2010 May | Japanese Cars

JAC B-class Car Elegant Version Showed in Wuhu International Automobile Exhibition

Friday, May 28th, 2010

China- Recently, the sixth Wuhu International Automobile Exhibition was held in Wuhu International exhibition center. A lot of famous automobile brands from home and abroad attended this exhibition and showcased their car models more than 200 units in all. JAC also staged its large appearance with all series of cars and brought to the exhibition B-class car elegant version.

In JAC new-car unveiling ceremony of the exhibition, the vice mayor of Wuhu province was invited to JAC show booth for the unveiling of B-class car elegant version and gave high favorable comments to this car. Besides, the mass-delivering car ceremony was also held. More than 10 consumers got the new-car keys and expressed their happiness.

Among all the car models shown in this exhibition, JAC B-class car elegant version is the most eye-catching one, which has been formally sold to the market from the start of the exhibition on. It is learnt that during the exhibition, nearly 30 ones have been successfully sold.

Source :http://jacen.jac.com.cn/jac/showDocumentAction.do?method=print&documentid=ff808081288be3e90128d84e18d514bc

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JAC MPV Refine Maintains the King of Sales by Surpassing the Second of 5000 Units

Friday, May 28th, 2010

China- According to the latest statistics releasing by China Automotive Industry Association, the total sales of JAC MPV Refine reaches 23494 unites from January to April in 2010, leading the first position of Chinese MPV market with a competitive advantage of nearly 5000 unites.

Since launching in 2003, the first generation Refine has become the high-end MPV model. In 2009, it won the top of sale three months ahead with an absolute advantage of over 6000 units. In 2010, the competition of MPV market becomes more and more intense. Not only the joint venture brands have increased marketing efforts, but also Chinese independent brands have taken marketing actions. In such a situation, it is not easy that the market share of Refine continues to sustain growth.

The auto industry experts pointed that the outstanding performance of JAC Refine will further strengthened the decision that JAC has rooted in the MPV market. In 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, JAC high-end MPV models have showed to the public. According to the reports, this model fully meets the needs of high-end business with a completely new design concept. The whole dimensions of 5100*1840*1970 can match with any high-end MPV models.

JAC high-end MPV models are expected to launch in the second half of 2010, and the annual sales target reaches 10000 units. It will fill the vacancy in high-end MPV market, and solidify supreme position of Refine on China’s MPV market.

Source:http://jacen.jac.com.cn/jac/showDocumentAction.do?method=print&documentid=ff808081288be3e90128cd917ec61171

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Suzuki to join eco-car study led by home city

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Japan- A study aimed at making next-generation eco-friendly cars viable for widespread adoption was announced on 17 May by the local government in the Japanese city of Hamamatsu, where Suzuki Motor Corporation is headquartered.

The Hamamatsu Social Experiment Project on Next-Generation Eco-Cars will bring together companies, educational institutions, local-government bodies, and other organizations. The group will collect and analyze data generated by trials of next-generation eco-cars; work with local firms to identify and pursue research-and-development targets; study ways to create technologies, ensure that they are reliable, and realize their widespread adoption; and work to establish a battery-charging infrastructure. The joint effort to realize viable next-generation eco-cars will increase the technological capabilities of the Hamamatsu region and help to realize a low-carbon, environment-friendly society.

On-road trials will begin in late September this year. Suzuki will take part with its Swift Plug-in Hybrid experimental vehicle.

Scheduled participants at this stage are as follows: Suzuki Motor Corporation; Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.; Ensyu Railway Co., Ltd.; Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.; Volkswagen; Softbank Mobile Corp.; ASTI Corporation; NST Co., Ltd.; The Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Organization for Hamamatsu Technopolis; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology; Hamamatsu City; and Shizuoka Prefecture (observer).

Source: http://www.globalsuzuki.com/globalnews/2010/0525.html

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Audi triumphs on DTM’s debut at Valencia, Spain

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

INGOLSTADT, Germany, - Audi struck back: after the disappointing season opener at Hockenheim Mattias Ekström clinched a commanding Audi victory at the second round of the 2010 DTM. With five A4 DTM cars in the top eight places, the brand with the four rings was the strongest manufacturer at the DTM’s debut at Valencia (Spain). The joy over the good result was marred by the exclusion of Martin Tomczyk who had originally finished as the runner-up.

In front of the eyes of Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Group, Mattias Ekström delivered a perfect weekend: pole position, victory and fastest lap. The Swede took the lead at the start, managed to extend the gap to his rivals, achieved an advantage of up to six seconds, and then continued to control the pace in blazing heat of almost 30 degrees centigrade in the shade and track temperatures of about 50 degrees.

“If you haven’t won for such a long time you can really feel how sweet victory is,” said Ekström after clinching his 14th exploit in the most popular international touring car racing series – and his first since the race at Le Mans in October 2008. “Today, everything worked perfectly. My thanks go to Audi and Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. The tires held up too. I was a little worried when I felt some vibrations – but that was just pick-up on the tires. The ten points for the championship really feel good.”

