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November 2002
Ford has unveiled an Eddie Bauer Expedition concept designed to make the lives of people with disabilities easier.
November 29, 2002 Mercedes-Benz announced it is offering its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system on 2003 C-Class sedan and wagon models. 4MATIC is a permanently-engaged four-wheel-drive system that needs no intervention from the driver.
November 29, 2002 Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric systems for commercial vehicles, and London Taxis International, a leading manufacturer of purpose-built taxis, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning a joint program to develop and produce advanced hybrid electric powered taxis.
November 29, 2002 Westport Innovations Inc. announced today that
it has agreed with Isuzu Motors of Tokyo, Japan, to develop a prototype Isuzu
ELF truck powered with a Westport Cycle natural gas engine.
November 28, 2002 An independent survey of purchasers of the 2002 Nissan Altima, last year's Canadian Car of the Year, indicates that almost 70% of the buyers were aware that the Altima won the 2002 Canadian Car of the Year award. Of those, 93.3% said the award influenced their purchase "to some extent" and 47.5% said its purchase influence was "strong to extremely strong". Of the latter group, 57.1% were women and 43.1% were men. November 28, 2002 The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced vehicle recalls for the month of October. November 28, 2002 Araco Corporation, which supplies seat systems exclusively to Toyota Motor Sales, ranks highest in overall automotive seat quality for the second consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Seat Quality Report released yesterday. November 28, 2002 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers are offering Montreal auto show attendees the chance to win an all-new 2003 Dodge SX2.0 in the 'Drive Your Dream' contest at the 2003 Montreal Auto Show until December 1st.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been awarded five stars by the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) organisation - the highest mark that can be given in this crash test and one which only very few cars in the world have achieved. November 27, 2002 Mercedes-Benz had two winners in the recent AJAC Canadian Car of the Year contest: the 2003 E-Class and C32 models were chosen by the members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) as the best cars in their respective "Luxury" and "Sports coupe or sedan over $35,000" categories. November 27, 2002 While a silver medal is often associated with a second place finish, the colour silver was the No. 1 vehicle colour worldwide for the 2002 model year, according to PPG Industries -- the world's leading producer of transportation coatings. November 27, 2002 Saab is recalling approximately 55,000 1995 model year Saab 900 cars worldwide to repair an electronic control unit that might rust and cause the airbag to deploy. Affected cars have been found mostly in Asia where there is high humidity, but Saab is recalling 900 models everywhere. November 26, 2002 To encourage North American acceptance of diesel-powered vehicles, DaimlerChrysler announced it will test market a diesel-powered Jeep Liberty in Canada and the United States beginning in 2004. November 26, 2002 At its inaugural North American Innovation Symposium yesterday, DaimlerChrysler showed some of its future vehicles under development. November 26, 2002 Chrysler today announced its participation in the second annual Chrysler Million Dollar Film Festival (Chrysler MDFF). In cooperation with Hypnotic and Universal Pictures, Chrysler is extending the competition's submission base to include Canadian filmmakers for its 2003 competition. November 26, 2002 British Mitsubishi enthusiasts will be offered the new Evo VIII one year earlier than European customers, at a price significantly below the current Evo VII, and with dramatically improved availability, said Mitsubishi Motors UK. November 25, 2002 The 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T was named 'Best New Sport Utility Vehicle over $45,000' by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) last week. The announcement was made during the media preview of the Montreal International Auto Show. The XC90 was voted ahead of a strong field of competitive vehicles, including the BMW X5 4.6is, Mercedes Benz G500 and Hummer H2. November 25, 2002 Ernst Lieb, President of Mercedes-Benz Canada, announced that he has been asked by DaimlerChrysler AG to take on the post of President and CEO for Australia and the South Pacific region effective April 1, 2003. His responsibilities will include all of the DaimlerChrysler brands. November 25, 2002 Barely two months after its entry into the Canadian market, Mitsubishi Motors has won a Canadian award for its compact Lancer sedan. The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) selected the Lancer ES as "Best new economy car under $18,000". The Lancer ES beat out the Dodge SX 2.0, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio RX-V, Pontiac Sunfire Coupe, and Suzuki Aerio GL Fastback. November 23, 2002 Lexus ranks highest in long-term dependability