Category Archives: marketing

2014 Chevrolet Impala has Valet Mode to Protect Data

Posted on 20 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The revised Chevrolet Impala sedan with the optional infotainment system has a “valet mode” that locks up small personal items as well as protecting the addresses and contacts stored in MyLink. The password activated retractable faceplate covers a storage bin large enough to hold a wallet, MP3 player and smartphone. Continue reading →

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GM Moves Performance Build Center to Corvette Plant

Posted on 31 January 2013 by Ken Zino

GM is moving its Performance Build Center from Michigan to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant where the Chevrolet Corvette is assembled. The center allows customers to build their own specialty engines for installation in GM vehicles. Continue reading →

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Mazda and Fiat Sign Agreement for New Alfa Romeo Roadster

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. announced today the formal signing an agreement that will have Mazda produce a convertible two-seater sports car for Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima, Japan plant starting in 2015. Continue reading →

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Nissan Cuts Leaf EV Price by $6400 on U.S.-Assembled Model

Posted on 15 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Nissan announced that pricing for the 2013 Leaf electric vehicle starts at $28,800 for the newly-added S grade – think SALE – making it the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States. The least expensive 2012 Leaf had a starting price of $35,200 without taxpayer subsidies. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn’s 20,000-unit sales target for the Leaf in 2012 was missed by 50%, and fewer than 10,000 were also sold in 2011. He previously said electric vehicles would account for 10% or more of global auto sales by 2020, a prediction that is viewed as fantasy by other automaker CEOs. Continue reading →

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Grand Cherokee Freshening Caught in Spy Shots Ahead of NAIAS

Posted on 11 January 2013 by Ken Zino

This is a camouflaged version of a revised 2014 model Jeep Grand Cherokee that will be revealed next week at NAIAS in Detroit. Three years after the launch of one of Fiat’s most profitable vehicles, the SUV will get a facelift and add a couple of new models. Continue reading →

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GM Offering Free Maintenance to Fleet Buyers

Posted on 8 January 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors Fleet and Commercial Sales is now offering what could be an industry first free maintenance program with the purchase of new or leased Chevrolet or GMC vehicles by business customers. The so-called GM Business Choice program includes a two-year, 30,000-mile Business Maintenance Plan, in addition to a cash allowance for vehicle accessories. Continue reading →

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Fiat Melfi Plant to Make Two New Cars, Including a Baby Jeep

Posted on 23 December 2012 by Ken Zino

Existing production processes are being modified to handle what’s called a new modular Small Wide platform – one of Fiat-Chrysler’s three principal architectures – that can also be adapted to produce larger vehicles. Fiat confirmed that the platform will have the product and safety aspects that comply with U.S. regulatory standards. This means that vehicles produced at the Melfi plant including the baby Jeep will be export ready, with no requirement for further modifications. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Sets Record China Sales of 68,000 Light Vehicles

Posted on 5 December 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford China set a record in November by selling 67,505 vehicles last month, a 56% increase compared to November 2011. With November, Ford China’s year-to-date sales are now up 18%. Continue reading →

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Shanghai GM and Audi Lead Latest “Apeal” Study in China

Posted on 30 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Chinese domestic vehicle brands have narrowed a gap in customer perception, but international brands still lead in a survey based on two to six months of ownership. Models from Shanghai General Motors led in four segments, while Audi rated the highest praise among automakers. Continue reading →

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Lexus and Mini Lead in New U.S. Sales Satisfaction Survey

Posted on 28 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Whether it is possible to draw meaningful conclusions from closely ranked sales satisfaction numbers remains an open question among industry marketing executives and observers. Power maintains, not without considerable economic self-interest, that its study is a “comprehensive analysis” of the new-vehicle purchase experience. Continue reading →

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Global Light Vehicle Sales Flat in October at 80.6 Million SAAR

Posted on 27 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Global sales of light vehicles were flat in October as declines in the EU offset modest gains elsewhere. Nonetheless, on a seasonally adjusted annual basis or SAAR, 2012 is tracking at a rate of 80.6 million units a year, with 68 million vehicles sold year-to-date. This means that the trend line of ever increasing global sales is now restored to a pre-2008 slope, before the global collapse of the financial and real estate markets created a Grand Canyon-sized dip from more than 70 million units in 2007 to a trough of ~55 million in 2008 and 2009. Continue reading →

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Chinese Qoros Defends Name against Kia Quoris in EU

Posted on 26 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Upstart Chinese automaker Qoros Automotive Company has successfully defended it brand name against South Korean Kia in a German Court. A district court in Hamburg granted Qoros’ motion for a preliminary injunction against Kia Motors Corporation that bars Kia from using the name “Quoris motor vehicles in the European Union. The court found that coexistence of “Qoros and “Quoris” in a car market would cause consumer confusion. Continue reading →

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Lang Lang becomes Volkswagen Group Promoter

Posted on 21 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Lang Lang, a pianist, and Volkswagen Group, an automaker, signed a multi-year cooperation agreement today for an undisclosed amount. As part of the deal, Lang Lang will arrive, arrive at his concerts all over the world in vehicles provided by Volkswagen. Continue reading →

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Hot Wheels Camaro to be Real in Full-Size Production Model

Posted on 19 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Life Imitating art, or rather toys for boys and girls and toys for men and women? Chevrolet has confirmed that the Camaro Hot Wheels concept that debuted at SEMA will appear at Chevrolet dealerships early next year. This is the first time a full-size production version of a toy car has been offered for sale by a manufacturer after decades, if not centuries, of the opposite practice. Continue reading →

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2013 Honda Civic to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Posted on 14 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Honda has released the first photos of 2013 Civic Sedan, ahead of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on 29 November. Mild styling tweaks are evident on the best selling compact-class car that goes on sale at Honda dealerships the same day.

The previous Civic was justly criticized for being too cheap as Honda removed content and substituted less expensive materials, but it went on to be best seller in the class in spite of tepid media reviews. Continue reading →

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