Ford Fiesta Earns 2010 Top Safety Pick

 The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010. The Fiesta is the eighth Ford Motor Company vehicle to earn the Institute’s top designation – breaking a tie with Toyota for the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker.

Fiesta’s extensive use of high-strength steels, Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture and advanced airbag technologies helped the car perform well in IIHS testing. Fiesta’s energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Plus, it features the most standard airbags in its segment, as well as standard electronic stability control – a must-have feature for Top Safety Pick eligibility. (more…)

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Updated & Refreshed 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Chrysler released images today of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance.” (more…)

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Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2011 Armada and Titan

Nissan North America, today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan Armada full-size SUV and 2011 Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Both vehicles are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The 2011 Armada is offered in three well-equipped models, Armada SV, Armada SL and Armada Platinum. Each is offered in a choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. All 2011 Armadas feature a standard 317-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. (more…)

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Pricing Announced for 2011 Nissan JUKE

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross – including a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $18,960 USD.  The all-new JUKE goes on sale in October at Nissan dealers nationwide.  JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility and confident stance.

“We believe JUKE’s unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology – along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 – is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (more…)

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2011 Ford Explorer Is 85 Percent Recyclable

The all-new Ford Explorer is more than just the new fuel economy class leader in the midsize SUV segment. The reinvented Explorer, which arrives later this year, also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the SUV segment due to an increased use of renewable and recycled content, such as parts made from steel left over from F-150 production.

The new Explorer also leverages Ford’s industry-leading use of bio foam and recycled fabric in its interior. These and other eco-improvements help make Explorer 85 percent recyclable.

“Ford has made tremendous strides, not only in improving fuel economy in the new Explorer, but also in using more environmentally friendly materials,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “By offering better fuel efficiency in an overall greener package, we’re offering our SUV customers an appealing and sustainable product.” (more…)

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2011 Subaru Outback Gets Mobile WiFi

Subaru of America announced today that it is now offering Wi-Fi connectivity for the award-winning 2011 Outback crossover SUV model. The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the Outback giving internet access to 10 or more users for up to 150 feet around the vehicle.

The Subaru Outback redefined the SUV, and offering Wi-Fi connectivity further expands this versatile vehicle’s capability. Operating on the 3G network and working with all Wi-Fi enabled devices, Subaru Mobile Internet provides users a safe, fully encrypted connection with download speeds averaging 400kbps-1.2mbps. This uninterrupted Wi-Fi capability is designed for passenger access while the Outback is in motion.

Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check email, surf the web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites. Outback passengers can check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite while they’re on the road. Multiple passengers can simultaneously use the Wi-Fi connection for their separate devices, including Wi-Fi capable laptop computers, netbooks, smart phones, game controllers, plus the new iPad and iPod Touch models. (more…)

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2011 CTS Coupe Headed to U.S. Dealers

Cadillac’s Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant has begun production of the 2011 CTS Coupe and started shipping models to U.S. dealerships ahead of schedule.  The all-new CTS Coupe has a starting price, including destination charges, of $38,990.

The CTS Coupe joins the CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon, an award-winning line that has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for three straight years. All three CTS models and the Cadillac STS sedan are made at Lansing Grand River Assembly.

Lansing Grand River Assembly team members spent months preparing for the launch of the CTS Coupe to ensure the highest levels of quality, said Plant Manager Scott Whybrew.  Lansing Grand River Assembly topped all U.S. plants in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. The CTS ranked among the top 10 of all vehicles in the quality survey. (more…)

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2011 Volvo V60 Revealed

The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of “The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever”.

“Many of the customers who had an advance look at the new V60 during the development process feel that its attitude is at least as sporty as that of the all-new S60,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Peter Horbury.

No less than 90 percent of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars will find European buyers. (more…)

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