World Automobile Attractions: 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Honda CR-Z, the world's first sporty hybrid, promoted by HRC stars

July 19, 2011 - Repsol Honda MotoGP riders Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner have shown their support for the new sporty Honda CR-Z by displaying the logo on their racing leathers.

Honda CR-Z, the world’s first sporty hybrid, promoted by HRC starszoom
Honda CR-Z, the world’s first sporty hybrid, promoted by HRC stars

Production, Sales and Export Results in April, 2011

May 27, 2011 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of April 2011
Worldwide Production

Honda Voluntarily Recalls 2012 Civics for Fuel Leak Problem

Honda is voluntarily recalling 1,156 Civics from the 2012 model year in the U.S. due to a potential problem with its fuel feed line. Honda will replace the fuel feed line, which could potentially leak a small amount of fuel.

GM to Increase Volt Production

The Chevrolet Volt will be available to nationwide and in Europe, Canada and China by the end of 2011. In preparation, General Motors is increasing production of its ground-breaking green car.

GM says that it will begin by shutting down its Detroit-Hamtramck plant, which currently produces the Volt, for four weeks in June to prepare for the production increase. “As a result of the plant upgrades, planned Volt and Ampera production capacity this year will increase to 16,000 units, including exports and a fleet of several hundred demonstration units sent to U.S. dealers,” the automaker states. “In 2012, global production capacity is expected to be 60,000 vehicles with an estimated 45,000 to be delivered in the United States.”

2005 Honda NSX-R GT

Specifications

2007-11 Toyota Tundra Recalled for Tire Pressure Sensors

If you bought a Toyota Tundra in the Southeast, your truck might be facing a recall for faulty tire pressure sensors. Motor Trend writes, “Toyota will recall 2007-2011 Tundras sold in the southeast because their tire-pressure monitoring systems may be faulty.”

The issue essentially involves the system’s failure to alert drivers when the tire pressure is low. NHTSA reports, “The TPMS on some vehicles may not have been properly calibrated and as a result the low tire pressure warning lamp may not illuminate should the inflation pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires fall below the threshold for when the low tire pressure warning lamp should illuminate.”

Honda Expands Airbag Recall to 1.6 Million Vehicles

Honda announced that they’re expanding an existing recall for faulty airbag inflators in certain Honda and Acura vehicles. If your car or SUV is affected, the airbags could inflate with too much pressure. “This recall includes certain 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic, 2002 Odyssey; 2002 and 2003 CR-V, selected 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL vehicles,” states Honda in a press release. “To ensure that all 2,430 recalled airbag inflator service parts are replaced, the recall is being expanded to include approximately 833,000 vehicles that may require inspection.”

Cadillac Racing Waves Green Flag for 2011 Season

Final pre-season test of racecars completed this week in Sebring, Fla.
Teams set to compete this weekend in Streets of St. Petersburg
Event marks Cadillac’s first race since 2007

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Cadillac Racing finished a final round of track tests this week in Sebring, Fla., as a pair of CTS-V Coupe racecars prepare for their first weekend of competition March 25-27 at the Streets of St. Petersburg.

The event will mark Cadillac’s return to the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series. Cadillac last competed in the series in 2007 with a racing version of the CTS-V Sedan. Cadillac Racing will compete twice on the Streets of St. Petersburg course: Saturday, March 26, at 11:50 a.m. and Sunday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m.

GM Electric Motors Plant is First for Major U.S. Automaker

WHITE MARSH, Md. – The General Motors electric motor plant near Baltimore will be the first by a major U.S. automaker dedicated to making the critical components for vehicle electrification when the plant opens in 2013.

With Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on hand, GM broke ground Tuesday for the previously announced addition to the complex housing its two-mode hybrid and Heavy Duty transmission operations. The electric motor plant results from two investments totaling $269.5 million announced last year.

Chevrolet Impala Gets Power Boost for 2012

Compared to other affordable large cars, the Chevrolet Impala may be overdue for a redesign. Autoblog says, “The model has been on sale in its current configuration since 2006 and a full update isn't scheduled to land until 2014 at the earliest.” Still, that doesn’t mean that the Impala won’t see some powertrain updates for 2012.

TMC Launches 'Prius α'

Five and Seven Seat Models Aimed at Meeting Needs of Diverse Lifestyles

Toyota City, Japan, May 13, 2011—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan of the "Prius α"^*1 (Prius alpha).

