Tag Archives: auto informed

NTSB Blames Jack Roush in 2010 Oshkosh EAA Crash

Posted on 29 June 2012 by Ken Zino

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the crash that seriously injured pilot Jack Roush at EAA AirVenture 2010 said that Roush, long time Ford Supplier and racing team owner, let his Hawker Beechcraft 390 jet stall during an attempted go-around. Continue reading →

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Consideration of European Cars Up in China. Japanese Down

Posted on 29 June 2012 by Ken Zino

The percentage of customers in China who intend to purchase a new European vehicle has increased notably to 35% in 2012 from 25 percent in 2009, in a new study just released. In contrast, the so-called consideration rate of Japanese models decreased to 24% in 2012 from 32% in 2009. Continue reading →

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Porsche Leipzig plant builds 500,000th Vehicle

Posted on 29 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Earlier this year, Porsche marked the tenth anniversary of what was at the time a controversial expansion into the truck market. However, after the Porsche factory opened in Leipzig during 2002 to build the Cayenne SUV it proved to be a successful investment that has since grown to produce another controversial – but just as profitable vehicle – the Panamera sedan. Continue reading →

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BMW Group and Toyota Motor Expand Collaboration

Posted on 29 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, met today with Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at the BMW Group headquarters in Munich to announce the planned expansion of their existing cooperation that started last year. Continue reading →

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Pratt & Whitney of United Technologies Guilty of Criminal Charges for Helping China Develop a Military Attack Helicopter

Posted on 28 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Pratt & Whitney Canada, a Canadian subsidiary of the Connecticut-based defense contractor United Technologies Corporation, today pled guilty to violating the Arms Export Control Act and making false statements in connection with its illegal export to China of U.S.-origin military software used in the development of China’s first modern military attack helicopter, the Z-10. Continue reading →

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Automakers Protest EU Korean FTA Deal is One Sided

Posted on 28 June 2012 by Ken Zino

European automakers are protesting that EU-South Korea FTA one year later has resulted in massive increases for Korean exports of passenger cars, yet only relatively modest gains for the EU auto industry. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) took the opportunity of the first anniversary of the Korean FTA coming on 1 July to draw attention to what it called an “unbalanced situation.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Compact BMW X1 SUV Reaches 300,000 in Sales

Posted on 28 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Since its fall of 2009 introduction the compact BMW X1 sport utility vehicle has reached 300,000 in global sales, the German Automaker said today. The X1 was arguably the first luxury cute ute, and the fourth addition to the BMW crossover lineup from a maker once largely known for its sports sedans. Continue reading →

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Rolls-Royce Appoints Giles Taylor as New Design Director

Posted on 27 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said today that Giles Taylor is appointed Design Director, effective 1 July 2012. Taylor will report to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. Taylor replaces Ian Cameron, who retires from the role he has held since 1999. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin has Web Darling in Vanquish. Sales to Follow?

Posted on 27 June 2012 by Ken Zino

A week after its internet debut, the new Aston Martin Vanquish is breaking viewing records at the British automaker’s site. The end of last week saw the three highest traffic days ever recorded on Aston Martin’s global website – www.astonmartin.com – as car fans around the world clicked to find out more about a new V12-engined touring car. Whether web interest actually translates to sales to punters with the minimum of £189,995 when the Vanquish goes into production late this year remains to be proved. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2013 Ford SVT Raptor Off-Road Pickup Truck

Posted on 26 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has gathered small notoriety as an off-road performance pickup truck. A two-door Super Cab debuted first, then came a 2011 add, a four-door Super Crew model. Prices now start at more than $44,000. Continue reading →

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Ford’s Original Model T Piquette Plant now Open to Public

Posted on 26 June 2012 by Ken Zino

The Ford Piquette Avenue plant and the office where Henry Ford created his historic Model T car is now welcoming visitors. The century-old building has been restored by a group of preservationists and Ford history enthusiasts who have worked for a decade to renovate it. The first 12,000 Model T cars were built at Piquette, starting in September 1908. Continue reading →

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Massive Recall on Chevrolet Cruze for Fires Caused by Leaks

Posted on 26 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet is recalling more than 410,000 Cruze models because oil and fuel leaks can cause fires. Model year 2011 and 2012 Cruze compact sedans are affected by the safety defect. In required filings with NHTSA, GM said that it would modify the engine shield under the vehicle. This change will help prevent any liquids from being trapped in the engine compartment, where a fire could start and spread. The GM safety action was prompted by customer complaints to NHTSA about smoke or fires in the engine compartment. It appears that careless oil changes are responsible for the oil leaks Continue reading →

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Toyota Leads 2012 Best Global Green Brands Report

Posted on 26 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Toyota retained its number one position in the annual “Best Global Green Brands” report published by Interbrand today. The report gauges the gap between public perception of a brand’s environmental performance or green image compared to actual environmental practices using publicly available data and information. Continue reading →

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Edeniq Pilot Plant in California Now Making Cellulosic Ethanol

Posted on 26 June 2012 by Ken Zino

The new plant was constructed in partnership with Logos Technologies Inc. under a $25 million program funded 80% by the Integrated Biorefinery Initiative Program of the U.S. Department of Energy. Whether this is a good investment by taxpayers that might help recover some of the billions of dollars spent on subsidized corn ethanol or just more subsidies for agribusiness are open issues. Continue reading →

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First Drive – 2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h Hybrid Sedans

Posted on 25 June 2012 by Ken Zino

A day of test-driving both of the front-drive mid-size cars shows that once again, these are well-equipped, quiet luxury models. However, Lexus engineers have abandoned the plush ride that made its name, for a distinctly German chassis setup that verges on the harsh and intrusive. Lexus executives claim that this is what customers want, which could come as news to the one million ES owners. This theory will be tested after the cars are priced – and the strong Yen will be a factor here – and final EPA numbers are attached to their window stickers. Continue reading →

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