Tag Archives: auto news

Fatal Intersection Crashes Declining

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

A new study issued today by the National Safety Council says that fatal crashes at intersections with traffic lights decreased by 17%, and fatal crashes at intersections involving red-light running decreased by 27% from 2005 to 2009. The study analyzed … Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Sales Up 12% in February

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

It’s not only the new vehicle market that’s showing signs of revival in February – used vehicle sales are up as well, with more than 1.8 million units changing owners. This healthy sales trend comes during February, traditionally the slowest … Continue reading →

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BMW, Peugeot Citroën to Invest €100 Million in Hybrid JV

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Component parts will be used in various BMW and PSA vehicles starting in 2014. Toyota, of course, is the global leader in hybrid technology that was once dismissed by European automakers as not promising. The JV will focus on battery packs, generators, power electronics, chargers, and software for hybrid systems. Continue reading →

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China Rules as GM Sets February Sales Record

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors and its eleven government-mandated Chinese joint ventures sold 184,498 vehicles in February, setting a new record for the month, but not, repeat not, outperforming its amazing sales of 207,000 in its home U.S. market. Continue reading →

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General Motors, Toyota Post Huge February Sales Gains as SAAR Soars to 13.4 Million. Ford and Chrysler Losing Ground?

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

U.S. vehicle sales in February jumped to a surprising 13.4 million units on a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) as easier credit, liberal incentives and rising truck sales boosted the market. The clear winners were a resurgent General Motors and … Continue reading →

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Infiniti to Go F1 Racing Via Renault – Branding Nightmare?

Posted on 1 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Nonetheless, Renault’s presence continued after 35 years of competition in what boosters maintain is the preeminent motor racing series in the face of financial and sex scandals that rival the antics of Hollywood personalities and the imaginations script writers. Continue reading →

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Accelerator Pedal Recall Causes More Lexus and Toyota Recalls! Technicians Did Not Correctly Replace the Carpeting. Original Recall Now Expanded to Include More Toyota Vehicles

Posted on 25 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Why owners should trust technicians to correctly perform a second modification is a question that will surely be debated. Continue reading →

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General Motors Posts 2010 Net of $4.7B on $135.6B of Income

Posted on 24 February 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) today announced its calendar year 2010 results of $4.7 billion of net income per share of common stock for its first full year of operations after it emerged from bankruptcy as a U.S. and Canadian taxpayer owned automaker. Continue reading →

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Taxpayer Subsidized Ethanol Caught in Partisan Budget Battle

Posted on 22 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The politics of ethanol, virtually all of it corn derived and therefore benefiting big money farm lobby interests, are as tangled as it gets. Taxpayers would be better off if legislators were required to wear NASCAR-style uniforms with the patches of the organizations that are their major, err, sponsors, to put it politely in pay to play Washington where campaign contributions from special interests determine policy not national interests. Continue reading →

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2011 Collision Cost Booklets from NHTSA Now Available

Posted on 22 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The result, according to NHTSA, is that “it is unlikely that your total premium will vary more than 10% depending upon the collision loss experience of a particular vehicle,” which begs the question if this mandated government exercise is worth the walk? Continue reading →

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Rolls-Royce to Debut Electric Phantom Concept at Geneva

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today confirmed the existence of the Phantom Experimental Electric, an electric Phantom concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Continue reading →

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BMW i, an Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Sub-Brand, Debuts

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Both the i3 and i8 models are clearly designed to garner credits so that BMW can continue to sell conventional cars and trucks that emit higher levels of CO2; both use extensive amounts of aluminum and other light weight materials to partially offset the mass of the lithium ion batteries. Continue reading →

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Prius, Priuses, Prium and Prien? No, Toyota Prii is the Plural

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Sales announced yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show that the official plural of Prius is now ‘Prii.’ This Prii name is the result of a contest that launched in January at the North American International Auto Show in … Continue reading →

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New Toyota Ads Debut on Monday Touting “Why It’s the Best-Selling Brand in America.” Sales Slowly Coming Back?

Posted on 18 February 2011 by Ken Zino

“#1 for a Reason.” includes rebates and 0% financing for 60 months across most of Toyota’s core vehicles. Continue reading →

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Ford Sollers to Build and Sell Vehicles in Russian Federation

Posted on 18 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Manufacturers of cars and auto components that apply “industrial assembly” processes in Russia are eligible for reduced taxes and duties from the Russian Federation. Under the new policy, customs duties are to decrease to 0 to 5% of the cost of auto components compared to 12%. Continue reading →

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