Ford is cost-effectively shaving anywhere from eight to 14 months months off the product development process.

Saab Extends XWD Cross-Wheel-Drive to 9-3 2.0T Models

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:16:23 PST

DETROIT – Saab begins the 2009-model year with news for those seeking the enhanced functionality of cross-wheel-drive technology and a turbocharged driving experience.

EPA Tests Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Under Real World Conditions

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:14:26 PST

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson showcased the fourth generation of Chevrolet's Equinox Fuel Cell Car, the newest addition to the agency's vehicle fleet.

AFVi to Host Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2009 in Orlando

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:12:31 PST

LAS VEGAS – The Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2009 will be held in Orlando, Fla., at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, April 19-22, 2009.

BMW Won’t Compete With Audi’s R8

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:43:50 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY – After having rolled out the M1 Hommage concept, one BMW board member recently said that the Bavarian automaker has no intention of producing a supercar to compete with the likes of the Audi R8.

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION Previews New E-Class

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:43:14 PST

STUTTGART, GERMANY – When the doors open at the Paris Motor Show next month, Mercedes-Benz will be giving everyone a sneak peek of the new E-Class front-end styling.

BMW’s New X6 SUV Mixes Distinctive Design With Luxury Interior, Power

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:40:52 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY – The 2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i four-door hatchback, which the German carmaker calls a coupe, may have a certain charm to it with its long hood and pod-like cabin.

Audi Upgrades the A6

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:40:01 PST

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – Audi has again upgraded its luxury class A6 model. Efficient engines have been added to the drive-train lineup, with innovative technologies cutting fuel consumption by about 15 percent across the whole model range.

Chevrolet Orlando Show Car Signals Entry into New Segment for the Brand

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:27:38 PST

DETROIT – The Orlando show car carries Chevrolet's signature design and explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of an SUV, van, and wagon.

Ford to Cut Chicago Assembly Plant Shifts in November

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:10:20 PST

CHICAGO – Ford Motor Co.'s previously-disclosed plans to cut one of the two shifts at its Chicago assembly plant will mean eliminating about 600 part-time jobs by early November.

CarsDiva.com Creates Social Media Network Site Aimed at Ford Flex Vehicle Enthusiast Niche

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:25:27 PST

PHILADELPHIA – CarsDiva.com has announced FlexFans.org, a social network for consumer enthusiasts, retailers, and manufacturers of the new Ford Flex Crossover vehicle.

For 2009, 18 GM Models Achieve 30 MPG or More on the Highway

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:20:31 PST

DETROIT – GM offers 18 cars, crossovers, and SUV models for 2009-MY that get 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

High Growth Forecasted for the World Electric Vehicles Market

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:30:32 PST

LONDON – A new market research report analyzing the worldwide markets for electric vehicles in thousands of units is available in Reportlinker.com's catalogue.

BMW Slashes V-8 Production in Favor of Fours

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:38:22 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY – Demand for BMW’s big engines has dropped so low that the house of the roundel says it can make enough eight-cylinders to satisfy the world’s demand using just one shift for four days.

2009 Audi A4 Fuel Economy and Pricing Announced

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:36:09 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi is eager to point out that it is the only automaker among its chief German rivals to offer a four-cylinder in the mid-size luxury segment.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Cars for 2009

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:34:49 PST

ANN ARBOR, MI – Car and Driver has put together its list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cars for 2009.

Cadillac Will Go Four-Cylinder

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:31:50 PST

DETROIT – Signaling fuel-economy concerns are making an impact in the luxury market, General Motors Corp.’s Cadillac division let it be known last week that Cadillac will be using four-cylinder power for its upcoming new entry-level model.

How Smarter Cars Could Power the Future

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:29:49 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Stopping, starting, and accelerating your car or SUV can burn unnecessary amounts of fuel while driving. To combat this challenge, two new technologies have recently come out to provide a greener driving experience.

STaSIS Signature Series for the Audi S5 Proves Ready to Rumble

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:28:17 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Fresh off development, the STaSIS Signature Series S5 is now available. Available in two levels of trim, the Signature Series S5 comes in either Touring or Challenge Edition formats.

Lexus Planning IS Cabrio, Lightweight IS-F

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:26:03 PST

TORRANCE, CA – The higher-ups at Toyota may have decided to axe the replacement for the Lexus SC convertible. Word has it they’ve given the green light to a convertible version of the current IS sedan.

Audi Shelves Hybrid Q7 in Favor of Smaller Q5

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:24:59 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi AG’s plan to develop a hybrid version of its Audi Q7 luxury SUV is on hold because the automaker has decided it wants to introduce its smaller Q5 SUV as a hybrid with a more advanced battery that remains under development.

Ford EcoBoost Engines Cruise 1 Million Miles in Testing, Delivering Fuel Economy, Performance

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:01:27 PST

DEARBORN, MI – Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 engines is proving reliable V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy.

