Tag Archives: auto informed

Kia Unveils Cross GT Concept, New Forte Hatchback at CAS

Posted on 8 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Kia unveiled its Cross GT concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto show that it said will eventually evolve into a production crossover utility larger than the current Sorento. Cross GT is built on the same platform as the Hyundai long-wheelbase Santa Fe that is coming to market in 2014. 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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Toyota Shows Heavily Restyled 2014 Tundra Pickup at CAS

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Since Tundra is selling in small volumes far below what Toyota originally thought probable (7,000 in January), Toyota continues to work on an upgrade strategy consisting of the price leading SR and volume-leading SR5, but then quickly moving to “well-appointed” and progressively more expensive Limited, and now two premium grades, “Platinum” and the all-new “1794 Edition.” The new 1794 Edition refers to the ranch, founded in the year 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Whether you need an oil well to pay for the new plush trucks will be revealed closer to launch this September. Tundra’s current price range extends form $26,000 to almost $54,000. Continue reading →

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Energy Secretary Steven Chu Resigns after a Distinguished Four Years

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The Department of Energy, oft mocked by right wing Republicans, in Chu’s mind actually serves U.S. taxpayers as a Department of Science, a Department of Innovation, and a Department of Nuclear Security. 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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Toyota Quadruples Q3 Earnings despite Yen, China Woes. Raises Forecast

Posted on 6 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor posted strong Q3 results with a net profit of 99.9 billion yen – or $1.1 billion – for the three months of the Japanese fiscal year ending in December. This was a 23.5% increase from results a year earlier when Toyota was still recovering from natural disasters in Japan and Thailand.
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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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Want a Stingray Now? Bring your Corvette to Lingenfelter

Posted on 2 February 2013 by Ken Zino

While the Corvette Stingray due to go in production this summer attracted considerable attention at the North American International Auto Show last month, performance modifier Lingenfelter was preparing a version of a 1967 Stingray of its own that was showed at the MGM Grand Casino before the Corvette reveal. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor January Sales up 22%, Best since 2006

Posted on 1 February 2013 by Ken Zino

After the F-Series pickup, the second best seller in the Ford line was the new Fusion sedan at 22,000, followed closely by the Escape at 20,000, the best January ever. Escape also had its best January ever, – sales increasing 16%, topping last year’s January record. The Fusion and Escape are apparently coated with Teflon, since reputation damaging multiple recalls after their launch, including engine fires affecting both, were ignored by buyers of the European-based vehicles that were redesigned for 2013 without the help of former subsidiary Mazda.
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GM U.S. Sales Up 16% in January, a Bit More than Market Gain

Posted on 1 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The strength of the market itself was surprising. January 2013 was 14% higher than last year 27% higher than January 2011 and roughly 50% higher than January 2010 – an amazing recovery trend that should allow leveraged automakers to print money, including GM as 2012 results are released in February. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Group January Sales Up 16% in U.S.

Posted on 1 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 117,731 units, a 16% increase compared with January 2012 of 101,149 units. Once again, Chrysler outpaced overall U.S. auto market growth of 14% during a month that was running – surprisingly – at the same sales rates as November and December of last year. Continue reading →

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Mullen, Ex Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joins GM Board

Posted on 1 February 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors announced the election of retired Admiral Michael Mullen to a lucrative position on the GM board of directors effective immediately. Mullen served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2011. He was the principal military adviser to President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, as well as two Secretaries of Defense. Continue reading →

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Toyota Ousts GM from Global Auto Sales Leadership. VW Third

Posted on 31 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor regained global sales leadership in 2012 ousting GM by selling 9.75 million vehicles. GM’s sales were 9.29 million vehicles with Volkswagen Group closing on GM in third place at 9.07 million vehicles for the year. Toyota had led global sales from 2008 until 2010 when natural disaster induced production disruptions, the result of a tragic earthquake in Japan and flooding in Thailand, halted its growth. Continue reading →

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