Tag Archives: auto news

Nissan Recalls Altima Sedans for Defective Suspension

Posted on 3 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America is recalling 20,000 2011 and 2012 model Altima sedans because an assembly defect can potentially cause the driver to loose control. Canton Mississippi built compact car – Nissan’s best seller – can have transverse link bolts that were improperly torqued on the assembly line. Continue reading →

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Japanese Sales: Toyota, Honda Down. Nissan up Slightly in July

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

There were varying results for Japanese sales in the U.S. sales race in July with Toyota and Honda posting double digit declines while Nissan increased sales from July of 2010. Overall, the total U.S. light vehicle market grew less than 1% from what was a weak July of 2010 as the economy languishes and unemployment remains above 9%. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls More than 1 Million F-Series Trucks for Fuel Tank Fires. Reverses No Risk Stance after NHTSA Digs Deeper

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling more that 1 million F-Series pickup trucks and corresponding Lincoln versions built during model years 1997 through 2004 because of fuel tank fires. The Ford recalls result from the automaker’s latest corrosion problem caused by … Continue reading →

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Ford Motor July Sales Up 9% in U.S. Led by Sport Utility Vehicles

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company today said its July sales totaled 180,865, up 9% versus a year ago. Sales were led almost entirely by a 31% increase in sport utility sales, as cars (+3%) and pickup trucks (+0.5%) were basically flat compared … Continue reading →

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Chrysler Group U.S. July Sales up 20%. Best July in Four Years

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

The Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands all posted year-over-year sales gains in July, while the Fiat brand registered a 68% increase – albeit only 3,000 units- compared with the previous month of June 2011. Chrysler Group’s car sales increased 28% in July to 28,000 vehicles while truck sales were up 18% at 84,000 units compared with the same month a year ago. Continue reading →

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GM U.S. Sales Increase 8% in July. Cadillac off 26%

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors dealers in the United States sold 214,915 vehicles in July, an 8% sales gain compared to July 2010. Retail sales for GM’s brands rose 6% for the month compared to a year ago, and were 1% higher than June, as the U.S. economy continues to struggle with slow – or no growth – and high unemployment rates. Continue reading →

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Fiat Starts First Ad Campaign in U.S. for the Tiny 500 Model

Posted on 2 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Last night the Fiat brand launched a marketing and advertising campaign, the first since its return to the North American market with the 500. The campaign combines broadcast, print, digital and so called “experiential initiatives.” The introduction of a new … Continue reading →

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Second Smallest U.S. Safety Recall in History? Toyota Recalls 32 Lexus RX 350 SUVs for Defective Antilock Brake Calibration

Posted on 1 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota is recalling 32 model year 2011 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves from ADVICS manufacturing in Ohio is incorrect. Because of this safety defect, Toyota said in a NHTSA filing, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during antilock brake system operation or vehicle stability control actuation. Continue reading →

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July Used Car Sales Boom. Have Automakers Priced New Vehicles – Now with an Average $30,000 Price – Too High?

Posted on 1 August 2011 by Ken Zino

The latest research shows that sales of used cars and light trucks in the U.S. grew strongly – up more than 13% for the month of July. About 4.5 million previously owned vehicles changed hands. That’s the best July since 2005… Continue reading →

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Honda Q1 Barely Profitable as Earthquake Devastates Results

Posted on 1 August 2011 by Ken Zino

Honda’s automobile unit sales totaled 547,000 units, a decrease of 39.2% from the same period last year due to production disruptions in all regions from the Earthquake. Continue reading →

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July Vehicle Sales Stall in U.S. SAAR Projected less than 10 M

Posted on 1 August 2011 by Ken Zino

The sale of new vehicles in the U.S. will be about 11.8 million units in July. This is the third straight month below the 12 million mark as the U.S. economy remains close to reentering a recession. Continue reading →

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Revised Fiat Management Structure Subsumes Chrysler. Fiat Executives Dominate Newly Formed Group Executive Council

Posted on 29 July 2011 by Ken Zino

Both the management of Fiat Automobiles and Chrysler will be merged on September 1 under a plan that creates a Group Executive Council dominated by Fiat executives. Continue reading →

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Bosch Car Service Opens 1,000th Shop in China as part of World’s Largest Independent Repair Network

Posted on 28 July 2011 by Ken Zino

Bosch said it now has the world’s largest independent workshop network of 15,000 shops, 90 years after the first one opened in Hamburg. The range of services includes traditional Bosch fields of automotive electrics, electronics and diesel servicing, as well as general mechanical vehicle repairs, oil changes, air-conditioning service, in-car multimedia, tires and auto glass service. Every day, more than 82,000 associates complete service and repair work on more than 180,000 vehicles. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Group Posts Q2 Profit of €3.17 Billion

Posted on 28 July 2011 by Ken Zino

However, the outlook is cautiously hedged: “In view of the global economic challenges, we are well advised to maintain our cost and investment discipline and to further improve our financial strength,” said CFO Hans Dieter Pötsch. Continue reading →

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Small Business Firms Decline Again in the United States

Posted on 28 July 2011 by Ken Zino

These are businesses without paid employees but nonetheless are firms paying income taxes needed to balance the budget. Real estate agents, beauticians and construction contractors are examples of non-employer businesses. Overall, U.S. non-employer businesses generated approximately $837.8 billion in receipts during 2009. Continue reading →

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