December 31, 2001
ROB Magazine says Mercedes-Benz Canada is a good company to work for

In its third annual competition of the 50 Best Companies to work for in Canada, Report On Business Magazine has ranked Mercedes-Benz Canada in 25th spot. Mercedes-Benz Canada was ahead of only one other car company to make it into the top 50 companies.

December 28, 2001
Barrett-Jackson to auction special Viper Roadster to benefit 'Help The Children Fund'

A one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper Roadster will be auctioned with No Reserve at the January 2002 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, with all the net proceeds going to benefit the DaimlerChrysler Help the Children Fund.

December 27, 2001
Preview illustrations: 2003 Toyota Corolla

Here are the first illustrations of Toyota's redesigned 2003 Corolla, due to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 7th, 2002.

December 27, 2001
Jeep shows hybrid gas-electric Liberty SUV

DaimlerChrysler has unveiled a hybrid gas-electric version of the new Jeep Liberty that offers a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with a conventional six-cylinder Liberty.

December 27, 2001
General Motors invests in specialty car company, Cunningham Motor Co.

GM has acquired a minority equity stake in Cunningham Motor Company, a small specialty car company that plans to build a grand touring car that would compete with Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini.

December 24, 2001
Honda introduces new Acura 1.7EL Limited

Honda Canada announced it has begun selling a Limited edition of the Canadian-exclusive 2002 Acura 1.7EL.

December 24, 2001
General Motors adds new services to OnStar in Canada

General Motors Canada announced three new OnStar service packages which go into effect in January 1, 2002: Safe & Sound, Directions & Connections, and Luxury & Leisure. The three services will replace OnStar's current two-plan offering - Safety and Security, and Premium - which were introduced in 1999.

December 21, 2001
Bentley shows model of new limousine for Queen Elizabeth

Bentley Motors released the first official photographs of the Bentley State Limousine yesterday. The all new car will be presented as a gift to the Queen next year to celebrate her Golden Jubilee.

December 21, 2001
Mercedes-Benz Canada redesigns its on-line shopping web-site

Mercedes-Benz Canada has redesigned its personal accessories on-line shopping website which it calls, "The Collection". Responding to several years of user feedback, the new "The Collection" website has a more graphic layout and improved navigation capabilities.

December 21, 2001
Hyundai Auto Canada announces new President

Hyundai Auto Canada announced that, effective January 2nd, 2002, Mr. Steve Kelleher will become the company's new President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kelleher takes over from Mr. Jong Hoon (James) Lee who will become the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Motors America.

December 21, 2001
General Motors asks U.S. government to mandate daytime running lamps

General Motors Corporation has asked the U.S. federal government to require all automakers to install daytime running lamps (DRLs) on new vehicles sold in the U.S. DRL's are already mandatory in Canada and some European countries.

December 21, 2001
New Mercedes-Benz web-site shows history of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new web site - www.mbusa.com/classic - for visitors who want to delve into the heritage of Mercedes-Benz. Site navigation is divided into five major heritage categories: History, Museum, Classic Center, Classic Activities and Contact an Expert.

December 20, 2001
DaimlerChrysler to axe Prowler

DaimlerChrysler announced it will cease production of the Prowler hot rod in February, 2002.

December 20, 2001
Honda Pilot to be built in Alliston, Ontario

Honda of Canada announced that the new mid-sized Pilot SUV will be built at its facility in Alliston, Ontario. Based on the Acura MDX platform, the Pilot will be built on the same assembly line as the MDX and Honda Odyssey minivan.

December 20, 2001
GM to unveil Chevrolet Bel Air and Pontiac Roadster concepts in Detroit

Among the concept cars that General Motors plans to unveil at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January is a new Chevrolet Bel Air concept and a new Pontiac Roadster concept.

December 20, 2001
BCAA says: don't become a victim of holiday theft

The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) advises vehicle and home owners to take extra precautions this holiday season, as personal losses from theft and fire tend to increase at this time of year.

December 20, 2001
Goodyear announces U.S.$120 million expansion in China

Goodyear has announced a U.S.$120 million expansion of its tire plant in Dalian, China.

