by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
It’s been one series of problems after another for battery-car start-up Fisker Automotive. This time, the maker says it will have to replace potentially defective batteries in its Karma plug-in hybrid due to a manufacturing problem discovered by supplier A123. Fisker...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
We’re going to be seeing a crowded crop of compact crossovers in the coming months, and there’ll be something for seemingly every wallet, with all-new offerings as well as updates like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK set to roll into showrooms. It seems the German maker...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
As federal regulators move forward on plans to put new distracted driving regulations in place it’s quite possible that future rules would bar the use of in-car navigation systems – at least as we know them today. In fact, many of the basic features that buyers are...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
Worsening road congestion is wasting plenty of time and money – especially when you consider the rising cost of gas. A new study by the U.S. Treasury Department finds that traffic snarls wasted 1.9 billion gallons of fuel last year — about 5% of the gas American...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
Admitting it supplied the faulty pack that failed during a recent, highly publicized test of the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, battery maker A123 has announced the recall of lithium-ion batteries it has provided for five electric vehicle programs. While the supplier...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 26, 2012
Dodge is entering the Global RallyCross Series with a custom-built, 600-horsepower version of its new Dart sedan piloted by X Games legend Travis Pastrana. The project underscores the increasing emphasis on motor sports at Chrysler, which recently unveiled its 2013...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 23, 2012
Despite signs of a slowdown in the once-booming market, Ford this week laid the cornerstone of what will be a new $1 billion assembly plant in India. It’s a critical part of the U.S. makers plans to become a major player in emerging markets – where it has lagged...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 23, 2012
Subaru is bringing its “next-generation crossover,” the new XV Crosstrek, to the U.S. market and will give potential American buyers a closer look at the New York Auto Show next month. The latest crossover in the Japanese maker’s expanding line-up will share its basic...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 23, 2012
No, that’s not the world’s largest wad of used aluminum foil. Stare more closely and you’ll pick out the trademark mustache of auto racer and automotive pioneer Louis Chevrolet. The rendering seen here is an approximation of what it will look like when a large chrome...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 23, 2012
After years of struggle, Japan’s first luxury car brand is forecasting a 45% surge in demand this year that will help it challenge top-tier rivals. Acura officials say they’re counting on new and updated models – notably the entry-luxury ILK sedan and redesigned RDX...
by Joseph Szczesny | Mar 23, 2012
Sales of new vehicles have remained strong during March as the industry finishes off a robust first quarter – even though some observers had been worried that the market might begin to drag as fuel prices continue climbing towards record levels. In another sign of...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 22, 2012
British maker Jaguar Land Rover is the latest to ink a deal with a Chinese partner – but with signs the Chinese market may be slowing, the question is whether the move is too little too late. The new partnership with China’s ambitious Chery Automobile Company will...
