by Ken Zino | Jan 14, 2010
The state that conducts more automotive research and development work than the other 49 combined — Michigan — will host the qualifying and final competitive events for the Automotive X Prize, a quest for 100 mpg vehicles that might actually be saleable....
by Joseph Szczesny | Jan 14, 2010
Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive officer of Fiat and Chrysler, said one of Fiat’s key reasons for teaming up with the ailing Chrysler Group LLC was to allow the Italian automaker to return to the U.S. market after decades of absence. “You’ll...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jan 14, 2010
While the initial “Cash for clunkers” program was not very well run, billionaire financier Wilbur Ross thinks the U.S. economy definitely would benefit from a new government stimulus program that would encourage consumers to buy cars or Cash For Clunkers...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jan 13, 2010
After what seems to be a record-long trip through the bankruptcy process, Delphi is back in business and hoping to take advantage of what appears to be a resurgent global auto industry, its CEO declared Wednesday. But it’s a very different Delphi from the one that...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jan 13, 2010
China has a way of delivering some surprises. Just ask former General Motors Chairman Jack Smith. It was just over a decade ago when he announced plans to form a joint venture with the local maker, Shanghai Automotive Industry Consortium, and open an assembly plant. ...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jan 13, 2010
While industry leaders continue to hedge and debate the potential for diesels in the U.S. market, it’s full-speed ahead for Volkswagen of America. The German maker’s diesel-powered products continue to gain ground, encouraging VW to add the powertrain as an option on...
by Ken Zino | Jan 13, 2010
Japanese makers Toyota and Honda took top honors in the R. L. Polk & Co.’s 14th Annual Automotive Loyalty Awards. Toyota ranked number one in Overall Loyalty to a Manufacturer at almost 60%, which indicates a manufacturer’s ability to retain previous...
by Ken Zino | Jan 13, 2010
A tiny Indiana based company says it can build thousands of sports cars based on a concept from Roush Performance. The Revenge Verde was revealed at the NAIAS with a claimed price of $190,000. Zero-to-60 mph performance of 3.5 seconds is claimed, with a top speed...
by Joseph Szczesny | Jan 13, 2010
Toyota hasn’t toted up how much it will cost to recall more than 3.8 million vehicles to replace floor mats and accelerator pedals Toyota’s top executive in the US, Yoshimi Inaba, said, following a speech in Detroit. However, Toyota is committed to using...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jan 13, 2010
The customer is always right. Or so goes the old saw. But General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says it’s not always a good idea to listen to the customer. Without a clear point of view, a manufacturer risks developing bland products that no one really wants, warned...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Jan 12, 2010
Though it won’t begin its anticipated product renaissance for more than a year, Chrysler could still pull off an unanticipated profit for 2010, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggested during a Tuesday meeting with reporters at the North American International Auto Show. After...