for the eighth consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Vehicle Dependability Index Study released on Thursday. All of the top five ranking nameplates in the study are Japanese brands, with Infiniti, Acura, Honda and Toyota following Lexus, respectively. November 22, 2002 The 2003 Montreal International Auto Show, the largest ever organised in its 35 year history, starts Friday at the new Palais des Congres de Montreal. It runs from November 22nd to December 1st. November 22, 2002 Motor Trend magazine announced it has chosen the Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe as the 2003 Car of the Year. The Motor Trend Car of the Year is now in its 54th year. November 22, 2002 For the first time ever, engines made at Ford of Canada's Essex Engine Plant are being exported to Australia. The Canadian-made Triton V-8 is powering models in the new unique-to-Australia Ford Falcon range of sedans. November 22, 2002 Los Angeles Mayor, Jim Hahn announced he will take delivery of the first Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle being leased by the City of Los Angeles in a ceremony attended by Hiroyuki Yoshino, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., on Monday, December 2nd, at Los Angeles City Hall. November 22, 2002 Honda Canada announced that the 2003 Honda Element will have a manufacturer suggested retail price starting at $23,900. November 22, 2002 Le Salon de l'Auto de Montreal was the showcase for the unveiling of Acura's new 3.2TL Type S A-Spec that is scheduled to go on sale in February 2003. November 22, 2002 The 2003 Chrysler PT Turbo is now available with a standard heavy-duty five-speed manual Getrag 288S transaxle. November 22, 2002 Ford is introducing two distinctive new interior packages for the 2003 Ford Taurus, an optional sport appearance package, improved noise insulation, and quieter brakes. November 22, 2002 On Thursday, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama broke ground on its new U.S.$425 million assembly line. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction on the second assembly line, which will increase employment to approximately 4,300, double production capacity to 300,000 engines and vehicles per year and increase Honda's investment in Alabama to more than U.S.$1 billion. November 22, 2002 Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - BMW will introduce a Z4 Children's Vehicle this fall, a reproduction of the all-new BMW Z4 roadster that went on sale in October. This sporty kid's vehicle will be sold at BMW's dealerships. November 22, 2002 "Beat the Devil," a new film by director Tony Scott, premiered November 21st, on bmwfilms.com. "Beat the Devil" is the third film in the award-winning internet series "The Hire," the ground-breaking series of original short films executive produced by Scott, Ridley Scott and Jules Daly through RSA USA Inc. The project is underwritten by BMW. November 21, 2002 Nine 2003 Canadian Car of the Year Award category winners were announced today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) during the Montreal International Auto Show. November 20, 2002 Ford of Canada and the Ford Dealer Associations have signed Wayne Gretzky as a spokesperson. The first campaign featuring Gretzky appeared on CBC's nationally televised Hockey Night in Canada game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, November 16th. November 20, 2002 DaimlerChrysler Canada announced a "Start Your Engine! Design That Cool Car" drawing contest, for children aged 13 and under. The contest will run on www.Canadianparents.com between now and December 2002 with winning drawings being showcased at the Toronto International Auto Show in February 2003. November 20, 2002 According to a recent Michelin survey, approximately 40 per cent of Canadians who drive passenger cars, light trucks, mini-vans and Sport Utility Vehicles are considering installing winter tires this year. November 20, 2002 In the United States, sales of certified used vehicles have increased 46 percent since 2000, with certified used vehicles comprising an estimated 35 percent of late-model used vehicles sold in 2002, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Used-Vehicle Sales and Certification Study released on Tuesday. November 19, 2002 Toyota announced that it will deliver the first two Toyota FCHV hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Davis (UCD) at a press conference on Monday, December 2nd. November 19, 2002 A new regulation to help consumers maintain vehicle tires more safely was announced today by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). November 19, 2002 Segway LLC and Amazon.com announced that consumers can now purchase a Segway Human Transporter (HT) exclusively at Amazon.com. November 19, 2002 The all-new Kia Sorento midsize SUV has won two awards from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) at their annual MudFest competition. Novmber 18, 2002 The inaugural MISSION MINI case has been closed and the culprit caught as 21 teams from around the world recently converged in Barcelona, Spain to solve the international MISSION MINI mystery - - a unique global event that blended fiction and reality to create the ultimate adventure for MINI enthusiasts.
