Busan, Korea – GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) unveiled its much-anticipated luxury sedan, the Alpheon, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show today.
“With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea,” said GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone. “I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea.”
Another highlight of the GM Daewoo stand is a seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle, the Orlando show car, which is making its first appearance at an international motor show in Asia.
In addition, GM Daewoo has on display the Lacetti Premiere and GentraX race cars, and a Matiz mini-car artistically wrapped in pink.
With “Advancing Style” as its theme for this year’s Busan International Motor Show, GM Daewoo has 18 vehicles on display that showcase its automotive industry design expertise.
Acura today announced a recall of approximately 167,000 Acura TSX vehicles to replace a power steering hose. Affected TSX vehicles are 2004-2008 models sold in the United States with the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. The repair involves installing a new power steering hose, o-ring gasket and fluid– all done at no cost to the vehicle owner.
The recall is being conducted due to the potential for premature deterioration of the exterior surface of the hose as a result of prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures. In the event of excessive deterioration, a crack in the hose could develop, which could allow power steering fluid to leak or spray on a hot exhaust component potentially generating smoke or a fire. Acura has only received notice of one incident resulting in a fire.
Owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail starting at the end of May. In addition, TSX owners can go to owners.acura.com/recalls or may call (800) 382-2238 for more information.
Dearborn, Mich., April 29, 2010 – The Ford Fiesta has been earning its street credibility since last year’s Fiesta Movement, but now Ford’s newest car is getting its Hip-Hop seal of approval by none other than Celebrity Customizer Funkmaster Flex. The Fiesta will appear in an episode of Flex’s new TV show, ‘Funk Flex Full Throttle’ which premiers this Sunday, May 2, at 2 p.m. EST on MTV2.
The Fiesta will play a starring role in one of the show’s episodes as Funkmaster Flex puts his creative spin on the vehicle that has a strong following prior to its launch. As part of the partnership, one viewer will win the chance to take home the keys to the Fiesta customized by Flex as part of the Funk Flex Full Throttle Giveaway. The customization is set to include features such as a custom body kit, wheels, tires, lowering kit, a Funkmaster Flex signature two-tone paint job and a custom interior.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 29, 2010 – BMW of North America, LLC announced today that it will offer BMW Motorsport parts through four BMW Centers in the United States. BMW Motorsport parts, which were previously available only in Europe, will be made available to weekend racers and professional racing teams in the US. Parts in the Motorsport catalog are the pinnacle result of available technology, crafted on the decades-long foundation of racing experience by BMW Motorsport and its technical partners.
Current BMW Motorsport parts catalogs can be found along with terms and conditions at the BMW Motorsport webpage or by visiting one of four BMW centers: Laurel BMW in Westmont, IL, Global Imports in Atlanta, GA, BMW of Stratham in Stratham, NH, and BMW of Cleveland in Solon, OH. At this time, catalogs are available for the 2008 BMW Z4, the BMW M3 from 1995-present, and the 3 Series Sedan from 2006 onward.
Each parts catalog provides an overview of the specially developed BMW Motorsport parts for a respective BMW vehicle or Series. Some parts may remain unavailable in the US and may not be approved by a particular racing series or class. All parts listed are intended for use on approved motorsport/racing/off-road BMW vehicles.
2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi
* The city of Boston says Ford Transit Connect Taxi “fits the bill” as a taxicab, becoming the nation’s first municipality to green-light the new taxis
* Boston paves the way for its taxi owners and operators to put the purpose-built Transit Connect Taxi on its streets later this year
* Transit Connect Taxi was designed for passenger comfort, driver convenience and efficiency; the gas-powered version is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many traditional taxis
BOSTON, April 30, 2010 – Saying the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi “fits the bill,” the city of Boston this week became the first municipality in America to approve the versatile cab for taxi use, paving the way for taxi owners to purchase the new vehicle for their fleets.
“We’re very impressed with the Transit Connect,” said Mark Cohen, director, Licensing Division, Boston Police Department. “It’s the closest thing to a purpose-built vehicle for taxi use that I’ve seen in 25 years.”
(Richmond Hill, ON): Mazda Canada Inc. today announced the launch of a special edition of its all-new 2011 Mazda2 subcompact: the Mazda2 Yozora.

Fittingly, the Mazda2 Yozora (yó-zo-ra), which means “night sky” in Japanese, is completely swathed in a brilliant black exterior finish and features a “2″ themed decal package on the front driver’s side bumper and fender. A unique raised rear spoiler, short stubby antenna, chrome tailpipe and 195/45R16 Toyo Proxes T1R performance tires mounted on special edition 16-inch alloy wheels finished in silver and contrasting black add to the fierce design.
“Yozora” tailgate badge, unique “Yozora Edition” floor mats and 185/55R15 winter tires mounted and balanced on Mazda steel wheels, are also included with the special edition.
The Mazda2 Yozora is based on the entry-level Mazda2 GX trim (paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission), with air conditioning and a Convenience package, which consists of heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry, jackknife key, steering-wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, two additional speakers, exterior temperature gauge, trip computer, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, and interior silver accents throughout.
“With its captivating design, exceptional value and fun-to-drive attributes, the Mazda2 Yozora will cater to our younger enthusiasts, who value individuality and expression,” said Mike Collinson, director of marketing and product strategy, Mazda Canada. “For under $20,000, Yozora offers the most sought-after accessories and customization in one convenient package.”
Exclusive to the Canadian market, the Mazda2 Yozora edition has a starting MSRP of $19,280. Only 500 units are being produced and they will be available in dealerships in July 2010.
HERNDON, Va., April 27 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of the April 26 world premiere of Iron Man 2 in Los Angeles, Audi of America, Inc. announced that it is launching a social media competition called “The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge” in support of its prominent presence in the film. Beginning April 28, consumers can submit two-minute videos that showcase their ideas for better living through the use of technology. They then must rally members of their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media networks to rate, comment, and discuss the their ideas. Full contest information is available at www.tonystarkinnovationchallenge.com.
“Achieving progress through technology is the message behind Iron Man 2, and this idea is fundamental to Audi,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “The partnership in Iron Man 2 celebrates our shared focus on innovation, and this contest allows anyone with a great idea to not just express it, but potentially make a true difference within their industry.”
“The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge” mirrors Tony Stark’s desire to take Stark Industries in a new direction, using his vast intellect and resources to eradicate problems through technology. Submissions will be judged by Audi on their ability to:
BREA, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ — American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced its nationwide “Free Gas for Summer” sales promotion, offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of any new 2010 Suzuki model, including the all-new Kizashi, SX4 SportBack, SX4 Sport sedan, SX4 Crossover, Grand Vitara and Equator. Already recognized as the second most fuel-efficient automaker in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) with 29.7 mpg, as reported in the EPA 2009 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report, Suzuki offers motorists at the pump even more savings this summer driving season. The Suzuki “Free Gas for Summer” sales program kicks off May 1 and runs through Aug. 31.
“Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges Americans continue to face and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Working through our U.S. dealer network, we’re happy to extend this program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki during the summer shopping season.”
Customers will receive a stored value debit card, ranging in value from $280 to $442, which can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car’s EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration’s estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
To learn more about Suzuki’s “Free Gas for Summer” sales promotion, or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com. In addition, Suzuki will celebrate the start of this summer’s sales promotion with giveaways on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and Twitter (@SuzukiAuto).