Tag Archives: auto informed

NHTSA Investigating Ford Freestyle Models after 18 Crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Ford Freestyle models after it received hundreds of complaints about engine surging.

At least 18 crashes are alleged after the minivans jumped ahead when the driver’s foot was not firmly on the brake pedal, according to the NHTSA defect investigation that started last week. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Recalls Colorado for Defective Windshield Wipers

Chevrolet is recalling 2011 model Colorado Pickup trucks because the windshield wipers can fail. GMC Canyon pickups are also affected by the recall that is caused by a loose nut in the wiper linkage. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group Sales Rise 13.9% Through April

VW is now growing faster than the overall global auto market, which increased 8% during the same period. If the sales trend holds VW will surpass Toyota in global sales this year as Japan’s largest automaker continues to struggle with production disruptions caused by the Japan earthquake. Continue reading

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Toyota to Increase North American Production in June

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) said it will increase production this June to about 70% of normal levels, up from 30% in May as a result of parts shortages caused by the Japan earthquake.

Models returning to 100% production in June are Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza. Continue reading

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Nissan Posts Profit of ¥537.5 Billion for Japanese Fiscal Year

The Nissan financial results also surpassed those of Japan’s largest automaker, the Toyota Motor Corporation, which reported sales of 7.308 million cars and trucks and a profit of $6 billion yesterday. Continue reading

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Toyota Posts Fiscal Year Profit of $5 Billion, but Q4 Dives

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that net revenues for the fiscal year ended 31 March 31 2011 were 18.993 trillion yen, an increase of 0.2% compared to the previous fiscal year as Japan’s largest automaker continues to struggle to return to pre-2008 levels of return. TMC operating income increased from 147.5 billion yen to 468.2 billion yen, while net income increased from 209.4 billion yen to 408.1 billion yen, or $5.1 billion. Continue reading

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CAR on U.S. Economy Impact of GM’s Plant Investments

In an analysis of General Motors’ newly announced plant investments, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today said that more than 28,000 jobs will be retained or created, and will contribute almost $2.9 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Continue reading

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NASCAR’s Rick Hendrick Builds Own Engine for Corvette Z06

The so called Engine Build Experience is a $5,800 option when a customer purchases a new Corvette Z06 or ZR1. Yes, you pay more to get your hands dirty by helping to assemble your $100,000 Corvette – as there’s marketing genius here. Continue reading

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GM to Invest $2 Billion in U.S. Plants, Depending on Tax Breaks

Critics, of course, say the cost per job – when you total all the loans and tax breaks – is exorbitant, especially since what is mostly going on these days is the retention of existing jobs long after jobs move South to non-union transplants. Continue reading

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BMW Group Plans Additional €400 Million Investment in China

The BMW Group in Munich said that it will expand manufacturing capacity in China by more than €400 million in conjunction with its Chinese Joint venture partner. Continue reading

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Ex General Motors Chairman Bob Stempel Dead at 77

Stempel was an engineer by training with an analytical, easy going disposition who was accessible to the media. On many occasions I listened as he patiently explained complex manufacturing and development processes that he was instituting first as president of GM during the late 1980s, then as chairman. All to little apparent good effect, and far too slow in producing results for the Board of Directors. Continue reading

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Motorists Want More Laws, Enforcement on Highway Safety

“Despite shrinking federal and state transportation budgets and a public debate over the most appropriate role of government, it’s clear that a majority of Americans want government officials to do more – not less – about highway safety,” claimed AAA President and CEO Bob Darbelnet. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Recalls Cruze for Transmission and Steering Defects

Chevrolet is recalling more than 200,000 Cruze compact cars for two safety related defects caused by improper manufacturing that can result in Cruze models rolling away while in park or the driver losing control of the steering. Continue reading

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U.S. Gasoline, Diesel Prices Move Higher, Setting May Record

The U.S. average retail price of regular gasoline added more than 8 cents over the last week to tally $3.96 per gallon.

This is $1.07 per gallon higher than last year at this time and is the highest price in May since the U.S. Energy Information Agency began tracking weekly data in 1990 as if drivers need the federal government telling them what they are paying – painfully – at the pump. Continue reading

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Pork Update – USDA and DOE Award $47 Million in Taxpayer Dollars for Biomass Research to Special Interests

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu have announced that $47 million in taxpayer dollars will be diverted to fund eight research and development projects to support the production of biofuels, bioenergy and biobased products from … Continue reading

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