F-150 sales jump 30% 

OAKVILLE, ON– Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited continues to lead the Canadian market in sales in August and year-to-date. Ford Mustang, Escape and the Canadian-built Edge all saw strong sales with increases of 12 per cent, 13 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

“The Canadian industry continues to show steady growth, and at Ford we are seeing an increasing number of customers in our showrooms,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “The Escape has been Canada’s top-selling CUV for the last eight years and with the all new model now in showrooms it will help keep up the great momentum.”

Surging F-Series sales were powered by F-150, which saw a 30 per cent increase. Also in August, Ford CUV and SUV sales rose 9 per cent, driven by the popular Explorer, which saw a 22 per cent increase.

Continental Tire's newest luxury performance all-season replacement tire helps consumers save money with EcoPlus Technology and Tuned Performance Indicators.

FORT MILL, S.C., - Continental Tire the Americas, LLC has introduced the company's newest luxury performance all-season replacement tire to dealer shelves, the PureContact™.  This premium tire brings together best-in-class wet braking, fuel efficiency and ride comfort in a sleek design that is sure to give drivers the confidence they need year round.

"The PureContact™ brings together our innovative technologies into one luxury all-season tire," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire.  "We've married our EcoPlus Technology, Comfort Ride Technology and Tuned Performance Indicators for a replacement tire that will help our customers arrive to their destinations safely while also helping to save money and be kind to the environment."

The PureContact™ features best-in-class wet braking with the help of EcoPlus Technology.  Continental Tire's award-winning EcoPlus Technology improves treadwear while enhancing grip on wet roads thus promoting a shorter stopping distance.  This particular technology also improves wear and fuel efficiency which can save the consumer money over the life of the tire.

Drivers will also receive an extra measure of confidence with the inclusion of Tuned Performance Indicators.  The Dry, Wet and Snow letters in the tread indicate the tire's optimal performance levels.  Additionally, Continental's Comfort Ride Technology absorbs vibrations caused by road surface irregularities, giving drivers and their passenger's a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The PureContact™  is backed by some of the strongest warranty programs and service contracts in the industry.  This luxury performance tire has a 60-day customer satisfaction trial and a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 72-month manufacturer's limited warranty program.  The PureContact™ comes in a wide range of sizes from 15" – 18" wheel diameters with a UTQG rating of 700 AA for H and V speed.

BEIJING, China - Ford Motor Co., eager to grab a piece of China's growing luxury market, plans to start selling its Lincoln luxury brand here in 2014.

It will be the first time that the nearly 100-year-old brand will be sold in China. At an event at a converted 600-year-old temple in Beijing, CEO Alan Mulally and other Ford executives said they believe Chinese customers will appreciate Lincoln's heritage as well as its new lineup of vehicles. Ford is introducing seven new Lincolns over the next three years.

"Lincoln is well known in China. Our opportunity is to fill in the blanks of what the brand is now," Ford's global marketing chief Jim Farley said.

The announcement was a surprise for Ford, which had previously said it wanted to re-establish the struggling brand's reputation in North America before taking it abroad. Lincoln was the bestselling luxury brand in the U.S. two decades ago but gradually fell to last place in the market because Ford failed to invest in new products.

But Mulally said Ford has been quietly plotting to bring Lincoln to China for the last two years, and considered Chinese customers' tastes when it was designing the 2013 MKZ. The midsize MKZ, which goes on sale this fall in the U.S., is the first of Lincoln's revamped products.

"This is the perfect time, with the vehicles that we have here," Mulally said.

The Lincolns sold in China will be made in North America, at least initially. Dave Schoch, chairman and CEO of Ford China, said the company will consider making Lincolns in China if sales demand it. Schoch wouldn't say how much Lincolns will cost in China, but they will be more expensive than in the U.S. because of luxury taxes, which are based on engine size, and import duties of 25 per cent. The 2013 MKZ starts at $35,925.

Ford will start meeting with interested dealers in China this fall. The company wouldn't say how many Lincoln dealerships it hopes to open, but it envisions stores with warm, personalized service that could be a model for U.S. Lincoln dealers.

"The Chinese customer is begging for a new type of experience when they purchase and service a vehicle," Farley said.

Luxury cars now make up 6 per cent of Chinese sales, but they're expected to rise to 10 per cent by the end of this decade, Farley said. That's comparable to the U.S., where luxury sales now make up around 12 per cent of the market.