Ford Motor Company Vice President of Design J Mays debuted his latest concept offering at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles as part of an exhibit dedicated to his work. The exhibit is entitled Retrofuturism: The Car Design of J Mays.
General Motors will revamp its entire mid-size car portfolio over the next three years, focusing on fewer, yet stronger nameplates, declared the automaker. New bodystyles, powertrains and performance packages created for each nameplate are being developed to increase volume and provide a greater range of options and pricing for the customer, said the company. November 15, 2002 Ford Motor Company announced that Ford's pension fund, like those of many other companies, has been adversely affected by recent declines in equity markets. November 15, 2002 The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid, a gasoline-electric hybrid, has received a "Industryweek Technology of the Year Award." November 15, 2002 General Motors is recalling about 1.5 million model year 1996-98 Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire cars, Chevrolet Lumina/Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Pontiac Transport minivans, and 1997-98 Pontiac Grand Prix cars to repair a lower pinion bearing condition in the power steering gear assembly. Of the total, about 240,000 are in Canada and 1.2 million of the are in the U.S. The vehicles were built between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997. November 15, 2002 Subaru Canada will introduce a limited production Outback Anniversary Edition wagon to celebrate the company's 30 years of producing all-wheel-drive vehicles.
"HEMI Power," a special exhibition celebrating 50-plus years of the Hemi engine, begins at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills on Saturday, November 23rd. It runs through March 3, 2003. November 14, 2002 Dollar Rent A Car has opened seven new suburban locations in Canada; six locations in Ontario and one in Alberta. November 14, 2002 Since 1997, the OKO-TREND environment institute has drawn up an annual list of the most environmentally acceptable cars, with the aim of advising fleet operators before they purchase. November 14, 2002 To celebrate Hyundai Rally Team USA's sixth Manufacturer's Championship (six championships out of the past seven years) in the hotly-contested SCCA Pro Rally series, Hyundai announced that Hot Wheels will be selling a 1/64th model of the winning Hyundai Tiburon Pro Rally racecar.
Opel announced that it will introduce a compact coupe-roadster in 2004. The sporty two-seater will feature an electro-hydraulically operated, retractable steel roof. November 13, 2002 Honda's new Element light truck and the gasoline-electric Civic Hybrid sedan have each received a 2002 "Best of What's New" Award from Popular Science magazine. November 13, 2002 According to internet bookmakers, Intertops.com, England's Vauxhall Vectra is the favourite to win European Car of the Year 2003. The Vectra is followed by the Renault Megane and Citroen C3. November 12, 2002 A U.S. auto magazine has declared the 2003 Honda Pilot SUV to be the "Family Vehicle of the Year". Auto World Magazine Editor-in-Chief Terry Jackson presented Honda executives with the award at the South Florida auto show.
Land Rover unveiled the Freelander SE3 at te South Florida auto show on the weekend. The two-door Freelander shares the four-door model's mechanicals and wheelbase, but has twin removable sunroof panels and a detachable rear hardback for open-air motoring. November 12, 2002 The Ford Motor Company announced that beginning in 2004, the Ford F-150 pickup truck will be built at a new Dearborn Truck Plant now under construction at the Ford Rouge Centre in Dearborn, Michigan. November 12, 2002 Hyundai Mobis Co., a parts manufacturing division of Hyundai Motor Company, announced it would build a (U.S.)$30 million plant in Alabama by 2005 to build chassis modules and seats. November 12, 2002 A new study by Frost & Sullivan, an international marketing consulting company, believes telematics - the fusion of telecommunications and information technology in automobiles - will be the primary battleground in the fight for the hearts, minds and pocketbooks of commercial vehicle users.
