by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2009
To listen to some folks in the mainstream media, the sport-utility vehicle is dead and gone. Don’t try to tell that to American motorists. Sure, sales are down, and many buyers are switching from conventional SUVs to lighter, more nimble and efficient crossover...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2009
While most makers are looking at lithium-ion chemistry as the must-have technology for tomorrow’s battery-powered cars, Porsche sees an entirely different opportunity. The automaker is claiming it will be the first automaker to mass market LIon batteries, but in this...
by Ken Zino | Nov 23, 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency is reporting an increase in fuel efficiency, along with a corresponding decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for new cars and light duty trucks. In an annual report just issued, “Light-Duty Automotive Technology,...
by Ken Zino | Nov 23, 2009
November of 2010 will see the start of series production for the Chevrolet Volt, GM’s extended range electric vehicle. Volt is in essence a more practical — and just as expensive — evolution of the late Saturn EV1, with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine aboard to recharge...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2009
As if the Japanese automaker didn’t have enough problems with recalls, lawsuits and slumping sales, now Toyota has been shut out, failing to field a single segment leader in the latest Total Value Index, from California market research firm Strategic Vision. “A...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 23, 2009
You’ll have to wait until next week, and catch a flight to the West Coast, if you want to see the new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe in all its sheet metal glory, but here’s a good first look at the sporty 2-door that will join Caddy’s expanding entry-luxury line-up next...
by Ken Zino | Nov 23, 2009
Ferrari North America is recalling 2400 F355 and F1 models because independent shops may have improperly fitted screw clamps to the thermostat housing so that they are too close to fuel lines. Abrasion can cause leaks and ultimately fires. The total population of...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2009
While it is “still finalizing” details of a turnaround plan for its troubled European subsidiary, Opel, General Motors expects to reduce its capacity by as much as 25%, a senior official revealed today, which would likely lead to a massive cut in jobs. Earlier this...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2009
Desperation is setting in at Chrysler, one of the few automakers to see sales fall yet again, last month. The automaker has announced plans to step up incentives that will, on some models, yield consumers cash-back savings of as much as $5,500. Halting the sales...
by Ken Zino | Nov 20, 2009
For the first time in four decades, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to tighten the sulfur dioxide (SO2) air quality standard to protect public health. Power plants and other industrial facilities emit SO2 directly into the air. Exposure to SO2 can...
by Marty Bernstein | Nov 20, 2009
International Road Safety Conference underway in Russia Hundreds of representatives have gathered in the land of terrible drivers and worse roads, Russia, to attend the “First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety.” It’s sponsored by the United Nations World...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Nov 20, 2009
Despite the fact that Southern California is the country’s largest luxury market, a long list of premium automakers won’t be displaying at the upcoming 2009 Los Angeles Motor Show. Among the manufacturers pulling out of the annual event are Bentley, Ferrari and...
