Tag Archives: zino

GM U.S. Sales Increase 8% in July. Cadillac off 26%

General Motors dealers in the United States sold 214,915 vehicles in July, an 8% sales gain compared to July 2010. Retail sales for GM’s brands rose 6% for the month compared to a year ago, and were 1% higher than June, as the U.S. economy continues to struggle with slow – or no growth – and high unemployment rates. Continue reading

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Fiat Starts First Ad Campaign in U.S. for the Tiny 500 Model

Last night the Fiat brand launched a marketing and advertising campaign, the first since its return to the North American market with the 500. The campaign combines broadcast, print, digital and so called “experiential initiatives.” The introduction of a new … Continue reading

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Second Smallest U.S. Safety Recall in History? Toyota Recalls 32 Lexus RX 350 SUVs for Defective Antilock Brake Calibration

Toyota is recalling 32 model year 2011 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves from ADVICS manufacturing in Ohio is incorrect. Because of this safety defect, Toyota said in a NHTSA filing, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during antilock brake system operation or vehicle stability control actuation. Continue reading

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July Used Car Sales Boom. Have Automakers Priced New Vehicles – Now with an Average $30,000 Price – Too High?

The latest research shows that sales of used cars and light trucks in the U.S. grew strongly – up more than 13% for the month of July. About 4.5 million previously owned vehicles changed hands. That’s the best July since 2005… Continue reading

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Honda Q1 Barely Profitable as Earthquake Devastates Results

Honda’s automobile unit sales totaled 547,000 units, a decrease of 39.2% from the same period last year due to production disruptions in all regions from the Earthquake. Continue reading

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July Vehicle Sales Stall in U.S. SAAR Projected less than 10 M

The sale of new vehicles in the U.S. will be about 11.8 million units in July. This is the third straight month below the 12 million mark as the U.S. economy remains close to reentering a recession. Continue reading

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Revised Fiat Management Structure Subsumes Chrysler. Fiat Executives Dominate Newly Formed Group Executive Council

Both the management of Fiat Automobiles and Chrysler will be merged on September 1 under a plan that creates a Group Executive Council dominated by Fiat executives. Continue reading

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Bosch Car Service Opens 1,000th Shop in China as part of World’s Largest Independent Repair Network

Bosch said it now has the world’s largest independent workshop network of 15,000 shops, 90 years after the first one opened in Hamburg. The range of services includes traditional Bosch fields of automotive electrics, electronics and diesel servicing, as well as general mechanical vehicle repairs, oil changes, air-conditioning service, in-car multimedia, tires and auto glass service. Every day, more than 82,000 associates complete service and repair work on more than 180,000 vehicles. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group Posts Q2 Profit of €3.17 Billion

However, the outlook is cautiously hedged: “In view of the global economic challenges, we are well advised to maintain our cost and investment discipline and to further improve our financial strength,” said CFO Hans Dieter Pötsch. Continue reading

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Small Business Firms Decline Again in the United States

These are businesses without paid employees but nonetheless are firms paying income taxes needed to balance the budget. Real estate agents, beauticians and construction contractors are examples of non-employer businesses. Overall, U.S. non-employer businesses generated approximately $837.8 billion in receipts during 2009. Continue reading

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If Vehicles are So Appealing Why Aren’t they Selling?

The J.D. Power survey – financed by automakers – begs the question: if the new cars and trucks are so bloody enticing why is the U.S. auto market stuck in the doldrums? Continue reading

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Ford Motor Q2 Profit Drops 8% to $2.4 Billion on $4.2 Billion Revenue Increase. Ford Credit, all Regions Except N.A. Decline

Ford’s second quarter net income was affected by so called “unfavorable special items” of $272 million – $177 million more than a year ago. The special items include personnel reduction actions as Ford continues to retrench. The closing of Mercury and other dealer-related actions in North America, as well as pension settlements in Belgium also negatively affected the results. Continue reading

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Chrysler Group Q2 Revenues up $3.2 B but Profit Down

By Chrysler’s accounting, Chrysler said it would have reported a $181 million profit in the second quarter, but took a $551 million one-time charge to repay loans from the U.S. Treasury Department and the Canadian government. Continue reading

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OnStar Aftermarket Mirror – $299 – at Best Buy Next Week

OnStar is now offering its telematics services in the aftermarket for older General Motors cars and the most popular non-GM vehicles. It’s the first time owners of other makes of automobiles could subscribe to OnStar through a Chinese built electronic mirror. Continue reading

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Debt Causes U.S. Treasury to Suspend Reinvestment in Exchange Fund. Last Stopgap Measure Taken before Default

The fund is a crucial financial tool because it includes purchasing or selling foreign currencies to stabilize international financial markets and thereby prevent damage to U.S. exports and the national economy.

Automakers had no immediate comment, but the uncertainty surrounding the effects of a default on U.S. debt – potentially turning the “almighty dollar” into a third world currency – has left executives cautious about predicting sales for the remainder of the year. U.S. sales declined in June for the second straight month. Continue reading

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