Tag Archives: automotive news

Some Saab Assets Sold to a New Electric Vehicle Company

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS), a new firm established to purchase bankrupt Saab, and the receivers of Saab today signed a purchase agreement that covers some of the assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB. The selling price was not disclosed. The company will establish a new automobile venture in Trollhättan, dedicated to the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). The intellectual property rights for the aging 9-3, introduced in 1992, were part of a deal that includes all outstanding shares in the company that owns the Saab Automobile facilities in Trollhättan, Sweden. Continue reading

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Ex Alabama Cop Arrested for Stealing from Motorists on I-65

Former Fort Deposit, Alabama Police Officer Carlos Tyson Bennett was arrested today on charges of stealing money from motorists on Interstate 65 in central Alabama and subsequently trying to conceal his criminal activity. Continue reading

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New Smart ForTwo EV now in Production in France

Daimler AG started production today of the new Smart ForTwo electric vehicle built at the Smart Hambach, France plant. An investment of €200 million was required to integrate the tiny EV into the production processes of the plant, which also builds gasoline versions. Continue reading

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Honda Recalls 50,000 2012 Civic Models for Bad Driveshafts

American Honda will recall approximately 50,000 model-year 2012 Civic vehicles in the United States to inspect and, if necessary, replace the left driveshaft in its latest quality gaff. The driver’s side driveshaft may not have been properly assembled, potentially allowing it to separate from the outer CV joint (constant velocity) while in operation, Honda said in a statement today. The compact Civic is one of the best selling cars in the U.S. Continue reading

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NHTSA Study Claims Better Design Reduced Crashes, Deaths

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that better-designed, safer vehicles have contributed to an overall decline in crashes, deaths and injuries on U.S. roadways. In a new NHTSA report issued today, the agency’s analysis of police-reported crash data estimates that design improvements between the 2000 model year and 2008 cars helped save 2,000 lives and prevented one million occupant injuries in the 2008 calendar year alone. Continue reading

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DOE Gives Delphi $3.7m in Taxpayer Funds for Laser Tooling

Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) announced today that the company has been awarded a $3.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop an energy-efficient method for micro-machining complex shapes. Using laser technology, the new manufacturing process will enable enhanced production in Delphi’s gasoline direct injection (GDi) fuel injectors. The Obama Administration’s DOE grants are politically contentious in this election year. Continue reading

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Porsche Opens Display at Autostadt Park in Wolfsburg

Porsche AG inaugurated its new pavilion in Wolfsburg’s Autostadt theme park today. The auto manufacturer’s new exhibition building has a curved roof design said to be inspired by the silhouette of a Porsche 911. Inside, the center stage of the pavilion displays 25 vehicle models that take visitors on a journey through the development of the sports car brand. Continue reading

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Taxpayer Funded A123 Systems Claims Breakthrough Battery

A123 Systems (Nasdaq: AONE), a developer and manufacturer of nanophosphate lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems, today introduced Nanophosphate EXT, a new lithium ion battery technology that it claims is capable of operating at extreme temperatures without requiring thermal management. The struggling company said this morning that the new battery chemistry will significantly “reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems.” Continue reading

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Nissan Creates Zero Emission Fund to Sell CO2 Credits

Nissan Motor Company in Japan today announced the launch of the Nissan Zero Emission Fund for individual Nissan electric vehicle (EV) owners in Japan that converts the amount of CO2 emissions that are offset by driving the electric Nissan Leaf to generate credits. Continue reading

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OnStar Subscribers Reach 450,000 in China

OnStar Shanghai said today that it passed two major milestones in May with its subscriber base across China reaching 450,000, and requests for Turn-by-Turn Navigation totaling 13.8 million since the launch of the telematics service in October 2009. OnStar has 6 million subscribers worldwide.

Shanghai OnStar received certification from China’s State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping in 2011, becoming the first telematics joint venture allowed offering mapping service in China. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV Starts Production in Thailand

In the U.S., the body on frame Trailblazer was discontinued after 2009, and replaced by the unit-body Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Trailblazer is a traditional American truck although it was developed along with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup by GM do Brasil. Continue reading

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Treasury to Sell Preferred Bank Stock Acquired Under TARP

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today that it is starting secondary public offerings of the preferred stock it holds in seven so-called CPP institutions (Capital Purchase Program under TARP). The Troubled Assets Relief Program, which injected huge amounts of taxpayer cash into U.S. banks, was sold to the American public as a way to encourage banks to lend money to free up the frozen capital markets. From October 2008 through December 2009, Treasury invested almost $205 billion in 707 financial institutions as part of the federal government’s efforts to help stabilize U.S. financial markets and the economy.

However, some the banks used part of the funds to pay huge executive bonuses, repurchase stock and pay dividends, according to the Government Accountability Office. Now GAO concerns are being raised about the health of the banks remaining in the program. Continue reading

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Kia Recalls Rio for Defective Airbag Sensor

Kia Motors is recalling more than 72,000 Rio subcompact cars because the passenger side occupant sensor can fail with the possibility that a child could be hurt if the airbag deploys. Model year 2006-2008 cars are affected by the safety defect although no injuries have been reported. Continue reading

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Electric Vehicle Charging and Battery Expo This November

What’s said to be the world’s first-ever Charging Infrastructure Expo will be held 13-15 November at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., alongside The Battery Show. The forum is for industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in the charging infrastructure industry, as well proving a showcase for the latest battery technologies and electric vehicle charging technologies. Continue reading

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Chrysler Expands Corrosion Recall to 347,000 Liberty Models

Chrysler is expanding its Jeep corrosion recall on Jeep Liberty SUVs because a rear suspension control arm can corrode and fracture in salt-belt states and Canada. The corrosion recall started in March now includes model year 2006 and 2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles, adding 137,176 vehicles to a recall that now includes all 2004-2007 Liberty vehicles. Owners don’t appear concerned. Thus far, only 921 Jeeps have been repaired. Continue reading

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