Ford Invests $75 Million to Prepare Michigan Truck Plant for Small-Vehicle Production

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:30:56 PST

WAYNE, MI – Ford Motor Company will invest $75 million in Michigan Truck Plant's body shop to prepare for small-vehicle production.

Hyundai Going Electric with Hybrids and Plug-Ins

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:24:57 PST

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA – Hyundai's promised to put a hybrid subcompact, a hybrid mid-size, and a plug-in competitor to the Chevrolet Volt on the road within five years.

IRC Research Documents Higher Injury Claim Costs with Lighter Weight Vehicles

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:07:17 PST

MALVERN, PA – The cost of auto injury claims involving lighter-weight vehicles tends to be higher than the cost of claims involving heavy vehicles, according to new research from the Insurance Research Council.

Want to Know What the Future Holds for Green Fleet Vehicles?

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:47:15 PST

TORRANCE, CA - The first-ever Green Fleet Conference in Chicago Sept.15-16 will open with a keynote speech on fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing models to come in 2009-2011.

Luxury Electric Announces Completion of World’s First Full-Sized, Long-Range, All-Electric Luxury Sedan at 2008 DNC

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:44:18 PST

DENVER – The founders of Luxury Electric, one of America’s first electric car companies, announced at the 2008 Democratic National Convention plans to take their prototype car, “The Electric,” on a record-setting transcontinental trip, the first for an electric luxury sedan.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Coming This September with New Seven-Speed

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:43:04 PST

NASHVILLE, TN – The 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan will hit Infiniti dealers this September. The G37 will now feature the 3.7L VQ37VHR block as standard equipment, with the engine rated at 328 hp, slightly less than the 330 hp G37 Coupe.

Audi Travolution Project Minimizes Red Lights and Emissions

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:41:46 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi has spent the past two years developing its Travolution project, which has recently ended test trials on the streets of Audi’s home town, Ingolstadt, Germany.

Safe Volvo Cabin Environment for Allergy Sufferers

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:40:20 PST

IRVINE, CA – The interior environment in a Volvo should also be safe for hypersensitive people. Three Volvo models, the S80, V70, and XC70, are now recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

BMW Increases Pricing for 2009 Models by 2.1 Percent

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:39:15 PST

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – BMW of North America, LLC has announced a price increase of 2.1 percent on average across its model range of 2009 BMW brand vehicles.

Audi Exec Expects New A4 to Be Immune from Leasing Crisis

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:38:36 PST

DETROIT – The crisis in automotive leasing is unlikely to affect the new Audi A4 compact luxury sedan, which has had a 70 percent lease mix in the current generation.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept on Tour in the U.S.

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:05:05 PST

DETROIT – The award-winning 2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is scheduled to be on display at the Washington Times Car Show Aug. 31 in McLean, Va.

Ford Tests Show Eco-Driving Improves Fuel Economy an Average of 24 Percent

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:01:54 PST

PHOENIX – Tests performed by Ford Motor Company show drivers coached by eco-driving experts can significantly improve the fuel economy performance of their vehicles.

GM Provides a Glimpse of 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:42:31 PST

DETROIT – A glimpse of Buick's upcoming 2010 LaCrosse reveals an exterior design strongly influenced by the Buick Invicta.

GM Announces $500 Million Investment for New Small Car

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:31:40 PST

LORDSTOWN, OH – GM announced it will invest more than $500 million in the U.S. to build the Chevrolet Cruze, an all-new global compact car.

Audi Tops Lists of Most Fuel-Efficient Sports Cars

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:11:39 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – For sports car enthusiasts concerned about high gasoline prices, MyRide.com has come out with a list of the top 10 fuel-efficient sports cars.

Infiniti Readying a Nissan GT-R-Based Sedan

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:10:16 PST

NASHIVILLE, TN – Japanese magazine CarTop is speculating that Infiniti could be developing a new range-topping sedan based on the 2009 Nissan GT-R.

Mercedes-Benz to Offer Factory Installed HD Radio on Select 2009-Model-Year Vehicles

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:09:21 PST

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz will offer HD Radio technology on several of its MY 2009 vehicles.

Audi Q7 Snags 2008 IIHS Top Safety Pick Honor

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:08:20 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi’s Q7 flagship SUV has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) award for Top Safety Pick.

Lexus to Debut Prius Spinoff at Detroit Auto Show

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:07:28 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Lexus will launch a small Prius-based hybrid hatch at next January’s Detroit motorshow, Autocar has learned from sources in Japan.

Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent Receive 5-Stars from IIHS

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:53:45 PST

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent meet or exceed all federal safety standards, according to GM.

GM Adds 12-Month/12K-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty on GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn CPO Vehicles

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:04:30 PST

DETROIT – GM will provide a 12-month/12,000-mile "bumper-to-bumper" warranty on all GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles in the U.S.

Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent Receive 5-Stars from IIHS

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:01:16 PST

DETROIT – For the 2009-model year, the Equinox and Torrent received the 5-stars for both driver and front passenger during the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program frontal crash test.

