Chevrolet and Nissan have confirmed the Volt and Leaf for this year’s IMPA Test Days, September 29-30 in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. . . . At a time when racing revenues and attendance are down, a new survey: “2010 Automotive Marketing Return on Investment” reveals that last year 10% off all new vehicle buyers surveyed attended one or more motorsports event in the 12 months prior to their purchase. …25%watched at least one motorsport event on television during the same period and that motorsports’ followers average 25 or more vehicle recommendations to others per year. The survey by Forsight Research, culled five years of data. It was reported by Karl Greenberg in Marketing Daily.
Alvis, the small British car company out of business since 1968, plans to re-introduce the brand. Red Triangle, the company that has provided parts, maintenance and restoration services to Alvis owners for the last 40 years, has formed The Alvis Car Company, which plans to newly manufacture selected original Alvis models. Between 1920 and 1968, the company produced 22,000 bespoke and highly innovative sedans, touring and sports cars in the traditional British manner with owners choosing their own coachwork bodies built on an Alvis chassis.
Auto Pacific, based on owners’ ratings of their new 2010 model year cars and trucks across 15 key vehicle attributes, report that Range Rover and the Suzuki Kizashi are the top rated ideal vehicles for 2010 while Ford and Porsche for the third year in a row are the top rated brands. . . . Britain’s Ministry of Defense announced two contracts awarded Cosworth for technology currently used in Formula 1 cars that could help troops on the front line. One is for a military vehicle accident data recorder, the other a blast event and vehicle integrity system to better prepare for and assess blast damage.
Denise McCluggage is right about the need to overcome the dismissive, “Its another car show” that could apply to hundreds (if not thousands) of gatherings of usually gleaming motorcars. (LeMons excepted). Writing in AutoWeek, she offers for the first Santa Fe Concorso (Sept. 24-26), a unique, beautiful setting, Sir Stirling Moss as an honorary judge, and special exhibits. . . . Andy Granatelli, Parnelli Jones and a “Restoration Alley” showing what it takes to bring a classic back to life are the spice for The 2010 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance Sept. 19 at the Trump National Golf Course.
Three new awards have been added to this year’s SEMA Show, Nov. 2 to 5 –in Las Vegas/ One each for the “HOTTEST’ car, truck and 4×4 SUV . . . .The Los Angeles Auto Show promises 20 World Debuts are confirmed for its 2010 Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18. Qatar itself, and its convening of Middle East auto potentates and their rides, is enough to spark interest in the emirate’s first Motor Show. January 26 – 29, 2011 . . . The Carbon Fiber Club, a newly formed enthusiasts’ buying club for auto-related parts, events and services has partnered with the Sports Car Club of America to offer the SCCA’s 50,000 members the aggregated buying power of Carbon Fiber membership.
Please correct spelling: Sir Stirling Moss. There is no “e” in his name.
Got it — thanks!