The crucial factor on the 4.005-kilometer circuit at Valencia was the set-up, which Audi Sport’s technical squad managed to a T. It enabled Martin Tomczyk to advance from position nine on the grid to second with two late pit stops. “The strategy was outstanding,” enthused the German who had suffered a puncture at the Hockenheim season opener while clearly leading the race. “The car was running like a charm. I was able to drive one fast lap after the other. After my second pit stop I was on the track behind ‘Eki’

Tomczyk’s joy over his second place only lasted until about 7 p.m., though. Because one of the twelve tires used on his Audi A4 DTM was accidentally taking from a wrong lot, the Audi driver’s was disqualified in the evening due to a “formal mistake.”

“This did not give Martin any advantage but the rules prescribe an exclusion in this case,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Principally, it was a great race for Audi – and we could have been very pleased with the original result. Our cars were very fast and our drivers strong. Overall, it was a strong team performance. ‘Eki,’ Oliver (Jarvis) and Martin (Tomczyk) determined the race. It could have been a 1-2-3 exploit for Audi. But the problem with the lack of fuel pressure with Oliver’s car, which we still need to analyze, and the mishap in Martin’s team prevented our possible one-two-three win.”

With Alexandre Prémat, Timo Scheider, Mike Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina in places three, four, six and eight, four other Audi drivers finished in the points. Prémat (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) fought a fierce duel with Mercedes driver Gary Paffett in the early stages, which continued to be the subject of discussions after the race. “I’ve got no reason to apologize, that was 50:50,” said the Frenchman who subsequently inherited the third position on the podium.

Miguel Molina, as well, was battling with Gary Paffett – and not just once, but twice: in the first act, the 21-year-old local hero pushed passed the Briton’s Mercedes in a surprise attack. On the final lap Paffett countered and grabbed eighth place from Molina. Due to Tomczyk’s disqualification, the Spaniard moved up into the points again.

Oliver Jarvis was similarly fast in the race as Mattias Ekström and Martin Tomczyk, but coasted down eight laps before the end of the race while running in third place. Markus Winkelhock (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) had to park his Audi A4 DTM after 34 laps due to a defect of the left rear suspension. His team colleague Katherine Legge was unable to contest the race due to an infection.

In the drivers standings Mattias Ekström with 13 points is the runner-up, with a three point gap to the new leader of the standings Bruno Spengler. The next DTM race will be held two weeks from now at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1801

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Maryland Governor Signs Two Bills Intended to Quicken Consumer Acceptance of Electric Vehicles

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Annapolis, MD – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D) signed two bills into law that will support advanced vehicle propulsion technology and help spur early consumer acceptance of electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt.

The Maryland legislation includes two important consumer incentives:

Access for plug-in electric vehicles to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers. This legislation will take effect October 1, 2010 and last for three years.
A $2,000 excise motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of a plug-in electric vehicle. Consumer’s will be able to take advantage of this incentive at the point of sale and can combine the $2,000 with an existing $7,500 federal tax credit. The tax credit applies to vehicles titled in Maryland between October 1, 2010 through July 1, 2013.

“This important tax credit not only helps promote the use of cleaner, more energy efficient vehicles throughout our State to help our environment, but it’s an important economic development tool as well,” said Governor O’Malley. “We’ve set a bold goal of creating 100,000 new green jobs over the next several years, and investments like this new electric vehicle tax credit helps us build towards that green infrastructure that GM and others are leading the way on in Maryland.”

“Consumer incentives such as access to HOV lanes and tax credits make a real difference in the market place and can drive consumers to adopt new technologies,” said Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, GM Global Product Operations. “GM commends Governor O’Malley and the state of Maryland for recognizing the important role these new vehicle technologies and the Chevrolet Volt will play in addressing the energy and climate priorities of the state and our country.”

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended range capability that can be a family’s primary car. The Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range if there is no access to an electrical outlet to recharge the battery, providing peace of mind to the consumer.

The Washington D.C. metro market is one of three key markets – along with California and Michigan – where Chevrolet will begin selling the Volt. Each market has progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners. Volt production begins later this year.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/May/0520_electric

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2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe To Start At $38,990, On Sale In Early-August

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

DETROIT – Cadillac announced that pricing for the all-new 2011 CTS Coupe will begin at $38,990 including destination charge. The CTS Coupe goes on sale in early August in the United States.

CTS Coupe will become the centerpiece of Cadillac, offering technology and performance in the dynamic form of a luxury sports coupe. Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, CTS Coupe comes standard with a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine that delivers 304 horsepower. This engine is available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The ultimate expression of Cadillac’s new Coupe, the high-performance V-Series edition with 556 horsepower, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control also goes on sale later this summer at $62,990 including destination charge.

