Ford
Ford is launching Sync, the wireless auto technology developed with Microsoft Corp., in California with a two-month marketing campaign in 3 of the largest cities. Eight vehicles will be badged Street Sync vehicles, including the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKZ, as they visit 24 high-profile locations.
“The goal is to rejuvenate interest in the Ford brand among California consumers, who have traditionally been tough on domestic manufacturers,” according to a Ford article.
Coming Up: On Monday, Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Ford chief economist, will participate in the UBS Auto Outlook 2008 — Economist Luncheon.
Chrysler
The NHTSA awarded 7 Chrysler vehicles the government’s highest ratings for front and side-impact crash protection, the automaker announced last week.
The 2008 model vehicles are: Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Town & Country.
Coming Up: Chrysler is making its videoconferencing equipment in Auburn Hills available for families to communicate with troops stationed in Iraq at Camp Taji, Al Asad Airbase, Camp Fallujah and Camp Victory.
General Motors
GM set prices for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe last week. It will start at $15,895 when it goes on sale in February. The all-wheel-drive model will start at $19,495, and the performance GT model will be start at $19,895. Prices include the destination charge.
The Vibe is powered by a 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission that can be upgraded to a 2.4-liter engine. All-wheel-drive and GT models come standard with the 158-horsepower 2.4-liter engine.
The Detroit automaker said its new models, aimed at young, urban drivers, get better gas mileage and have more horsepower than the previous models.
Coming Up: GM looks to see if Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS and Buick Enclave are among finalists Wednesday for North American Car and Truck of the Year.
[credit: Detroit Free Press]
