Category Archives: economy

Sales of Fuel Efficient 4-Cylinder Engines Double at Chevrolet

There’s no better example of how rising fuel prices have changed the auto industry than the ongoing shift in demand for more efficient engines. The trend led by customer demand is also reinforced strongly by the first government increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy in decades, which finally prompted reluctant auto executives to invest in technologies that produce significant decreases in the amount of fuel needed per mile traveled. Continue reading

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U.S. Bound Infiniti Models Damaged in Japanese Port; Nissan to Reopen Some Japanese Plants. V6 Engines a Problem

Nissan says that about 1,300 Infiniti vehicles were damaged in port in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami. However, this equates to a few days’ supply for the luxury brand, which is heavily dependent on Japanese imports for most of its premium vehicles. Continue reading

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Toyota Extends Production Shut Down at all Japanese Plants

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has decided to continue the vehicle-production halt started on March 14 at all plants in Japan, including subsidiary vehicle manufacturers, through March 22. Originally Toyota and other major Japanese automakers had said some shut downs would be for a couple of days. Continue reading

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BMW Says Record Sales and Earnings Coming in 2011

The BMW Group during 2011 will improve on record earnings set in 2010 and increase them again in 2012 claimed Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Tuesday in Munich.

It was the latest sign that the auto industry is coming back, especially in high margin luxury vehicle segments. The BMW prediction follows records the world’s larger luxury make set in 2010. Continue reading

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Auto Production in Japan at Standstill as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru Shut. More Earthquakes Coming?

Auto production in earthquake racked Japan is at a standstill this morning as most automakers closed plants even in non quake areas for announced times of three days to a few weeks. In fact, no company can be sure when they will reopen plants. Moreover, rolling blackouts will disrupt public transportation and production throughout the country for unknown periods of time as damaged nuclear powerplants are repaired or scrapped. Continue reading

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Used Vehicle Sales Up 12% in February

It’s not only the new vehicle market that’s showing signs of revival in February – used vehicle sales are up as well, with more than 1.8 million units changing owners. This healthy sales trend comes during February, traditionally the slowest … Continue reading

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General Motors Posts 2010 Net of $4.7B on $135.6B of Income

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) today announced its calendar year 2010 results of $4.7 billion of net income per share of common stock for its first full year of operations after it emerged from bankruptcy as a U.S. and Canadian taxpayer owned automaker. Continue reading

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Taxpayer Subsidized Ethanol Caught in Partisan Budget Battle

The politics of ethanol, virtually all of it corn derived and therefore benefiting big money farm lobby interests, are as tangled as it gets. Taxpayers would be better off if legislators were required to wear NASCAR-style uniforms with the patches of the organizations that are their major, err, sponsors, to put it politely in pay to play Washington where campaign contributions from special interests determine policy not national interests. Continue reading

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New Toyota Ads Debut on Monday Touting “Why It’s the Best-Selling Brand in America.” Sales Slowly Coming Back?

“#1 for a Reason.” includes rebates and 0% financing for 60 months across most of Toyota’s core vehicles. Continue reading

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Ford Europe Sales Flat; Down Again in Western Europe

Ford now appears caught by two unforeseen macro-economic trends that are largely beyond its short term control – the collapse of Western European economies where Ford is a major player, and the growth of India and China, where Ford is a minor factor. Continue reading

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CAR Says Electric Vehicles Will Follow the Incentives at the Federal, State and Local Levels. Budget Battles Loom?

Executive summary – taxpayer money on the hood moves the sheet metal, but auto company press release predictions are dubious. Continue reading

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General Motors Sets January Vehicle Sales Record in China

General Motors had a record sales month in China in January, as GM’s two largest manufacturing joint ventures new monthly highs for vehicle sales in the world’s largest auto market of more than 18 million vehicles. It’s a continuation of GM’s strong performance in China during 2010, where it sold more cars and trucks than it did in the U.S. Continue reading

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Renault Group Reveals Its 2016 Plan – Largely Outside Europe

The plan is heavily dependent on cost cutting, growth in emerging markets, and success of electric vehicles. In a statement that disappointed analysts, and sent the stock price down, Ghosn dismissed out of hand a merger with Nissan, claiming it was culturally impossible. Continue reading

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Nissan Posts Strong Q3. Ups Fiscal Year Forecast to ¥535 B

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported consolidated net revenues of ¥6.4 trillion, 19.4% higher than the year-ago level. Operating profit increased 96.1% to ¥448.9 billion for the first nine months of its fiscal year, the second largest automaker in Japan said in a statement. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor Corporation Reports 5% Increase in Net Revenues for Nine Months as it Struggles in Europe and Japan

The world’s largest automaker is still feeling the negative effects of image damaging safety and quality recalls, the rise in the value of the Yen, and the contraction of its Japanese home market. Continue reading

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