December 19, 2001
Special attractions at 34th Montréal International Auto Show

The 34th annual Montréal International Auto Show, January 25 to February 3, 2002 at Olympic Stadium, will be more than just a show of new cars, according to its organizers. In addition to the more than 400 vehicles that will be displayed by 33 manufacturer's brands, the 10-day event will also feature a host of entertaining and informative attractions

December 19, 2001
Ford sponsors 2002 FutureTruck competition

Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Department of Energy are sponsoring the 2002 FutureTruck competition - last year, the competition was sponsored by General Motors. FutureTruck challenges teams of students from 15 top North American university engineering departments to re-engineer a mid-size 2002 Ford Explorer SUV to improve fuel economy while retaining the vehicle's utility and customer appeal.

December 19, 2001
GM adds new ride at Walt Disney World's Test Track

General Motors 'Test Track' ride at EPCOT theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort will soon unveil a new interactive ride that "brings to life" many of the innovations used in developing GM vehicles.

December 18, 2001
First Look: Lexus GX 470

Lexus will unveil an all-new luxury SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

December 18, 2001
Finalists announced for North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards

The Cadillac CTS, Ford Thunderbird and Nissan Altima are finalists for the North American Car of the Year award, the organizing committee of the awards announced yesterday. The Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Jeep Liberty are finalists for the North American Truck of the Year award.

December 18, 2001
Auto industry magazine selects finalists for Concept Car of the Year

Automotive News, a weekly news magazine for the auto industry, has named the finalists for its fourth annual Concept Car of the Year Awards. Nearly two dozen of the leading concept styles and vehicles unveiled this past year at auto shows around the world are contenders for the awards.

December 18, 2001
Porsche to build new engine plant in Germany

Porsche will build a new engine production plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany in which it will invest approximately $72,300 (100 million DM). Construction work will begin by the middle of next year and the new plant will be ready to begin production by the end of 2003.

December 17, 2001
SUV crash tests!

Crash test results for three 2002 SUVs were released by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety this week. In these 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier, the 2002 Explorer was rated "good" and a "Best Pick" while the 2002 Jeep Liberty and Isuzu Rodeo were rated "marginal".

December 17, 2001
Ford announces new 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty on all cars and Windstar minivan

Ford of Canada is offering a new 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty on all its cars and the Windstar minivan - but not on its SUV's, pickup trucks and full-size vans. All Ford cars and trucks continue to offer a complete 3 year/60,000 km warranty.

December 17, 2001
Barrett-Jackson to auction Richard Petty "Limited Edition" 50th Anniversary Pontiac Grand Prix concept car

The Richard Petty 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Pontiac Grand Prix Concept Car will be offered for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 17th - 20th, 2002.

December 17, 2001
Ford to merge Canadian operations of Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover into Premier Automotive Group

Effective January 1st 2002, Ford Motor Company is creating a new Canadian organizational structure for Aston Martin, Jaguary and Land Rover. Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover Canada will come under the umbrella of the Premier Automotive Group.

December 17, 2001
Ford of Canada employee volunteers help Salvation Army

On Friday, a team of Ford of Canada employees helped the Oakville Salvation Army's Food Bank prepare Holiday hampers for underprivileged families.

December 14, 2001
Honda to reveal new Pilot SUV at Detroit car show

Honda will introduce an all-new sport-utility vehicle called the Pilot in the summer of 2002. A pre-production version will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month

December 14, 2001
Acura to show RD-X concept in Detroit next month

Acura will debut its RD-X concept SUV, a vehicle that combines the street performance of a sports coupe with the ruggedness of an SUV, at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

December 14, 2001
More luxury makers defect to Montreal luxury car show

More luxury automakers have joined the Montreal Luxury - Performance - Passion auto show which will take place from January 17 to 20, 2002, at Place Bonaventure in Montreal.

December 13, 2001
Sneak peek: 2003 Toyota Corolla

Here's the first official photo of the redesigned 2003 Toyota Corolla to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday January 7th.

December 13, 2001
Honda unveils 2003 Civic Hybrid in North America

Yesterday, Honda unveiled the new gasoline-electric hybrid Honda Civic for the first time in North America at the Electric Transportation Industry Conference (ETIC) in Sacramento, California, an industry tradeshow for vehicles that use electric propulsion.