Prius α S

The Prius α, derived from the third-generation "Prius" hybrid, offers outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental performance realized through cutting-edge advances fostered by continuous hybrid research, as well as a comfortable interior available allowing multiple seat arrangements. All this represents new possibilities for adapting hybrid vehicles to meet the needs of diverse lifestyles.

New Public Hydrogen Station Adds Convenience for FCX Clarity Customers Hydrogen refueling network expands in Southern California

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., May 10, 2011 - Southern California's network of hydrogen refueling stations continues to grow in Southern California with the opening today of the world's first station supplied by an existing hydrogen pipeline. The new Shell hydrogen station, which is conveniently located in Torrance, California, next to several major freeway corridors and near the Los Angeles International Airport, taps into an existing industrial hydrogen pipeline serving a nearby refinery. The station is also outfitted with multiple fuel dispensers, which allow for the simultaneous refueling of four vehicles in less than five minutes.

Honda Shortages likely due to Japan Quake

Japanese automakers are still recovering from the disaster that occurred in March, and for Honda, that means that production numbers will be down. “Overall automobile production volume will remain at significantly reduced levels as we continue to operate at adjusted levels of production through the summer months,” states Honda in a press release. “Honda's goal in North America is to normalize overall production sometime around the end of the year.”

Toyota's Profit Down 77 Percent

Japanese automakers have had a tough time recovering from the disaster in Japan, and Toyota is no exception. The New York Times reports, “Toyota, whose operations have been severely disrupted since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, said Wednesday that its quarterly profit fell 77 percent but that it expects production to begin recovering up to two months sooner than previously forecast.”

NHTSA Expands Investigation into Ford F-150

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation of the fuel tanks in Ford F-150 models to include more than 2.7 million vehicles. According to the NHTSA’s report, “The straps that support the fuel tank can rust and break, possibly dropping the tank and causing a fuel leak.

2011 World Car of the Year

http://www.autoshowny.com/images/galleries/photos/world/2011/rapide-design-car.jpg

HAVOC

Tata Motors starts sending Nano to overseas markets

10 May, 2011

Tata Motors has started sending its small car Nano to overseas markets, with shipment of 498 units in April this year and a formal announcement of starting exports of the ‘people’s car’ is expected soon.

According to figures released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Monday, Tata Motors exported 498 units last month as compared to just a single unit in the corresponding month last year.

Hino's Medium Duty Truck Named ATD Truck of the Year in U.S

On April 17^th, 2011 (local U.S. time), Hino's medium duty truck, which was designed exclusively for the North American market, was named ATD Medium Duty Commercial Truck of the Year (*1) for the second consecutive year.

The award winning model is the 2012MY HINO 338, which is part of the HINO 600 series. The HINO 338 is the only conventional medium duty truck equipped with engines that are in compliance with stringent EPA 2010 emission standards without the use of credits (*2). In addition to fuel efficiency excellence, it also offers durability and a safe and comfortable operating environment.

LAND ROVER TAKES ON THE WORLD OF FILM WITH THE LAUNCH OF 'BEING HENRY'

May 05, 2011

Today Land Rover will push the boundaries of its traditional customer communication with the latest offering from its Range Rover Evoque Pulse of the City project; an interactive Hollywood inspired film about choices.

Filmed in Los Angeles and unprecedented in scope and creativity, 'Being Henry' is a fun, interactive and engaging film that brings to life the unparalleled variety of options available with the Range Rover Evoque.

At present, the 14th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2011) is under the way. Themed of “Innovation for Tomorrow” and with 1,100 exhibition vehicles including 75 world premiere vehicles, Auto Shanghai 2011 is one of the world largest and most influential auto shows this year.

As the representative of China’s independent brands, Great Wall Motors is undoubtedly the attraction focus of the media. At 9:30 a.m., April 19th, the Auto Shanghai 2011 press conference of Great Wall Motors was held on schedule.

Hyundai to Enter China’s Commercial Vehicle Market

- Hyundai establishes a 50-50 joint venture, Sichuan Hyundai Motor Company

- Joint venture aims to produce 160,000 buses and trucks a year by 2013

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, today signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company with China’s Sichuan Nanjun Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (Nanjun Auto) to enter the world’s biggest commercial vehicle market.

Hyundai Motor Reports April Global Sales

April 2011 Results

Unit = one vehicle

1. Commercial Vehicles (CV) include buses & trucks.

2. Hyundai Motor currently has 6 overseas plants in China, India, Turkey, U.S., the Czech Republic and Russia.

※Excludes CKD (Complete Knock Down) unit sales.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal 4th Quarter and the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2011

TOKYO, Japan, April 28, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Consolidated Financial Summary:

Despite the impacts of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 and the unfavorable currency effects due to appreciation of the Japanese yen, consolidated operating income for the fiscal fourth quarter (January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011) was 46.2 billion yen primarily due to the expansion of motorcycle and automobile businesses in emerging markets and the contribution of financial business in North America.

Honda Racing in Sáo Paulo

Honda Outlook for Future Auto Production as of April 25, 2011

TOKYO, Japan, April 25, 2011 - Following is the current outlook for the impact of the major earthquake in Northeastern Japan on Honda’s automobile production operations within and outside of Japan.

Concerning production in Japan of finished units and parts for overseas production, production volume will remain at approximately 50% of the original production plan until the end of June. As the supply of parts remains fluid, decisions concerning production from July on will be made step-by-step while monitoring the situation, toward the expected normalization of production in Japan before the end of 2011.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal 4th Quarter and the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2011

TOKYO, Japan, April 28, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Consolidated Financial Summary:

Can GM win back sales supremacy from Toyota?

As they moved north into the unknown, the team filled the trunks of their cars with whatever food and water they could find. They had no idea what they might soon face, and indeed, they spent the next few days sleeping inside their cars, surrounded by desolation.

This is not a scene from the war in Libya. Rather, it is a description of the earthquake-and-tsunami-ravaged plains of northeast Japan, where a group of General Motors purchasing department managers were assigned in the days after the March 11 natural disaster struck.

Hyundai Launches Premium Models, New Brand Direction at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Company, the world’s fastest-growing major automaker, introduced its premium sedan Azera and its new brand direction to the Chinese market at the 2011 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, as part of the company’s strategy to further enhance its presence in the world’s biggest auto market. Hyundai also unveiled its new Elantra Yuedong, its best-selling model in China.

Kia Motors reaches 10 millionth vehicle export milestone

- Five million vehicles exported in the last six years
- Kia posted USD11.2 billion in exports and accounted for 2.4% of all South Korean exports in 2010

(SEOUL) March 24, 2011 – Kia Motors Corporation reached the 10 millionth vehicle export mark today when a Snow White Pearl
Optima sedan was shipped to the US market from Kia’s main shipping hub, Pyeongtaek Port, located 80 km southwest of Seoul.

Nissan Report #10 - Post Earthquake Activities -

Yokohama, Japan - April 26, 2011 - We at Nissan express our deepest sympathy to those individuals and families still suffering from the disaster.

Please see below for the latest update regarding our production status in Japan:

* Production volume in April is expected to be slightly above 40% of the actual production volume in April last year.

Cadillac Promotes Bieber Auction for Cure Duchenne

DETROIT – Cadillac and Sony Music are auctioning a Justin Bieber prize package to benefit Cure Duchenne, a nonprofit group that funds research and awareness of Duchenne, the most common muscle disease in children.

Fans can bid on a trip for two to see pop singer Bieber in concert at select locations on his world tour. The winner of the auction also will receive a copy of Bieber’s new album, “Never Say Never – The Remixes,” which features music from his recent film, “Never Say Never.”

Cadillac Racing Waves Green Flag for 2011 Season

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Cadillac Racing finished a final round of track tests this week in Sebring, Fla., as a pair of CTS-V Coupe racecars prepare for their first weekend of competition March 25-27 at the Streets of St. Petersburg.

The event will mark Cadillac’s return to the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series. Cadillac last competed in the series in 2007 with a racing version of the CTS-V Sedan. Cadillac Racing will compete twice on the Streets of St. Petersburg course: Saturday, March 26, at 11:50 a.m. and Sunday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m.

Toyota Vehicle Production in Malaysia Tops 1-million Mark

Toyota Vehicle Production in Malaysia Tops 1-million Mark

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that its Malaysian vehicle-manufacturing company, Assembly Services Sdn. Bhd. (ASSB), held a ceremony here today to commemorate production of its 1-millionth vehicle.
Read more (PDF)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hyundai introduces 1,6L turbo engine

At the 2011 Seoul auto show, Hyundai announced it has developed the 1,6L turbo engine.

The 1,6L Turbo engine features a twin-scroll turbo-charger which helps the engine to produce as much as 208 horsepower, while at the same time helps reducing the engine's fuel-consumption.