In its November issue, Consumer Reports rated the new-for-2003 Honda Pilot EX "Excellent" in tests between four models of eight-passenger sport-utility vehicles. The tests pitted the Pilot against three bigger and heavier full-size SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition, and Chevrolet Tahoe.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine has named the Ford Focus ZX3 "Best in Class" among cars priced under U.S.$16,000 in its December 2002 Special Auto Issue. November 8, 2002 The "Golden Steering Wheel" for the best mid-sized car in the 2002 model year goes to the Opel Vectra. A 28-member jury took the candidates through two days of trials at the Pirelli proving grounds in Vizzola near Milan, Italy, for the competition organized by the weekly newspaper "Bild am Sonntag". The test driver jury was comprised not only of automotive specialists and motor sport enthusiasts, but also of prominent "everyday drivers". November 8, 2002 The Chrysler Group is recalling approximately half a million minivans, model years 1996 to 1998, sold in the U.S. and Canada. A part which provides power to the steering wheel may have been improperly installed, and could interfere with the operation of the driver's airbag, horn or cruise control. November 7, 2002 Visteon Corporation, which supplies audio systems for some Ford, Mazda and Mercury vehicles, and Fujitsu Ten, which supplies audio systems for the Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Prius, were ranked tops in product quality among factory-installed audio systems, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Audio Quality Report. November 7, 2002 Acura Canada announced that the price of the 2003 NSX sports car will remain unchanged at $142,000. November 7, 2002 General Motors will introduce an automotive crate engine variant of the recently announced high-output Vortec HP3 8100 V-8 marine engine as part of the GM Performance Parts crate engine portfolio. The engine will be available for sale through the GM Performance Parts catalogue beginning in late 2003. November 7, 2002 Ford Racing Technology announced that its 5.0-litre Cammer crate engine will be available to consumers in 2003. This high-performance retrofit is an all-aluminum, overhead-cam, 4-valve engine that can be used as an engine upgrade for vintage Mustangs, street rods, and classic truck projects. November 6, 2002
The annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas is THE place to see new automotive customizing ideas, and an increasing number of automobile manufacturers are taking advantage of SEMA's notoriety to showcase their new performance models. CanadianDriver looks at the show's highlights.
Nissan Canada has announced pricing for its 2003 Nissan Murano crossover SUV, which goes on sale this December. November 6, 2002 Speaking at the opening day of the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual trade show, where Chrysler Group is this year's 'manufacturer of show', Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chrysler Group, formally announced the creation of a Vehicle Excitement Team (VXT) to develop cars and trucks which highlight Chrysler Group's vehicle personalization and customization initiatives. November 6, 2002 The Chrysler Group announced the formation of a multi-year partnership between Sony Music Entertainment artist Celine Dion and the Chrysler brand. The agreement encompasses a wide array of marketing, promotional and advertising strategies. November 6, 2002 Ford of Canada's largest engine plants soon will begin full-scale production of a new 5.4-litre Triton V8 engine that will power the next-generation Ford F-150 pickup. The milestone will mark the culmination of a massive, three-year expansion program and investment of nearly $770 million. November 6, 2002 CSM Worldwide, a global market intelligence and forecasting service, reported that China, as well as other countries in the Emerging Markets, is on the verge of realizing significant gains in global automotive production. November 6, 2002 Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fetal deaths related to maternal trauma, according to a three-year study published in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association. November 6, 2002 Dodge announced the introduction of a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup equipped with the 5.7-litre HEMI Magnum V8 - Dodge says it's the most powerful engine option offered in a mass produced light-duty pickup truck. The 5.7-litre HEMI Magnum delivers 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. November 5, 2002 GM of Canada announced that the new 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV will have a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $78,150, and will be available in Cadillac dealerships in early 2003. November 5, 2002 A recent survey conducted by Goodyear found that a majority of Canadians believe operating a cell phone while driving is dangerous and should be banned. November 5, 2002 According to the results of the Goodyear Safety Survey, a poll of the attitudes and opinions Canadians have towards their fellow drivers, women are safer drivers.