December 13, 2001
Car dealers' response to customer e-mails is poor - J.D. Power and Associates

Automotive dealerships may be missing out on valuable sales leads due to a poor response rate to e-mail customer inquiries, with the majority of such inquiries being ignored or poorly handled, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Dealer E-Mail Responsiveness Study released Wednesday.

December 13, 2001
CAA responds to federal budget 2001

The Canadian Automobile Association issued a statement yesterday saying they support the federal government's initiative in the 2001 budget for the development of a Strategic Infrastructure Foundation and initial funding of $2 billion.

December 13, 2001
Chrysler fuel cell minivan runs on soapy substance

The Chrysler Group unveiled its third generation fuel cell concept vehicle, the Chrysler Town & Country Natrium, fueled with sodium boro-hydride, a compound chemically related to borax, the naturally-occurring substance used in laundry soap.

December 13, 2001
Dunlop Tires announces contest to change surname to "Dunlop-Tire"

Dunlop Tires announced its "Tired of Your Name Challenge", an invitation to Canadians with the surname "Dunlop" who would consider changing their name to "Dunlop-Tire". Dunlop Tires will award a total of $25,000 to the first fifty name-changers.

December 13, 2001
Auto manufacturers, suppliers fail to profit from decade of vehicle improvements

Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have teamed to significantly increase car features and safety, but these improvements have not registered on the industry's bottom line, according to "Estimating the New Automotive Value Chain" a research study conducted by U.S. consulting firm, Accenture, in collaboration with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

December 13, 2001
Bridgestone/Firestone to announce major investment in Joliette, Quebec plant

On Monday, December 17th, Bridgestone/Firestone Joliette Plant Manager Yves Malouin will officially announce that tens of million dollars are being invested at the Bridgestone/Firestone Joliette Plant in Quebec.

December 13, 2001
Normand Legault named honorary president of Michelin Canada-Québec Ice Challenge

Mr. Dany Sévigny, president of the Michelin Canada-Québec Ice Challenge launched the official start of the 4th edition of this ice-racing event which will be held in Sherbrooke on February 22, 23 and 24, 2002.

December 12, 2001
Ward's AutoWorld announces 10 Best Engines for 2002

Five of Ward's 2002's 10 Best Engines are repeat winners from last year. One of 2001's winners, the Nissan "VQ" 3 litre V6, retired for 2002 after winning an unprecedented seven consecutive 10 Best awards, one each year since the awards' inception in 1995. The Nissan VQ legacy lives on, however: this year's winning 3.5 litre Nissan V6 replaces the multiple award-winning 3 litre V6.

December 12, 2001
Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG to arrive here in late 2002

What has a top speed of over 200 km/h, is one of the world's best all-terrain vehicles, and has the aerodynamics of a brick? The new Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG, expected to arrive here in late 2002 as a 2003 model.

December 12, 2001
Federal budget provides tax relief for apprentice automotive technicians

In a long awaited move, the federal government has acted on the long-standing concerns of the auto industry by providing limited tax relief for apprentice automotive technicians. Finance Minister Paul Martin formally announced the measure during the Budget Speech before the House of Commons.

December 12, 2001
Ontario universities receive $185 million contribution for computer-aided design

General Motors of Canada Limited, Sun Microsystems, Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and EDS PLM Solutions (EDS PLM) together announced a contribution of computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) software, hardware and training with the retail/commercial value of $185 million to the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and Queen's University.

December 12, 2001
Magna Steyr in discussions to acquire DaimlerChrysler's Eurostar plant

Magna International Inc. announced that its Magna Steyr Group has commenced negotiations with DaimlerChrysler to acquire its Eurostar facility, which is adjacent to Magna Steyr's existing assembly operation in Graz, Austria. The Eurostar facility currently assembles the Chrysler Voyager minivan and PT Cruiser for markets outside North America.

December 11, 2001
CAA offers tips on controlling the flow of alcohol at Christmas parties

With a reminder that alcohol and driving is a deadly mix that claims the lives of more than 1,300 Canadians each year, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided some tips for party-givers to reduce the chance of revellers driving home while over the legal blood alcohol limit.

