Ford Plans to Triple EcoBoost Engine Production in 2012
Ford announced plans to introduce EcoBoost engines in its redesigned 2013 Escape, Fusion, Focus, and Interceptor (used by law-enforcement agencies,) tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles to more than 383,000 vehicles in 2012. Already popular on some Ford models, the 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost accounts for 42% of the engine mix on the F-150. Last year Ford built 127,883 vehicles with an EcoBoost engine in North America.

AutoTrader.com Experts to Speak at NADA
NADA attendees can get the latest information on the "new normal" in the auto industry, what influences car shoppers' behavior and how external factors have now altered and influence the consumer mindset in a NADA Workshop entitled "Connect with Transparency," conducted by Tori Morandi, manager of industry education, and Rick Wainschel, vice president of automotive insights, AutoTrader.com. Check the schedule for two workshops on Friday and one on Saturday.

New eBay App Allows Photo Opportunity for Shoppers
eBay Motors is upgrading their Motors iPhone app to allow users to search for a vehicle simply by taking a picture of it! A potential buyer walking along the street can snap a photo of the back end of a desirable car to identify the make, model and year, and the app will then match that vehicle with listings on eBay.

Federal Agencies Say Stability Control Systems Save Lives
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended that the FMCSA mandate retrofitting Roll Stability Control (RSC) systems on all in-use tank trailers with a GVW over 10,000 pounds and electronic stability control systems on all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds, including those with hydraulic brakes. The NHTSA says adding stability-control systems could save 66 lives annually. A 2010 NHTSA study called "Safety Benefits of Stability Control Systems For Tractor-Semitrailers" can be viewed at www.trb.org.

DME Automotive Unveils DriverConnect
New app from DME Automotive is advertised as the most advanced, dealer-branded mobile app, allowing dealerships to engage service and sales customers like never before. Vehicle service history and appointment scheduling are quick and easy, and a whole suite of useful personalized automotive tools connect the driver with everything from finding a parking spot or a gas station to locating their own car!

January Auto Sales Set Highest Pace Since 2009
U.S. light-vehicle sales placed the SAAR rate at 14.2 million last month, the highest level since the government “clunker” program in August, 2009. GM was the only major brand to see sales decline, but still remains sales leader. Toyota sales rose 7.5 percent and Nissan rose 10 percent. VW and Audi combined for a 37 percent increase in January, over January 2010.

AutoNation January Sales Up 7% From Last Year
AutoNation, America’s largest automotive retailer, reports that retail new-vehicle sales for January, 2012, versus January, 2011were up 7 percent overall for the month. Sales increased 4 percent for domestic brands, to 4,894 units, increased 9 percent for import brands, to 8,097 units, and up 8 percent for premium luxury brands to 2,975 units sold for a combined total of 15,966 altogether.