German luxury brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were the top-selling luxury brands in China in the first six months of this year. German brands control about 80 per cent of China's luxury market, independent auto analyst Michael Dunne said.

While it will take a lot for Lincoln to catch up to those brands, Farley said Lincoln can distinguish itself by promoting its history, which will appeal to Chinese customers. The Lincoln brand, which dates to 1915, was a style icon in the early 1940s with the elegant Continental sedan. Lincoln limousines carried presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. Later, the Lincoln Navigator SUV was a favourite of rappers and sports stars.

But Ford stopped paying attention to Lincoln in the 1990s and 2000s when it bought other luxury brands like Jaguar and Volvo. Lincolns started sharing more parts and looks with their lower-priced Ford siblings. Sales suffered.

Ford has since sold off its other luxury brands and shuttered its near-luxury Mercury nameplate so it can concentrate fully on Ford and Lincoln.

The company hopes to start reversing Lincoln's slide with the new MKZ, which has a wider and more luxurious look, a toned-down grille and a clean dashboard with flush buttons for controls instead of knobs. It also offers a panoramic glass roof that slides open to give passengers a convertible-like ride.

Farley said Lincoln designers paid close attention to the materials and feel of the back seat, since many Chinese luxury buyers and chauffeured. It also designed the dashboard in an unfussy, balanced way, which the Chinese seemed to prefer over a busy, driver-focused dashboard. The hood has a more fluid, rounded design, because Chinese customers didn't like squared-off shapes. Farley said Lincoln will also offer a less powerful engine for Chinese buyers because of concerns about fuel economy.

Dunne said Ford's decision to bring Lincoln to China is a smart one, even if the company's product revamp in the U.S. is incomplete.

"Chinese consumers look for the flagship to define the brand, and this is the flagship," Dunne said. "It's really important to them to make a statement. With an American luxury car, you're driving something different."

Advanced active all-wheel drive for even more driving fun and safety

STUTTGART, GERMANY – The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 unites the excellent performance and efficiency of the new generation of the 911 Carrera with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM). The typical Porsche all-wheel drive with rear-focused layout in this latest 911 version guarantees maximum vehicle dynamics on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The new 911 Carrera 4 models deliver significantly enhanced traction and dynamic performance.

The new all-wheel drive 911 is being launched in four versions – as the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S and each as Coupé and Cabriolet. They sport the same traits as the rearwheel drive versions: their lightweight body design, suspension, engines and gearboxes are identical, the only exception being modifications related to the all-wheel drive. This means that despite a higher level of engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than the previous models; total savings for individual versions are as much as 16 per cent. In addition, the new 911 Carrera 4 is up to 65 kg lighter in weight.

The most distinct identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear body is wider by 44 mm, and the rear tires are each ten millimetres wider. The traditional red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new form and is now lighted. In addition, the front air intakes are specific to the Carrera 4 models.

Porsche Intelligent Performance: high levels of driving performance, low fuel consumption

All new models have a 7-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox is available as an option. The 911 Carrera 4 Coupé with 350 hp can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.7 s) and reach a top speed of up to 285 km/h (Cabriolet: 282 km/h), depending on equipment features. Transport Canada highway fuel consumption figures with PDK are 7.1 l/100 km for the Coupé and 7.3 l/100 km for the Cabriolet.

The Coupé and Cabriolet of the 911 Carrera 4 S each have a 3.8-litre rear-mounted boxer engine that produces 400 hp; offering an acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 299 km/h (Cabriolet: 296 km/h), with a suitable equipment configuration. Fuel consumption values with PDK are 7.5 l/100 km for the Coupé and 7.6 l/100 km for the Cabriolet, according to Transport Canada.

New: all-wheel drive indicator, Porsche Active Safe, extended Sport Chrono pack

In the new 911 Carrera 4, a new menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine power. In addition, with the debut of the 911 Carrera all-wheel drive models Porsche is introducing the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to the entire model range, which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which helps to prevent front-end collisions. In addition, driving the 911 with a manual gearbox and Sport Chrono pack can now be even sportier: In Sport Plus mode, the system automatically double-declutches during downshifts.

The new all-wheel drive models replace a very successful previous generation; the Carrera 4S was the most popular 911 model in Canada. It feature a unique system that combines the driving pleasure so typical of a Porsche thanks to the engine at the rear and rear-wheel drive with an even higher standard of driving stability, traction and agile handling.