December 11, 2001
Viper owners given first opportunity to order 500 horsepower 2003 Dodge Viper Convertible

Dodge is giving current Viper owners the first shot at the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible when it goes on sale in the Fall of 2002.

December 11, 2001
Toyota Canada appoints new President

Toyota Canada announced the appointment of a new President and CEO on Monday. Effective January 1, 2002, Kenji Tomikawa, 55, will take over from Yoshio Nakatani, who will become Chairman of Toyota Canada. Nakatani, has been President and CEO of Toyota Canada since 1995.

December 11, 2001
Travelling Michelin exhibit reaches half million consumers

Michelin has wrapped up its inaugural season for its Tour de Force, a travelling exhibit which stopped in 14 states and Canada during its seven months on the road.

December 11, 2001
Opel's new super computers perform 500 billion calculations a second

Engineers at Opel's International Technical Development Center have started to work with the first of six new high-performance computers. The "super computers" will be used for simulating crash tests and investigating vehicle aerodynamics.

December 11, 2001
Land Rover to invest $5.65 billion on new models

Land Rover has announced plans to invest £2.5 billion (CAD $5.65 billion) over the next five years on developing and building new vehicles.

December 10, 2001
Around the world in 1000 days!

After having driven across five continents, visited 115 countries, and clocked well over 220,000 kilometres on the odometer of their specially prepared Mercedes-Benz GLK over the past 34 months, American adventurers Paige Parker and Jim Rogers are on the final leg of their circumnavigation of the globe.

December 10, 2001
GM of Canada President transferred to new post

Maureen Kempston Darkes, 53, the Toronto-born President of GM of Canada, has been appointed President of GM Latin America, Africa and the Mideast.

December 10, 2001
NHTSA announces Volvo S60 crash test results

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released front and side crash results for the 2001 Volvo S60 sedan, the final 2001 model year vehicle in their consumer information testing program.

December 10, 2001
Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT win Popular Mechanics awards

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT have been chosen by the editors of Popular Mechanics magazine to receive the publication's 2002 Design and Engineering Award.

December 7, 2001
DaimlerChrysler donates $250,000 to palliative care organization

Ed Brust, Chairman, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Canada announced a corporate gift of $250,000 to the Hospice Village building campaign - the first of its kind in North America. Coupled with C.A.W. Local 444's earlier in-kind donation of $250,000, this raises the company's joint-participation in the campaign to half a million dollars.

December 7, 2001
November a good month for Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz in Canada

Jaguar Canada announced that sales last month were the best November in history. November's record sales totaled 271 cars sold, an increase of nearly 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. Year-to-date sales total 2,176 units sold.

December 7, 2001
Most used-vehicle buyers not actively shopping for certified vehicles - J.D. Power and Associates

While more than half of all late-model used-vehicle buyers are unaware of vehicle certification at the time they purchase their vehicle, 80 percent shop at a new-vehicle dealership, where they are likely to find certified vehicles, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Used-Vehicle Market Assessment released.

December 7, 2001
Buick Rendezvous finishes Inca Trail 4x4 Adventure Drive

A 2002 Buick Rendezvous driven by Patrick Brooks of Marshalltown, Iowa, was among the five silver medallists Nov. 29 at the completion of the 15,000 mile, 55-day "Inca Trail 4x4 Adventure Drive." The Rendezvous was the first 4x4 participant to cross the finish line.

December 7, 2001
Two millionth Windstar minivan rolls off assembly line at Oakville, Ontario

Ford of Canada has been the world's only source of Windstars since production began in 1994.

December 6, 2001
Ford losses could double in latest quarterly report

Ford Motor Company announced today it expects fourth quarter results, before one-time items, to be a loss of 50 cents a share, almost double the 28 cents a share it lost in the third quarter.

December 6, 2001
MINI takes steps to set up 15 dealerships across Canada

MINI, a division of BMW Canada, has issued Letters of Intent to 15 retail candidates in 6 provinces. The Letters of Intent signify MINI's intention to enter into a MINI passenger car dealer agreement with the notified candidates.

