Tag Archives: autoinformed

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid on Sale rated at 45 MPG Combined

The biggest change appears to be a new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that allows users to pinch, swipe and tap – ala smartphones – to access audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and an optional navigation system. Continue reading

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GM and Isuzu to Update Ohio Diesel Engine Plant

The investment – in the depressing language of the jobless auto recovery – retains 500 jobs at what is a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu. DMAX has produced 1.6 million engines since opening in 2000. Continue reading

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Chrysler Bucks January Sales Dive in U.S. Subaru continues its Streak too

The conventional wisdom in the auto business is that winter weather was responsible for the unexpected decline in January Auto Sales in the U.S. While GM, Ford and Toyota all posted big sales drops, Chrysler, the comeback car company, reported U.S. sales of 127,183 units, an 8% increase compared with sales in January 2013 (117,731 units). Continue reading

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More Japanese Price Fixing. Diamond Electric Execs Guilty

Including the latest charges, 28 individuals and 24 companies have caught in the government’s ongoing investigation into price fixing and bid rigging in the auto parts industry. Continue reading

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Can Chrysler Save Fiat as 2013 Profits approach $2 Billion?

Bottom line is the UAW is out of its Chrysler investment. Fiat is all in with uncertain prospects going forward. Continue reading

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2014 Red Bull Renault Formula One Car Unveiled

The 2014 season is important for the future of the struggling sport, which could not fill the grids during 2013, because of two major rule changes on engine sizes and aerodynamics. Continue reading

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KIA K900 Laurence Fishburne Super Bowl Ad tweaks Germans

Kia said in Korea that Super Bowl viewers see its first-ever luxury sedan in new ad campaign starring Laurence Fishburne in his role from The Matrix trilogy Continue reading

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Ford Motor Earns $1.3 Billion in Q4, $8.6 Billion during 2013

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported that Q4 pre-tax profit was $1.3 billion, a decrease of $402 million compared with 2012. However, Q4 earnings per share at 31 cents were the same as a year ago. Ford has posted … Continue reading

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Is the Cadillac ELR a flop? Incentives via a Free 240 Volt Charger and ‘no-charge’ Home Installation added

The ELR on an ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees starts at $699 per month with $5,999 due. Cadillac deliver six ELR hybrids in December, but since the Volt-based coupe just went on sale, January and Q1 2014 sales will be a better indicator of actual demand. Continue reading

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Audi Releases Doberhuahua Super Bowl Commercial

Designed to sell the Audi A3 compact car, the spot, called “Doberhuahua,” is supposed to be a take on how when people compromise, things go terribly wrong. We are not amused at the latest German attempt at humor. Continue reading

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Jim DeLuca to Head GM Global Manufacturing

DeLuca is currently Vice President of Manufacturing for GM International Operations. During 2013, GM launched more than 40 vehicles and more than 20 powertrains around the world, but the automaker is still struggling with commonality and the loss of scale that the overly complex GM lineup causes. Continue reading

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GM’s Shop-Click-Drive Internet Selling Expands

More than a third of GM’s 4,300 U.S. dealers are enrolling in “Shop-Click-Drive,” an online internet-shopping tool that could eventually displace traditional auto salespeople. Continue reading

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Modest Growth Forecast for January U.S. Auto Sales

Total light-vehicle sales are projected at 1.1 million, a meager 1% increase from January 2013. Fleet sales are expected to remain below the level of a year ago and representing less than 20% of total light-vehicle sales for the month. Continue reading

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Fiat Buys Out the UAW Equity in Chrysler Group

Fiat S.p.A. through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiat North America, today completed its previously announced acquisition of all of the UAW VEBA Trust’s equity in the Chrysler Group. This means that Chrysler Group is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Italian Fiat with considerable help from U.S. taxpayers who financed the 2009 reorganization of the bankrupt company. Continue reading

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New 2015 Ford Mustang Brings $300,000 at Auction

The first retail 2015 Ford Mustang GT Fastback when it goes into production this fall was sold for $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. A car collector and North Texas Ford dealer, Sam Pack, helped Ford Motor Company increase its charity vehicle sales to more than $3.5 million for JDRF, a leading diabetes research organization. Continue reading

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