by Marty Bernstein | Mar 5, 2010
BMW launches new campaign based on the “joy” of driving BMW’s slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” has been part of the brand’s DNA since 1974, according to Dave Kiley’s book Driven, when the Ammirati &Purvis ad agency pitched it to the BMW execs in Munich...
by Ken Zino | Mar 5, 2010
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. this week began sales in Japan of an all-new automobile driving simulator developed for the purpose of traffic safety education. Building on an existing simulator, the graphic capability was improved to provide more detailed and precise...
by Marty Bernstein | Mar 5, 2010
Given its impressive sales growth last year, ongoing through February of this year, (from an admittedly small base of 30,000 units a month) Hyundai’s vehicles are resonating with consumers. Its aggressive advertising campaigns, based on a “Big Voices in Big Places”...
by Ken Zino | Mar 4, 2010
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed yesterday that it had received ten reports of acceleration problems on Toyota vehicles, which had been fixed according to the proscribed Toyota recall method. [Editor’s note: As of this evening:The...
by Henny Hemmes | Mar 4, 2010
Five is apparently a lucky number for Mazda, at least as for as the Geneva Motor Show is concerned. The automaker used the annual event, at PALExpo, to celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the MX-5 Miata – and to unveil the all-new Mazda5 people-mover. The 2011...
by Ken Zino | Mar 3, 2010
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz, 78, will retire effective May 1, 2010, ending a 47-year career in the auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers. It also included the bankruptcies at three of the...
by Ken Zino | Mar 3, 2010
Corvette Racing’s second-generation C6.R will be powered by a new 5.5-liter production-based V8, to compete in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series, Chevrolet said today. Corvette C6.R will also compete in the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le...
by Ken Zino | Mar 3, 2010
U.S. light vehicle sales in February were better than analysts had predicted, and a definite improvement compared with a year ago, but the industry remains adrift with no end to the Great Recession in sight. With total sales of 780,000 vehicles, up 13% from a year...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 3, 2010
Yet again, the ongoing safety crisis has overwhelmed Toyota’s efforts to get on with business as normal. The automaker had to shift the spotlight off the new Auris hybrid, at the Geneva Motor Show, so company officials could issue an apology to European motorists for...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 3, 2010
Slow off the line with the introduction of its first gasoline-electric vehicle, BMW is making up for lost time as it begins rolling out an assortment of new hybrids. The next one due to reach showrooms around the world is the ActiveHybrid 5, based on the German...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 3, 2010
If the Opel Ampera was supposed to push the envelope in terms of both design and technology, the European maker’s new Flextreme concept vehicle takes things to the “next step.” Building on Opel’s new “Sculptural Artistry” design language, the Ampera wraps a slick and...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 3, 2010
The Chevrolet Volt remains on schedule for a late 2010 U.S. launch, insisted General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, during an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. The septuagenarian executive, who is generally credited with coming up with the Volt concept, denied...