To achieve this superiority, PTM feeds the optimum share of engine power under all driving conditions via a multiple-plate clutch to the front wheels. And doing this within 100 milliseconds at the very most, PTM is faster than even the quickest driver will even feel or notice. Porsche’s all-wheel drive therefore “looks ahead” thereby offering optimum driving qualities. Standard on Carrera 4S models is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which adds a mechanical transverse lock on the rear axle enhancing the driving dynamics provided by the fully controlled all-wheel-drive system.

World premiere at the Paris International Motor Show

The new Porsche 911 Carrera with all-wheel drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show. The new 911 models will be launched in Canada in early 2013 with prices starting from $103,900 for the 911 Carrera 4 Coupé and from $117,400 for the Cabriolet. Pricing for the 911 Carrera 4 S model begins at $120,500 for the Coupé and $134,100 for Cabriolet.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce that it will add the new 2013 XV Crosstrek to Subaru's line-up of award-winning utility vehicles. The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek debuts as the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility in North America, delivering fuel economy figures of 8.2 L/100 km city / 6.0 L/100 km highway / 7.2 L/100 km combined (with CVT) and making it comparable to many front-wheel-drive competitors. Combining efficiency with a bold five-door design and highly capable chassis, the sporty XV Crosstrek will target the fast-growing compact crossover segment with its best-in-class fuel economy, everyday comfort, exceptional safety standards and the most in-demand convenience and entertainment features.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek delivers a highly capable crossover package with standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, 220 mm of ground clearance, 17-inch distinctive alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo.

All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Built for Everyday Driving and Rugged Action
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements for its extended capabilities. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body colour. The higher ride height, body-colour roof spoiler and uniquely designed 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.

The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel fully independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The XV Crosstrek's 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. High-strength suspension components enhance agility, while liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts (with CVT) help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for an optimal blend of ride comfort, straight-line stability, handling agility and vehicle response.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The 4-wheel disc brake system features large front rotors and the XV Crosstrek comes with a 60-litre fuel tank.

Both the standard 5-speed manual transmission and the CVT include the Subaru Hill Holder system, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. The Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The transmission also allows "second gear" starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

DOHC 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER Engine
The FB 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine uses aluminum for the cylinder block and heads. A dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration features Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) - variable valve control for both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing torque delivery.

The Subaru 2.0-litre Boxer engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Improvements in combustion efficiency and reduced friction were made throughout the engine. For example, mounting the fuel injectors directly on the cylinder head, though not injecting directly into the cylinder, made it possible to limit the amount of vaporized fuel that adheres to cylinder head walls and to improve both fuel efficiency and emissions. Electric power steering reduces draw on engine power.

Practical Package
A 2,635-mm wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom of 900 mm is close to that of some mid-size cars. With the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile 5-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to 1,470 L of carrying space (632 L with the seats up). Achieving a large trunk or cargo area is significant by itself, since the vehicle's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles yet the XV Crosstrek easily accommodates three golf bags or a large baby stroller.

The cargo area is equipped with a standard cover that can be pulled into place or removed, along with tie-down and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails in order to carry items such as bicycles and kayaks. A 680-kilogram towing capacity not only enhances its versatility even further, but is a unique advantage over competitors in this segment.

Comfort and Convenience
The sporty instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented in all XV Crosstrek models by a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display located in the centre of the dashboard. Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre console armrest.

Front seats are optimized for a rear-end collision and feature tilt-adjustable head restraints for comfort. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

Three Trim Levels
Subaru will offer the 2013 XV Crosstrek in three well-equipped trim levels: the XV Crosstrek Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package. Among the standard features in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Touring are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, power windows, door locks and body coloured side mirrors, 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with fuel economy information, auto on/off headlights, outside temperature display and carpeted floor mats. The standard audio system in the well-equipped entry model features Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data System, iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack and six speakers. Additional standard creature comforts include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Sport Package adds a rear roofline spoiler, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather- wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited Package adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, chrome door handles and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Inside, a wide array of user-friendly technologies abound: the in-dash navigation system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen LCD display with back-up camera integration.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous- coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system, which actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Subaru Safety
Subaru projects that the 2013 XV Crosstrek models will achieve across-the-board 5-star safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side crash tests. Subaru also anticipates the highest rating ("Good") and "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For safety, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment. This design provides excellent protection in a variety of collision types, with the structure increasing cabin rigidity and able to absorb impact energy from any direction. High-strength members are used on the front of the vehicle, where there are few crushable zones. This design helps to minimize deformation of the body in the event of a frontal collision, providing added protection for occupants.

A reinforcing member at the base of the A-pillar strengthens the joint between the pillar and the upper frame and helps to ensure that impact energy produced by a frontal collision is cleanly passed from the frame to the pillar. With high-strength members added to the critical front rails and the tops of the centre pillars, and a number of other reinforcements also made, the roof is strong enough to bear at least four times the vehicle's own weight.

Subaru engineered the rear of the vehicle structure so that the energy of an off-centre rear collision would be evenly distributed left and right by the rear bumper beams and diagonal members. This design helps to minimize chassis deformation, as the energy of such a collision does not now have to be absorbed only on the side of the impact. Front-end structural details help to bolster safety for pedestrians, in particular the impact absorbing structures at the cowling at the rear of the hood and the bottom of the windshield.

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Brake Assist and Brake Override
The 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

The Subaru Brake Assist safety system detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. In emergency or "panic" braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed despite pressing the pedal quickly. The new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Advanced Airbags
The 2013 XV Crosstrek features Subaru's Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags.  A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the airbag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the airbag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects seat occupancy and passenger weight to control airbag deployment.

All new Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front 3-point seatbelts. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation. There is a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited saw sales increase two per cent compared to last July, marking the best July sales since 1979. With 170,098 units sold, Ford of Canada is the top-selling automaker for the month and year-to-date.

July sales were powered by Ford Fiesta with a seven per cent increase, Explorer with an 18 per cent increase and F-Series which saw an increase of 20 per cent. The demand for Oakville-built crossover utility vehicles Edge and Flex continued to grow with a 44 per cent and 72 per cent increase, respectively.

“It is encouraging to see continued strength in the industry and we are certainly very proud to be the best selling automotive brand in Canada,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “We saw strength across our entire Ford and Lincoln line-up in July from small car to full-size pick-up.”

MILAN (Bloomberg) -- Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne can't stop the financial bleeding in Europe, so he's shifting the automaker's growth and profit focus to Chrysler Group in the United States.

Marchionne, who has been spearheading an industrywide effort to cut excess assembly lines in Europe, vowed to close a second Italian factory, after shuttering one last year, unless he finds a way to export cars to the United States.

"We need to coordinate the efforts; otherwise somebody is going to pay a huge price for it," Marchionne said in a conference call with analysts yesterday. "The European market is now heading for a fifth-straight year of decline; we are now seeing levels in the Italian market which has not been since 1979," he added, citing "irrefutable evidence of market decay."

For Marchionne, the potential flow of cars from Europe to North America would follow the money. Capital spending at Chrysler, which Marchionne also runs, will rise to $4 billion this year from $3.1 billion in 2011, while Fiat is reducing European investment by 500 million euros this year.

Chrysler plans to raise its full-year profit forecast after the third quarter and doesn't expect a slowdown in the second half.

"Marchionne's strategy to bet on North America as Europe stalls make sense as things stand now," Emanuele Bosio, CEO of Italian car-parts maker Sogefi, said in a phone interview. "We are bullish on North America, and we don't expect the European market to return anytime soon to pre-crisis level."

Sogefi plans to boost revenue from outside Europe to 50 percent in 2015 from 30 percent last year as it expands in North America, Bosio said.

Mazda's New Flagship Model Fully Incorporates Both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO "SOUL OF MOTION" Design Theme

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 sedan (known as Mazda Atenza in Japan), totally redesigned for the first time in five years, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. The Moscow Motor Show begins August 29 and runs through to September 9, 2012.

The new Mazda6 is the second of Mazda's new generation of products, which incorporate both the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the new KODO "SOUL OF MOTION" design language. It will also be the first model equipped with Mazda's brake energy regeneration system, i ELOOP. The introduction of i-ELOOP marks stage two of Mazda's Building Block Strategy for environmental technology development. The strategy calls for thorough improvements in base automotive technologies before the step-by-step introduction of electric devices to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

The new Mazda6 draws on the best of Mazda's technical expertise and craftsmanship across all domains, from dynamic performance and design, through to environmental performance and safety. It stands as the flagship model for a new generation of Mazda products. It features a sense of dignity, style, luxury feel and comfort expected from a vehicle in the CD segment whilst offering the pleasure of responsive and agile driving, which is at the core of the Mazda brand.

The model to be exhibited at the Moscow Motor Show is a Russian specification sedan equipped with a direct-injection SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and six-speed SKYACTIVDRIVE automatic transmission.