“CTS Coupe is a compelling new alternative for luxury and performance-minded drivers,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “The addition of a Coupe, especially one this dramatic, provides an important entryway for new consumers to experience Cadillac Art and Science.”

The Coupe expands the award-winning CTS line-up, which already includes the CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon. CTS has been named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list for three straight years.

CTS Coupe has the same wheelbase as the sedan but is lower in height, wider in track width and shorter in overall length. The windshield is laid at a faster angle, creating a sleek, athletic profile.

The doors of the CTS Coupe are opened via touch-pads, eliminating traditional handles and adding to the car’s sculpted look. The interior features hand-sewn accents that cover the door, center storage console and instrument panel trim.

CTS Coupe is available in two suspension-tuning levels – Performance with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires and Summer Tire Performance with 19-inch wheels and summer tires. CTS Coupe has four-wheel disc performance brakes, ZF Servotronic® 2 power rack-and-pinion steering, a limited-slip differential and StabiliTrak, an advanced electronic chassis control system.

CTS Coupe is available with a 40GB hard drive providing music storage and pause-and-replay live radio, navigation system with glide-up screen, rear camera system, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio and adaptive forward lighting. OnStar is standard and includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

“CTS Coupe is designed to bring new energy and allure to the luxury coupe category,” Butler said. “In addition to the emotional appeal of its design, CTS Coupe delivers advanced technology and world-class performance.”

CTS Coupe will be offered in a range of packages:

Standard ($38,990 RWD, $40,890 AWD): Six-speed automatic with tap up/down shifting, 18-inch wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats.
Performance Collection ($43,430 RWD, $45,330 AWD): HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive.
Premium Collection ($47,835 RWD, $49,735 AWD): Interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof.
V-Series ($62,990): 6.2L Supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch wheels with performance tires.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/May/0520_gm_CTScoupe

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Buick, Cadillac Top Brands in AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

U.S.A. - Buick and Cadillac are the top-rated popular and premium brands in vehicle satisfaction as voted by consumers in more than 42,000 surveys compiled in the first quarter of 2010 by the Southern California-based market research firm AutoPacific.

The Chevrolet Camaro (Sporty Car); Cadillac Escalade (Luxury SUV) and GMC Acadia (Large Crossover SUV) all won the categories in which they compete.

“General Motors brands had a strong performance in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards,” said AutoPacific vice president Daniel Hall. “Top honors among popular brands were awarded to Buick, and Cadillac scored the highest among all premium brands. Not only that, but Cadillac has won top honors in six out of the last 10 years of this research.”

With an overall score of 693, Buick finished seven points ahead of second-place Honda. GMC finished fourth in the popular brands rankings.

“This recognition is important to us because it is based on our owner’s satisfaction with their vehicles, and this award is proof that our efforts to continuously improve our vehicles are paying off,” said Roger McCormack, director of marketing for Buick.

Cadillac had 713 points in the premium brand ranking, eight points ahead of second-place Lexus.

“This award has special meaning for Cadillac because it’s based on customer impressions,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. ”Cadillac’s third-straight ranking at the top shows that we are consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of the people who know our products best.”

The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based solely on owner input. AutoPacific asks questions related to satisfaction rather than quality or reliability, which are the focus of other consumer surveys.

AutoPacific said it does not vote on the awards, only does the math.

“Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold,” AutoPacific President George Peterson said. “We’ve found that more than 25 percent of new car buyers are positively influenced by owner-based awards like the VSA when deciding on a new car or truck.”

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/May/0520_autopac

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Mattias Ekström fulfills NASCAR dream

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

INGOLSTADT, Germany, - For the two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström a small dream is coming true today: at the invitation of Red Bull, the 31-year-old Audi driver is performing track tests in a NASCAR vehicle at the Virginia International Raceway in Virginia (USA) to support the squad in preparing for the upcoming race.

“It’s no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me and that it’s been a long-harbored dream of mine to drive such a car,” says Mattias Ekström, who clinched his first DTM victory of the year at Valencia on Sunday. After Scott Speed’s team-mate Brian Vickers was unable to test for health reason, the Red Bull squad in the United States remembered the interest shown by the Swede who has been contesting the DTM in Red Bull livery for nine years as well. Audi Sport approved the excursion by its driver.

”The racers of the Audi family live motorsport with a great passion. That’s why we are pleased to support wishes like Mattias’ for a NASCAR adventure,” says Head of Audi Sport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias has proven his versatility and class in many different motorsport disciplines such as in rally sport or at the ‘Race of Champions.’ We’re excited to see how he will do in a car and on a track that are both new to him.”

Ekström’s excursion to the United States is not purely a pleasure trip, though. With the test, he is supporting the team’s preparations for the races that will not be held on the NASCAR-typical oval: Sonoma on June 20 and Watkins Glen on August 8. The Red Bull squad can count on the experience of a proven road course expert like Ekström.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1805