Tag Archives: auto news

Nissan Americas Appoints Former GM Engineer to Head Research & Development, Replacing Japanese Executive

Posted on 17 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Nissan Americas today announced the appointment of Carla Bailo, 50, as senior vice president, Research & Development-Nissan Americas, effective April 1. Bailo succeeds Motohiro Matsumura, currently president, Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA), who will be returning to Nissan Motor Company in Japan to an as yet unnamed position. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen to Debut Revised Tiguan at Geneva Motor Show

Posted on 17 February 2011 by Ken Zino

With more than half a million of the multi-activity-vehicles delivered by VW since its debut in 2007, the Golf derived compact follows a design trend – now widely imitated – that was established by Renault with its Megane Scenic back in 1997. Continue reading →

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U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast to be Up in February from January

Posted on 17 February 2011 by Ken Zino

If sales continue to grow, what are now isolated shortages of some vehicles will become greater, and prices will rise. Suppliers, who drastically trimmed output during the past three years, are showing signs of not being able to keep up. Continue reading →

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American Honda Recalls 2009-2010 Fit Models for Stalling

Posted on 17 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota or the “Toyota Recall Effect” was the big reason that 2010 was the second highest recall year on record. However, a quick scan of previous Honda recalls questions whether the long-standing Japanese reputation for quality is as accurate as previously portrayed by the media. Continue reading →

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Senate Dithers as Highway Trust Fund Goes Broke

Posted on 16 February 2011 by Ken Zino

During a hearing today in Washington, Democrats and Republicans postured over President Barack Obama’s proposal for a six-year, $556 billion highway bill with none of the partisans suggesting how it will actually be paid for.

This ducks the real issue of the ongoing decline in highway trust fund revenues that built the interstate system during the 1950s and contributed to what was then a booming American economy. Continue reading →

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General Motors Recalls Cadillac CTS for Suspension Failures

Posted on 16 February 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS models because the rear wheels can suddenly splay, sending the CTS out of the driver’s control.

The problem is caused by improperly made rear toe link fasteners. Continue reading →

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European Car Sales Decline in January

Posted on 16 February 2011 by Ken Zino

For U.S. taxpayers with substantial stakes in Fiat-controlled Chrysler and GM there were uneven results. Chrysler sold a mere 2,353 vehicles in January, down 24%. However, CEO Sergio Marchionne maintains that Lancia can help Chrysler sales by distributing its cars, and Jeep has substantial room for growth.

The Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary of GM posted a rise of 6% to 72,553 vehicles helped by growth in Germany. Opel, with more than 40,000 employees in Europe, lost the owners of GM, including U.S. and Canadian taxpayers more than $1.1 billion in the first three quarters of 2010, with the final results not in yet. Continue reading →

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Ford Europe Sales Flat; Down Again in Western Europe

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford now appears caught by two unforeseen macro-economic trends that are largely beyond its short term control – the collapse of Western European economies where Ford is a major player, and the growth of India and China, where Ford is a minor factor. Continue reading →

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Global Vehicle Sales to Top 72 Million in 2011 in Latest Forecast

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The sale of new cars and light trucks in 2011 are projected to reach 76.5 million units, which would surpass the record of 72 million light vehicles sold 2010, according to J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Forecasting. If accurate, this … Continue reading →

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General Motors to Introduce 20 New Models in China, Add Jobs

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The world’s largest auto market, China, has been good to General Motors, the world’s largest automaker. So no surprise when General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said today in Beijing that GM will introduce more than 20 new and upgraded models during the next two years, as well as strengthen Chinese product development capability. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Wants Smart Distribution Back from Penske

Posted on 14 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Smart had U.S. sales of 5,927 in 2010 compared with 14,595 in 2009, a -59.4% decrease. The tiny two-seat car, designed by Mercedes more than 20 years ago, is struggling in the marketplace. However, credits for the sale of small cars will be crucial going forward for makers of larger, gas guzzling luxury cars. Continue reading →

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Infiniti Etherea Debuts at Geneva Motor Show in March

Posted on 14 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Infiniti today released photos of a compact concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Etherea is said to combine the elements of a coupe, sedan, hatchback and crossover in one “highly sculptural” form. Continue reading →

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Ram Tradesman – A Truck for Those Who Shower After Work

Posted on 13 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ram Tradesman, which goes on sale this spring. Instead of marketing a pickup truck as a fashion accessory for Saturday night cowboys, the Tradesman package is named for the people who take a shower after work, not before.

The Tradesman at $22,780, including a $975 destination charge, is said to be a value-priced option package designed for small businesspeople, construction sites and commercial fleets. Continue reading →

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CAR Says Electric Vehicles Will Follow the Incentives at the Federal, State and Local Levels. Budget Battles Loom?

Posted on 12 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Executive summary – taxpayer money on the hood moves the sheet metal, but auto company press release predictions are dubious. Continue reading →

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General Motors Joins Toyota in Helping Child Injury Group

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors has joined the advisory board of the Center for Child Injury Prevention Studies (CChIPS) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. GM researchers will help CChIPS faculty in a study aimed at improving safety belt performance and decreasing the child injury rate during vehicle crashes. Continue reading →

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