Lexus RX Hybrids to be Made in Cambridge, Ontario; 400 new jobs

Toyota Production Capacity in Canada to Climb To 500,000

CAMBRIDGE, ON - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) announced today that it will invest more than $100 million and hire approximately 400 employees to increase Lexus RX production at its Cambridge, Ontario facility. Overall Lexus RX capacity will increase by 30,000 vehicles to 104,000 units, including 15,000 RX450h vehicles, the hybrid electric version of the popular Lexus. The investment will take Toyota's annual production capacity in Canada to 500,000 units.

This is the second major investment announcement for Toyota's Canadian manufacturing operation this year.  In March, TMMC announced an investment of $80 million in its Woodstock, ON plant.  Today's announcement increases Toyota's direct job creation in Canada this year to 800 new jobs for a total of 7,300.

"For almost nine years now, Canada has had the only Lexus production outside of Japan," observed TMMC Chairman Ray Tanguay. "New jobs, along with new technology, is great news for Canada."

Toyota is targeting early 2014 for expanded Lexus production. "This is a big and ambitious project with new technology, exacting standards and tight timelines," commented TMMC President, Brian Krinock. "Our Team Members have demonstrated time and time again that they thrive on these kinds of challenges."

In 2011, the Governments of Canada and Ontario partnered with Toyota on a multi-project suite of initiatives designed to sustain and grow Toyota's manufacturing footprint in Canada and encourage the production of greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"Our government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, and we are pleased to see Toyota expanding production at its Cambridge facility," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "Canada is a great place to build vehicles, and we will continue to encourage investment by providing tax relief, eliminating tariffs on machinery and equipment, and creating an environment that promotes innovation, research and development."

Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, Brad Duguid, commented, "Our government understands the critical role of manufacturing in the Province's development and growth. Toyota's announcement strengthens Ontario's position as North America's leading jurisdiction for automotive assembly." 

Two Subaru dealers compete and raise money for Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.

MISSISSAUGA –Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce its participation in the Rally for the Kids Challenge at the 11th Annual Targa Newfoundland, the week-long motorsport challenge that starts September 8, 2012 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

For the third consecutive year, Mike Davenport of Davenport Subaru in Orillia, Ontario, and Jon Howard of Capital Subaru in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will compete against each other at this year’s Targa Newfoundland. At the same time, the duo will raise money together for a great cause, the Rally for the Kids Challenge. 

Last year’s Challenge raised over $60,000 for charities in Ontario and eastern Newfoundland. This year, all proceeds will support local Ronald McDonald Houses as Davenport Subaru raises funds for RMH Toronto and Capital Subaru fundraises for RMH Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Subaru Canada is a proud supporter of Ronald McDonald House Toronto and is pleased to announce that it will match funds up to $30,000 nationally for this very worthwhile cause.

“We’re proud to donate a vehicle to RMH Toronto for out-of-town families with seriously ill children to use during their stay at the House as well as sponsor a bedroom in the House,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada. “But we’ve also seen that our employees from head office are eager to contribute through programs such as Home for Dinner and internal dress-down jeans days, benefitting the House. We’re thrilled to support this remarkable effort from two of our dealers and we encourage our dealer network to do the same.” 

In order to help the Rally for the Kids Challenge meet their overall goal of raising $100,000, Subaru Canada has opened up this opportunity to its dealer network nationwide. Subaru dealers will be able to make a difference in their own communities as contributions will directly support the Houses in closest proximity to their dealerships. 

Ronald McDonald Houses are a community House, each one is independently operated and relies on active contributions and support from individual donors, corporations and charitable groups in their communities. Support from events like the Rally for the Kids Challenge will help Ronald McDonald Houses provide more than 10,000 families of seriously ill children with a safe and comfortable place to stay that is just steps from the hospital where their child is undergoing life-saving medical treatment. 

“We are truly grateful to have Targa Newfoundland and Subaru Canada supporting Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada,” said Cathy Loblaw, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. “Events like Rally for the Kids Challenge will provide much needed funding to allow Ronald McDonald Houses to provide the sanctuary of home to out-of-town families of critically ill children, and help our Houses double the number of families they serve a year to 20,000.  During the most difficult time in a family’s life, the Houses help make daily life easier so that families can focus on their sick child while they receive hospital treatment.”  

The Challenge has already experienced a successful kick-off with over $50,000 currently raised. More fundraising events are planned in both regions throughout the summer as both dealers prepare to compete in the upcoming Targa motorsport event. 

Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The competition will begin and end in St. John’s, covering more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.