Hyundai sales soar

Hyundai has become the third best-seeling automobile brand in China this year. In the first month of 2011, the South Korean carmaker, which operates two manufacturing plants in China and has another one under construction, sold 72.000 units in January 2011 and 50.717 new vehicles in February 2011.

Ford Taurus Gets Updates for 2013

Ford will unveil the 2013 Taurus today at the New York auto show, but some automotive writers are already unimpressed with many of the changes, and say that some aspects that needed a refresh – such as interior space – were ignored.

“There's nothing revolutionary in the new Taurus, aside from the fact that Ford has been able to renew its full-size sedan twice in the same time GM has let the Impala turn into rental-car compost,” writes Jalopnik. “Instead, Ford has made scores of small changes — from adding MyFord Touch into the revised dash to full LED tail lamps — meant to keep the Taurus from going stale.

Toyota says Normal Production will Resume by Year's End

The disaster in Japan has hit automakers hard, and resuming normal production for Toyota may take at least six more months. “After an in-depth analysis of its suppliers affected by the earthquake and tsunami, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced today that global production will begin to ramp up as soon as July in Japan and August in North America, with all models back to normal production by November or December 2011,” says Toyota in a press release.

However, this timeline won’t necessarily apply to all vehicles. “In Japan, depending on the model, operations will start returning to normal in July,” writes the Detroit News. “Outside Japan, Toyota expects the normalization of its operations to start in August and be fully restored around November or December. The one-month lag takes account of the time it takes to ship parts from Japan to plants abroad.”

If you own a Toyota the low production volume won’t affect your ability to get replacement parts. Toyota reports that “there are approximately 150 parts affecting new-vehicle production, mainly electronic, rubber and paint-related. However, replacement parts for sales service and repair are available.”

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Nissan plans to build the Infiniti JX in Tennessee

Nissan Motor Co.'s assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn., will build the new seven-passenger Infiniti JX crossover next year, the chairman of Nissan Americas said Wednesday.

The move is part of Carlos Tavares' mission of getting Nissan and Infiniti products out of yen and into dollars, but that will require the automaker to move some products around. Tavares also wants to buy more parts from North American suppliers.

The JX, which Nissan revealed earlier this week, will make the third new product planned for Smyrna, a plant that already had a full plate of vehicles to build.

Tavares announced in January that Smyrna also will take over production of the popular Nissan Rogue crossover, starting with a newly designed version in 2013. Additionally, Smyrna is already undergoing a $1.4 billion project to add production of the electric Nissan Leaf and its lithium-ion battery modules.

Nissan is claiming 300,000 units of Smyrna's production capacity for the Rogue and Leaf alone. The company has not indicated what sales volume it expects for the large new Infiniti.

Speaking at the opening of the New York auto show Wednesday morning, Tavares said Nissan will move two other Smyrna models--the Frontier compact pickup and Xterra SUV--to its factory in Canton, Miss., starting in 2012.

Once the shift is complete in 2013, Nissan will build six models at each factory. Smyrna will produce the Rogue, Leaf, Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder and Infiniti JX. Canton will produce the Xterra, Frontier, Altima, Titan pickup, Armada SUV and the NV commercial van.

The plan is part of Tavares' new mission to reduce Nissan's exposure to Japan's rising yen.

He said building the JX in Tennessee will help Nissan reach a new goal of locally sourcing 85 percent of the Nissan and Infiniti vehicles sold in the Americas region.

He said North American plants currently deliver only 69 percent of the company's U.S. volume. Since last year, when the Infiniti QX56 SUV was redesigned and moved from Canton to a factory in Japan, all Infiniti models are imported from Japan.

"With today's announcements, we remain on track to localize our manufacturing base around the world, especially in the Americas," Tavares said. "This drive for balance and flexibility across our operations is essential to support our growth plans in the region."

Nissan North America's reliance on vehicles and parts built in Japan has been a drain on its earnings over the past two years as the yen appreciated against the dollar.

The new plan will make the JX the only Infiniti model produced outside of Japan.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

GM boosts output of the Cadillac CTS V6 for 2012

General Motors has reworked the 3.6-liter V6 engine used in the CTS for the 2012 model year, boosting output while maintaining the fuel-economy ratings of the less-powerful V6 from 2011.

The 2012 version of the V6 delivers 318 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. That compares with 304 hp and 273 lb-ft for the 2011 version. Fuel economy remains at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The major changes include larger intake valves and a revised intake port design for better engine breathing. A longer duration for the intake cam lets more air flow into each cylinder.

