Tag Archives: auto informed

Hybrid Vehicle Sales Slump! EV Demand Overhyped?

Data continue to show that widely publicized green vehicles, notably hybrid vehicles whose sales are in a slump, and electric vehicles just now starting sales are losing popularity among potential buyers. The latest evidence of a hybrid sales slump comes from CNW Research in a report that suggests consumers are increasingly less willing to spend additional money for a hybrid than a conventional gasoline car or truck of the same size and use. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, environment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative Moves Forward

Ten companies, agencies and universities have joined The Gas Company (TGC), and General Motors to make hydrogen-powered vehicles and a fueling infrastructure a reality in Hawaii by 2015. Taxpayers are subsidizing the program. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, environment, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Auto Credit Loosens. Average Loan Now More Than $25,000

New vehicle loans to “credit-challenged” buyers grew by 12.7% in Q3 2010, compared with Q3 2009, as lenders loosened their auto credit standards slightly as delinquencies dropped.  

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renault 4 Anniversary – World’s Most Popular Car after Beetle and Model T

The third best selling model in auto history and the unquestioned bestselling French car globally, the Renault 4 celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. Global sales of more than eight million units in 100 countries, bestow upon the Renault 4 … Continue reading

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Korean Free Trade Agreement gets UAW, Ford Support

Two of the biggest automotive opponents of the controversial Korean Free Trade Agreement – the Ford Motor Company and the UAW – have reversed their opposing positions following modifications late last week that keeps tariffs on Korean auto exports to the U.S. while eliminating them on U.S. automotive exports.
Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Baucus Proposes Continuing Billions in Ethanol Subsidies

Senator Max Baucus, D-Montana, chairman of the Finance Committee has proposed draft legislation that would continue lavish taxpayer financed ethanol subsidies instead of letting then expire at the end of this year. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, environment, fools 'n frauds | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hyundai Strike! UAW to Demonstrate at Hyundai America

The United Auto Workers Union will demonstrate this Monday at the Hyundai America Technical Center in Michigan to support of a strike by Hyundai workers at a seat plant in Ulsan, South Korea. The Hyundai strike has Korean workers occupying … Continue reading

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

General Motors Sets November Sales Record in China

General Motors China and its Chinese-government mandated joint ventures reached a new November sales record in China, growing 11.2% to 196,990 units. GM also set double digit increase in its smaller U.S. home market as sales rose 21%. GM is … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Recalls S40, V50, S60, XC60 Models for Unsafe Seats

Volvo Cars of North America is recalling thousands of 2009-2011 S40, V50, S60, XC60 Models in the Untied States because the Johnson Controls supplied seats are unsafe. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

DOT Proposes Rear View Visibility Rule. Endless Regulation?

The U.S. Department of Transportation today proposed a new safety regulation designed to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles that can hide the presence of pedestrians, especially young children and the elderly. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Cancels Element

The 2011 model Honda Element will be the final year of the boxy crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor said today. Honda sold fewer than 1,000 Elements in November. First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

U.S. Unemployment Rises to 9.8% in November

As the lame duck U.S. Congress bickers along partisan lines, unemployment rose to 9.8% in November. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

U.S. Taxpayers Get $13.5 Billion from GM IPO. Still Own 33%

The U.S. Department of the Treasury said today it received $1.8 billion in additional net payments from General Motors’ initial public offering (IPO), bringing overall net proceeds for taxpayers from the GM IPO to $13.5 billion. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Modest U.S. Auto Sales Recovery as Retail SAAR is above 10 Million Vehicles for Second Straight Month

Christmas is coming a little earlier this year for automakers as retail auto sales in the U.S. by SAAR, or the seasonally adjusted selling rate, rose above 10 million vehicles for the second straight month. If you include auto fleet … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Camry, Avalon TSB is not a Pedal Recall?

Technically the technical service bulletin or TSB sent to dealers is not a formal Toyota safety recall. But this Toyota technical service bulletin, since it involves possible damage to the gas pedal by technicians while conducting the safety recall for stuck gas pedals on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Avalon models, is a potential safety issue. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment