by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 21, 2009
One of the most pressing obstacles in the way of a Chrysler rescue plan could be resolved, according to reports circulating in Detroit circles. If accurate, the automaker’s lenders will be willing to swap $2.5 billion of its $6.9 billion in secured debt for...
by Ken Zino | Apr 21, 2009
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. surprised many industry observers today by announcing that the third-generation Prius will be available in at least one version with a starting MSRP of $21,000, plus $750 delivery. A hybrid pricing war could be on the horizon. In a sign of...
by Ken Zino | Apr 21, 2009
“Computerized electric crutches” is one way to describe the latest innovation emerging from Honda’s research and development operation. That’s what I was thinking as I fumbled my way up and down stairs and around the SAE World Congress...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 21, 2009
The morning headline in the online version of our local Detroit Free Press blares out “100 mile per gallon truck,” a reference to the IDEA, a concept vehicle developed by Bright Automotive, debuting on paper today, at a press conference in Washington DC....
by Ken Zino | Apr 21, 2009
Volvo Car Corporation is adding three new child restraints to its approved accessories that it says are comfortable and easy to use. The trouble is Volvo owners in the U.S. won’t be able to buy them because a rule by the National Highway Traffic...
by Ken Zino | Apr 20, 2009
All the brave talk by automakers that the U.S. market has reached bottom and is showing signs of life is just that, talk, according to the latest survey from the AutoPacific market research firm. Consumers in increasing numbers will not put their money into buying or...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 20, 2009
FEV Incorporated, a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, has teamed up Utah-based Raser Technologies to develop the H3 ReEV, the first vehicle equipped with Raser’s “range-extended” electric vehicle technology....
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 20, 2009
If you didn’t make it to this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, you likely missed getting your first, albeit brief, look at the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ sedan. Almost, anyway, for you’re getting a sneak peek here on TheDetroitBureau.com. The...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 20, 2009
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opened the annual Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit on Monday morning with a rousing endorsement of the American car industry. Schwarzenegger, who has been a frequent critic of Detroit’s carmakers...
by Ken Zino | Apr 20, 2009
The UAW, in an urgent e-mail to members and retirees, is asking them to contact the White House directly today over the ongoing negotiations with the Auto Task Force and related parties to the auto restructurings. The union apparently is unhappy with what is being...
by Mike Davis | Apr 20, 2009
We the motorists of America have been preening ourselves the last few weeks because of the good news about significantly reduced carnage on our highways. And that’s as it should be: safety belt usage is up, drunken driving is down, cars and highways are safer,...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 20, 2009
They say the global recession has finally hit China, but you’d be hard pressed to tell by the frenetic pace of Shanghai, host of this year’s Chinese motor show – and the backdrop for a flood of new vehicles, including the production version of the...