Ford Fuel Cell Fleet Exceeds Performance Expectations; Test Program Extended

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:40:48 PST

DEARBORN, MI – Ford's 30-unit fuel cell fleet has exceeded expectations of the it hydrogen research engineers and earned accolades for durability, reliability, and capability.

Audi Announces First Automotive OEM iPhone Application

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:29:30 PST

HERNDON, VA – Audi of America has announced the release of the first-ever iPhone application from an auto manufacturer.

Mazda 6 Draws Highest Rating in Frontal Crash Test

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:17:03 PST

ARLINGTON, VA --- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced it has given the 2009 Mazda 6 the highest rating of "good" in the institute's frontal offset test.

Insurance Institute Gives '09 Maxima Highest Rating in Frontal Crash Test

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:05:20 PST

ARLINGTON, VA --- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced that the 2009 Nissan Maxima has earned the institute's highest rating of "good" in frontal offset test results.

Carmax.com Debuts New Miles Per Gallon Search Feature

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:19:29 PST

RICHMOND, VA – CarMax, Inc. has announced the launch of a new feature that allows customers to search for vehicles based on their fuel-efficiency preferences.

Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Earn 5-Star Ratings

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:16:51 PST

DEARBORN, MI – The 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUVs earned five stars in each of the government's crash-worthiness tests.

Production Begins of All-New Ford Fiesta

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:00:18 PST

COLOGNE, GERMANY – Volume production of the new Ford Fiesta, the first of a generation of new global small Ford cars, has started at the company's Cologne plant in Germany.

Azure Dynamics Signs New Sales & Service Agreements with Ford

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:58:04 PST

OAK PARK, MI – Azure Dynamics Corporation has signed sales and service agreements with two additional Ford dealerships in Texas and California.

Mercedes & VW Clean Diesels Get Tax Credit

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:00:20 PST

MONTVALE, N.J. - Mercedes-Benz new line of Bluetec vehicles will join Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI as clean-diesel vehicles that qualify for the IRS’ alternative-powertrain tax credit.

Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Attention Assist for Drowsy Drivers

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:58:53 PST

STUTTGART, GERMANY – Mercedes-Benz will roll out its new Attention Assist, which warns drivers that they are getting drowsy, on vehicles in spring 2009.

Audi Q7 Is Top Safety Pick for 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:57:44 PST

HERNDON, VA – The Audi Q7, a luxury performance SUV, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The 2008 Q7 received a “good” rating in all three crash tests: side impact, offset frontal, and rear impact seat tests.

BMW Recalls 150,000 Vehicles for Airbag Sensor Fix

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:56:30 PST

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – BMW will recall around 150,000 vehicles in North America to fix a possible defect that may keep the front passenger airbag from opening in a crash.

Mercedes-Benz Is Going HD

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:53:46 PST

ONTVALE, N.J. - Following in the footsteps of BMW, Mercedes-Benz announced it will offer HD radio in some of its 2009 models. HD radio is a digital broadcast that offers CD-quality sound for FM stations.

2009 Audi RS6 Sedan Revealed: Twin-Turbocharged Four-Door Power

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:52:34 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Audi has revealed a new double-turbocharged quattro-equipped sports sedan with its 2009 Audi RS6 Sedan that features a big twin-turbo V-10 engine with an output of 580 HP and 479 lb.-ft. of torque.

Audi Q7 Top Safety Pick for 2008

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:29:52 PST

HERNDON, VA – The Audi Q7 has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2008.

Volkswagen Group of America Participates in National Hydrogen Road Tour

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:25:20 PST

HERNDON, VA – Volkswagen's Hydrogen Fuel Cell concept vehicle, the HyMotion Tiguan, will travel from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles over the next 13 days.

Audi Q7 SUV Earns Top Safety Pick Award

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:51:10 PST

ARLINGTON, VA — The 2008 Audi Q7, a large luxury SUV, has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award.

Ford Introduces Product, Powertrain Upgrades for 2009 as Product Transformation Accelerates

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:38:36 PST

DEARBORN, MI – Ford's new 2009 lineup features all-new or upgraded vehicles, as well as major improvements in fuel economy, smart technology, safety features, and quality.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Launch Underway

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:24:53 PST

DETROIT – Achieving a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving, the world's first large luxury SUV hybrid, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, will arrive at dealerships this month.

Al Yousuf Group Provides a $10 Million Financing Arrangement for ZAP

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:16:58 PST

SANTA ROSA, CA – Al Yousuf Group is providing a $10 million financing arrangement for future working capital enabling electric vehicle manufacturer ZAP to meet growing demand for its electric vehicles.

Plug it In, Plug it In, Say West Coast Utilities

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:58:45 PST

ROSEMEAD, CA – West Coast utilities Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Portland General Electric have announced initiatives aimed at bringing electric vehicles closer to the road.