December 5, 2001
AJAC announces 2002 Canadian Car of the Year Award Winners

Eight 2002 Canadian Car of the Year Award category winners were announced today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at an awards ceremony held at the Holiday Inn Select Airport in Toronto, Ontario.

December 5, 2001
GM Canada November sales increase 17.4%

General Motors of Canada dealers delivered 39,215 vehicles in November, an increase of 17.4 per cent from the same period last year. Compared to November 2000, passenger car sales for the month were 19,940 units, up 8.7 per cent, and truck sales were 19,275 units, up 27.9 per cent.

December 5, 2001
New chairman appointed at BMW

Munich. Professor Joachim Milberg (58) has requested the Supervisory Board of BMW AG in their meeting on 4 December 2001 to relieve him from his office as the Chairman of the Board of Management upon expiry of the Annual General Meeting on 16 May 2002. The Supervisory Board has accepted his request.

December 5, 2001
Honda increases investment in newly opened Alabama plant

Honda used the occassion of the dedication of its new Alabama plant to announce that it would increase production capacity by 30,000 units to 150,000 vehicles and engines by late 2002.

December 4, 2001
First Newfoundland vintage car rally scheduled for September, 2002

Targa Newfoundland, a car rally designed to attract international collectors of historic, classic and modern sporting cars to some of the most challenging roads in the Avalon, Burin and Bonavista peninsulas in Newfoundland, will be staged September 13-22, 2002.

December 4, 2001
Poll says 18% of Canadians want tires for Christmas

According to the inaugural Dunlop Tires Holiday Poll conducted by Decima Research, fully 18% of adult Canadians say they would "squeal with delight" and hug a person who gave them a new set of tires for Christmas.

December 4, 2001
BMW, Jaguar, Subaru record best-ever November sales

Among auto manufacturers reporting November sales today, BMW and Jaguar recorded their best November sales ever, while Subaru recorded its best month ever.

December 4, 2001
cars4U.com has award-winning design

The Internet consulting firm Wideframe, has received a Digital Marketing Awards Certificate in the B2C Transactional Web Site Category for their design of the cars4U.com e-commerce site.

December 4, 2001
Jeep Jamboree Canada hits 5-year mark in 2002

Jeep Jamboree Canada organizers today announced program details and next year's schedule of events for the popular outdoor lifestyle program for Jeep enthusiasts and their families.

December 4, 2001
Quebec parts maker gets new contracts from General Motors

Trimag s.e.c. is building a new magnesium die-casting plant in Boisbriand that will create 100 new high-tech jobs. The plant, which will be the first of its kind in Quebec, is the result of two new contracts with General Motors to supply magnesium components.

December 3, 2001
Many U.S. cars are driven on 'bald' tires - NHTSA

Responding to new studies showing that a significant number of American motorists are driving on bald tires and that many gas stations that provide air pumps fail to provide accurate tire pressure gauges, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta urged U.S. motorists to closely monitor their tires.

December 3, 2001
Mazda Canada sets new sales record

With 64,620 vehicles sold so far this year Mazda Canada has set a new all-time sales record. The previous record, set in 1992, was 62,659 sales. Based upon the current sales trend Mazda Canada expects to end 2001 with between 69,000 and 70,000 vehicles sold.

December 3, 2001
DaimlerChrysler recalls Grand Cherokees, PT Cruisers

Detroit, Michigan - A software glitch that could disable the instruments and lamps of some 2002 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees and Chrysler PT Cruisers has caused the recall of up to 43,000 of those models in North America. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the problem. Notices have been sent out to affected owners who can bring their vehicles to a Jeep or Chrysler dealer for no-charge repairs.

December 3, 2001
First Canadian-built long-wheelbase Crown Victoria taxi-cabs delivered to New York

The first long-wheelbase 2002 Ford Crown Victoria taxicabs were delivered to customers in New York last week. Built at Ford's St. Thomas, Ontario assembly plant, the stretched Crown Vics provide an additional 7.7 cubic feet of space for rear cabin passengers and their carry-on luggage.

December 3, 2001
New Ford vehicles to offer 'smart' safety system