Archived Auto News and Events for September 2010

Hyundai Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of 2011 Sonatas
According to a report by Bloomberg, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Hyundai Motor Co. will recall approximately 139,500 cars in the United States to address steering issues affecting maneuverability.

Dodge RAM Laramie Longhorn Special Edition Aimed at Luxury Truck Enthusiasts
The new Dodge RAM Laramie Longhorn special edition, set to arrive on dealer floors in the first quarter of 2011, will be the most expensive, luxurious truck Chrysler has ever produced.

Number of Distracted Driving Deaths Down for 2009
According to statistics released by the Department of Transportation, automotive deaths related to distracted driving fell 6% in 2009 over the 2008 levels.

Chrysler Sebring Revamped and Christened the 200
As Chrysler prepares to roll outs its first revamped vehicles since coming out of bankruptcy under the control of Fiat SpA, the Sebring sedan has received a major upgrade.

Senate Passes Bill to Benefit Small Auto Dealers
Under the provisions of a bill that passed through the Senate on Thursday, September 16, 2010, small auto dealers could receive federal guaranteed loans with an upper limit of $5 million as part of a larger small-business jobs bill to expand available lending and to put $12 billion in tax cuts in place for struggling businesses.

Ford to Show 2012 Focus Line in Paris
At the Paris motor show later this month, Ford will unveil three production-ready body styles for the 2012 Ford Focus as well as a preview model of a high-performance version of the compact to be dubbed the 250PS Focus ST, which will likely launch late in 2012 as a 2013 model.

VW Names Browning to Head U.S. Operations
Although Volkswagen will not make the formal announcement until Monday, September 13, 2010, reports circulating over the weekend indicate that Jonathan Browning, 51, former manager of General Motors and Ford, will serve as head of U.S.

Analysts Make Pessimistic Products for Global Auto Industry Numbers
According to a report by Bloomberg, the global outlook for the auto industry is weakening in the face of continued unemployment in the United States and measures in China that are cooling the economy there.

Toyota and Honda Set to Take Hybrid Form Factor Global
Toyota will be producing a series of small, high mileage hybrids for introduction to the European and Asian markets in a technology shift that would dramatically enhance the hybrid form factor globally.

Lincoln to Be More Distinct from Ford
While planning to scale back on Lincoln dealerships in major metropolitan areas, Ford is also seeking to draw a sharp distinction between the Lincoln and Ford product lines, focusing on a specific "point of view" for the luxury Lincolns.

With a Bigger Engine and Bigger Room, Ford Raptor Handles Tough Jobs
Dealers will begin taking orders for the 2011 Ford F-250 SVT Raptor on Friday, September 3, 2010, with expectations that the truck, with its larger standard engine and greater seating capacity, will sell well as a race, chase, and support vehicle.

Chevrolet Cruze to Go On Sale in U.S. Mid-September
After being available in global markets for more than a year, General Motors is set to launch sales of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze in the United States with an ad campaign beginning the second week of September, followed by the arrival of actual units on showroom floors about a week later.