by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 6, 2010
More than a third of the dealers representing Ford Motor Co.’s only remaining luxury brand will be eliminated under a dramatic go-it-alone restructuring plan for the Lincoln division. Bringing Lincoln’s retail network more in line with its import competition is just...
by Bryan Laviolette | Oct 6, 2010
Call it the automotive equivalent of playing the race card. Talk to potential car buyers – especially in a crowd such in the lunchroom at the office – and the subject of buying American often comes up. It can be a touchy subject, especially in Michigan, where the...
by Joseph Szczesny | Oct 6, 2010
Hyundai expects its sales to exceed 500,000 units for the first time this year with the help from strong sales of the red-hot Sonata. The percentage of consumers considering a Hyundai product is steadily increasing, according to John Krafcik, Hyundai Motors America...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 5, 2010
While it might seem like just about every carmaker and model, these days, is promoting a 5-star crash rating, things are about to get tougher – a lot tougher, as the industry is learning. Only two models from two makes have met the even more stringent 5-star target...
by Joseph Szczesny | Oct 5, 2010
Half-empty or half-full, Toyota’s performance in the U.S. market last month all depends on your point of view. The maker reported what were unarguably its best sales numbers in five months during September, a 16.8% increase, prompting Group Vice President Bob Carter...
by Bryan Laviolette | Oct 5, 2010
Smaller automakers such as Mitsubishi face a challenge competing with the big boys such as Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM. Do they go after them straight up? Is it smart to try to out Toyota Toyota? The better tact might be to try something a little bit different. Give an...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 5, 2010
Toyota will add a brake override system to all of its 2011 models, the maker says, as well as an airline-style data recorder to monitor events leading up to an after an accident. The maker says the new Smart Stop system has already led to an 84% reduction in...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 5, 2010
Ford Motor Co. has teamed up with the creators of the network TV reality series, “The Amazing Race,” and the result is an all-new web-based show that will help promote the new Focus, which debuts during the 2011 model-year. Dubbed “Focus Rally America,” the new...
by Henny Hemmes | Oct 4, 2010
With barely 125 days to go until Mercedes-Benz marks its 125th anniversary, Daimler AG CEO is promising to unveil a significant new patent to celebrate the birth of the world’s oldest carmaker. But what is in store he isn’t saying yet, beyond hinting that a...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 4, 2010
Visitors to this year’s Paris Motor Show looking to check out the latest offerings from Alfa-Romeo will find the brand tucked into a corner of Hall 1, next to Ferrari, Lancia and the other brands operated by Italy’s Fiat Automotive. But when the next auto show comes...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 4, 2010
This past weekend saw the launch of a new ad campaign and an all-new tagline for Ford’s long-struggling Lincoln brand. “Smarter Than Luxury,” as it’s been dubbed, will emphasize the Detroit marque’s technology – with features like the voice-activated Sync system. The...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Oct 4, 2010
After a delay of more than a year, the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is finally making it to market – although some might question the timing of a February launch for the ragtop muscle car. Then again, Chevy will put the focus on the Sunbelt first, revealing a...
