Category Archives: results

Shape Memory Alloy Replaces Electric Motor On C7 Corvette

Posted on 15 February 2013 by Ken Zino

While much of the news about weight savings on the revised 2014 Corvette coming this fall has concentrated on the aluminum chassis that saves 99 pounds when compared to its steel predecessor, GM is also using a heat-activated shape memory alloy that replaces a heavier motorized part. The electric wire will be used in place of a heavier motorized actuator to open a the hatch vent that releases air from the trunk to allow for easier closing by releasing trapped air through the opening. When the hatch is closed, the vent closes. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Promotes Family Member Elena Ford to Vice President

Posted on 15 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company said that Elena Ford is elected a vice president and leader of the company’s new Global Dealer and Consumer Experience organization starting this March. Ford is the great-great granddaughter of Henry Ford and the granddaughter of Henry Ford II. Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from New York University. Continue reading →

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GM Earns $4.9 Billion in 2012 down from $7.6 Billion in 2011

Posted on 14 February 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced 2012 calendar-year earnings of $4.9 billion, or $2.92 per fully diluted share, down from $7.6 billion, or $4.58 in 2011. The company sold 9.3 million vehicles during the year and the earnings, while positive for the third straight year, were hurt by deepening losses in Europe, which has cost GM -$18 billion since 1999. GM wrote down more than $5 billion in assets in the Eurozone, and it also wrote off more than half the value of its PSA Citroen stock (-$220 million) acquired latest year in what GM said was a collaboration that would, eventually, save billions. North American costs also increased, resulting in flat earnings for GM’s most profitable market. GM did however pick up 4 points of market share in China, the world’s largest auto market. Continue reading →

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U.S. Vehicle Dependability at All-Time High as New Models Lead

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Overall vehicle dependability continues to improve for three-year old models to an all-time high, and for the first time dependability of all-new or substantially redesigned models is greater than carryover models from automakers. This is good new for used car buyers since well maintained off-lease vehicles will likely be durable. This assertion also confounds the conventional wisdom that says avoid buying all new models when they first go on sale. Continue reading →

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Honda Expands Fit EV Leasing to East Coast Markets

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The all-electric 2013 Honda Fit EV will be available for leasing later this month in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. The three-year term costs $389 per month, which computes to a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $36,625. Collision coverage, maintenance costs and roadside assistance service are included in lease-only vehicle. Gasoline fueled versions of the Fit sell in the $16,200 to $21,000 range. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Skoda Builds 15-millionth Car

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Škoda has produced its 15-millionth car, a silver, third-generation Octavia – rolled off the assembly line at Šcoda’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav during the first week of February. The Octavia will be used as a VIP sedan at the Škoda Technology Center in Česana. The new Skoda Octavia is now being launched in the Czech Republic and Germany, while other markets will follow in coming weeks. In total, Skoda will launch eight new or face lifted models in 2013. Continue reading →

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Ally Leads in U.S. Consumer and Dealer Auto Financing

Posted on 12 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Ally Financial leads all auto lending firms because the taxpayer owned company extended credit on 1.5 million new and used vehicles through franchised and independent dealers last year. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 50 Years of the Porsche 911

Posted on 11 February 2013 by Ken Zino

More than 820,000 Porsche 911 models have been built, making it, arguably, the most successful sports car in the world since it was first shown in 1963. For each of its seven generations the engineers in Zuffenhausen and Weissach have revised it, while retaining its identifiable and now classic lines and proportions, as well as its famous but often quirky performance. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Posts Record January Sales

Posted on 11 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group sold 123,276 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles in January up from 112,164 in 2011 and a record for the month of January. Continue reading →

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Rotary Engine Le Mans Winner Mazda 787B Selected as ‘Legend’

Posted on 9 February 2013 by Ken Zino

For the 1990s, the voting- using French sponsorship and nationalist math – was a “dead-heat” between the Mazda 787B and the Peugeot 905 – so 11 cars were given ‘legend’ status. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Cruze Diesel at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

In the latest example of how complicated the global auto business is, Chevrolet will sell a Cruze diesel this fall in North America that has an Italian engine design, a German-built 2-liter turbo diesel, which will be installed in the Cruze at the final assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The 2014 model will start out at $25,695 with destination and a two-year maintenance plan included. Continue reading →

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General Motors Sells 300,000 Vehicles in China – All Time Record

Posted on 6 February 2013 by Ken Zino

GM has led sales in China for eight consecutive years, but during 2012 it just barely stayed as Number One at 2.84 million vehicles because the VW Group, China’s Number Two automaker, sold 2.81 million vehicles, a +24.5% increase compared to 2011. GM sold 194,699 vehicles in the United States in January, up 16% compared with a year ago, which was slightly ahead of an overall auto market that grew 14%. Continue reading →

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Renault Nissan Sets Sales Record in 2012 Despite EU, Asian Drops

Posted on 5 February 2013 by Ken Zino

In 2012, global sales of all zero-emission vehicles across the Alliance were 43,829 units, up 83.8% from 2011 as Nissan LEAF sales increased worldwide and Renault launched two more EVs. The Alliance’s worldwide zero-emission market share stood at 64%, excluding Twizy, Renault’s two-seater urban commuter. Since sales began in December 2010 to the end of 2012, the Alliance sold 67,723 zero-emission vehicles globally. Billions of dollars are at stake for shareholders in this EV investment that is thus far behind its original sales goals. Continue reading →

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Taxpayer Owned Ally Financial Earns $1.2 Billion in 2012

Posted on 5 February 2013 by Ken Zino

“Our focus remains on delivering strong results from our leading franchises, completing our strategic transformation, gaining additional efficiencies in the business and repaying the U.S. Treasury investment,” said Ally Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Carpenter. Continue reading →

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Toyota Led all Makers in U.S. Sales Gains During January of 2013

Posted on 4 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Offshore brands started 2013 with 54.4% of the U.S. auto market, down from the 55.3% they took in December, and the 55.8% share they occupied last January. The Detroit Three had a strong month in full size pickup sales as the housing market slowly recovers, accounting for more than 115,000 trucks, good for more than 11% of the market. Combined with other truck sales, this accounted for the offshore brand share decline, which offset in part by Toyota strong gains, including sales of 7,000 full-size Tundra pickups and 11,600 smaller Tacoma pickups a space now vacated by the extinct Ford Ranger. Continue reading →

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