Tag Archives: automotive news

Regulations Work as Airlines Set On Time Records, Cut Delays

Posted on 10 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The biggest airlines in the U.S. posted records for the first half of 2012 for on-time performance, fewest cancellations and tarmac delays, as well as the lowest mishandled baggage rates. According to the Air Travel Consumer Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 15 largest U.S. airlines posted an 83.7% on-time arrival rate during the first six months of 2012, the highest mark for any January-June period in the 18 years the Department has collected comparable data. Continue reading →

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Reality Versus Concept as Production Accord Photos Released

Posted on 9 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The ninth generation Accord, a perennial top seller in the family car category faces unprecedented competition from the Toyota Camry – the best selling car in the U.S. and all new last year – a revised Nissan Altima, and the Hyundai Sonata, as well as the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu, among others. The category is important for its size – almost 20% of the cars sold in the U.S., and as a result, its bragging rights. Continue reading →

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People Under 35 Most Interested in Hybrids. Older Buyers Yawn

Posted on 9 August 2012 by Ken Zino

Almost 60% of new car owners say they want a conventional combustion engine in their next vehicle. Nevertheless one-third of car owners (32%) report they have an interest in purchasing a hybrid vehicle, and 23% say that their interest in hybrids has increased from a year ago. However, the latest Harris Poll shows that the “adoption curve” for hybrid vehicles wanes with age. Continue reading →

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Ford China Sales up 32% in July to 43,000

Posted on 9 August 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford China sales in July totaled 42,560 up 32%. Most of the increase was due to the joint venture Changan Ford Mazda, which sold 26,306 Ford-brand cars, an increase of 44% from July of 2011. Sales of the old and new Focus dominated the results. Total Ford brand car sales including the imported Edge and Explorer were 27,498. Continue reading →

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Buick Verano Turbo to Be Priced at $29,990 This Fall

Posted on 8 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo sedan will be priced at $29,990, including a destination charge of $885. The turbocharged Verano uses GM’s Ecotec 2-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to produce 250 horsepower (187 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 2000 rpm. Continue reading →

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JMC and Ford to Buy Taiyuan Changan Heavy Truck in China

Posted on 8 August 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is reentering the heavy truck market through its partner Jiangling Motors Corporation in China. JMC will buy Taiyuan Changan Heavy Truck Company, its first entry into the heavy truck business. JMC currently builds Ford Transits under license from Ford, and Ford owns 30% of the light commercial vehicle maker. Continue reading →

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Freight Shipments Down in June as U.S. Economy Languishes

Posted on 8 August 2012 by Ken Zino

Commercial freight fell 0.1% in June from May, following no change in the index from April to May, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS) Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) released today. The June 2012 index level (109.5) was 16.1% above the April 2009 low during the Great Recession, which might be poised for a sequel. Continue reading →

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U.S. and Mexico Sign Agreement on Decreasing Border Pollution

Posted on 8 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The U.S. and Mexico today signed an agreement to reduce pollution, exposure to chemicals accidents or terrorism, and improve environmental stewardship. It is the latest environmental cleanup program implemented under the 1983 U.S.-Mexico La Paz Agreement covering public health problems in the 2,000-mile border region. The border is home to more than 14 million people and one of the busiest trade regions in the world. Continue reading →

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GM Invests in NanoSteel, Claims New Class of Light Weight Materials

Posted on 8 August 2012 by Ken Zino

General Motors has invested an undisclosed amount in The NanoSteel Company because it claims the firm is a leader in light weight steel materials design. Through the development of patented alloys, NanoSteel has created a new class of steel that in theory allows automotive engineers and designers to reduce weight with thinner, higher strength gauges while maintaining the structural integrity needed for safety. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Records Record Sales in July

Posted on 7 August 2012 by Ken Zino

BMW group today in Munich posted its best sales result for any July. With 135,537 (2011 – 129,102) BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered worldwide last month, the company increased its sales by 5.0% compared to the previous year.

It was also the first time in the company’s history that more one million vehicles had been delivered in the first seven months. From January to July deliveries rose 7.6% to 1,036,088 vehicles (962,493). Continue reading →

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Ford C-Max Hybrid EPA Rated at 47 MPG in all Categories

Posted on 7 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The all-new Ford C-Max Hybrid that goes on sale this fall is now EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined. This makes it the first hybrid without a window sticker decline in highway fuel economy ratings. Whether this is real or the product of carefully calibrating the C-Max to the test cycle awaits independent verification. Continue reading →

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General Motors Sales in China Set All Time July and CYTD Record

Posted on 7 August 2012 by Ken Zino

General Motors and its joint ventures sold 199,503 vehicles in China, in July, a 15.1% increase from last year’s previous record high for the month. SAIC-GM-Wuling’s sales reached 98,694 units, an all-time high for July and an increase of 26.6% year on year. Continue reading →

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BYD Electric Cab Fire and Three Fatalities not Battery’s Fault

Posted on 7 August 2012 by Ken Zino

An investigation by the Shenzhen government into an accident and fire between a BYD EV and a Nissan sports car that killed three people in May concludes that the battery pack was not at fault, according to a BYD filing with the Shenzhen stock exchange.

A Nissan GT-R traveling at 242km/h – 150 mph – hit a BYD e6 taxi traveling in the same direction at 81km/h. The first impact sent the cab careening out of control, which then resulted in a second impact into a roadside tree, whereupon the e6 completely burned. The cab driver and two passengers perished. Continue reading →

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Spyker Sues GM For $3 Billion Over Blocking Saab Sale to Chinese

Posted on 7 August 2012 by Ken Zino

In what could be viewed as the legal equivalent of a Hail Mary pass, Dutch automaker Spyker filed suit against GM in Detroit yesterday, alleging that GM forced the Swedish brand Saab into bankruptcy and then blocked a sale of the company to Chinese investors, which would have ensured its survival. Continue reading →

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Treasury To Sell More AIG Stock. Taxpayers Still Owed $24 Billion and Hold 53% from Controversial Bailout of Reckless Company

Posted on 6 August 2012 by Ken Zino

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it expects to receive an additional $750 million from its public offering of American International Group (AIG) common stock. The Wall Street underwriters have exercised their so-called over-allotment option to purchase another 24.6 million additional shares of AIG common stock at the public offering price of $30.50 per share. Continue reading →

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