Tag Archives: auto news

Roush Begins Making Blink Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ecotality home charging stations are said to offer advantages over conventional charging stations, including advanced energy monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to optimize their energy usage and charge their vehicles when rates are lowest. The Blink Network charger interface is the hub where users can receive information about their EV and Blink Home Charging Station including charge status, statistics and history. Continue reading →

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Nissan Building Battery Plant in Portugal for Electric Vehicles

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Both Nissan and Renault are betting heavily on the market acceptance of electric vehicles in mature markets, starting with the Leaf now in limited production. By 2012 the Alliance will offer four electric vehicles, and more new models are planned from 2014 to 2016. Renault and Nissan plan to sell a cumulative 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2016. Starting in 2015 the Alliance will have a production capacity of 500,000 EVs a year. Continue reading →

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General Motors Sets January Vehicle Sales Record in China

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors had a record sales month in China in January, as GM’s two largest manufacturing joint ventures new monthly highs for vehicle sales in the world’s largest auto market of more than 18 million vehicles. It’s a continuation of GM’s strong performance in China during 2010, where it sold more cars and trucks than it did in the U.S. Continue reading →

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Ford to Issue Common Stock to Reduce Debt by $3 Billion

Posted on 10 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that it will convert some of its $16 billion in outstanding debt to shares of common stock. In so doing, the second largest Detroit automaker will take a charge of $60 million against its first quarter earnings.

Ford is still listed as below investment grade by the rating agencies – Moody’s Investors Service (Ba2) and Standard & Poor’s B+. Both are junk ratings that raise borrowing costs and limit large mutual funds from buying Ford bonds. Ford lost its investment grade rating in 2005. Continue reading →

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Renault Group Reveals Its 2016 Plan – Largely Outside Europe

Posted on 10 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The plan is heavily dependent on cost cutting, growth in emerging markets, and success of electric vehicles. In a statement that disappointed analysts, and sent the stock price down, Ghosn dismissed out of hand a merger with Nissan, claiming it was culturally impossible. Continue reading →

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UK Businesses Balk at Killing of Plug-in Hybrid, EV Subsidies

Posted on 10 February 2011 by Ken Zino

This issue pits fiscal conservatives against environmentalists, with special interest or pressure groups angling for advantage. The British drama will likely be replayed in the U.S. this year for the same reasons. Nuances of policy debates are likely lost on taxpayers who fear for their financial futures, and politicians who pander to short term fears. Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts Strong Q3. Ups Fiscal Year Forecast to ¥535 B

Posted on 10 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported consolidated net revenues of ¥6.4 trillion, 19.4% higher than the year-ago level. Operating profit increased 96.1% to ¥448.9 billion for the first nine months of its fiscal year, the second largest automaker in Japan said in a statement. Continue reading →

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Acura 2012 TL Luxury Sedan Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 9 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Parent company Honda is expected to report strong financial results tomorrow in Tokyo, roughly twice that of global sales leader Toyota, but its U.S. sales results have been tracking below overall market growth recently Continue reading →

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Early February U.S. Vehicle Sales Up by 17% from 2010. Significant Market Warming or Just a So What?

Posted on 9 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Both the number of people shopping for a new vehicle and the number who actually buy one are up during early February vehicle sales reports from car dealers. This could mean monthly sales in the 920,000 – 950,000 range, according the CNW Research, an industry consultancy. Continue reading →

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2012 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Debuts with 550 Horsepower; and Technology Rivaling Corvette and Cadillac at $50,000?

Posted on 9 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It will be without doubt the highest-performing Camaro, and Chevrolet claims that ZL1 is the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class.
Continue reading →

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DOT Releases Long Delayed Toyota Unintended Acceleration Report, Exonerates Self, Claiming It Was Right All Along

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The self conducted NHTSA study if it found problems, of course, would make DOT – with a staggering $79 billion budget vulnerable to Congressional dictated reforms, as well as budget and staff cuts as the deficit debate heats up on Capital Hill. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Corporation Reports 5% Increase in Net Revenues for Nine Months as it Struggles in Europe and Japan

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The world’s largest automaker is still feeling the negative effects of image damaging safety and quality recalls, the rise in the value of the Yen, and the contraction of its Japanese home market. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen and IG Metall Agree on Wage Raise, Bonus

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen and IG Metall agreed to a new contract late Monday night. Workers will receive a 3.2% increase in base pay effective May 1, 2011. Employees will also receive a one-time payment corresponding to 1% of his or her annual pay, but no less than €500, VW said in a statement. Continue reading →

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Milestones: 900,000 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadsters Made

Posted on 7 February 2011 by Ken Zino

What Mazda dubs as the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, has reached a new milestone of 900,000 units produced.

Nearly 45% of the two-seat Miatas made – about 388,000 – were sold in the United States since the Miata launched here in the last century. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls New 2011 Explorer for Defective Seat Backs

Posted on 7 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2011 model year Explorer sport utility vehicles because the second row seat backs are not strong enough to comply with U.S. safety standards during a crash. Dealers have been told to stop the sale of … Continue reading →

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