GM released this sketch of the upcoming 2004 Cadillac CTS V yesterday. The 'V' division will be Cadillac's high performance department, similar to Ford's SVT division. November 5, 2002 Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC), announced it has reached an agreement with CAMI Automotive Inc., of Ingersol, Ontario, Canada to export engines beginning in late 2003. Shanghai GM will supply 3.4-liter V-6 engines to the GM-Suzuki manufacturing joint venture. November 5, 2002 A five-year supply and technology agreement has been reached by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited and NAPA Canada that will result in NAPA Canada supplying Canadian Tire stores with emergency parts and automotive products not normally kept in stock. Parts represented in this agreement make up approximately 15 percent of Canadian Tire's total automotive hard part sales. November 5, 2002 Transport Minister David Collenette, and Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Transportation Mark Wartman today announced the completion of a project that twinned a portion of Highway 16 through Lashburn, Saskatchewan and the opening of approach roads to a new bridge in North Battleford. The projects were funded under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). November 5, 2002 Ford announced on Monday that the company will recall approximately 572,795 Ford Focus cars in the U.S. and Canada, model years 2000 and 2001. November 4, 2002 While vehicle sales in October were down considerably in the U.S.A., car and truck sales were up sharply in Canada. In fact, many auto manufacturers reported their best October sales month ever. November 4, 2002 General Motors of Canada announced that the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2003 Saturn ION sedan will start at $15,495. November 4, 2002 GM Canada announced on Friday that effective immediately zero percent financing is available on most 2003 model year vehicles. November 4, 2002 According the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 1.7 million teen driver car crashes in year 2000. Of those crashes, they resulted in 7,600 teen deaths and 569,000 teen injuries. In Canada for the same year, teen drivers accounted for some 30,000 injuries and 387 fatalities. Teen driver car crashes remain the single leading cause of permanent injury and death in teens across North America. November 4, 2002 "Governments have to take the "gotcha!" out of new car buying and Ontario's proposed Motor Vehicle Manufacturer's Act, 2002 does just that" says, Lemon-Aid author and consumer advocate, Phil Edmonston. November 4, 2002 David Chaiton, managing partner of the law firm Chaiton & Chaiton LLP, has been named "Member of the Year" by the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA). This prestigious award was given in recognition of David's outstanding participation in the CFLA and his contribution to the development of the asset-based financing, equipment and vehicle leasing industry in Canada. November 1, 2002 Domestic vehicle producers General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group continue to lose buyers to import-branded vehicles according to a new study by auto industry researcher AutoPacific. November 1, 2002 Edmunds.com, a leading U.S. internet site for consumer automotive information, announced the winners of the fifth annual Editors' Most Wanted vehicle awards and named the Nissan 350Z the Edmunds.com Editor's Most Significant Vehicle of the Year. November 1, 2002 MINI Canada announced the three amateur sleuths selected to join Canadian Olympian Marc Gagnon as part of Canada's MISSION MINI team. Christine Atallah (Montreal), Raymond Ludwin (Toronto) and Tosh Fujito (Vancouver) will join Gagnon in Barcelona, Spain from November 7 - 11, 2002 for MISSION MINI. November 1, 2002 The Partnership for the Advancement of CAD/CAM/CAE Education (PACE) announced an in-kind contribution with a commercial value of approximately $61 million to Dalhousie University. The contribution, which consists of computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering software, hardware and training, is the largest in Dalhousie's history. November 1, 2002 The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) announced that five school safety patrollers, one from Winnipeg, Manitoba and four from Calgary, Alberta have earned top honours and will be presented with the CAA/Governor General Lifesaving Medal. November 1, 2002 A new Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirror that can slide outward for improved rear vision while towing will be displayed at the 2002 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, November 5 - 8. November 1, 2002 Convergence 2002, one of the world's largest automotive electronics conferences, drew 8,363 participants to the three-day event at Detroit's Cobo Centre in Detroit, October 21 - 23. November 1, 2002 The B.C. Institute of Technology's School of Transportation has partnered with Ford of Canada and local Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealers to provide advanced training for automotive students. |  | |
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