GM shaved about 21 pounds off the engine by switching from an aluminum to a plastic intake manifold, adopting an integrated cylinder head and exhaust manifold design, and using lighter-weight connecting rods and structural front cover.

Other changes to the 2012 Cadilla CTS include a Touring package that offers dark finish for the grille, larger wheels and tires, metal pedals, dark wood interior trim and a suede-covered wheel and shifter. The Touring package is available with the 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 engines.

Additionally, the CTS sedan and wagon get chrome door handles with the Touring package. Cars with the 3.6-liter V6 will have 19-inch polished wheels and Recaro 14-way adjustable performance seats. The 3.0-liter version will have 18-inch wheels with a pearl-nickel finish.

The CTS also gets slight changes to its grille and the addition of Bluetooth technology. Blind-zone alert technology is available on the CTS coupe.

Prices for the 2012 Cadillac CTS line will be announced late this summer

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Debuts in Shanghai

Though it won’t make its New York debut for a few days, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu debuted at the Shanghai auto show last night. This redesigned midsize sedan has a lot riding on it.

Bloomberg says, “General Motors Co. (GM) redesigned its Chevrolet Malibu with better fuel economy and sportier looks as the automaker seeks to regain sales in the U.S. and improve the Chevy brand’s global reputation.”

Whereas the current Malibu is only sold in a few markets, Chevrolet intends the 2013 model to be a truly global car. The Detroit Free Press writes, “The new Malibu replaces an acclaimed midsize sedan that reinvigorated Chevrolet car sales and helped the brand compete with best-sellers such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Chevy now wants to expand the sedan's appeal to more than 100 countries around the world.”

USA Today says the 2013 Malibu has what people have come to expect from the current Malibu, and then some. “Though new, it comes across as an improved version of the current Malibu, which has held up well in the intensely competitive midsize segment.” When it debuted, the current-generation Malibu was North American Car of the Year, so the 2013 model has some big tires to fill.

Though the changes seem more evolutionary than revolutionary, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has several features that set it apart from the midsize pack. The Malibu will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that Chevy says is more efficient and powerful than the outgoing four-cylinder engines. Like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, there will be no V6 option. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also helping with fuel economy is more aerodynamic styling. Jeanne Merchant, GM’s Line Director for Global Midsize cars says that the Malibu has fuel economy-boosting features, like air shutters in the grille, which Chevrolet developed on the high-mpg Chevrolet Cruze Eco.

Inside, the Malibu has a redesigned cabin, including a seven-inch touchscreen radio face (on all but the base models) that hides a six-inch deep storage compartment. The 2013 Malibu will also feature MyLink, an infotainment system that allows users to connect to internet radio services like Pandora. There’s four cubic feet more passenger space than in the current Malibu.

The 2013 Malibu has also pushed the class’ envelope on safety. Available lane departure and forward collision warning systems are features usually seen only in upscale midsize cars. However, pricing on the 2013 Malibu hasn’t been announced yet. Opting for the extra safety features could push the price up toward luxury car territory.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Gets Updated Engine

The year is nearly halfway through, and automakers are starting to release specs for 2012 models. Chevrolet is already reporting updates for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro.

In a press release, GM writes that it will give the 2012 Camaro an “improved version of its standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.” The V6 engine will produce 323 horsepower, 11 more than the 2011 engine. This engine, called the LFX, is 20.5 pounds lighter and averages 30 mpg on the highway, which is what the 2011 model got. Reviewers haven’t tested the latest LFX because it hasn’t gone into production yet, but we’ll update you when test drives emerge.

For now, the automotive industry is looking forward to these updates. “There were a number of complaints with the Chevrolet Camaro when it finally reached reality after years as a well-known concept,” writes Kicking Tires. “For the 2012 model year, a few complaints have been addressed with upgrades to interior materials as well as a backup camera to help with coupe’s poor visibility.”

If you want a more standout muscle car, Chevrolet will release the 45th Anniversary Camaro this summer. This model will get the same changes as the base model, but according to Chevrolet, it will have “additional unique design elements, inside and out.” These include hood and deck stripes, a rear spoiler and HID headlamps, black leather seats and the 45th Anniversary logo on the steering wheel, seats and door inserts. Naturally, this model will cost more than the base Camaro, which started at $22,680 for the 2011 model year, but Chevrolet hasn’t released pricing data.

The updated 2012 Camaro and 45th Anniversary Special Edition go on sale this summer.