Tag Archives: autoinformed

First Look – 2014 Lexus ISC

This is theoretically a four-seat car, and when there are no rear passengers, the driver can enhance visibility by lowering the rear headrests using a lever located on the front of the rear console. With the top up, the trunk offers storage for two golf bags, or one golf bag with the top lowered. Let us be real, this is a two-seat car for all im-practical purposes. Just bring money, the 2014 ISC starts at $48,000. Continue reading

Posted in new vehicle | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Growing Chinese Trade Deficit Costs U.S. $37 Billion in Wages

The trade deficit with China cost the U.S. economy $37 billion in lost wages in 2011, a new Economic Policy Institute report finds. Continue reading

Posted in economy, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Chevrolet Camaro Performance Parts Released

Chevrolet Performance has released a large selection of factory-engineered performance parts and accessories for fifth-generation Camaro models, 2010 and newer. Many of these parts do not void the Camaro vehicle warranty if a Chevrolet dealer installs them, unlike aftermarket outlets. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Financial Buys Ally Assets in Brazil

The latest move continues GM’s plan to put back in place a GMAC-like operation, with many of the companies coming from Ally, which was GMAC and went bankrupt at the onset of the Great Recession because of its reckless home lending practices. A controversial U.S. taxpayer-funded bailout ensued, one that has not been paid back. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, financial results | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fourth Gen Prius Will Increase Mileage by More than 10%

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada said this week that the fourth generation Prius hybrid now under development would increase fuel economy by more than 10% in rated miles per gallon. During the previous two updates of the world’s best-selling … Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, new vehicle | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GM and U.S. Army Expand Fuel Cell Development

General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center are increasing their collaboration in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tony Nicolosi Now CEO at Volvo Cars of North America

VCNA reported U.S. sales of 4,188 units, a -15.9% decrease versus September 2012 in an overall market that was off -4%. Year-to-date sales are down -7% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to a market that grew by 8%. Continue reading

Posted in people | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mazda6 Recall Underway for Doors Opening Suddenly

More than 161,400 Mazda6 sedans built by the UAW in Flat Rock, Michigan are affected, it was revealed before the Republicans shut down the U.S.safety agency NHTSA along with the rest of the government. Continue reading

Posted in manufacturing, recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

September U.S. Auto Sales Down for First Month in Three Years

U.S. Auto sales of light vehicles declined in September for the first time in three years, as a calendar quirk and weakening of Asian brand vehicles displaced strong growth at the Detroit Three. Continue reading

Posted in sales | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen Group Opens New Plant in Foshan, China

China is the Volkswagen Group’s largest sales market worldwide. In 2012, the company delivered more than 2.81 million vehicles to customers in the country. In the first eight months of this year, VW claims that deliveries rose by 18% compared with the comparable prior-year period to more than 2 million vehicles. This is a close second to General Motors the long-time market leader at more than 2.2 million units. Continue reading

Posted in manufacturing, sales | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Infiniti Recalls on M35, M45 for Sudden Engine Stalling

More than 98,000 Infiniti models are affected in the U.S. Japanese authorities are also investigating the safety defect. Other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are not affected because the design of the Aisin-supplied accelerator pedal assembly is unique to these models, according to a required filing with NHTSA that was made publicly available just before Tea Party Republicans pulled the plug on the world’s largest and arguably the most effective safety agency. Further safety recall information from NHTSA will not be available until the Federal Government reopens. Continue reading

Posted in recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Testosterone and Tesla – Men Love Them

As with all things associated with Tesla, AutoInformed remains skeptical about a company that has never showed a profit since its inception except in Q1 of 2013. For the first six months of this year, Tesla lost $1,916 per car based on a net loss of $19.254 million from sales of 10,000 Model S and a few Roadster EVs, which was -$0.17 a share. With Tesla stock trading in the $190 range for a book value of $5 a share, buyer beware, seller rejoice. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

China Light Vehicle Sales Remain Strong in August

LMC notes that widespread industry predictions of only single digit growth rates for auto sales this year and for the next couple are increasingly looking erroneous and is sticking to a more than 13% increase during 2013 as a forecast. Continue reading

Posted in sales | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Henkel Opens World’s Largest Adhesives Plant in Shanghai

Henkel opened what it claims is the world’s largest adhesives factory in Shanghai to serve the auto industry and various consumer goods producers. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS issues First Crash Avoidance Ratings

IIHS is now rating the performance of front-crash prevention systems. The insurance industry funded group wants to “encourage” automakers to increase adoption of the expensive technology at $1,000 or more per vehicle. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment